Include the time you spend
Count time spent searching, reading, writing, and answering follow-ups. Multiply the monthly hours by an hourly value you choose, then add any tool spending. This gives you an effort-inclusive cost to compare with other work.
Your chosen hourly value is an assumption, not a benchmark. If you want a cash-only view, enter zero for it. Use the same basis when comparing channels so unpaid founder time does not disappear from one side of the comparison.
Use observed outcomes, not every new signup
Enter signups and customers you can reasonably connect to Reddit. Tagged links can identify some visits, and a signup question can reveal assisted discovery. Do not assume all direct traffic came from the last thread you answered.
If no customers are attributable yet, customer acquisition cost is undefined. A zero denominator is not evidence of a zero cost. The calculator keeps that distinction visible instead of displaying a misleading number.
Keep the value period consistent
Use the customer value from the same evaluation period, or clearly label a longer-term assumption. Do not compare one month of cost with a projected lifetime value and call it a measured monthly return.
The output is revenue-based unless you enter a value after your own costs. It does not include refunds, margins, taxes, or churn automatically. Those can materially change what the effort is worth.
Use the calculation to choose the next experiment
A poor result can mean the terms were vague, the product did not fit the questions, or the evaluation window was too short. Check the conversation log before increasing volume. More replies do not repair a mismatch.
Leaddit can help reduce manual discovery and draft preparation, but it cannot guarantee a return. Start with the free first scan, then judge whether the paid workflow saves useful time on your actual product.