How to Make Money on Tumblr in 2023: 20 Ways to Boost Your Income

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Looking to diversify your income streams? You’re in the right place because this guide will explore 20 ways on how to make money on Tumblr.

Whether you’re a digital nomad, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone seeking financial freedom, Tumblr offers unique opportunities to pad your wallet.

A quick tip to get started: Affiliate Marketing is a beginner-friendly way to start making money on Tumblr, letting you earn commissions by promoting products you believe in.

Ready to dive in? Let’s unlock the financial potential that Tumblr has to offer.

What is Tumblr?

Tumblr is a microblogging and social networking platform where users can post multimedia content in a short-form blog. Founded in 2007, it allows for a variety of post formats, including text, photos, quotes, links, audio, and video, all of which can be customized with HTML editing. Users can follow other blogs, as well as make their blogs private or public.

One of the key benefits of Tumblr is its highly visual and interactive nature, which makes it ideal for artists, photographers, and content creators to showcase their work. Additionally, its social networking features, such as reblogging and liking posts, allow for easy content dissemination and community building.

What are the ways on how to make money on Tumblr?

1. Affiliate Marketing

Making money on Tumblr through affiliate marketing is a time-tested strategy that offers financial incentives without overwhelming investment.

It involves promoting products you genuinely believe in, and in return, earning a commission for each sale made through your unique referral link.

Given that the Tumblr audience leans towards niche interests, targeting specific groups with products that genuinely appeal to them can yield great dividends.

Strategies for Affiliate Marketing:

• Select Niche Products: Pick products closely related to your blog’s focus to ensure a higher conversion rate.
• Trust-building Content: Write unbiased product reviews or create how-to guides that incorporate the affiliate product naturally.
• Track and Optimize: Use analytics to track which posts bring in the most affiliate income and focus on optimizing them for better results.

2. Sponsored Posts

Sponsored posts are another lucrative way to make money on Tumblr. Brands often look for bloggers who can promote their products in an authentic and engaging manner.

This typically involves writing a blog post that highlights the features and benefits of a product or service, while also fitting seamlessly into the content and tone of your own blog.

It’s a win-win for both parties: the brand gets exposure, and you get paid for your promotional efforts.

Strategies for Sponsored Posts:

• Set Your Rate Wisely: Research market rates and gauge your blog’s traffic to set a fair yet profitable rate for sponsored posts.
• Quality Over Quantity: Choose brands that align well with your content and ethos, rather than taking every offer that comes your way.
• Full Disclosure: Always disclose that your post is sponsored to maintain trust with your audience.

3. Sell Digital Products

The digital realm offers a plethora of opportunities to make money on Tumblr. Given the blog-based nature of the platform, selling digital products like e-books, online courses, or digital art becomes a seamless integration.

It’s less logistically demanding than selling physical products, and the profit margins are often higher. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to package and sell your expertise or creativity.

Strategies for Selling Digital Products:

• Leverage Tumblr’s Built-in Audience: Use tags effectively to make your products discoverable by Tumblr’s own search and discovery system.
• Pre-Selling: Before launching a full product, offer free snippets or beta versions to build excitement and gauge demand.
• Use Third-Party Platforms: Consider using platforms like Gumroad to handle transactions smoothly.

4. Merchandising

Creating and selling your own merchandise can offer not just revenue but also a way to build brand loyalty.

From custom T-shirts to coffee mugs to planners, the possibilities are endless. Merchandising allows you to capitalize on a devoted audience by offering them a physical piece of your brand that they can own.

Strategies for Merchandising:

• On-Demand Printing: Use print-on-demand services to avoid upfront costs and inventory management.
• Quality Assurance: Always order samples to make sure your merchandise meets your quality standards before promoting it.
• Seasonal or Limited Editions: Create seasonal or limited-time merchandise to encourage prompt purchases.

5. Consulting Services

If you’ve got substantial knowledge in a particular field, consulting can be a fantastic way to make money on Tumblr. It allows you to monetize your expertise directly by offering one-on-one or group consultations.

Unlike most other revenue streams, consulting can offer a more personal and rewarding experience as you’ll be directly helping someone overcome challenges.

Strategies for Consulting Services:

• Free Initial Consultations: Offering a free initial consultation can help build trust and allow potential clients to gauge your expertise.
• Utilize Video Calls: Use Skype or Zoom for consulting sessions to make your service accessible worldwide, aligning well with your focus on a location-independent lifestyle.
• Package Deals: Offer packages for multiple sessions at a discounted rate to encourage long-term commitments.

