In 2024, LinkedIn continues to be a crucial platform for professionals seeking to expand their networks, share knowledge, and enhance their personal brands. One effective yet often overlooked tool on LinkedIn is the hashtag. Using hashtags strategically can significantly boost visibility and engagement on the platform.

Why Use Hashtags on LinkedIn?

Hashtags on LinkedIn serve several important purposes:

1. Hashtags extend the reach of your posts beyond your direct connections.

2. They help organise your content, making it easier for users interested in specific topics to find your posts.

3. Posts with relevant hashtags often receive higher engagement rates because they appear in searches and hashtag feeds.

4. Hashtags help associate your profile with specific industry-related topics, contributing to your professional branding.

Best Practices for Using LinkedIn Hashtags

1. Research Popular Hashtags

   Analyse trending posts in your industry and the hashtags they use. Observe competitors’ posts and the hashtags that drive engagement. Visit LinkedIn hashtag pages to see popular content and track their performance.

2. Use a Mix of Broad and Niche Hashtags

   Broad hashtags like #Marketing, #Leadership, or #Technology reach a wide audience, while niche hashtags like #DigitalMarketingTrends or #AIInnovation cater to specific groups interested in those areas.

3. Limit the Number of Hashtags

   Aim for 3-5 relevant hashtags per post on LinkedIn. Overloading your post with hashtags can make it look cluttered and less professional.

4. Place Hashtags Strategically

   Integrate hashtags naturally within your post text or list them at the end. This keeps your content readable and professional.

5. Create Branded Hashtags

   For businesses and personal brands, creating a unique, branded hashtag can be highly beneficial. It helps with curating all related content in one place and encourages your audience to engage using that specific hashtag.

6. Engage with Hashtag Communities

   Engage with the communities around the hashtags you use. This interaction boosts your visibility and positions you as an active member of your professional community.

7. Monitor Hashtag Performance

   Regularly review how well your hashtags are performing. Adjust your hashtag strategy based on this data to continually optimise your reach.

Trends in LinkedIn Hashtag Use in 2024

1. Video Content and Hashtags

   Video content is gaining immense traction on LinkedIn, and using hashtags with videos can significantly amplify their reach.

2. Event-Specific Hashtags

   These hashtags not only promote events but also facilitate real-time engagement and networking among participants.

3. Thought Leadership Hashtags

   Hashtags related to industry insights, future trends, and professional advice are particularly effective in establishing authority and expertise.

Top LinkedIn Hashtags in 2024

Here are some of the top LinkedIn hashtags, according to Hootsuite:

• #innovation (38M followers)

• #management (35M followers)

• #digitalmarketing (27M followers)

• #technology (26M followers)

• #creativity (25M followers)

• #futurism (23M followers)

• #startups (21M followers)

• #marketing (20M followers)

• #socialmedia (19M followers)

• #socialnetworking (19M followers)

Sources:

Hootsuite

Sprout Social

LinkedIn