How To Make Money Online With Tumblr

Introduction.

When you think about making money online, platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok might come to mind. But Tumblr, the blogging platform that mixes creativity with community, is often overlooked.

If you’re a creative person with a knack for sharing engaging content, Tumblr can be a surprisingly effective way to earn.

Let’s dig into how you can use Tumblr to make money, step-by-step, and see why it’s still relevant today.

Why Focus on Tumblr?

Tumblr is unique because it thrives on niche communities. It’s a space for creators, artists, writers, photographers, and just about anyone passionate about sharing.

With over 518 million blogs as of 2024, the potential to reach a dedicated audience is enormous. It’s especially great if your content is visual or storytelling-focused, as those types of posts perform well.

Tumblr’s reblog feature is a key advantage. Your posts can spread far and wide, giving you exposure that’s harder to achieve on platforms where algorithms dominate what people see.

If you can create shareable content and build a loyal following, making money becomes more achievable.

How Do I Make Money Online With Tumblr?

Step 1: Build a Tumblr Blog People Love.

Before you start thinking about income, you need a strong blog. Here’s how:

Pick a Niche

Choose something you’re passionate about or have expertise in. Popular niches on Tumblr include:

• Art and design
• Photography
• Fan communities (movies, books, TV shows)
• DIY and crafts
• Inspirational quotes
• Travel
• Writing (poetry, short stories, etc.)

Your niche helps you stand out and attract the right audience.

Create Quality Content

Quality matters more than quantity. Post content that’s visually appealing, unique, or entertaining. Use high-quality images, clever captions, and keep your audience in mind. Remember, Tumblr thrives on creativity, so your content should reflect your personal touch.

Be Consistent

Set a schedule and stick to it. Posting regularly keeps your followers engaged. Even a few posts per week can make a difference.

Engage with the Community

Reply to comments, reblog posts you like, and follow similar blogs. Being active shows that you’re not just about promotion—you’re part of the community.

Step 2: Grow Your Audience.

Money comes from traffic and engagement, so growing your audience is crucial.

Use Tags Wisely

Tags help people discover your posts. Use relevant tags for each piece of content, but don’t overdo it. Stick to about 10-12 tags per post.

Promote Your Tumblr on Other Platforms

Share your blog on Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. Let your followers on other platforms know about your Tumblr to increase traffic.

Collaborate with Other Bloggers

Cross-promote each other’s blogs to tap into new audiences. Partnerships work best when your niches overlap.

Step 3: Monetize Your Tumblr Blog.

Here’s where the fun begins—turning your blog into a source of income. There are several ways to do it.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to make money. Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Commission Junction. Then, include affiliate links in your posts. For example:

• Share book reviews with links to buy the books.
• Post about your favorite camera gear with links to purchase.

When people click through your links and make a purchase, you earn a commission.

Sell Products or Services

If you’re an artist, writer, or photographer, Tumblr is perfect for showcasing and selling your work. Set up an Etsy shop or use Big Cartel, then link to it from your blog. You can sell:

• Prints of your art
• Custom commissions
• E-books or writing services
• Handmade crafts

Tumblr’s visual nature makes it great for promoting creative work.

Ads and Sponsored Posts

Once you’ve built a decent following, brands might pay you to promote their products. Sponsored posts work well if they align with your niche and audience. Be transparent about partnerships to maintain trust.

Enable Tumblr Blaze

Tumblr Blaze is a feature that allows you to promote your posts for a fee. While this isn’t directly a way to earn, it can boost your blog’s visibility and bring more traffic, leading to higher income from other methods.

Offer Premium Content

If you have exclusive content, consider setting up a Patreon or using Tumblr’s built-in tipping feature. Followers can support you in exchange for perks like:

• Behind-the-scenes content
• Exclusive tutorials
• Early access to posts

Step 4: Keep Adapting and Learning.

Success on Tumblr isn’t instant—it takes time and effort. Experiment with different types of content and monetization strategies to see what works best for your audience. Stay active in your niche and adapt as trends change.

FAQs

Q: Can I start earning right away?

No. First, focus on building your audience. Once you have a decent number of followers and engagement, you can start monetizing.

Q: How many followers do I need to make money?

There’s no exact number, but a loyal, engaged audience of even a few thousand can generate income if they actively interact with your content and click your links.

Q: Do I need technical skills to monetize Tumblr?

Not really. Most monetization methods, like affiliate links and selling products, are straightforward. However, learning basic design or marketing can be a bonus.

Q: Is Tumblr better than other platforms for making money?

It depends on your content. Tumblr is great for visual storytelling, art, and writing. If your niche fits, it’s worth exploring.

Conclusion

Tumblr might not be the first platform people think of when it comes to making money, but it’s full of untapped potential.

By focusing on building a strong community and finding the right monetization strategies, you can turn your Tumblr blog into a reliable income source.

What’s your favorite niche or idea for a Tumblr blog you’d love to monetize? Let’s discuss!