Christopher Wellbelove DL

Klout attempts to put a value on your interactions on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social networks.

Based on an algorithm, Klout aims to rate you based on the more you interact on social networks resulting in a higher score for you. Klout looks for likes, mentions, retweets, +1’s and other evidence that you engaging with others on social networks.

Some doubt the value of Klout and if the Klout score really reflects the real life clout an individual has. For some of the very loud doubters of Klout’s relevance, I wonder what their Klout score is? Few like to be rated especially when rated low. So it is not surprising Klout has it’s haters.

I have definitely seen an increase in my score as I  increased the number of conversations that I have with others. Whilst sharing shareable content had helped me raise my score, it was only when I increased my interaction with others did I see my score jump from in the 50-60’s to being  in the 70s. I have no doubt I could increase my score far higher by having false conversations, purely generated to increase my score, however I choose to only interact in real conversations responding to comments and questions.

And Klout doesn’t just give you some virtual pat on the back. Brands are beginning to recognise that those with a high social influence have value. American Airlines offered a deal where if you have a Klout of 55 or higher you could gain a one-day pass to their Admiral Club lounge.

These sort of offers will increase, and Klout will without doubt continue to evolve their system to become increasingly more accurate in providing a score to who is the most influential in social media. And whilst I might be disappointed that my score is not as high as Obama or Bieber I won’t see this as a flaw in Klout.

And there is not just Klout, other social rating services are also attempting to rate your social influence such as Kred.

I found this infographic which is a great guide to how Klout works and maybe help you increase your Klout score.