Hello everyone ! As promised , I've said before I will post a guide for new tumblr users who are totally lost since I've been receiving tons and tons of questions on it. Now , now, don't feel offended on the word "dummies" because I admit that I myself was a dummy on tumblr too. So, sit back, relax and learn simple things to be a pro in tumblr and change the word dummy to smarty. Actually, blogging on tumblr is as easy as ABC! The only problem with it is, its a little bit confusing for beginners. I was idle for 3 years plus on tumblr because I couldn't quite understand the mechanism of tumblr. But now, everyday I'll post till I reach my daily limit and that is 250 posts a day. Thats a lot! I'll make this whole guide simple by working on it step by step.

1. Sign Up
So,before you would want to be blogging on tumblr the very first thing is to SIGN UP. Duh, that's pretty easy right? Tumblr registration is simple: You only need an email address, password and username. Also beware that considering the amount of existing blogs on Tumblr, it's possible that you won't get your first choice of username. The username will also be use as the url of the blog . Do take note. But don't worry, you can always change the URL anytime in settings.

2. Customizing The Blog
Next thing you would want to do will be creating the type of blog you like and how it will look like. This is where the THEME that is the overall layout of your blog comes in. Tumblr gives a wide range of free themes to choose from . All you need to do is click the customize bar on the right side of your dashboard and you will be directed to a page that has a left side bar saying customize and you will see the BROWSE THEMES bar. Click on that, click the drop down menu and look for free themes. There, you choose the theme that you like and use it and voila. Your blog will look like how you want it. If you are a pro with html you can also choose themes outside of the one given by tumblr or make your own. If you plan on using other than tumblr's theme , all you need to do is google up 'tumblr themes' and you will find websites that provide free themes and even tutorials.

I got mine at The Max Davis Theme and they also have tutorial on how to use their themes .

You would also like to change cursors or add little things like maybe glowing quotes etc , you can check them out at Dollie Crave . They offer wide range of tumblr things from themes to even scroll bars!

3. Posting
Now that you have a blog, you want to post something on it. But before that, look up for some blogs to follow! On your dashboard the right bar will have a 'find blog' tab just click and look up for blogs that you want to follow and just click the follow button. Follow as many as you like then you will have more variety of things you want to and can reblog. Reblogs will all be posted into your blog page. For a guide I screenshot my own dashboard to show you guys the meaning of buttons on your dashboard. That'll ease my explanations.

Besides getting source to reblog from tumblr you can also sign up at weheartit to get sources (pictures and gif) from there.

4. Stay Connected With People
You already have a blog, you've been posting and you've been following. Now all you need is to gain those followers. Make friends with tumblr bloggers. Join in events such as promos to gain followers. One of the way you can connect with people is by visiting their blog and go to their inbox , an ask or a mail button ( can be find in their page on the top right or just hover over any of their description you will find one ) and ask questions, be friends . Be friendly but not annoying. Don't go around and spam and ask people to follow you back. Most of the bloggers will not do so. If your blog is to their liking, they will follow you. Instead you can ask them to check out your blog if they want to .
Lastly, send a fanmail to your favourite bloggers and be friends with them! (some blogs don't want to receive fanmails or any inbox so this feature won't work. You won't find any mail buttons on their blog or tumblr would notify you when you want to send a fanmail)


TIPS

• Update! - make an effort to constantly update your blog by reblogging things and posting. No one wants to follow a dead blog!
• Connect with people - if people messages you , be nice and reply. Don't be a snob!
• No plagiarising - if you are using a theme from somewhere else or photos from other websites, always include the owner! no one likes a stealer!
• Be polite - most tumblr bloggers I see are really polite and nice. So be nice ! Make friends and don't be a bitch.
• Ignore haters - some people just can't seem to be satisfied with other people. If you receive messages in your inbox on hating , just ignore. Its nothing. Especially if they are anons. Just make sure you are not the rude one and becareful on what you post!
• Follow people! - don't just grow your followers but not following back!