How to Use LinkedIn Hashtags for Better Engagement
LinkedIn hashtags are a simple yet effective way to increase the visibility of your content. By adding relevant hashtags, your posts can reach professionals outside your network, helping you connect with new audiences, spark conversations, and grow your engagement.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What they do: Hashtags categorize your content, making it easier for others to find and engage with your posts.
- Best practices: Use 3–5 hashtags per post, mixing broad and niche tags for maximum reach and relevance.
- How to find the right hashtags: Research using LinkedIn’s search, check trending topics, and analyze competitors’ posts.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overloading posts with hashtags, using irrelevant or overly generic tags, and neglecting to update your strategy over time.
- Track performance: Use LinkedIn Analytics or tools like LiSeller to monitor hashtag effectiveness and refine your approach.
The key is to think strategically - choose hashtags that align with your audience and goals, place them thoughtfully in your posts, and regularly review their performance to ensure your content stays visible and engaging.
LinkedIn Hashtags Basics
What Are LinkedIn Hashtags?
LinkedIn hashtags are words or phrases starting with the "#" symbol, designed to organize and categorize content on the platform. As Michael Kamleitner from Walls.io puts it:
"On LinkedIn, just like on X, Facebook, TikTok or Instagram, hashtags are keywords or phrases that start with the # symbol. They categorize content, making it easier for users to find posts about specific topics."
For example, adding #marketing to your post helps categorize it, making it discoverable to people interested in marketing. You can use hashtags in various places on LinkedIn, including posts, comments, articles, profiles, and company pages. Just add the "#" symbol before your keyword or phrase, and remember not to include spaces - even for multi-word hashtags like #digitalmarketing.
Getting a handle on these basics is the first step toward understanding how hashtags can amplify your LinkedIn presence.
How Hashtags Increase LinkedIn Engagement
Hashtags can take your content beyond your immediate network. When someone clicks on a hashtag, they’re presented with a feed of all posts using that tag. This means your content can reach professionals outside your connections who share similar interests.
Murugan Kumar from DMExpert highlights this benefit, noting that hashtags connect your content to broader LinkedIn conversations, making it more visible and engaging.
By carefully selecting hashtags that align with your content and audience, you increase the chances of reaching the right people and sparking meaningful interactions.
Common Hashtag Myths
Despite their usefulness, several misconceptions about hashtags still linger.
One common myth is that more hashtags equal better results. In reality, overloading your post with hashtags can come off as spammy. Another misconception is that trending hashtags are always the best choice. While they may attract large audiences, the competition is typically intense. It's better to focus on hashtags that genuinely match your content and audience.
Some believe hashtags only belong at the end of posts for aesthetic reasons. While that’s one option, hashtags can also be seamlessly woven into your text to provide context or emphasis.
Lastly, many assume that a successful hashtag strategy doesn’t need updating. However, professional discussions and trending topics on LinkedIn are constantly changing. Regularly reviewing and tweaking your hashtag choices ensures your strategy stays effective and relevant.
How to Find the Right Hashtags for Your Content
Finding the right hashtags means understanding your audience and striking a balance between reach and relevance. Below, we explore practical methods for researching effective hashtags and how automation can simplify the process.
Research Popular and Relevant Hashtags
Start by using LinkedIn's search function. Enter an industry keyword and select "Content" to uncover posts using similar terms. This gives you a snapshot of frequently used hashtags in your niche.
Keep an eye on trending topics. LinkedIn’s news section and the "What people are talking about now" feature highlight emerging hashtags tied to current conversations. Incorporating these into your posts keeps your content aligned with what your audience cares about.
Competitor analysis is another valuable tactic. Look at posts from industry leaders and note the hashtags they use consistently. While you shouldn’t copy their strategy outright, you can identify patterns and adapt them to fit your content goals.
Additionally, follow professional associations and industry publications on LinkedIn. These organizations often use established hashtags relevant to their sectors, which can help you connect with your target audience more effectively.
