47 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
47 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Is Your Klout Ranking Important

by TopKat22
40 replies
I was told by a friend on facebook to check my Klout.com rating today.

Supposedly, this rating is about the influence you have on social networks.

It is a 0-100 scale and 20 is considered "normal" because I read that the higher you get on the scale the more difficult it is to increase your klout score.

Unknown to me, I had been rated with +K's (which are supposedly good) and listed as an expert in some lists and as an authority in other lists.

So I'm actually wanting to know, is this just another meaningless ranking like page rank or alexa ranking? (even though those are on your website and the Klout ranking is on yourself on social networks)

Or Is your Klout ranking important and if so, should I do something to increase it?

They say the average is 20 and I'm at 62.
#important #klout #ranking
  • Profile picture of the author David Sneen
    A high Klout ranking simply means you interact with people, and people respect you. It is based on factors such as how much do others retweet your information. It is measured on a 90-day basis. Conceivably, one could actively pursue and achieve a high Klout ranking without reaching their business goals.

    In general, there is a strong correlation between successful people and a high Klout ranking.
    Signature
    David Sneen
    It's what you do when no one is watching
    that determines what you will be able to
    do when everyone is watching.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5607190].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author richblogs
    Put it this way... I've never checked out someone's Klout score before deciding to go to their website, read their articles, click on their adverts or buy their products.

    So, in short: no.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5607194].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
      Originally Posted by David Sneen View Post

      A high Klout ranking simply means you interact with people, and people respect you. It is based on factors such as how much do others retweet your information. It is measured on a 90-day basis. Conceivably, one could actively pursue and achieve a high Klout ranking without reaching their business goals.

      In general, there is a strong correlation between successful people and a high Klout ranking.
      Good to know.

      Originally Posted by richblogs View Post

      Put it this way... I've never checked out someone's Klout score before deciding to go to their website, read their articles, click on their adverts or buy their products.

      So, in short: no.
      Neither have I, but I noticed just today when I looked at the people I do business with, they all had high Klout scores.

      And while I was waiting for someone to answer this post, I Googled it and found that some big companies used Klout in a way that I found really interesting and I think I may apply it to my current projects and see what happens.
      Signature
      44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

      Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5607223].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author birddog200
        This post made me check out my klout for the first time. I'm a 10 lol.
        I guess none of my customers are checking mine before buying. And I am doing really well these days in my online business.

        P.S. I guess that's a no.
        Signature
        I get my clients to the first page and keep them there. HartfordPublishing.com
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5607509].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
          Originally Posted by birddog200 View Post

          This post made me check out my klout for the first time. I'm a 10 lol.
          I guess none of my customers are checking mine before buying. And I am doing really well these days in my online business.

          P.S. I guess that's a no.
          Yes, I have no doubt that you can be very successful without a high Klout ranking, until today, I didn't even know about it.

          Just like you can be successful without a high Google ranking, alexa ranking, etc. depending on how you get your traffic and prospects.

          However, I am always looking for faster, easier ways, so now that I've found out about this, I wonder who is using it and not telling anyone and make a ton of money with it......maybe.
          Signature
          44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

          Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5607624].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
          Originally Posted by birddog200 View Post

          This post made me check out my klout for the first time.
          That's what she said.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5649882].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SamuelUherek
    I don't think it's a big deal. It's good to have a high klout score because it means you are not spammer. But I wouldn't say it's a necessary thing for your business.

    At first I wanted to have a high klout score, but after 3 weeks I found it annoying that they always wanted me to share my klout on twitter. I even read some articles when people deleted their account because Klout just didn't make sense to them.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5608127].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Originally Posted by TopKat22 View Post

    Is Your Klout Ranking Important
    I hope not, because this thread's the first time I've ever heard of it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5608284].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
      Originally Posted by SamuelUherek View Post

      I don't think it's a big deal. It's good to have a high klout score because it means you are not spammer. But I wouldn't say it's a necessary thing for your business.

