It doesn't even have to be tasteful, just a generic feel-good story, some giveaway, or if you're already famous just post on /r/IamA.

> /r/Subreddit helped me achieve my life long dream of [...].

> You guys helped me in my though times and I am giving away [...] in return.

> My name is [Famous Celebrity] and you should buy my new [...]. Btw, I might answer some generic questions.

Alternatively, you can buy upvotes, comments and compromised years old accounts to promote your product.

I strongly believe "if you're already famous" part is the most disgusting part of self-promotion policies (in general, not with these examples), because popular creators get at least 10+ people that will post their content as a link for karma, and then people starting out get none of that benefit, and starting out is the most difficult phase.

If everything/everyone adopted a no-self-promotion policy no product could get any popularity. I think the rule is often instated for reasons really involving low-quality content and spam (but with more exterior objectivity), but it hurts the already-disadvantaged in the process. The only good thing that may come from it is having to focus on features and benefits of the product more since you can't just dump the link to the product, but again already-famous people/companies don't have to deal with that.

What do you call "famous"?

I started reddit a year ago, I now have 3k karma and didn't notice any difference...

As in "you have an audience for your content already". This is more relevant on other platforms than reddit is, although you can get famous as a 'reddit-specific' user I think it's more difficult.

That's true here on HN, too.

One thing about Reddit is that the addition of images allows a lot leeway for self promotion by brands.

also known as Content Marketing

Yes, that's the key!

This is the Way.

He has spoken.

(couldn't resist, just got started with the new Mandalorian season)