These steps will help you build a solid foundation for selecting hashtags that resonate with your audience.
Mix Broad and Niche Hashtags
A successful hashtag strategy blends broad hashtags with niche-specific ones. Broad hashtags can help you reach larger audiences, but they often come with stiff competition. On the other hand, niche hashtags target smaller, more engaged groups who are genuinely interested in your content.
For instance, niche hashtags typically have fewer posts but attract users who are actively searching for specific topics. These hashtags can lead to more meaningful interactions and higher-quality engagement.
A good rule of thumb is to use two broad hashtags to increase visibility and three niche hashtags to connect with focused communities. This balanced approach ensures your posts reach a wide audience while still fostering deeper engagement.
To make the process even easier, consider leveraging technology.
Use AI Tools for Hashtag Suggestions
AI tools can simplify hashtag research by analyzing engagement trends and providing tailored recommendations. These tools sift through large amounts of data to suggest hashtags that are likely to boost your content’s visibility.
For example, LiSeller offers hashtag suggestions based on your content and industry. It examines successful posts in your field and recommends hashtags with proven engagement potential.
AI tools also help you steer clear of overused or outdated hashtags by tracking their performance over time. Instead of relying on static hashtag lists, these tools provide real-time insights, ensuring your strategy stays current.
How to Add Hashtags to LinkedIn Posts
Once you've chosen the right hashtags, it’s time to use them strategically. Where and how you place hashtags can impact how your audience perceives your post and how LinkedIn's algorithm ranks it. Let’s dive into the practical steps for integrating hashtags into your posts.
How Many Hashtags Should You Use?
Stick to using 3–5 hashtags per post. This strikes the perfect balance between expanding your reach and maintaining a professional tone.
"LinkedIn best practice suggests that three to five hashtags are plenty", says Sendible.
Using fewer than three hashtags can limit your post's discoverability, while more than five can make your content look cluttered or even spammy. Jeff Bullas highlights this:
"Using more than five can start to look cluttered or spammy to a professional audience and may not provide any significant additional benefit in terms of reach."
LinkedIn’s algorithm prioritizes quality over quantity. Posts overloaded with hashtags can feel unprofessional and distract from your message. Instead, think of hashtags as tools to enhance discoverability, not dominate your content.
If you’re adding hashtags in comments, limit it to 1–2 relevant tags to keep the interaction natural and engaging.
Where to Place Hashtags in Posts
Now that you know how many hashtags to use, let’s talk about where to put them. Placement matters for readability and engagement. You have two main options: at the end of your post or embedded within the text.
End-of-post hashtags are a favorite among LinkedIn users. This approach keeps your main message clean and professional. To make it visually appealing, add a line break before listing your hashtags.
In-text hashtags work well when they naturally fit into your writing. For instance, mentioning #DigitalMarketing trends in a sentence can feel seamless and relevant. But forcing hashtags into your text can come across as awkward or distracting, so use this method sparingly.
Your audience also plays a role in deciding placement. Executive-level professionals often prefer posts with hashtags grouped at the end, while more casual audiences might appreciate hashtags integrated into the text.
Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid
Using hashtags on LinkedIn can be powerful, but missteps can hurt your credibility and engagement. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:
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Overly Generic Hashtags: Tags like #success, #motivation, or #business are so widely used that your content can get lost in the crowd. Ned Potter, Freelance Library Trainer and Faculty Engagement Manager at the University of York, advises:
"Use 2-5 hashtags on LinkedIn - they need to be relevant though, not just crow-barred in or meaningless overused ones like #productivity..."
- Irrelevant Hashtags: Jumping on trending hashtags that don’t relate to your content might get you temporary views, but it can harm your credibility and lower long-term engagement.
- Inconsistent Hashtags: Using completely different sets of hashtags for similar topics can confuse LinkedIn’s algorithm, making it harder for your audience to consistently find your content.
- Hashtag Stuffing: Overloading your post with hashtags not only looks unprofessional but can also dilute your message.
