Steal Subscribers from Communities
How to Grow Your Newsletter Using Reddit, Discord & Facebook (Without Spamming)
Here’s how to use Reddit, Discord, and Facebook groups to turn members into subscribers.
Step 1: Find the Right Communities
Reddit:
Use keywords + “subreddit” on Google (e.g.
productivity subreddit)Look for subs with:
10k+ members
Recent posts (last 24-72 hours)
High upvote-to-comment ratio (signals active, non-spammy communities)
Examples:
r/Marketing
r/SmallBusiness
r/PersonalFinance
r/Fitness
r/Newsletter
Facebook Groups:
Search by niche or problem (e.g. “freelance copywriters,” “budget travel hacks”)
Filter by:
Engagement (visible under group name)
Admin-approved posts = lower spam
Recent discussions = high activity
Bonus: Join 5–10 groups but pick 2 to be active in.
Discord Servers:
Use sites like Disboard.org or Top.gg
Look for servers in your niche or complementary niches
Join servers that have:
Dedicated #resources, #self-promo, or #introductions channels
1,000+ members with consistent chat flow
Step 2: Become a Recognized Voice (1–2 Weeks)
Before you drop a link…
Comment and provide value on 5–10 posts per week
Answer newbie questions generously
Mention personal experience tied to your newsletter niche
This builds trust — so when you do post a link, it’s welcomed, not ignored.
Step 3: Use “Non-Spammy” Link Sharing Tactics
Here’s what actually works:
1. “Free Resource” Frame
“I created a 1-page checklist that covers this — happy to share if anyone wants it.”
Wait for comments/replies, then DM the link.
OR…
“Just turned this into a free PDF if helpful — here’s the link.”
This avoids hard-selling while delivering value.
2. Native Preview with Opt-in CTA
In long posts or threads, deliver 80% of the value — and invite them to subscribe for the rest:
“If you liked this breakdown, I send a deeper dive in my newsletter each week. Here’s the link if you’re curious.”
Simple. Friendly. Effective.
3. Ask-Driven Lead Magnets
Post something like:
“I’m building a newsletter to help X people solve Y problem.
What kind of content would help you most?”
Pin a link to your waitlist or opt-in at the end.
You grow your list and shape your content around real demand.
Step 4: Use “Lead Traps” to Capture Subscribers from DMs & Profiles
Add your newsletter link in your Reddit bio, FB profile, and Discord About Me
Drop a link in your Discord DM auto-response (using bots) if you’re networking heavily
Create a free lead magnet (checklist, swipe file, guide) you can send when someone shows interest
Example:
“Hey — I actually wrote a 5-step guide on this. Happy to send the link if you want it.”
Soft opt-in → High conversions.
Step 5: Level Up With Paid Communities
Paid communities are full of serious people. Less spam, more intent.
Where to find them:
Twitter/X bios of creators in your niche (many have a private paid group)
Gumroad/Podia courses often come with private Discords
Substack “founder circles” and Pro Facebook Groups
How to grow in them:
Host a free workshop or teardown
Share value once a week in chat or posts
DM people personally with relevant lead magnets (with permission)
Many newsletter writers get their first 100–500 subscribers from just 2–3 tight-knit paid communities.
Pro Tip: Turn High-Engagement Posts into Lead Magnets
When a comment or post gets lots of replies/upvotes, follow up with:
“Wow, didn’t expect this interest — turning this into a full guide. Want it? Drop a ‘yes’.
Now you’ve got 20–50 warm leads ready to join your list immediately.
TL;DR: Communities Are Gold Mines (If You Respect the members)
To grow your list using Reddit, Discord, and Facebook:
Find active, high-signal communities
Be valuable for 1–2 weeks before linking anything
Use “free resource” or “ask-based” frames to share links
Capture leads through profiles, DMs, and follow-ups
Leverage paid communities for quality subs with high LTV
You don’t need to spam.
You just need to serve the community first — and let your content do the rest.



That's what I do.
I love this post. I am going to try this technique this week. Thanks for always sharing some really helpful posts for writing online and building your online business. You rock. :):)