Back in (saying it already!) 2018, LinkedIn introduced hashtags onto the platform. I’m 95% confident that you’ll know how a hashtag works, but it is slightly different for LinkedIn, such is the nature of the social media platform itself and the need to use professional hashtags at all times.
So to backtrack a little, you can use hashtags to search and expand your network – they’re a great way to see what other people are saying on the same hashtag/topic (for example, #digitalmarketing) and to open up conversations. In a sense, using them well on LinkedIn is like utilising a great networking event.
Hashtagging Tips for LinkedIn
- Don’t go all “Instagram” here. You need to make sure that all of your LinkedIn posts include good content, a call to action and then hashtags. Remember that the platform is professional, and your posts need to reflect this. What do I mean when I say “don’t go all Instagram here” – don’t over hashtag, don’t hashtag every word, and think carefully about the tags you want to use
- If your hashtag is a longer sentence, capitalise every word (for better readability) and make sure to use proper punctuation if the hashtag is within a sentence. It’s also important to spell check too – it’d be very sad to create a great post with perfect hashtags and then have a typo so no one finds it!
- Depending on your reasons for being on LinkedIn you could tap into a niche hashtag. You’ll find that every topic, niche or sector has it’s own hashtags, so utilise and follow these.
- Again, depending on why you’re on LinkedIn, you could also use location based hashtags. We often use #Aberystwyth, #Ceredigion and #Wales because this is where our target audience is based. If you’re not looking to stay local though, don’t limit yourself.
- Follow hashtags relevant to your brand, it’s a great way to meet like minded people working in the same industry but also a brilliant way to get new ideas or check out new technology.
- At an event or conference? Check out and see if there is an event hashtag and then you can follow or tag as you post too. This is also a great tip for Twitter too!
- Double check your hashtags and make sure it actually means or say what you want it too… or you could end up with a LinkedIn hashtag fail!
- We recommend that you have a brand/business hashtag, or at least a campaign hashtag. We recently started working with the Meee Programme in North Wales, now using the hashtag #bemoreyouwithmeee for every post we do on social media.
We’ll write a blog soon with some popular hashtags to use on LinkedIn, so do keep those eyes peeled. Got any questions about LinkedIn? Get in touch!
