A simple website builder for those looking to get started. This is what we thought about Tumblr

Tumblr

9

Price

10.0/10

Security

10.0/10

Scale Up

6.0/10

Simplicity

10.0/10

Pros

  • A completely free blog option
  • Fantastic for visually inspired blogs
  • Social sharing options are great

Cons

  • Limited customization options
  • No online store functionality
  • Need to pay to remove Tumblr from URL

When you think of Tumblr, you might think that it’s a site for the youngest of generations. However, there have been numerous big names who have used Tumblr for their websites. One notable name is Taylor Swift as well new-media icons Grace Helbig and Tyler Oakey. In this Tumblr review, we look at the CMS and give you our opinions.

What Is Tumblr?

Tumblr is a free blogging platform and hosting platform. It has attracted a significant number of microbloggers. You can setup a free blog with Tumblr, but the price for this is that you have to keep the brand name (Tumblr) in the URL.

It is a great platform for those who want to have a visually orientated blog or are new to the blogging world. Those looking for a more complex website might want to look for another solution.

Tumblr was bought by Yahoo in 2013, which has pushed its use up and now there are more than 300 million blogs created with Tumblr.

But there is a problem here. If Yahoo decides it is no longer profitable for them to run Tumblr and quickly shut it down, you can lose all your work. This could be very annoying and frustrating. If you used a website builder that has to be self-hosted, then you will ensure the safety of your hard work.

However, if you were given warning, Tumblr has got a great export functionality. This is a great backup as well if you decide to use Tumblr but then decide that it’s not for you, you can find another solution and not have to start from scratch.

Building Your Tumblr Website

One of the best aspects of Tumblr is that you can be up and running within a very short amount of time of signing up. As soon as you subscribe, you will be in the dashboard. From here you can create your first blog, or customize the look of your blog.

It only takes a few clicks and it’s fairly easy to understand. Those without any coding experience will feel at home.

Customization is rather limited compared to some open source CMS options available on the market. You can make changes to your profile, background images, colors, descriptions and there are some additional themes you can use to alter the look of your site.

There’s also the possibility to modify the HTML code. However, if you want to make big changes, you’ll be disappointed, as only small changes can be made.

One of the things that Tumblr does well is that it will showcase your best images, videos, and other graphics. This is what makes Tumblr unique, it focuses its efforts at publishing blogs and managing pictures and videos.

There are many different types of content you can add to the mix as well, including audio files (like podcasts), quotes, links and statistics.

All you have to do is to click on the relevant icon, add the content, tag it properly and share it with your audience.

Tumblr Functionality

There aren’t many features of Tumblr, so if you’re looking for a website builder and CMS that will help you run an online store you’re looking at the wrong program.

However, if you’re looking for something that will look good on mobile devices and display your content with integrity and professionally, then Tumblr could possibly be the right website builder.

There are many ways you can publish content with Tumblr and that is what makes it stand out. For instance, you can create new blog posts with a text message from your phone. These can also be scheduled so they are published at a later date.

If you want to create some audio content, you can do this via your phone. This can be a quick and easy way to create audio content. No need to record it on a mobile or other recording device, download it on a device and then edit it.

You can also use a ‘bookmarklet’ that can share anything online via your Tumblr news feed, known as a Tumblelog.

Also, if you want to keep some of your content private, you can do so with just a few clicks of a button.

Another great feature is making changes to multiple pieces of content at once. This can be handy if you want to change tags associated with numerous pieces of content.

Tumblr Pricing

Just like Blogger and WordPress.com, you can truly have a free blog. However, there is a cost for this and that is having the Tumblr name to your blog. If you want a unique domain name, you will have to pay for this, and that could be costly.

Another thing that could cost you is the premium themes. There are some great free themes you can use, but there are also some premium themes that look really nice that will cost you money.

You can also spend money on advertising your posts and video posts which will bring you more visitors to your blog and more engagement with audiences. This can be pretty important if you’re looking to generate interest in your brand.

There are additional promotional options you can take advantage of, but the problem here is that these options are only going to promote you with other Tumblr readers, so audiences have to be there already.

Tumblr Review: Pros

  • You can have a completely free blog
  • A fantastic environment for visually inspired blogs
  • Social sharing is the main force behind getting your brand recognized

Tumblr Review: Cons

  • Limited customization options
  • No online store possibilities limit opportunities to monetize your website
  • You must have the Tumblr name in your URL if you don’t want to pay to remove it

Tumblr Review Conclusion

If you’re new to blogging or looking for a free option, then Tumblr might be the best solution for you. Plus, you can get your free account today and be up and running within minutes, which is great if you have an idea you are desperate to get started on.

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Jake

    Price

    10

    Security

    10

    Scale Up

    10

    Simplicity

    10

    Great product

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