New Klout accuracy measures may mean you're not as influential as you thought you were...
In a post on the Klout corporate blog yesterday, founder and CEO of Klout, Joe Fernandez, announced a new algorithm for Klout will be released next week: "I am incredibly proud of the work the team has done and I am excited to announce the biggest improvement to the Klout Score in our history is launching next week."
He went over 4 main criteria: Amplification, Network Impact, Accuracy and Transparency and Ability to Drive Action
The overwhelming tone of the post was that you aren't influential because you're talk a lot, you're influential who you talk TO (and who replies). An example cited was if someone rarely likes or comments on anyone's posts, but chooses to do so to yours, that is more meaningful than if they like 60 posts a day. Joe elaborated further:
"The core premise behind our algorithms has always been that influence is the ability to drive action. We have tightened this concept even further in this release. You are not more influential because you tweet or use Facebook more, you are influential because you have an influential audience engaging with your content."
Will You Be Less Influential Than You Are This Week?
Joe says that once the update goes live, it's possible. Some of the scores at the Klout HQ will drop (including his own!) . But he maintains that their goal is accuracy above all else:
"We believe our users will be pleased with the improvements we've made."
Time will tell. We all remember the mayhem when people experienced the Kloutapocalypse. One thing is for sure, us Klout addicts are protective of our score!
What Do You Think?
I find it to be a useful tool as an indication of influence and as a valuable filter in all the social media clutter, and more accuracy can only be better in my mind, but what do you think? Are you ready to embrace the tightening of the standards for influence? How has influence score effected you in the real world? I'd love to hear any stories where having a high Klout score has helped in something measurable - a job, a promotion, a client?
Who Wrote This Post?
I'm CEO for MarketMeSuite, the social media marketing dashboard. And big news... we're now free! Please get it free here and be sure to let me know what you think. Klout fans be sure to check out our Klout integration!