      At first I wanted to have a high klout score, but after 3 weeks I found it annoying that they always wanted me to share my klout on twitter. I even read some articles when people deleted their account because Klout just didn't make sense to them.
      I didn't think of a high Klout score showing that you aren't a spammer. I think I may use that to my advantage in marketing.

      Originally Posted by opatrao24 View Post

      in this day and age and in this society it definately is importnt,everythig seems so supficial know so yea
      I'm not sure what you mean by superficial. You have to post things of interest to people to get liked, shared, commented, replied to or retweeted.

      Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

      I hope not, because this thread's the first time I've ever heard of it.
      Alexa, today was the first I heard of it too when a friend of mine mentioned that they +K'd me on Klout and shared their ranking.

      Apparently, my friend had been working really hard to get to a ranking of 35 & wanted to know what my ranking was. So I had to create my account (which took less than a minute) and found out I was ranked 62.

      My friend was astonished and that is when I started searching for information about the importance of it.

      Since I started this thread, I've also asked a couple other friends on facebook about it and someone who does social networking for people and companies as a living now wants me to teach her HOW I got a rank of 62 when I didn't even have an account.

      Of course, I told her I have no idea, I just post on facebook and twitter. Now she thinks I'm holding out on her and offered to PAY me for the information!

      LOL

      I told her the truth is I never even heard of it before today and I just do what I do and this is how I ranked.

      This is really funny to me now.
      Signature
      44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

      Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5609022].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
    Update on this. I just found out today that at certain levels of "influence" Klout awards you with free perks!

    I got some today that are actually quite valuable and not anything like what I would have expected. No strings attached. Do not want to go into detail though.

    I love when I get additional benefits for just doing what I do....
    Signature
    44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

    Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5644751].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Paul Gram
    It's meaningless.
    Signature
    Click Here For My Exclusive WSO
    Kindle Self Publishing Supersite - Kindle Templates, Book Covers & Trailers, Marketing Tips, & More
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5644967].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
      Originally Posted by TopKat22 View Post

      Update on this. I just found out today that at certain levels of "influence" Klout awards you with free perks!

      I got some today that are actually quite valuable and not anything like what I would have expected. No strings attached. Do not want to go into detail though.

      I love when I get additional benefits for just doing what I do....
      Originally Posted by Paul Gram View Post

      It's meaningless.
      Yeah, that is what I thought but I really enjoyed the perks I got for free that I mentioned above as an update!!!
      Signature
      44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

      Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5644989].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
    Banned
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5645121].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author psresearch
      Insightful video about Social Currency here and problems with current systems like Klout & PureIndex:
      Signature
      Work At Home Truth - Extra Income Edition | Swindles.org
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5645177].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
      Originally Posted by BIG Mike View Post

      Based on what little I read (and I didn't create an account there), I doubt that it really has any relationship or impact with your online business activities. As far as I could tell, none of the scores are publicly accessible, so they would only be visible to you and I assume those following you.

      Like any 3rd-party system that aggregates metrics cross-platform, there are numerous, critical bits of data they can't access. This is identical to the problem that Alexa has (the web site, not the cute one) in providing a meaningful analysis of the data they do have.

      You'll find that systems like these generally appear to become more accurate in the top 5% (which are probably obvious without measuring in the first place).

      What it boils down to how you use social networks - belong to many of them, have a large following, get what you post repeated by others and I'm sure your score will go up. But I doubt you'll find a true measure of your "Klout" or influence on the networks you belong to through them.
      You are probably right. And that is what I thought. But them, just for giggles, I just tried something.

      I'll report back how it goes.
      Signature
      44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

      Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5645196].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Matt Bard
    I started with Klout back near the beginning and after testing it with Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and recently Google +, I can say it's pretty much useless.

    All it does is give you an idea of how much interaction you are involved in with those Social Media sites.

    The data is not true enough to really make any decent marketing decisions from and other than getting a few Klout "Perks" (coupons for discounts) it really doesn't have any value that you can use for your marketing purposes.

    Any social proof or authority that you could possibly garner from it, you already have from the people that you interact with on those other social sites where the Klout score comes from.

    In other words, anyone that would go to Klout and look at your information already knows you from those other sites. They are really not learning anything new about you.

