Tumblr.com is a new method of blogging similar to the likes of Twitter and WordPress. In fact, you could say it takes the best features from each and combines them by providing an attractive display, simply organised content and user friendly publishing tools.

While Tumblr does share similarities with other blogging platforms, it has many differences that set it apart from the “social media crowd”. A tumblr blog, or “tumblelog” uses short and minimalistic posts such as images or links to convey messages and thoughts in favour of the more conventional long winded editorial posts on other sites. Due to this approach, tumblr is widely known as a microblogger.

With its ease of use and extensive customisation options, many businesses have turned their sights to Tumblr as a way to promote their products and services. Tumblr provides businesses, large and small, a way to publish to and engage with their current audience.

Your Content, Your Way
Tumblr blogging grants users multiple features to set their content apart from other blogs across the web, making it more personalised in the process. Several types of posts are supported by tumblr, including:

• the typical text format
• photos are also supported and extremely popular
• quotes from different sources online, including other tumblelogs may be used
• links and Chat logs while similar to the text format are supported and presented in a more authentic manner
• other popular blog post formats are audio and video

While not revolutionary, the Tumblr format does make the experience increasingly more personal, enabling the tumblelog owner to connect with their followers using an innovative approach.

 Ease Of Use
Tumblr handles each supported format in a very efficient and simple manner. A tumble log owner has the option of texting blog updates from any mobile phone as well as through email.

Anything on the internet is up for grabs to post through the tumblrbookmarlet which allows the log owner to post anything they come across on the web. Instant messaging is another method to update a log by messaging Tumblrbot.

Impressively, one may even phone in to their Tumblr log and leave voice posts. In addition to these methods tumblr is connected through different social pathways and may be updated through things such as Facebook, Youtube, Digg, Twitter and other apps.

Right For You?
Tumblr allows for the tumblelog to become an extension of the owners brand through its extensive customisation processes. Its ease of use and plethora of supported formats ensures this – but is it the right social media platform for your business?

There is no doubt Tumblr provides another viable option for increasing your business reach and the sharing of content – but may not be for everyone.

While Tumblr’s simplicity and ease of use is one of its selling points, it could also be considered a disadvantage if your content requires more sophisticated publishing tools.

Before taking the plunge, it’s important to identify your objectives, the demographic of your intended audience and how publishing content to Tumblr fits into your existing social media activities.

In conclusion, Tumblr is clearly a social networking platform that is to be taken seriously – but may not be for everyone. If you would like to review the effectiveness of your social media plans, please call 0845 345 2592.