Reddit — Ready-to-post (value-first, free)
Rule: Read each sub’s self-promo policy. Prefer helpful comments + soft link over pure ads.
Best free subs (intent)
| Sub | Approach |
|---|---|
| r/smallbusiness | Advice post: “what makes a local business site convert” |
| r/Entrepreneur | Build-in-public: shipped 100 templates catalog |
| r/webdev / r/web_design | Show structural variety (not sales spam) — may ban promo |
| r/juststart | Indie product launch tone |
| r/SideProject | Launch post with demos |
| r/forhire | Only if offering services — careful |
| Local city subs | Only if truly local + allowed |
Post A — r/smallbusiness (recommended first)
Title:
Local businesses: what’s the minimum a website needs to not look amateur in 2026?
Body:
I work with a lot of local service businesses (restaurants, trades, clinics). The sites that convert usually have the same bones:
1. Clear hero (“who you are + what you do + for whom”)
2. Proof (reviews, years, photos — even 3 is enough)
3. Services in plain language (not jargon)
4. One obvious next step (call / book / quote form)
5. Mobile speed + readable contact info above the fold
If you’re on free builders and it still feels “off,” it’s often structure + hierarchy, not the tool.
I put together a catalog of 100 structurally different starting points (different layouts, not just color swaps) with live demos if anyone wants to reverse-engineer good patterns:
https://website-factory.srv1500693.hstgr.cloud/templates
Happy to critique a homepage in the comments (drop a link) — no pitch required.Post B — r/SideProject launch
Title:
I shipped a catalog of 100 website templates for small businesses ($500–$2,500 tiers) — looking for feedback on positioning
Body:
Built a storefront for ready-to-customize business websites.
- 100 demos live
- Tiers: Basic $500 / Intermediate $1,500 / Premium $2,500
- Focus: restaurants, clinics, trades, SaaS marketing sites, etc.
Store: https://website-factory.srv1500693.hstgr.cloud/
Pricing: https://website-factory.srv1500693.hstgr.cloud/pricing
Honest question: would you rather buy a fixed-price template package, or pay monthly for a builder?
Open to roast on copy/UX.Post C — value comment (paste under “need a website” threads)
If budget is under $1k, don’t overbuild. One strong page often beats a bloated 10-page site.
Must-haves: clear offer, proof, services, contact/CTA, mobile.
If you want inspiration from live demos by industry (restaurant, dental, HVAC, etc.):
https://website-factory.srv1500693.hstgr.cloud/templates
Pick a layout that matches your business type, then customize branding.Post D — trades angle (r/sweepy / local business threads)
For trades: the highest-converting pattern I’ve seen is quote form near the top + trust strip (licensed, insured, years) + 3 service cards + service area.
Example layout (live demo): https://templates.srv1500693.hstgr.cloud/industrial-trades/Safety tips
- 1 promo post / account / week max
- Spend karma answering others first
- Never use URL shorteners
- Disclose if asked (“I sell these templates”)