Social media scores could be the new credit score

Could your online activity determine whether you get a job, a mortgage or even a date?  Experts say it's already happening.

It works just like a credit score and gives you a rank. Imagine someone handing over the keys to a luxury automobile for the weekend with no strings attached, or a resort offering you a room absolutely free!

That's exactly what happened to Mom Blogger Leah Segedie.  All because of her high social media score.

She says, "They came to me which is really cool 'cause, you know, i wasn't looking for it.  They just found me."

You probably don't know it.  But your online popularity is being ranked by websites like klout and kred.

You even have a number.  The higher your number, the more influence you have online, and the more appealing you are to marketers.

Over the last two years, more than 300 brands have offered perks to Klout influencers. That means discounts with Disney, Microsoft, and American Express.
    
Businesses are looking beyond perks.  From dating services using scores to match potential partners to a start-up bank making plans to consider scores for loan approval.  Some recruiters are even checking out the scores for job applicants.

So how can you raise your current score?  Experts suggest you start by sharing stories about topics you're interested in on Facebook and Twitter.

The more re-tweets and shares you get, the higher your score will rise.

Then seek out and follow like-minded people online.  Always be genuine with what you share. 

Experts say it's important not to get too obsessed with your score, which could go up and down daily, and aim for long term growth instead.  The average person's Klout score? It's 20 out of a possible 100.