Social Media is forever changing the way we communicate and do business. We post things on Facebook, Tweet this or that, + things on Google, and then go blog about our life.
In the revised EPRO class, one thing they cover is a relatively new company called Klout which attempts to guage how much online influence you have based on:
- How many people you influence (True Reach)
- How much you influence them via responses and sharing your data (Amplification)
- How influential they are based on if top influencers are influenced by you (Network Score)
When you first sign up for Klout, you may see your score being relatively low. However, when you start adding in some of your social media sites you are active on (Facebook, Twittter, YouTube, Wordpress, Google +, etc.) you should see your scores raise.
Like any mathematical algorythm, some people will attempt to learn the formulas and game them, but it looks like a promising new way to check out your online clout.
One thing that will be interesting to see develop is their "Klout Perks". They are teaming up with companies that offer exclusive products or "experiences" that you can earn based on your influence. If this catches on, it will be HUGE. Think about it, if you were in charge of marketing a product or service, wouldn't you want to get it in the hands of people that have proven online reach and credibility via target marketing? Other industries have done this in a less high tech world (i.e. hotels gave free or discounted rooms to travel agents, etc.).
Some companies have used online sites like Foursquare or Yelp to offer incentives for checkins, but why not take that a step further and offer incentives based on how much influence your checkin will generate? Klout attempts to do this by offering such things as free samples of Axe Hold and Touch to all topical influencers. Other offerings are restricted to your Klout score (i.e. 40+, 50+, etc.) or based on what their algorythms state your influential about (i.e. social media, iPad, real estate). Those with Klout scores over 60 received a chance to get behind the wheel of the Chevy Volt and a $50 gift card.
As I continue to build my online profiles for my company, Progressive Realty Corporation, here in Boise, Idaho; I will be using as many tools like this as I can. Hopefully, some day it will register that I have Klout with Boise Real Estate, Real Estate Industry, CRS, EPRO, NAR, etc. I might even team up with local companies here in Boise to teach them how to generate more exposure by rewarding the top local social media influencers.
It might just be worth your time to check out this company and getting some return on your time spent in social media building your clout Klout!
Comments(8)