Are You Cool Enough for Tumblr?

It’s taken awhile, but now everybody is on Tumblr. Like Twitter before it, the micro blogging site has had some starts and stops along the way, but Tumblr has emerged a social media and blogging star in 2011. From killer coverage at fashion week to headline-grabbing rants of celebrities, Tumblr is now not only a powerful blogging platform but a news resource as well. Time Magazine even runs a feature called Tumblr of the Week which profiles the hottest Tumblr sites. But the question remains: Is Tumblr worthy exploring for your business?

Tumblr sites in general have a “hipper than thou” feel loaded with great photography, witty copy and slick layouts. With its sparse and modern feel, blogging on Tumblr could be the perfect fit for some businesses. Skylight Books in Los Angeles, for example, took to Tumblr late last year to profile the more photographic and artistic side of the longstanding independent bookstore. Featuring pictures of limited edition art books or snapshots of the colorful Los Feliz neighborhood where it resides, Skylight is a good match for Tumblr’s sensibilities. Indie record labels likewise have thrived on Tumblr for much the same reason. In short, independent companies “get” Tumblr. Bigger brands have stumbled on Tumblr because they rehash the information from their other social networks, but they don’t really color with Tumblr’s lines and generally don’t get it. There are some, however (like Comedy Central and the New York City Opera), who use Tumblr to get in touch with readers by presenting Tumblr-friendly content.

With Tumblr, the blogs are shorter and image-reliant, so if you’re no good with photos or your graphics person is a hot mess, best to stick with Twitter for the time being. If, however, you have great products and a budding photographer on your staff, Tumblr could be for you. Another cool thing about Tumblr is that it is free. So if you have a small business that needs sort of a website hub until you can plunk down the big bucks for one, Tumblr could suffice as long as your company “gets it.”

In the end, like blogging, tweeting and other platforms for digital engagement, Tumblr is only successful if you work at it and put in the time necessary. So my question for you is: to Tumblr or not to Tumblr? Sound off below!