Klout! Or You’re Out.

This was written by Kirstin Venn.  Kirstin is a Social Media Analyst with Media Connect Partners.

Definitions:

“Klout” – A website and mobile app that uses social media analytics to rank its users according to online influence.

“Klout Score” – A numerical value that ranks users between 1 and 100.

On a basic level, Klout measures your online reach by analyzing the social media platforms that you use, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Foursquare. Are you active on Twitter?  Good news!  Your account automatically syncs to Klout, and you already have a Klout Score.  Take a look now to see what your score is, and then link your other social accounts – watch your score rise.

Sure, you might have some doubts.  “Why should this interest me? How does it affect me? How can I use it to my advantage?”

Here are 5 reasons why you need a higher Klout Score:

Social Reach—Klout helps you figure out just how much influence you have in your community/industry.
Job Hunting/Hiring—Potential employers are increasingly looking at Klout Scores along-side resumes to figure out how influential you will be in their industry as a potential candidate.
Marketing Yourself— In the technology industry, people tend to take you more seriously if you have a high Klout Score. It also increases your chances of being retweeted on Twitter or liked on Facebook.
Complaints and Service—Lots of companies are now screening complaints by Klout Score. If you have a low Klout Score, you run the risk of your complaint never being seen, let alone addressed. You simply aren’t a threat with such little influence.
Klout Perks—Many companies offer online discounts, gift cards, and free subscriptions based on Klout Score, and who doesn’t love free stuff! Check your Klout profile regularly to see if you are the proud new receiver of one of these perks.

So now that you know WHY Klout is so important, the question is HOW to go about improving your score. The fastest way to improve your score is by:

Frequently updating your Facebook and Twitter statuses.
Concentrating on a few particular topics.
Developing relationships online with people who have high Klout Scores.
Being interesting (bordering on socially irresistible).
Using the tools Klout provides for you on their website to figure out what to post, when to post, and how to schedule from Klout itself so that you don’t spend your whole day online.

Are you being heard on social media? Klout is a great tool to track your online influence. In the growing technical age you have one of two choices… climb on the social media band wagon… or get left in the dust.