    It's all about Klout using your clout so they can build their clout.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5646546].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
      Originally Posted by Matt Maiden View Post

      I started with Klout back near the beginning and after testing it with Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and recently Google +, I can say it's pretty much useless.

      All it does is give you an idea of how much interaction you are involved in with those Social Media sites.

      The data is not true enough to really make any decent marketing decisions from and other than getting a few Klout "Perks" (coupons for discounts) it really doesn't have any value that you can use for your marketing purposes.

      Any social proof or authority that you could possibly garner from it, you already have from the people that you interact with on those other social sites where the Klout score comes from.

      In other words, anyone that would go to Klout and look at your information already knows you from those other sites. They are really not learning anything new about you.

      It's all about Klout using your clout so they can build their clout.
      Yes, that last sentence is probably the most important part.

      The one thing I have to say though, is two of the perks I got were outright gifts of value, not just coupons. Maybe I just lucked out.
      Signature
      44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

      Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5646583].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Matt Bard
        Originally Posted by TopKat22 View Post

        ...two of the perks I got were outright gifts of value, not just coupons. Maybe I just lucked out.
        Cool. Obviously, they are adding better perks.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5646644].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
          Originally Posted by Matt Maiden View Post

          Cool. Obviously, they are adding better perks.
          Apparently so. Also, these perks were for Kout scores over 50 so maybe they get better as your score goes up. I don't know. Was just happy and surprised especially since I just found out about this the other day.
          Signature
          44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

          Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5646942].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cardine
    Klout is easily manipulatable and only gives a very basic and superficial idea of how important somebody is. A high percentage of the very successful people in the world do so quietly, and as a result their Kout score is very low. On the flip side a lot of people spend all day doing things that will increase their Klout score (but won't make them any money).
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5647561].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author lazysloth
      Arent social signals supposed to be one of the new ranking signals? when you view Klout it clearly says Beta , which means they are still building the engine /data/ algo.

      Google ,twitter, facebook both have a social graph for advertising $$$ Data farmers Klout and its rivals are just building some kind of order of importance.

      From a search engines point of view , I think it would be useful to know which social signals are strongest compared to say a spammer from india who set up his social account 5 hours ago. Hold on isn't that how the evaluation of how a link progressed ? All links are equal >> some links are more powerful than others>> some links are bad.

      As some have pointed out, at the moment it is very easily manipulated..

      At some point in the future Klout or something like it will be helping make the choice as to which social signals are more valuable than others.

      That my 2 p worth anyway UTF
      Signature
      SEO Manchester eBay Shop Design
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5884297].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author K1
    A few factors klout considers
    It looks at the people you are interacting with and how influential those people are which are interacting with you.

    You could easily raise your klout score by connecting to all the allowed social networks in your klout account.

    I don't believe the klout score is really at the moment. It's kind of a niche idea in it's infancy atm...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5648039].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
      Originally Posted by cardine View Post

      Klout is easily manipulatable and only gives a very basic and superficial idea of how important somebody is. A high percentage of the very successful people in the world do so quietly, and as a result their Kout score is very low. On the flip side a lot of people spend all day doing things that will increase their Klout score (but won't make them any money).
      People spend all day long trying to bring up their Kout scores?

      Like I said in my OP, I didn't even know what this was a few days ago.

      However, I would think it would be hard to manipulate as it is about activity and not just numbers.

      Do you know how one would even do that (manipulate their score)?

      Not that I plan to do it but I want to be aware of it.

      Originally Posted by K1 View Post

      A few factors klout considers
      It looks at the people you are interacting with and how influential those people are which are interacting with you.

      You could easily raise your klout score by connecting to all the allowed social networks in your klout account.

      I don't believe the klout score is really at the moment. It's kind of a niche idea in it's infancy atm...
      Since I found out about this Klout thing, I've been experiemental with it.

      I had a someone who had a very low Klout score join me because I have a high Kout score, it didn't seem to help their score at all but it helped mine.

      It appears to me to be all about the persons own activity so I don't really see how it could be manipulated.

      My friends score didn't change from joining me, but mine went up a point.

