I received my Klout perk in the mail the other day – an envelope filled with ten samples of Lipton Tea & Honey Mango Pineapple Iced Green Tea mix. Lipton describes it as “a refreshingly new tea experience.”

As an influencer, I get first access to the perks that are awarded to me. Brands like Lipton who award Klout perks encourage me to share them with my friends and followers.  If I decide to talk about the perk, Klout asks that I disclose the fact that I received a sample and that I am neither obligated nor receive any benefit for talking about it. My relationship with the brand is completely transparent and I am in complete control of the feedback I provide.

Some traditional marketers might see this as a risky strategy. After all, what does Lipton really know about me? Sure, my Klout score indicates I am an influencer. My influence extends to topics like brand management, crossfit, relationships, health, branding and social media.  What Lipton doesn’t know is what, if anything, I might say about this “refreshingly new tea experience.”

As a social media marketer, I see it as a brilliant strategy for building brand awareness for this new product. The opinions I and other consumers like me share are sincere, genuine and unfiltered. Customer testimonials like ours establish credibility and may even get others in our network to try this “refreshingly new tea experience.” 

From which perspective do you view Klout perks? Write me back to let me know or to find out what I thought of Lipton's Tea & Honey Mango Pineapple Iced Green Tea mix.