Many people use LinkedIn which is a very popular platform for professional networking or to search for new jobs. Using hashtags on LinkedIn can help you reach more people and get your content seen by more people. If you want to know how to use hashtags effectively on LinkedIn, this article will guide you through the basics and some helpful tips about using hashtags.
What are LinkedIn Hashtags
Hashtags on LinkedIn are like keywords that can help you organize your content and make it easier for people to find information on specific topics. When you use a hashtag in LinkedIn, it creates a virtual link that connects all posts with that same hashtag. This makes it easy for people who are interested in that topic to find your posts even if you are not directly connected / followed by them.
Understanding LinkedIn Hashtags
LinkedIn hashtags are the words or phrases that are preceded by the “#” symbol like #marketing #jobs #networking. You can use these hashtags in your posts, articles and comments to categorize content and make it searchable. When you click on any hashtag, you’ll see all the posts that already have that specific hashtag. This makes it easy to find new content and connect with people who share your interests.
Benefits of Using Hashtags on LinkedIn
Increased Visibility
One of the many benefits of using hashtags is that it can increase the visibility of your content. When you use relevant hashtags, your posts can be seen by people who are following those hashtags even if they are not in your network or connects. This can also help you reach a much larger audience without having to look for them one by one.
Improved Reach
Hashtags can also improve the reach of your content. This means that more people will see your posts and so the account which can lead to more engagement like likes, comments and shares. This can also help you grow your network and connect with new people just by using correct “#” on your account.
Targeted Audience
Using specific hashtags can also help you target a specific audience easily. If you are looking for a job in the marketing field, you can use hashtags like #marketingjobs #digitalmarketing or #marketingcareers. You will be able to see the posts related to marketing jobs posted by others. Or if you are the recruiter, you can use these hashtags in your job post. This will help your posts be seen by people who are interested in marketing jobs.
Brand Building
If you are a business or a brand, you can use relevant hashtags to help you build your brand awareness. This can help you reach more potential customers and promote your products or services. If you offer some services like writing or editing, you can use hashtags like #writing, #editing, etc. to make yourself more visible to others.
How to Use Hashtags Effectively
Research Relevant Hashtags
Before you start using hashtags, it is important to do some research and find the hashtags that are related to your content. You can do this by searching for hashtags related to your industry or topic on LinkedIn search box. You can also see what hashtags other people in your field are using. This will help you get the best “#” for your posts.
Use a Mix of Broad and Specific Hashtags
It is good to use a mix of broad and specific hashtags. Broad hashtags like #marketing can help you reach a large audience but specific hashtags like #socialmediamarketing or #contentmarketing can help you target a more specific audience. With this you can either target a specific audience or a broader audience.
Optimal Number of Hashtags
There is no magic number for how many hashtags you should use on LinkedIn. It is generally recommended to use a maximum of 3 to 5 relevant hashtags per post. Using too many hashtags can make your post look spammy and can affect your account rather than promoting it.
Hashtags Placement
You should use hashtags at the end of your post or within the text itself. Most people usually use the keywords at the end of the text to keep it simple. However, if it makes sense to use a hashtag within your text, you can do that too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Many Hashtags
As mentioned before, using too many hashtags can make your post look spammy. You should stick to a few relevant hashtags.
Using Irrelevant Hashtags
Make sure the hashtags you use are actually relevant to your content. Using irrelevant hashtags can annoy people and it will not help you reach the right audience. It can also have a bad impact on your account.
Using Only Popular Hashtags
While it is good to use some popular hashtags, it is also important to use some less popular but more specific hashtags. This can help you target a more specific audience.
Using the Same Hashtags
Don’t just use the same hashtags for all your posts. Try to change your hashtags depending on the topic of your content.
Case Studies / Examples
Job Seeker
If you are looking for a job as a project manager, you can use hashtags like #projectmanagement #projectmanagerjobs #pmo #agile or #projectleadership, etc.
Marketing Professional
If you’re a marketing professional and want to share an article about social media marketing, you can use hashtags like #socialmediamarketing #digitalmarketing #marketingtips #socialmedia or #contentmarketing.
Business / Brand
If you are a business and want to promote a new product, you might use hashtags like #yourproduct #newproduct #productlaunch #yourindustry or #business. Eg: If the product is a new Electric Bike, you can use hashtags like #electricbike #bikemanufacturer, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are LinkedIn hashtags?
They are keywords preceded by the “#” symbol that helps to categorize your content.
Why should I use hashtags on LinkedIn?
They can increase your visibility, improve reach, target a specific audience and build brand awareness when used properly.
How many hashtags should I use on LinkedIn?
It is generally recommended to use 3 to 5 relevant hashtags per post.
Where should I place hashtags in my LinkedIn posts?
You can use them at the end of your post or within the text itself if they are related / necessary there.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using hashtags on LinkedIn?
Using too many hashtags, using irrelevant hashtags, using only popular hashtags and using the same hashtags every time are some common mistakes you should avoid.