      However, if anyone knows exactly how you can manipulate lout scores I'd be interested. Again, not to use myself because my score is high already, but to just be aware of it.

      Thanks
      Signature
      44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

      Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5649595].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
    So, I did a little experiment with Klout and so far am amazed at the results.

    Instead of posting in my social networks, I used the Klout interface and posted it through them.

    I immediately got friend requests, twitter followers and people who re-tweeted me and requests from people on linkedin.

    I also got an email with a speaking engagement request and am now negotiating the time and price for that.

    That was a really easy free way to get some business!

    I do not know if it would work if done often.

    Now I am going to do the same thing with an offer of something for sale to see if the response to a buy promotion is as good.

    I'll report back when I get the results. I'm making it over at the end of the weekend.
    Signature
    44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

    Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5650621].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author trnz
      Originally Posted by TopKat22 View Post

      Instead of posting in my social networks, I used the Klout interface and posted it through them.
      I'll report back when I get the results. I'm making it over at the end of the weekend.
      I'd like to try this but I don't know how. How do you:
      Post to your social networks through Klout interface? I can't find a place to do that. Is it something like Ping.fm etc. Do you write a post and Klout sends it out? Where is the interface?
      :confused:
      Signature

      Make the world a better place! Spread some Love, Peace and Happiness! Join The Happy People!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6274065].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author K1
    I need to experiment more with klout.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5651107].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
      Originally Posted by K1 View Post

      I need to experiment more with klout.
      That's what he said!

      Sorry, I'm done!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5651129].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
        Originally Posted by Daniel Evans View Post

        That's what he said!

        Sorry, I'm done!
        LOL

        Originally Posted by K1 View Post

        I need to experiment more with klout.
        Yeah, that is what I'm doing right now.

        So far, I have to say I'm happy with it. I've gotten some free perks of real value, some new friends and followers and a possible speaking engagement so I'm really glad I checked it out a few days ago.
        Signature
        44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

        Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5651183].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author David Sneen
    There are many ways of using social media. People can do well without Klout. They can also do well without high Facebook, Google, or Alexa ratings as was pointed out earlier. But, interaction is key to many, if not most on the web. A high Klout score indicates that people value your input---definitely an asset in social media.

    The perks are something I was not aware of. From a business standpoint, it makes sense. As a businessman, why not give away something of value---only to those who demonstrate social media success? They will advertise your product with their klout!

    I lost my 50 rating. It plummeted to 17, and now rebounded to 38. Got to regain my 50, and get the freebies.

    Time to research TopKat's plan. I can see how he got to the top. I find something, and think it is a toy. He finds something and finds value from it. Well, that is the value of this forum. Now I can emulate a successful person and use Klout's interface with my post!
    Signature
    David Sneen
    It's what you do when no one is watching
    that determines what you will be able to
    do when everyone is watching.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5661774].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
      Originally Posted by David Sneen View Post

      There are many ways of using social media. People can do well without Klout. They can also do well without high Facebook, Google, or Alexa ratings as was pointed out earlier. But, interaction is key to many, if not most on the web. A high Klout score indicates that people value your input---definitely an asset in social media.

      The perks are something I was not aware of. From a business standpoint, it makes sense. As a businessman, why not give away something of value---only to those who demonstrate social media success? They will advertise your product with their klout!

      I lost my 50 rating. It plummeted to 17, and now rebounded to 38. Got to regain my 50, and get the freebies.

      Time to research TopKat's plan. I can see how he got to the top. I find something, and think it is a toy. He finds something and finds value from it. Well, that is the value of this forum. Now I can emulate a successful person and use Klout's interface with my post!
      I totally agree. People can do very well without social media or Kout or without SEO, etc. It all depends on what they are doing and how they are making their money.

      However, since I am on social media and I did not find out about Klout until just last week and that it takes no extra effort by myself, I thought I might as well check into it and see if I can benefit from it.

      So far, I've been very interested in the response from my networks when I post through my Klout interface. I have to say, it makes me chuckle a little bit.

