So, you’re on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn and just about every other social network you can think of. Whether you’re a lurker who observes the digital community in action or are the person people turn to when they need a trusted opinion when it comes to certain topics, Klout is one way to show off what you know to people on the interwebs. And if you’re influential in certain topics, you might just get rewarded with free stuff for displaying your online expertise.

Klout is a fairly new social network, launching in 2009 and really picking up steam back in September 2011 when it integrated with Google+. Here’s how it works.

Sign up for an account on http://www.klout.com. Once you have an account, you’re able to link all of the most prominent social networks you may be a part of with your Klout account, including Foursquare, Tumblr and WordPress. Klout’s algorithm then assigns you a score, ranging from 1-100, that reflects your social media influence, based on the reach and engagement of the audience on your networks.

You’ll also see a list of topics you are supposedly influential in. Not surprisingly, Klout has determined CX is influential in everything from security and technology to apps and collaboration. You can also view your influencers (social media users whose content you interact with regularly), as well as compare Klout styles concerning information dissemination. And depending on what topics you’re influential in and just how influential you are, you may be eligible for Klout “Perks,” or freebies related to your interests — such as iTunes gift cards if you’re a music influencer and gym bags if you’re a fitness fanatic.

Klout users are allotted a certain amount of “+K’s” for the day, which you can pass on to other Klout users who influence you. The +K’s are seen as forms of goodwill, encouraging more interaction on social channels. If CX influences you online, let us know by giving us some +K. We love to return the favor and can’t wait to become even more connected to our users online.