This week, Data News published its latest top 50 list of Belgian tech Twitter users. The most influential person on the list turns out to be a Dutch woman: @NeelieKroes. The European Commissioner has a Klout score of 83 and more than 65,000 followers.
Impressive numbers. But how representative is a follower count, really?
It is nothing new for companies, Belgian and Dutch celebrities, or politicians to buy likes or followers. It can be arranged online in just a few steps. I recently read an article in De Telegraaf reporting that buying followers has become a multimillion-euro industry. Sophisticated software is also making fake followers look increasingly real.
Last week, I listened with interest to a national radio discussion about the value of buying followers. @Pietel, who has more than 6,000 followers himself, considers it pointless and does not believe there is anything to gain. In his view, it mainly serves as a way to boast: ‘I’m the biggest.’
But should we think about it a little further? I can imagine why a business or expert would see value in having a large following. Someone with many followers is perceived as popular and trustworthy, with plenty of interesting things to say. That can help them reach their real target audience — genuine, relevant followers or fans — more quickly.
Apparently, anyone can be popular if they are willing to pay…
Siska
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