      I've already posted what happened with my first experiment. Now, I'm testing out direct selling. I was going to end it last night but since I'm still getting sales, I'm letting it run until the end of the month if it keeps going.

      As I said before, this may not work if done too often but for now I'm pretty happy with it.

      And David, thank you for the kind words.
      Signature
      44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

      Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5662458].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author drmani
    Originally Posted by TopKat22 View Post

    Supposedly, this rating is about the influence you have on social networks.
    ...
    It is a 0-100 scale and 20 is considered "normal" because I read that the higher you get on the scale the more difficult it is to increase your klout score.

    Or Is your Klout ranking important and if so, should I do something to increase it?

    They say the average is 20 and I'm at 62.
    In an IM world, almost every rating system is eyed with a
    veiw to "gaming it for influence".

    As a rating tool, Klout has some pluses and minuses.

    Like Empire Avenue, it's a composite of your overall social
    presence, an indicator of how well you engage your audience
    and are regarded by it - in a very broad, rough and general
    way.

    Maybe you won't search Klout each time you visit a website
    or get introduced to someone. But when you do, and find a
    high score, it's probably one more indicator about the person
    or business - and that'll influence you subtly, at least.

    My Klout score ranges between 50 and 60, usually. I've not
    monitored it or tried to get it higher - just let it happen
    organically.

    I guess we're re-learning the people/business evaluation
    skills in a digital world in a way that aeons of evolution
    have hardwired into our brains in the physical one!

    This discussion was about it, too

    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...d-reviews.html

    All success
    Dr.Mani
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5884809].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
      Banned
      [DELETED]
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5886281].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author drmani
        Originally Posted by BIG Mike View Post

        Other factors notwithstanding, I'm naturally more apt to buy from Dr. Mani, simply because he has real clout in my social circle as opposed to...
        Thanks, Mike. That's probably the 'secret sauce' of social marketing that
        too many are missing.

        They see soc med as a way to short-circuit the trust building process, while
        actually it's just an adjunct to it.

        You may find this post I wrote a few years back of interest.

        Transparency, Authenticity, & Trust

        It's based on my 10,000th tweet, which said:

        ""Transparency is the new risk - Authenticity is the new currency - Trust is the new reward."

        All success
        Dr.Mani
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5886716].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author EllesBelles
    Someone above mentioned that no-one else can see your Klout score. They can - you can search for anyone, and see their networking style, Klout score and influential topics.

    It's a good tool for time-wasting, and some of their ideas of what you influence can be a bit crazy...I had bacon for the longest time, and I can't remember the last time I had bacon, let alone wrote about it!
    Signature
    Social Media Strategist. Digital Storyteller.

    LinkedIn
    Social Media Consultant

    If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5885911].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Ralf Skirr
      Wow, I added my g+ account to Klout 2 days ago and my cloud score went from 25 to 45.

      Thanks to David Sneen for the tip.

      10 points to catch up with Dr. Mani.

      Honestly, besides the so called 'perks' it's just fun to see how your activity is influencing the score.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5885972].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jeffster
    Sounds like a bit of fun and it's interesting to compare with other marketers but I wouldn't take it too seriously.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5885999].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author andreasup
    Lots of good info here. Loved what DrMani had to say.

    There is lots of different opinions about Klout and it's value. It definitely can be gamed with the scores being easily manipulated. You can also buy +Ks to help drive you Klout score up on Fiverr. You can also trade for +Ks on Empire Avenue.

    You can also get lots of +Ks by tweeting out that you will exchange for +Ks.

    Now Klout has a competitor known as Kred.

    Recently it was revealed that some large corporations were looking at Klout scores of prospective employees. Is this true or just a rumor? Some Klout watchers believe it's true.

    Ultimately everyone has to make their own opinions whether it is worth their time or not and whether or not they will receive any direct or long term benefit.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6216547].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Krisz Rokk
    Dr. Mani - very well put! Love it!
    "“Transparency is the new risk – Authenticity is the new currency – Trust is the new reward.”

    Klout.com and Peerindex.com, both measuring social media influence.
    Signature
    SYSTEMS Beat Random Guessing

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6274616].message }}

Trending Topics