Here's an honest take on hashtags: they matter way less than you think.
A few years ago, hashtags on LinkedIn were a growth lever. People who followed #Leadership would see your #Leadership-tagged post. Game-changer.
Now? LinkedIn's algorithm is smarter. It shows you content based on interests and engagement patterns, not just hashtags (Richard van der Blom, 2025).
So do hashtags still do anything?
Yes, but barely:
- Categorization - Helps LinkedIn understand what your post is about
- Followed hashtags - Some people follow hashtags and might see you
- Search discovery - Posts can appear in hashtag searches
- Credibility signal - Shows awareness of platform norms
The reality check:
If you spend 30 minutes choosing the perfect hashtags, you're wasting 29 minutes. Put that energy into writing a better hook.
If you're going to use them, here's how:
- Use 3-5 hashtags - Sweet spot (Richard van der Blom, 2025)
- Mix sizes - 1-2 broad (#marketing, #leadership) + 2-3 niche (#B2BSaaS, #StartupLife)
- Match your content - Don't use unrelated trending tags
- Check activity - Hashtags with recent posts still have audiences
Where to put them:
Options:
- At the bottom of your post (most common)
- In the first comment (keeps post cleaner)
- Inline if natural ("I've been thinking about #leadership lately...")
No one option is dramatically better.
Hashtags to avoid:
- Overly generic (#business, #success, #life) - Too broad to help
- Super obscure (#B2BMidMarketEnterpriseAISolutions) - Nobody follows these
- Irrelevant trending tags - Gaming looks desperate
- More than 10 - LinkedIn may flag as spam
My practical approach:
Keep a list of 10-15 hashtags relevant to your niche. Rotate 3-5 per post based on topic. Spend zero time agonizing over it.
The bigger picture:
If you're debating hashtags for more than 2 minutes, you're focusing on the wrong thing.
What actually matters:
- Better hooks
- More valuable content
- Engaging with others' posts
- Consistency over months
Get those right, and hashtags become a rounding error. Get them wrong, and no hashtag strategy will save you.
Focus on what moves the needle. Hashtags are not that.
"The LinkedIn algorithm rewards conversation, not broadcasting. The more genuine replies your post generates, the wider it travels." - Richard van der Blom, LinkedIn Algorithm Researcher, Author of the annual LinkedIn Algorithm Report
Related resources:
- Detailed guide: LinkedIn Hashtags: How Many to Use and Which Ones Work
- Algorithm insights: How Does the LinkedIn Algorithm Work?
- Post formatting: LinkedIn Post Formatting Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I create my own branded hashtag?
It's a good idea for organizing your own content (e.g., #MySpecificSeries), but don't expect it to drive new reach. Branded hashtags are for you and your existing fans to find your work, not for discovery by strangers.
Do hashtags in comments work?
No. LinkedIn's algorithm primarily indexes hashtags within the body of the post itself. Adding hashtags to the comments section does not significantly improve your post's discoverability in hashtag searches (Richard van der Blom, 2025).
Is it better to use broad or niche hashtags?
A mix is best. Broad hashtags (#Marketing) have massive audiences but your post will disappear quickly. Niche hashtags (#SaaSMarketingTips) have smaller audiences but your content is more likely to stay at the top of the search results for longer (Richard van der Blom, 2025).