How to Make a Website Like Reddit

Lim How Wei notlhw

Reddit is the most popular forum in the world with over 430 million monthly users.

If you’re looking to make a website like Reddit, you don’t have to code using HTML/CSS.

Instead, you can use a CMS (content management system) like WordPress (.org) to save time and money.

WordPress is used by over 40% of all websites on the internet, and it’s the gold standard for website creation.

This quick and easy guide teaches you how to make a website like Reddit without HTML or CSS using WordPress.

Just so that you know you’re in good hands—I’m the founder of this website (that’s also built on WordPress).

In addition, I have multiple years of experience in SEO, blogging, and website creation.

Here is how to make a website like Reddit in 7 easy steps:

1. Get web hosting

To get your Reddit-like site up and running, you need to get web hosting.
SiteGround hosting is highly recommended because it’s fast, secure, and reliable.
Click here to save up to 80% on SiteGround hosting.
Choose between 3 plans—StartUp, GrowBig (recommended), or GoGeek.

Try choosing a domain name that’s branded, broad, and ends with .com.
Other extensions like .org, .net, or .io, are fine too, but they are not the most common.
A simple way to come up with a good domain name is to combine “your niche” + “a related word” together.
For example, if you’re creating a Reddit-like site, you can name it “funbanter.com”.
Review the order and pay using a debit/credit card.

Tip: If you need help with the installation process, you can contact SiteGround’s 24/7 support for help.

Once WordPress is finished installing, you need to choose a theme (the design of your site).
You can find great WordPress themes on EnvatoMarket.
For a Reddit-like site, I recommend buying a premium theme like GeneratePress, Astra, or Divi.
Click here to get GeneratePress (one of the fastest themes) for the best price.
After you’ve bought a theme, install it, and navigate to your WordPress dashboard > Appearance > Themes > Upload Theme.
To customize your theme, go to your WordPress dashboard > Appearance > Customize.

Tip #1: If you need help with customizing your theme, you can contact your theme’s support.

Tip #2: You can create a logo for free using Namecheap’s logo maker (it’s the best logo maker that I’ve used).

Recommended plugins to install:

Choose a forum plugin—Peepso, BBpress, or ForumEngine.
Click here to get Peepso for up to 20% off.
Google Site Kit – Easily connect your site to Google Analytics to see real-time visitors and stats.
Yoast SEO – An all-in-one SEO plugin for WordPress that you can use to add an XML sitemap (a site directory).
Jetpack – A security, speed, and stats plugin.

Tip #1: To install plugins, go to your WordPress dashboard > Plugins > Add new.

Tip #2: Do your own research—there are multiple plugins and themes that can make your site look like Reddit.

Note: The screenshot above is the Peepso plugin (with the Gecko theme).

Here are some tips to manage your Reddit-like site:

Create a forum around discussion—have multiple groups, share photos/videos, and have friendly debates.
Establish rules (e.g. no illegal content, no spam), and don’t be afraid to ban people who break them.
Keep your Reddit-like site minimal, easy to use, and with distinct colors.
Have a strategy to get new members—launch your community on ProductHunt, and promote it on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, or other social media platforms.
As the owner of your community, you need to make sure to be online as much as possible and contribute to discussions.

Once your site gains some traffic, you can start monetizing it.
The easiest way to monetize your Reddit-like website is to serve ads on it (you can earn $5 to $20 per 1,000 visitors).
I recommend applying for Google AdSense or Ezoic.
Click here to start using Ezoic to serve ads on your website.
Before you apply to either one, make sure that your site has a privacy policy and an “About” page.

Tip #1: Ezoic earns about 5x more than Google AdSense because of its technology.

Tip #2: After you’ve reached 50k or 100k monthly visitors, you can apply for Mediavine or Adthrive (both are premium ad networks).