How to incorporate LinkedIn hashtags in 2024 like a pro

Hashtags have a complicated history on LinkedIn. Initially removed due to “poor user response,” they resurfaced exclusively on the mobile app before finally returning to the browser version in 2017. Today, they play a vital role in enhancing post visibility and reach. The strategy lies in being strategic and precise, ensuring your content reaches your intended audience.  

Incorporating relevant and industry-specific hashtags into your posts allows you to amplify the reach of your content and connect with individuals interested in associated topics. While hashtags are an easy concept to grasp, there are a few tricks to lift their performance to the next level.  

In this guide, we will explore the art of using hashtags on LinkedIn effectively, describing tips and best practices to maximize your professional presence on the platform.  

Choose relevant hashtags. 

Selecting relevant hashtags plays a pivotal role in enhancing your content's influence across LinkedIn. Aligning these hashtags closely with your post's central message and the interests of your intended audience is crucial. By choosing relevant hashtags, you increase the likelihood of your content being found by users genuinely interested in the topic. This leads to increased engagement, meaningful interactions, and the opportunity to connect with professionals who share similar interests. 

On the other hand, using irrelevant or generic hashtags can dilute your message and lead to disinterest or frustration among users seeking specific content. It's essential to use a strategic approach to select relevant hashtags, which will enhance your post's visibility and position you as an informed and valuable contributor within your industry's online community.  

Incorporate hashtags in posts.  

Including hashtags within your LinkedIn posts serves as an effective way to boost content visibility and discoverability. By thoughtfully selecting relevant and industry-specific hashtags, you expand your reach to a broader audience and captivate professionals intrigued by your subject matter. By integrating these hashtags seamlessly within your post's text, you begin to maintain a natural flow and not come across as intrusive or excessive. Aim for a concise number, usually between three and five, as LinkedIn's professional landscape prioritizes quality over quantity.  

Here is a simple example: "Super excited to attend #conference2023 next week! #ProfessionalDevelopment #Networking”   

Embracing this practice will allow you to harness the potential of hashtags to foster engagement, build connections, and establish yourself as a valuable voice within your industry.   

Add hashtags in your comments.  

If you aim to maintain a clean appearance for your post while still leveraging hashtags, consider adding them in the comments section after publishing. This way, you will avoid cluttering the main post while ensuring discoverability through hashtag searches. Incorporating hashtags in the comments allows you to target keywords and topics, linking your post to relevant hashtag communities and enticing potential readers interested in those subjects.  

Additionally, by placing hashtags in the comments on LinkedIn, you maintain the focus of your post on valuable insights and engaging discussions. This approach capitalizes on the benefits of hashtags for enhancing visibility and engagement while aligning with the platform's business-oriented nature.  

Use industry-specific hashtags.  

What if I told you that utilizing hashtags commonly used within your industry helps you connect with professionals interested in related topics? Employing industry-relevant hashtags enables connections with professionals intrigued by similar subjects. This focused strategy ensures your posts reach individuals genuinely interested in your content, nurturing valuable engagement and potential networking prospects.  

By spotlighting current trends, disseminating insights, or endorsing your brand, leveraging industry-specific hashtags assists in establishing your authority and drawing the interest of your intended audience. This, in turn, enhances your professional standing on the platform.  

Avoid overused or irrelevant hashtags.  

Although hashtags can boost your content's visibility, an overuse of highly popular or irrelevant ones could water down your message and draw in an audience not genuinely interested in your content. It's best to concentrate on selecting industry-specific, niche, or topic-relevant hashtags that precisely capture the essence of your post.  

Opting for this approach allows you to connect with a more targeted and engaging audience, heightening the potential for valuable connections and genuine interactions. Prioritizing quality and relevance over quantity is crucial when integrating hashtags into your LinkedIn strategy.  

Follow hashtags.  

Following specific hashtags on LinkedIn enables professionals to customize their feeds, incorporating posts aligned with their industry, career pursuits, or areas of expertise. This feature ensures that users stay updated on crucial insights, discussions, and relevant updates within the topics that matter most to them.  

By following hashtags, LinkedIn users can seize an outstanding networking opportunity, fostering connections with individuals with similar interests and participating in relevant conversations within their field. This feature keeps users informed about industry trends, opens doors to potential job prospects, and facilitates continuous learning. Embracing the “Follow Hashtags” function empowers individuals to personalize their LinkedIn experience, transforming the platform into an even more valuable asset for nurturing professional development.  

Engage with hashtag communities.  

Engage with posts utilizing similar hashtags by liking and commenting. This interaction enhances your visibility and fosters connections within these communities. Establish yourself as a valuable contributor and thought leader by actively engaging with these communities, amplifying your presence and recognition.  

Engaging thoughtfully, sharing insights, and fostering relationships within the community can pave the way for new opportunities, collaborations, and a network of supportive peers with shared interests and aspirations. Genuine interactions and an openness to learning from others while sharing your expertise are pivotal for successful engagement—it's a mutually beneficial exchange.  

Where will you use hashtags?  

Summing up, harnessing hashtags effectively on LinkedIn holds immense potential to amplify your content's reach and expand your professional connections. Choosing relevant, industry-specific hashtags ensures your posts resonate with the intended audience, fostering valuable engagement.  

Maintaining a professional tone involves seamlessly integrating hashtags into your posts without overwhelming them. Finding the right balance ensures your content remains engaging. Moreover, establishing a branded hashtag and following relevant ones fosters community and keeps you informed about trending topics in your niche.  

As you analyze your posts' performance, refine your hashtag strategy gradually. By harnessing their potential, you can build authority, forge meaningful connections, and increase your influence within LinkedIn. It's worth noting that LinkedIn doesn't emphasize hashtags as much as platforms like Instagram or Twitter. Nevertheless, strategic use can significantly expand your reach and connect you with the ideal audience.  

Photos by Maryna Nikolaieva, Sergey Zolkin, Marco Tjokro, and Anthony Da Cruz on Unsplash