How to Promote Yourself on Tumblr (Spoiler: It’s a Bit Tricky!)
So you want to become the next big thing on Tumblr, huh? Join the club! Unfortunately, navigating Tumblr’s ever-changing landscape can feel akin to walking through a fun house at a carnival—lots of reflections and chaos, but good luck trying to find the exit! With all the recent changes to its tag system, promoting yourself on Tumblr might seem like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. But fear not, hopeless Tumblr users of the world! There are still some techniques you can use to shine brighter than the rest.
The Power of Tags (And Their Abuse)
First, let’s talk about tags. Think of them as Tumblr’s secret passageways through the wild maze of content. Whether you’re writing fanfiction, sharing art, or posting memes, tagging the correct keywords can help others find your work. Focus on the main character and any ships associated with your posts. Keep the extra fluff like genre and trigger warnings only in your post’s description; it’s clutter that won’t help anyone find you.
However, tread carefully! Tumblr has recently banned over 400 specific tags—yes, really! A blog like bannedtags keeps a running list of these no-no words, so consider giving it a gander before lassoing your tags. But remember, even if you have a delightful piece that gets a flurry of likes, don’t lose your sanity if the reblogs are scant — this like-heavy, reblog-light economy is a common pitfall around these parts.
Engagement is Key
Now, let’s not kid ourselves; traffic on Tumblr is down—like, down down. So your strategy shouldn’t revolve solely around posting your stellar content. Instead, make connections! It’s less about broadcasting your work to the void and more about forming a community.
Start by reblogging other people’s work related to your fandom. Send those sweet asks sliding into their inboxes, showcasing interest and support. This fosters reciprocity, and voilà, you might find those lovely reblogs echoing back to you. Engage with fans and writers in your area of expertise; your circle might just grow larger than the corner store pizza at 3 AM.
Don’t Hesitate to Diversify Your Presence
If the fates have deemed Tumblr a trendy place from yesterday, why not think about diversifying? You could cross-promote your Tumblr link on other platforms like Twitter or even gasp Facebook! Make the most out of those favorite platforms to draw people toward your Tumblr work.
Also, don’t shy away from posting snippets of your work, writing prompts, or throwing out some lighthearted memes to humanize your online persona. People love following those who manage to blend humor with talent, after all.
To Sum It Up
Yes, promoting yourself on Tumblr may feel like you’re climbing Mt. Everest with flip-flops, but remember, it’s all about connections, community, and a dash of luck! Keep those tags crisp, engage with others, and don’t shy away from weaving your creative net across multiple social platforms.
For additional guidance, witty banter, or just a virtual high-five while you’re navigating this wild world, feel free to live connect with us! Whether you seek more in-depth resources or just someone to bounce ideas off, we’ve got your back.