6. Freelance Writing

As you’re already immersed in the world of content creation, freelance writing can be a natural extension for making money on Tumblr.

You can offer specialized writing services in niches like e-commerce, entrepreneurship, or digital lifestyle, tailored to your target market. By showcasing your writing portfolio and testimonials on Tumblr, you convert your blog into a living, breathing resume that speaks directly to potential clients.

Not only does this monetize your skill, but it also helps other businesses elevate their content strategy.

Strategies for Freelance Writing:

• Create a ‘Hire Me’ Page: Dedicate a page on your Tumblr to outline your services, experience, and rates.
• Publish Samples: Continually update your Tumblr with sample work that you want prospective clients to see.
• Network: Use Tumblr’s community features to connect with potential clients and other writers in your industry.

7. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a low-risk, high-reward way to dive into e-commerce without dealing with inventory or shipping. Essentially, you promote and sell a third-party supplier’s products, and they handle everything else.

Given that Tumblr caters to various niches, identifying and selling to a specific audience can turn your blog into a profitable online store.

And the best part? You can run this business from anywhere, aligning perfectly with a location-independent lifestyle.

Strategies for Dropshipping:

• Niche Selection: Choose products that appeal to your existing Tumblr audience for higher conversion rates.
• Quality Suppliers: Do comprehensive research to ensure your suppliers are reliable and offer quality products.
• Automate: Utilize e-commerce platforms that integrate with Tumblr to automate the sales process.

8. Offer a Subscription Service

Monetizing your content through a subscription model can provide a steady income stream. By offering premium, subscriber-only content, you deepen your relationship with your audience while adding a new revenue channel.

Whether it’s in-depth tutorials, exclusive articles, or downloadable resources, a subscription service allows your followers to invest in content they value.

Strategies for Subscription Service:

• Content Teasers: Give a free taste of your premium content to entice subscribers.
• Regular Updates: Keep your premium content fresh and updated to retain subscribers.
• Flexible Plans: Offer different subscription plans to cater to various budgets and needs.

9. Ad Space

Selling ad space on your Tumblr blog is one of the most straightforward ways to generate passive income.

By hosting advertisements, you can make money from companies willing to pay for visibility to your audience.

You can opt for either PPC (Pay-Per-Click) or CPM (Cost-Per-Mile) ads depending on your blog’s traffic and audience engagement.

Strategies for offering Ad Spaces:

• Optimize Ad Placement: Place ads where they are most likely to be seen but not disruptive to the user experience.
• Negotiate Directly: For more control and higher rates, negotiate directly with advertisers instead of relying solely on ad networks.
• Monitor Performance: Regularly track ad metrics to understand what’s working and what needs adjustment.

10. Webinars

Webinars can serve as a powerful platform for sharing specialized knowledge, providing immense value to your audience.

Whether you’re teaching your followers how to start an online business or unraveling the secrets of successful digital nomadism, webinars offer an interactive and engaging medium.

Plus, they position you as an authority in your field, strengthening your brand.

Strategies for Webinars:

• Promotion: Utilize your existing channels, including Tumblr, to promote your upcoming webinars effectively.
• Monetize Add-Ons: Besides the ticket price, offer paid add-ons like additional resources or one-on-one consultations.
• Record and Resell: Record your webinars and offer them as paid content for those who couldn’t attend the live session.

11. Virtual Workshops

Virtual workshops are a step up from webinars, offering a more interactive and hands-on learning experience for attendees.

This makes them an ideal medium for more complex topics that require active participation, such as “How to Become a Digital Nomad” or “Building Your First Online Business.” Virtual workshops add value by letting participants ask questions in real time, work on exercises, or even break into smaller groups for discussions.

This interactive format can justify higher ticket prices, thus increasing your revenue potential.

Strategies for Virtual Workshops:

• Limited Seats: Create a sense of urgency by offering a limited number of slots for each workshop.
• Workshop Bundles: Offer a series of workshops as a bundled package at a discounted rate.
• Post-Workshop Resources: Provide valuable resources like PDFs or video content as a follow-up to keep attendees engaged and to offer continued value.

12. Stock Photography

If photography is your passion, your Tumblr blog can serve as a perfect platform to showcase and sell your work.

From travel landscapes to lifestyle shots, high-quality, original photos are always in demand.