- Banned or Flagged Hashtags: Although LinkedIn doesn’t publish a list, hashtags tied to controversial topics or spam can limit your post's visibility. Stick to professional, industry-relevant hashtags.
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Track and Improve Your Hashtag Performance
A strong hashtag strategy isn’t a one-and-done deal - it needs regular monitoring and fine-tuning, guided by real data.
Use LinkedIn Analytics for Hashtag Data
LinkedIn Page Analytics is a built-in tool that provides valuable insights into how your hashtags are performing. It tracks key metrics like impressions, clicks, and engagement for hashtags tied to your LinkedIn Page. To access this data, head to your Page Analytics, click on the "Posts" tab, and then select a specific hashtag within a post to view its performance breakdown.
Back in July 2025, Globital Marketing emphasized the usefulness of LinkedIn Page Analytics for tracking hashtag metrics on client pages. They noted that by clicking on a hashtag, users could dive into its performance details, which helps shape content strategies and boost visibility.
That said, LinkedIn’s native analytics for hashtags is fairly basic. While it covers essential metrics, it lacks the depth needed for a thorough hashtag analysis. Pay attention to which hashtags bring in the most profile views, connection requests, and comments - this data reveals which tags truly resonate with your audience and can guide your strategy moving forward.
These insights form the foundation for improving your hashtag game.
Update Your Hashtag Strategy Over Time
Using analytics as your guide, it’s essential to revisit and refresh your hashtag strategy regularly. What worked a few months ago might not be as effective today. Since algorithms and trends shift over time, make it a habit to review your hashtag performance monthly. Spot patterns - stick with hashtags that consistently drive engagement and replace those that don’t deliver results. Use LinkedIn Analytics to better understand your audience’s preferences and adjust your hashtags as their interests evolve.
Experimentation is key. Try pairing one or two new hashtags with those that already perform well. This lets you explore fresh opportunities while still benefiting from proven tags.
Use Automation Tools for Hashtag Management
If manual tracking starts feeling overwhelming, automation tools can simplify the process while offering deeper insights than LinkedIn’s native analytics.
Take LiSeller, for example. This AI-driven platform not only tracks hashtag performance across campaigns but also pinpoints which hashtags generate the most engagement. LiSeller’s post monitoring feature lets you see how specific hashtags perform across different content types and audience segments.
The platform’s AI filtering system identifies trending hashtags in your industry early on, suggesting options that could drive more engagement. Beyond analysis, LiSeller can even automate interactions with posts using your top-performing hashtags, helping you connect with others who follow those tags and grow your network organically.
For businesses juggling multiple LinkedIn profiles, LiSeller’s CRM integration consolidates hashtag performance data across accounts. This makes it easier to compare which hashtags work best for different teams or business units. Additionally, its Boolean search capabilities help you uncover new hashtag opportunities by tracking specific keyword combinations and industry terms, keeping you ahead of the curve.
Add Hashtags to Your LinkedIn Content Strategy
Once you've established your content foundation and tracking methods, it's time to weave hashtags into your LinkedIn strategy. Using hashtags thoughtfully can help you connect with the right audiences and support your business goals.
When used effectively, hashtags can extend your content's reach beyond your immediate network. Whether you're aiming to establish expertise, promote a service, or build your professional reputation, the right hashtags ensure your content reaches those who matter most.
Match Hashtags With Your Campaign Goals
Your hashtag strategy should align with the purpose of each campaign. For example, if you're working on a brand awareness campaign, combine your company's branded hashtags with popular industry terms. Launching a new service? Pair a unique branded hashtag with broader ones like #B2BSales or #MarketingStrategy to reach both your existing audience and potential new followers.
For thought leadership content, focus on hashtags that position you within key professional discussions. Tags like #Leadership or #Innovation can help reinforce your authority and keep you visible in industry-relevant conversations.
