Master every platform with our complete guide to engaging effectively on Reddit, Twitter, HackerNews, Dev.to, Medium, and Substack.
Platform-by-Platform Guide
Each platform has unique characteristics, audience expectations, and engagement best practices. Here's how to succeed on each:
- Audience: Diverse communities with specific interests and cultures
- Best Practice: Read subreddit rules, contribute genuinely before promoting
- Tone: Conversational, helpful, community-focused
- Warning: Avoid self-promotion without adding value
Twitter/X
- Audience: Fast-paced, diverse, news and trend-focused
- Best Practice: Be concise, engage in trending conversations
- Tone: Brief, punchy, personality-driven
- Tip: Use threads for longer content
HackerNews
- Audience: Technical founders, developers, tech enthusiasts
- Best Practice: Be technically accurate, provide deep insights
- Tone: Analytical, fact-based, no fluff
- Warning: Community is skeptical of marketing speak
Dev.to
- Audience: Developers learning and sharing knowledge
- Best Practice: Share tutorials, code examples, technical insights
- Tone: Educational, supportive, code-focused
- Tip: Include code snippets and practical examples
Medium & Substack
- Audience: Readers seeking in-depth content and thought leadership
- Best Practice: Write comprehensive, well-researched articles
- Tone: Professional, thoughtful, narrative-driven
- Tip: Focus on storytelling and unique perspectives
Universal Rule: On all platforms, focus on adding value first. Your expertise and helpfulness will naturally lead to interest in your product or service.