How Many Klout Topics Do You Have?
Knikkolette | Feb 20, 2012 | Comments 10
Klout Topics: How Many Do You Have?
A question was posed so I thought I would write about it today. First let’s get to the basics. Klout offers two types of ”influencer sashes”. A top influencer sash is gold. This is awarded to the individuals who influence people the most on a particular topic. This is awarded by Klout. Then there is the +K influencer sash which is blue. This is awarded to those who receive a lot of +Ks from their peers on particular topics. Some people even have both a top influencer and top +K influencer sash. All of which are shown below:
In the past, Klout topics would appear based upon what Klout’s systems thought a person was influential about. Many people found this to be unreliable because their topics would be random such as llamas, clowns, or perhaps a trending topic that was tweeted about for only one day. Luckily, users were able to remove those undesirable topics. Recently, Klout has allowed individuals to add their own Klout topics… for a price of 5 +ks.
Now, let’s start the discussion about the number of topics. How many are too many? Is there a magic number? I suppose it depends on what your goal is. If your goal (like mine) is to to earn a gold sash, fewer topics is better. Why? Think about it. If people come to your Klout profile and they can only give +Ks to a few topics, Klout sees you as an authority in those few topics. If you have many topics – they don’t see you as an authority in any, so the chances of you earning a top influencer gold sash are reduced significantly. I recently reduced my list to nine topics and am even considering reducing it more to increase my chances of earning that “top influencer” sash. Many of you are probably thinking I’m crazy to even care, but hey – we all have our thing – right? That silly golden sash – I don’t know why I want it but I just do, so if you are so inclined, I would like a +K in social media.
When would I choose to list Klout topics not focused to my area of expertise? If I become a brand ambassador, let’s say for Acura, then, I would add a topic or topics relating to automobiles. That would be one reason I would add a topic not relating to what is currently listed. Who wouldn’t love to get a gig like that because of your Klout score?
I know there are still many of you out there who are down on Klout because of what has happened in the past, but I’d still like to get your feedback. What is your opinion about their allowing people adding their own topics? What is your Klout topic strategy?
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Filed Under: Featured • For Beginners • Klout • Social Media • Social Media Strategy
I understand your rationale for “fewer” rather than “more” Topics and I definitely like the idea of being able to add some of my own. A few months back, Klout had me listed for a topic that was totally “not me” and I have no idea how they even came up with it. Fortunately, it disappeared quickly. Thanks for another great post (as always)!
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Thanks for your feedback Sandra, I’m glad you found it helpful.
Thanks so much for this article, Knikkolette. I have gone back and forth on this issue. I was up to 20 topics and then I reduced to 9. I’m back up to about 90 now. It is a very difficult thing to answer. As you said, it partly depends upon what your goal is.
I look at what some of the more influential people do and I follow their lead on matters like this. My recent “models” have a lot of topics.
Thanks for your feedback Gina! I understand the dilemma. I also looked closely at some leaders with many topics. If you look at the “strength” of their topics, you will notice there are usually one or two that are really strong (earning the gold sash), a couple more highs and the rest are usually medium or low as if those topics were recently added. Also, if you notice brand new accounts, sometimes they will only show one topic until they become influential on that topic before they add more. I’ve seen people with Klout scores of 40 with a yellow sash because they were influential in their niche.
I love that you can add your own topics, but that’s not completely the case. Klout only allows you to add topics that already exist. I’d love to add a topic called “Organizing,” as I’m a professional organizer, but that topic isn’t on the Klout list. The ability to really add your own topic would be an improvement of this feature. In the meanwhile, I’ve kept my topics to a minimum (only 5.)
I wasn’t aware of the sashes and am glad to understand that after reading your post. I currently have a blue sash and hope to get enough activity to generate a gold one.
Linda – that’s good to know. I had not come across that issue, having added a few topics myself. I know Klout has been pretty good about responding to technical issues, have you contacted them about adding your topic?
I had about 12 topics, some of which Klout chose (Albany?) maybe because of petitions. I liked that you could add a topic, but then I saw it disappear after I spent the 5 +K to do so. I can’t wait until they add Pinterest to the mix. I have eyed the golden sash myself. And while I had mixed feeling about Klout, I have come to embrace and understand more of what it’s about and to check out others like Kred and PeerIndex to see how they match up. I guess we have to be way more niche to get that topic sash as there is more competition in the more general topic.
I would definitely contact Klout support if the topic you added disappeared. They have always responded to my questions. I’m still trying to understand Kred. I’ve been to their website a few times, but it doesn’t make much sense to me. It seems no matter how active I am, my number remains the same.
Great post and your are so right. Klout has took it upon themselves to add topics that do not go with my niche. So I have some cleaning up to do! Great to connect with you here and on Triberr! Lisa
Thanks for your feedback Lisa!