Hashtags have become ubiquitous across most social media platforms, but do they really help your LinkedIn posts stand out and drive engagement? With over 810 million members on LinkedIn, it can be challenging to get your content seen by the right people. That’s why optimizing your posts with effective hashtags is critical if you want to expand your reach and visibility.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine whether hashtags work on LinkedIn, the best practices for using them, and data-backed tips to boost post engagement. Let’s dive in.
Do hashtags work on LinkedIn?
The short answer is yes, absolutely. Used strategically, hashtags can significantly increase your post engagement on LinkedIn in terms of likes, comments, and shares.
According to LinkedIn’s own research, posts with at least one hashtag average a 2x increase in engagement compared to posts without hashtags. The more relevant hashtags you include, the higher your engagement rates climb.
How hashtags increase visibility
Similar to other social platforms, hashtags on LinkedIn turn topics and phrases into clickable links. When members click on a hashtag, it surfaces all public posts containing that hashtag.
This enables your content to be discovered by people outside your immediate network who are interested in the same topics. Hashtags essentially cast a wider net and help get your posts in front of targeted new audiences.
Ways hashtags boost engagement
There are several ways properly optimized hashtags lead to higher engagement on your LinkedIn posts:
- Make your posts more discoverable – Hashtags enable your content to appear in searches and get delivered to new audiences.
- Show your posts to topic followers – When members follow certain hashtags, your posts automatically appear in their feeds if you use those hashtags.
- Seen as more relevant – Posts with targeted hashtags tend to seem more relevant and authoritative.
- Increase social sharing – Hashtags encourage sharing and mentioning, which widens your reach.
- Position you as an expert – Using niche hashtags shows your expertise on industry topics.
The bottom line is that hashtags get your posts in front of more of the right people. This inbound exposure directly correlates with higher engagement metrics.
Best practices for using hashtags on LinkedIn
Now that we’ve established hashtags undoubtedly work on LinkedIn, let’s look at some best practices for optimizing them to maximize engagement.
1. Include 1-2 highly targeted hashtags
While you can include up to 5 hashtags in a post, LinkedIn says 2 is the optimal number for engagement. Avoid overloading your posts with too many generic hashtags.
Focus on 1-2 that are highly specific to the content and topics. This precision targeting enables your post to surface for the members most likely to find it relevant.
2. Combine niche and trending hashtags
Aim to blend both niche/industry hashtags and wider trending hashtags that relate to your topic.
For example, a post could include one hashtag targeting your specific industry community, and another capitalizing on a hot trending news story or event. This ensures targeted relevancy while also tapping into LinkedIn trends.
3. Place hashtags at end of post
Put your hashtags after your main post text, rather than embedding them within your content. This improves readability and keeps the focus on your core messaging.
4. Monitor performance
Analyze which hashtags consistently generate the highest engagement on your posts. Double down on those that perform well. Consider removing or swapping out ones that aren’t gaining traction.
5. Use branded hashtags
Create 1-2 branded hashtags focused on your company, products, or campaigns. Encourage employees or fans to use them in their own posts to increase visibility.
6. Leverage trending global hashtags
Research trending hashtags globally as well as within your industry. Jump on highly viral hashtags when appropriate to give your content a signal boost.
Tips to boost LinkedIn post engagement with hashtags
Optimizing your hashtag strategy takes experimentation and commitment. But these tips can help move the needle:
Strategically include relevant #Hashtags in post headline
While most hashtags should go at the end, try putting 1-2 of your strongest in the headline too. LinkedIn’s algorithm favors hashtags in headlines.
Use hashtag analytics tools
Tools like RiteTag and TagBoard provide data on trending hashtags and help you identify opportunities. Their insights can inform which hashtags you use.
Leverage employee advocacy
Educate your employees on how to effectively use hashtags. When they share company posts, their networks further expand your branded hashtag reach.
Piggyback on larger events or news
Check for awareness days, conferences, or news stories trending in your industry. Where appropriate, connect your post to larger happenings with related hashtags.
Post consistently
Don’t just use a hashtag once. Post regularly using your niche branded hashtags so they gain authority and following.
| Hashtag | Engagement |
|---|---|
| #contentmarketing | 8,293,421 million impressions |
| #digitalmarketing | 7,984,012 million impressions |
| #socialmediamarketing | 4,059,972 million impressions |
Conclusion
When used strategically, hashtags give your LinkedIn posts a significant visibility and engagement boost. Follow the best practices outlined here, like using 1-2 targeted hashtags and blending niche and trending terms.
Monitor performance closely and double down on what works. With experimentation and refinement, an optimized hashtag strategy can take your LinkedIn marketing impact to the next level.
Now get posting using targeted hashtags! Just be sure not to go overboard. Moderation and precision are key to success when harnessing the power of hashtags on LinkedIn.
Here are some more tips to maximize LinkedIn engagement:
- Leverage LinkedIn’s algorithms by posting consistently at optimal times. The best times to post are Tuesday-Thursday before 10 am or between 1-3 pm.
- Use eye-catching visuals like images, videos, infographics, and presentations. Posts with visuals receive 98% more engagement than text-only posts.
- Encourage engagement by asking questions or prompting discussion in your posts.
- Respond to all comments and messages on your posts to continue driving the conversation.
- Follow influencers and thought leaders in your industry to stay on top of the latest trends and topics to discuss.
- Use LinkedIn native video and go live when appropriate to further boost reach and engagement.
- Tag relevant accounts when mentioning companies, products, or people to broaden visibility.
- Craft compelling headlines that capture attention using emotional triggers, numbers, or value propositions.
- Interact with other accounts by liking and commenting on their posts to build community.
- Join relevant LinkedIn Groups and engage in discussions happening within niche communities.
- Share content consistently 2-3 times per week for the best results.
Following LinkedIn best practices along with an optimized hashtag strategy will lead to exponential growth in your post performance over time. Measure results regularly and continue refining your approach for long-term success.
With over 810 million professionals on LinkedIn, it presents a tremendous opportunity to expand your reach, establish thought leadership, and drive real business impact. But cutting through the noise is challenging. Hashtags offer a proven tactic to get your content in front of targeted new audiences and take your LinkedIn marketing to the next level.
Now it’s time to start posting using strategic hashtags! Let me know if you have any other questions on mastering LinkedIn engagement. I’m here to help optimize your approach every step of the way.