Tumblr is a unique blogging platform in that it encourages the use of short and concise forms of information, such as photos, quotes, short videos or other short bursts of text that get the point across quickly.
So instead of thriving on long-winded and deeply informative content, Tumblr thrives on quick delivery and a viral-worthy impact. Those who use Tumblr need to realize that they’re dealing with something that’s entirely different than WordPress or Blogger. A Tumblr blog’s content should look and feel a lot different than its other blogging counterparts.
This can be a great tool for businesses and organizations, particularly for non-profits. Some of the more notable non-profit organizations that have active Tumblr accounts include, To Write Love on Her Arms, Poets.org and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
If your goal as a non-profit organization is to get your message out to more people and be able to easily share small bits of information, Tumblr is your ideal blogging platform for several reasons:
1. Video updates — Nonprofits can use Tumblr’s features to quickly post videos by either adding an embed code (from YouTube or another web source) or by uploading video files. Short promos or snippets of behind the scenes activity works particularly well and will keep viewers engaged and connected with your program emotionally.
Videos should be short, but well-edited and garner some form of an emotional connection.
2. Image updates — For nonprofit organizations who make frequent use of photography, or who operate in areas that are particularly photography-friendly, Tumblr has a feature that’s similar to its video posting option, which allows you to post photos via a URL or by uploading them. Images should be handled in a similar manner as videos, providing a window into the activity and operation of your organization.
If you can give your viewers something that they don’t typically see on a nonprofit’s homepage, they’re more likely to reblog the content and build more of a personal connection with your organization.
3. Reblogging feature — The reblogging option is one of Tumblr’s most attractive features, allowing users to quickly repost content they like onto their own Tumblr feed.
If you’re good about keeping content unique, valuable and original, you can count on getting your fair share of reblogs, which can potentially put your content and brand in front of a lot of new faces.
4. About page — The about page is set apart by Tumblr to house your contact information as well as any other details or backstory that you would want to include about your organization.
Think of your “about” page as your pitch to those who might come up to you and ask, “So what are you guys all about?” Those who care enough to click on it are trying to get a feel for what your goals and aspirations are as a group.
Make sure your about page delivers it.
5. For simplicity — One of the most consistent and attractive features of Tumblr is its simplicity. Features are kept to a minimum, and the expectation of content is that it be simple and straightforward.
It means you’ve got to look at your Tumblr content differently; though it is easy on the to-do list and perfect for nonprofits who need a simple method of raising awareness or increasing their visibility.
6. For brevity — Since short content is acceptable (and even preferred), brief mission statements and ideas are perfect for the Tumblr platform. Your mission statement should be concise and to-the-point.
7. Mobile app — Tumblr’s mobile app is every bit as robust as its website, and is one of the few blogger platforms that lends itself to be fully functional on a smartphone app, just as much as it is on a computer.
If all you’re going to do is post a picture or a video, doing so from a phone is pretty simple, especially when compared to having to type a full article, which isn’t typically how people use Tumblr.
8. Easy customization — Themes, colors and site design are all easy to customize on Tumblr, without requiring any coding or HTML knowledge. This is ideal for organizations who don’t have paid technical employees on staff.
9. Content curation — The brevity of Tumblr’s content makes it an ideal place for curating content, particularly images and videos. It’s not quite enough to replace Pinterest, but non-profits can easily publish and reblog material that fits their niche.
Make sure that as you blog or reblog other people’s content that their niche and focus matches up at least somewhat closely with yours. If you’ve got an unfocused mixture of different things on your Tumblr page, you run the risk of people not really knowing what your nonprofit is all about.
10. Marketing a message — Tumblr is just as effective a marketing tool as any other blog out there, and if non-profit organizations can use it effectively in any of the ways mentioned here, then it automatically becomes a source of marketing and traffic building.
Perfect for Nonprofits
Tumblr’s format is ideal for nonprofits because of how it allows users to quickly deliver and tag content that can potentially be seen by thousands of people.
When you add the simple, easy to use features and the functionality of the mobile app, you’ve got a blogging platform that seems to have been specifically crafted and designed for nonprofit organizations.
Camille McClane is a blogger and infographic designer specializing in all-things tech, such as social media (particularly Facebook marketing opportunities), gaming consoles, cloud computing and streaming services. She hopes you enjoy this article and learn a thing or two about Tumblr.