Tumblr is one of today’s fastest-growing social networks. And with a global audience of more than 150 million people, it’s not surprising that companies are rushing to get on board. In fact, you’ll find a lot of your favorite brands are already on Tumblr, from DKNY to Dior. (See Social Fresh’s list of 60 brands using Tumblr.)
So what is Tumblr? It’s a microblogging platform that takes a minimalistic approach to content sharing. It’s user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for new users to get acclimated. Perhaps most importantly, at its heart it’s still a social network; users can Like and Reblog their favorite posts from their dashboard. You can add tags to your posts, giving them some SEO power. On some blogs, users can leave a comment, facilitating a feeling of community.
For business to business (B2B) companies, Tumblr could be a goldmine. Let’s look at why:
1. Your personality should shine
It can be especially difficult for B2B companies to show off a softer side. But Tumblr is a great platform for giving the world a better look at your company and its values. For example, IBM’s Tumblr focuses heavily on current news and events that its audience might find interesting. LinkedIn uses its Tumblr to show us what goes on behind the scenes. In both cases, B2B companies utilize the social blogging platform to say, “We’re a big company, but we’re made up of people just like you.” Not a bad approach!
2. Where consumers lead, B2B usually follows
Recent studies show that teens actually prefer Tumblr over Facebook. Why? Some speculate it’s because Tumblr users can remain somewhat more anonymous (now that everybody’s grandma is on Facebook). Whatever the case, as consumers move away from Facebook and onto Tumblr, you can bet that companies are already following. Who knows? A major brand could be searching for a business just like yours right now.
3. You should try something different
By now, most B2B brands are well-versed in marketing via Facebook and Twitter. Tumblr is quite different, which can make the experience more interesting for your audience. It’s easy to customize your Tumblelog to match your brand’s overall style, from color to layout. With Tumblr, you have the ability to really wow your audience. Doing something a little bit different can get your brand a lot of exposure.
So if you’re a B2B company looking to get ahead, think about setting up a Tumblr account. And don’t forget to follow Motivators for all things promotional products, advertising, marketing and branding.
