Reddit, forums and social media: do they count for AI recommendations?

Yes, conversations on Reddit, forums and social media can count towards AI recommendations. AI assistants that search the web live often land on threads where people share experiences and give each other tips. But this only works in your favour if you take part honestly: spam and fake accounts backfire.

Why AI looks at conversations

When someone asks "which accountant in Utrecht is good for freelancers?", an AI assistant looks for sources that answer that question. Besides websites and review sites, these include places where people share their experience: Reddit threads, forums about a trade or hobby, and sometimes public LinkedIn posts or YouTube videos.

These conversations are valuable to AI because they show what real users think. How much weight each model gives them varies by assistant and can change over time. So don't assume that a single post will change everything.

Which platforms count?

That depends on your industry and your customers. A few examples:

• Reddit: especially for international or English-language questions, and for technical or consumer topics.
• Local or niche forums: about DIY, parenting, personal finance, cars or a specific hobby.
• LinkedIn: for business services such as consulting, IT or training.
• YouTube: for explainers, demonstrations and product reviews.
• Facebook groups: often local, but usually not public and therefore harder for AI to read.

Focus on where your customers already talk. Search for your field plus your town and see which discussions come up.

What not to do

It is tempting to create a few accounts and praise your own business. Don't. There are good reasons why:

• Moderators and users recognise advertising quickly. Posts get removed and accounts banned.
• A fake account that gets exposed can trigger negative threads about your business, which AI can find too.
• Platforms prohibit this in their rules.
• It misleads people who are looking for honest advice.

We also strongly advise against buying comments, upvotes or followers.

How to take part honestly

Taking part honestly takes more time, but it pays off in the long run:

1. Use one account under your own name and say which business you work for.
2. Answer questions with real substance, even when the answer is not "choose me".
3. Read the rules of each forum or subreddit. Many communities have clear rules on self-promotion.
4. Only share a link to your website when it genuinely adds something, such as a detailed explanation.
5. Respond calmly and factually to criticism of your business.

An example: a bike mechanic in Haarlem regularly answers questions about e-bike maintenance on a cycling forum. He mentions his shop in his profile, not in every post. After a while, other users start recommending him themselves. Those are the most valuable mentions of all.

Let customers do the talking

The best mentions come from happy customers. Don't ask them to post on forums, but do make sharing easy. Ask for a review, deliver good service and be visible in your field. Read how reviews affect AI in reviews and AI recommendations.

Back it up on your own website

Conversations on other platforms work best when your own website confirms the details. If someone on a forum says you are "great with old houses", make sure that is clearly stated on your site as well. Read more about outside sources in our article on mentions on other sites.

Are you seeing an effect?

You only know whether your approach works if you measure it. Want to know whether AI already mentions you for the questions your customers ask? Start with the free AI visibility check. You get a report on what ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Claude say about you today.