By offering a mix of free and premium photos, you can attract a broad audience, making it easier to monetize your portfolio.

Strategies for Stock Photography:

• Watermarked Previews: Offer low-res versions of your photographs for free with watermarks to entice buyers.
• Package Deals: Bundle related photos together at a discounted rate to encourage bulk purchases.
• Thematic Collections: Curate and sell your photos in themed collections, catering to specific industry needs like travel, food, or tech.

13. SEO Services

In an age where digital presence is crucial for business success, offering SEO services can be a highly profitable endeavor.

Given that SEO requires a deep understanding of online algorithms, keywords, and content strategy, businesses are willing to pay a premium to experts.

Your Tumblr blog can serve as both a portfolio and a platform to attract clients interested in boosting their search engine rankings.

Strategies for SEO Services:

• Case Studies: Use your Tumblr to showcase successful SEO projects you’ve undertaken, offering real-world proof of your skills.
• Tiered Pricing: Offer multiple service packages to cater to varying budgets and needs.
• Free SEO Audits: Provide a free basic SEO audit to potential clients as a lead magnet.

14. Social Media Management

In today’s digitally connected world, effective social media management is invaluable for businesses.

If you’ve got the knack for creating engaging posts, managing online communities, and crafting viral content, offering social media management services can be a natural fit.

Your Tumblr blog can act as a portfolio showcasing your capability to boost engagement and grow an online audience.

Strategies for Social Media Management:

• Showcase Success Stories: Use your Tumblr to share success metrics from your previous social media campaigns.
• Package Services: Offer bundled services that include content creation, analytics reporting, and community management.
• Offer a Free Trial: Let potential clients experience your services with a short free trial, aiming to convert them into long-term clients afterward.

15. Flipping Blogs

Think of flipping blogs like the real estate market of the digital world. The process involves buying low-traffic or undervalued blogs, investing time and effort to improve them, and then selling them for a profit.

Not only does this allow you to apply your skills in content creation, SEO, and design, but it also offers the potential for significant returns on investment.

Strategies for Flipping Blogs:

• Niche Selection: Choose blogs in profitable niches with evergreen content for the best ROI.
• Quick Wins: Implement quick changes that yield big impacts, like SEO optimization and design updates.
• Monetization Methods: Before selling, add multiple income streams to the blog like affiliate links or sponsored content to increase its market value.

16. Review Products

People trust peer reviews, making your Tumblr blog a potent platform for honest product evaluations. Companies often pay for these reviews, especially if your blog reaches a target demographic that aligns with their products.

Not only can you generate revenue from sponsored reviews, but you’re also providing a valuable service to your audience by helping them make informed decisions.

Just remember to disclose that the review is sponsored to maintain trust and credibility with your followers.

Strategies for Reviewing Products:

• Target Products in Your Niche: Stick to reviewing products that are relevant to your audience to maintain authenticity and engagement.
• Transparency: Clearly disclose sponsored reviews, either at the beginning or end of your post, to keep the trust intact.
• Value-Added Reviews: Include extra resources, such as how-to guides or video tutorials, to make your reviews more valuable to both the reader and the sponsor.

17. Crowdfunding

If you’ve built a solid, engaged community around your Tumblr blog, crowdfunding could be a viable way to monetize.

Perhaps you have a business idea or a project that you’re passionate about. Instead of going it alone, you can invite your audience to financially support your venture.

It’s a win-win: You get the funding you need, and your audience gets to be a part of something they believe in.

Strategies for Crowdfunding:

• Clear Objectives: Clearly outline what the funds will be used for and what milestones you aim to achieve.
• Rewards System: Offer perks or rewards for different levels of funding to incentivize contributions.
• Regular Updates: Keep your contributors in the loop with regular updates on project status, fund utilization, and any hitches along the way.

18. Exclusive Community

An exclusive community is like a VIP section of your Tumblr blog where members pay a fee for special access. Whether it’s premium content, specialized advice, or one-on-one interactions, charging a membership fee adds a new layer of revenue.

Plus, it fosters a deeper sense of community among your most loyal followers.

Strategies for Building an Exclusive Community:

• Value Proposition: Clearly outline what makes the community exclusive and why it’s worth the membership fee.
• Tiered Membership: Offer different levels of membership with varying perks to accommodate diverse budgets and needs.
• Regular Exclusive Content: Keep members engaged with regular updates that are exclusive to the community.