If community building is your goal, choose hashtags that resonate with specific groups. For instance, tags like #WomenInTech, #StartupFounders, or #RemoteWork can connect you with active, engaged communities. For product or service promotion, mix solution-specific and industry-related hashtags to attract people actively searching for what you offer.
And don't forget event-specific hashtags - these are great for staying visible during major industry discussions or trends.
Boost Engagement Through Automation
As your LinkedIn presence grows, manually managing hashtags can become a challenge. This is where automation tools come in handy. Tools like LiSeller can streamline your hashtag strategy, saving you time while keeping engagement consistent.
LiSeller not only tracks your hashtags but also uses AI to identify trends and highlight high-performing tags. This allows you to refine your approach - phasing out underperforming tags and focusing on those that deliver results. The platform's Boolean search feature is particularly useful for discovering new hashtags by analyzing keyword combinations and industry-specific terms.
With the right mix of strategy and automation, hashtags can become a powerful tool in your LinkedIn content strategy.
Conclusion: Get Better LinkedIn Engagement With Hashtags
Using hashtags on LinkedIn isn’t just about randomly tagging your posts - it’s about being intentional and strategic to see real results. By carefully choosing hashtags that resonate with your audience, you can significantly boost engagement. The key is understanding your audience, striking a balance between broad and niche hashtags, and consistently tracking what works.
To recap, focusing on a handful of well-chosen hashtags that align with your content and audience is far more effective than overloading your posts with irrelevant ones. A mix of widely recognized industry hashtags and more specific niche tags can help you reach both a broad audience and the right connections.
Top LinkedIn users don’t treat hashtags as an afterthought - they’re part of a larger content plan. Whether the goal is to establish thought leadership, promote services, or engage with industry communities, every hashtag should serve a clear purpose in extending professional reach.
As your strategy develops, tools like LiSeller can make the process more efficient. Automation tools can help identify trending hashtags and track their performance, saving time while keeping your engagement consistent.
LinkedIn is always changing, and your hashtag strategy needs to keep up. Regularly test and analyze new combinations to ensure your content stays visible. With a thoughtful approach and the right tools, hashtags can become a powerful way to expand your network and achieve your LinkedIn goals.
Start implementing these strategies today to turn occasional interactions into meaningful, lasting connections.
FAQs
How do I find the best LinkedIn hashtags for my industry?
To find the best LinkedIn hashtags for your industry, begin by exploring popular and trending options relevant to your niche. Check out hashtags with a large following and active engagement, such as #innovation, #leadership, or #digitalmarketing, depending on your area of expertise.
Take it a step further by evaluating the performance of these hashtags. Look at metrics like reach, impressions, and engagement to see how well they connect with your audience. Using tools with hashtag analytics can simplify this process, helping you pinpoint the hashtags that generate the most visibility and interaction. This approach ensures you're using hashtags that align with your audience's interests and increase engagement on your posts.
What mistakes should I avoid when using hashtags on LinkedIn?
When using LinkedIn hashtags, it's best to avoid cramming your posts with too many hashtags. This can actually hurt your visibility rather than help it. A good rule of thumb is to stick to 3-5 hashtags that are directly relevant to your post. This keeps your content sharp and ensures it resonates with the right audience.
Steer clear of using irrelevant or overly broad hashtags that don't align with your topic. These can water down your message and limit your reach. Also, don't fall into the habit of recycling the same hashtags for every post. Instead, adjust your hashtag choices to fit the specific topic you're sharing. This approach helps you connect with the right audience and encourages better engagement.
How often should I update my LinkedIn hashtag strategy to stay relevant?
To keep your LinkedIn content effective, it's smart to revisit your hashtag strategy every 3 to 6 months. Why? Because LinkedIn's algorithms evolve, and trending topics shift. By staying updated, you can ensure your posts remain visible and resonate with your audience.
Refreshing your hashtags regularly helps you maintain a strong connection with your network and expand your reach. A well-thought-out hashtag strategy can keep your content relevant and improve engagement over time.