19. License Your Content

If your Tumblr posts start going viral, it’s an opportunity to license your content to media outlets.

Whether it’s a trending meme, a powerful image, or a captivating article, media companies may be willing to pay a fee to use your content.

This not only brings in extra income but also gives your content a broader audience.

Strategies for Licensed Content:

• Monitor Engagement: Keep tabs on which posts are gaining traction so you can offer them for licensing.
• Protect Your Content: Use watermarks or other identifiers to ensure that your content isn’t used without permission.
• Reach Out Proactively: If your content is highly popular, don’t wait for media companies to find you. Reach out to potential licensors yourself.

20. Collaborate

Partnerships can go a long way in diversifying your income streams. Team up with other Tumblr users who complement your skills and audience.

Whether it’s cross-promotion, a joint webinar, or creating a shared digital product, collaborations can expand your reach and share the profits.

Strategies for Collaboration:

• Find Complementary Partners: Seek out Tumblr users whose skills, audience, or content complement yours.
• Define Terms Clearly: Make sure roles, responsibilities, and revenue shares are clearly outlined before you start.
• Joint Promotions: Utilize both blogs and associated social media channels to promote the collaboration to maximize reach.

How To Make Money On Tumblr – Summary

Tumblr is more than just a platform for creative expression; it’s a fertile ground for monetization and business growth. With the right strategies and a focus on delivering value to your audience, you can turn your Tumblr blog into a rewarding venture.

Key takeaways include the importance of aligning your monetization strategies with your audience’s interests and needs. Also, don’t underestimate the power of collaboration and community-building, as they can amplify your reach and revenue.

For more insights into lifestyle business, entrepreneurship, and various money-making ideas, make sure to explore our other posts on the blog, such as;

• How to Make Money Travel Blogging (From Anywhere in the World)
• 6 Blogging Schedule Apps to Keep You Regular as Clockwork!
• 31 Video Blogging Tips for Beginners

We’re committed to providing you with the tools you need to succeed in the online business landscape.

Thank you for reading, and here’s to your financial freedom!

How To Make Money On Tumblr – FAQs

Can you earn money on Tumblr?

Absolutely, you can earn money on Tumblr! The platform is not just a space for creative expression, but also a lucrative platform for generating income. From affiliate marketing and sponsored posts to selling digital products and offering consulting services, the opportunities are endless.

How do you start making money on Tumblr?

Starting to make money on Tumblr involves a few steps. First, you’ll want to identify your target audience and the type of content that resonates with them. Once you’ve built a decent following, you can explore various monetization strategies such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or selling digital products.

Can I sell on Tumblr?

Yes, you can sell both digital and physical products directly on Tumblr. You can either link your e-commerce platform to your Tumblr blog or use Tumblr’s built-in sales features. This opens up avenues for dropshipping, merchandising, and even selling your own digital assets like e-books and courses.

Does Tumblr pay writers?

Tumblr itself doesn’t pay writers, but you can definitely make money as a writer on the platform. By offering freelance writing services, sponsored posts, or even selling your own e-books, you can turn your writing skills into a revenue stream on Tumblr.

What are the most effective ways to make money on Tumblr?

The most effective ways to make money on Tumblr can vary depending on your skills and audience. However, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and digital products are generally the most beginner-friendly and effective methods for most bloggers.

Is it necessary to have a large following to make money on Tumblr?

While having a large following can certainly help, it’s not a strict requirement. You can start making money with a smaller but more engaged audience by focusing on niche topics and offering high-value products or services.

Can you make money with photography on Tumblr?

Yes, photography is another avenue for making money on Tumblr. You can sell stock photos, offer photography services, or even run paid photography courses and workshops right from your Tumblr blog.

How do you set up affiliate marketing on Tumblr?

Setting up affiliate marketing involves signing up with an affiliate program related to your niche. Once approved, you can start promoting products using your unique affiliate link. Each time someone makes a purchase through your link, you earn a commission.

Is it possible to offer subscription services on Tumblr?

Yes, you can offer subscription-based content on Tumblr by using third-party services that integrate with the platform. This could be anything from a monthly newsletter to a full-fledged online course available only to subscribers.

What are the key legal considerations when making money on Tumblr?

It’s crucial to disclose any sponsored content or affiliate links to maintain transparency with your audience. Make sure to familiarize yourself with regulations like the FTC guidelines to ensure you’re in compliance.