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How to optimize LinkedIn hashtags

Ricardo Batista •
#LinkedIn#Hashtags
LinkedIn hashtags strategy guide for content creators
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Table of contents

LinkedIn hashtags underwent significant changes in late 2024 that transformed how professionals should approach hashtag strategy in 2025. With the removal of hashtag following, profile listings, and dropdown suggestions, the platform now emphasizes quality over quantity more than ever.

Users who adapted to these changes report 40% better content performance when using strategic, focused hashtag approaches. Meanwhile, those still using outdated 2023 hashtag tactics see declining reach and engagement as LinkedIn’s algorithm prioritizes authenticity and relevance.

LinkedIn hashtag changes in 2025

Major platform updates

Removed features (late 2024):

What still works:

New algorithm priorities

LinkedIn’s 2025 focus:

Impact on content strategy

Before 2025: Mass hashtag approach (10-30 hashtags per post) 2025 strategy: Focused, strategic approach (3-5 highly relevant hashtags)

This shift aligns with the overall need for better content formatting and authentic engagement on the platform.

Results of strategic adaptation:

Strategic hashtag framework for LinkedIn

The three-tier hashtag strategy

Tier 1: Industry-wide hashtags (40% of your hashtag mix)

These are broad, competitive hashtags with large audiences:

Benefits: Maximum reach potential Challenges: High competition, lower engagement rates Best use: Establishing topic relevance

Tier 2: Niche-specific hashtags (50% of your hashtag mix)

More targeted hashtags with smaller, engaged communities:

Benefits: Higher engagement rates, qualified audience Challenges: Limited reach potential Best use: Connecting with ideal audience segments

Tier 3: Branded/Company hashtags (10% of your hashtag mix)

Unique hashtags specific to your brand or campaigns:

Benefits: Brand community building, content organization Challenges: Very limited reach initially Best use: Building brand awareness and internal campaigns

Optimal hashtag quantity and placement

2025 best practice: 3-5 hashtags per post

Quantity breakdown by content type:

Content TypeRecommended HashtagsStrategy Focus
Thought leadership3-4 hashtagsIndustry + niche focus
Company updates4-5 hashtagsBranded + industry mix
Personal insights2-3 hashtagsNiche + personal brand
Educational content3-5 hashtagsTopic-specific targeting
Industry news3-4 hashtagsTrending + industry focus

Hashtag placement strategies

End-of-post placement (most common):

Great insights from today's marketing conference...

[Post content]

Key takeaways for 2025 marketing strategies.

#DigitalMarketing #MarketingStrategy #B2BMarketing

Integrated throughout post (2025 trend):

The future of #DigitalMarketing lies in authentic storytelling.

Here's what we learned about #ContentStrategy...

[Post content continues with natural hashtag integration]

What's your experience with #B2BMarketing automation?

Comment section strategy: Add hashtags in the first comment to keep posts clean while maintaining discoverability:

Post: [Clean, hashtag-free content]
First comment: "Key topics: #Marketing #Strategy #Innovation"

General business and professional hashtags

Leadership and management:

Innovation and strategy:

Professional development:

Technology and AI:

Marketing and sales:

Finance and fintech:

Healthcare and life sciences:

Human resources and talent:

Sustainability and ESG:

Future of work:

Hashtag research and discovery tools

Free research methods

LinkedIn native search:

  1. Use LinkedIn’s search bar to explore hashtag popularity
  2. Check competitor posts for hashtag inspiration
  3. Monitor industry thought leaders’ hashtag usage
  4. Analyze trending topics in your feed

Manual competitive analysis:

Research Process:
1. Identify 5-10 competitors or industry leaders
2. Analyze their last 20 posts
3. Document hashtag usage patterns
4. Track engagement rates by hashtag
5. Identify unique hashtag opportunities

Sprout Social: Starting at $249/month

Hootsuite with LinkedIn Hashtag Analytics: Starting at $99/month

Brand24: Starting at $79/month

Keyhole: Starting at $199/month

AI-powered hashtag generators

Engage AI Chrome Extension: Free

Third-party generators:

Analytics and performance tracking

Key metrics to monitor

Reach and visibility metrics:

Engagement performance:

Hashtag-specific analytics:

Tools for hashtag analytics

LinkedIn native analytics: Access through LinkedIn’s built-in post analytics:

Advanced analytics platforms:

Sprout Social Key features:

Brand24 Key features:

Keyhole Key features:

Performance measurement framework

Weekly hashtag analysis:

Track these key performance indicators:

Monthly hashtag strategy review:

Advanced hashtag strategies

Trending topic integration:

Event-driven hashtag strategy:

Conference Example:
Pre-event: #MarketingConf2025 #PreparingForConf
During event: #MarketingConf2025 #LiveFromConf #KeyInsights  
Post-event: #MarketingConf2025 #KeyTakeaways #ConferenceReflections

Hashtag A/B testing methodology

Testing variables:

A/B testing framework:

Week 1: Test broad industry hashtags
Week 2: Test niche-specific hashtags
Week 3: Test mixed strategy (broad + niche)
Week 4: Analyze performance and implement winning strategy

Content series hashtag strategies

Consistent series branding:

Example content series hashtags:

Geographic and demographic targeting

Location-based hashtag strategy:

Demographic targeting:

Crisis and reputation management

Hashtag crisis response:

Be mindful that hashtag crises can sometimes lead to account restrictions if not handled carefully.

Reputation building hashtags:

Industry-specific hashtag calendars

Technology industry calendar

Q1 (January-March):

Q2 (April-June):

Q3 (July-September):

Q4 (October-December):

Marketing industry calendar

Ongoing trending topics:

Future-proofing your hashtag strategy

Adapting to algorithm changes

Stay informed about platform updates:

Flexible hashtag approach:

Building sustainable hashtag practices

Long-term hashtag brand building:

Hashtag strategy documentation:

Making LinkedIn hashtags work for you

LinkedIn hashtags in 2025 require a strategic, focused approach that emphasizes quality over quantity. The platform’s evolution toward SEO-style discovery means your hashtag strategy should integrate seamlessly with your overall content strategy.

Key principles for hashtag success:

  1. Focus on relevance over reach – 3-5 highly targeted hashtags outperform 10+ generic ones
  2. Integrate hashtags naturally – hashtags should enhance, not interrupt, your content flow
  3. Track performance consistently – use analytics to optimize your hashtag strategy continuously
  4. Stay authentic and professional – hashtag use should align with your professional brand
  5. Adapt to platform changes – remain flexible as LinkedIn continues to evolve

Remember the human element:

Behind every hashtag are real professionals looking for valuable insights, genuine connections, and meaningful business opportunities. Use hashtags to help these people find your content, not to game the system.

Whether you’re building thought leadership, generating leads, or growing your professional network, strategic hashtag use amplifies your content’s reach and impact.

The bottom line: LinkedIn hashtags are powerful tools when used strategically. Focus on serving your audience with relevant, valuable content, and use hashtags as signposts that help the right people discover your insights.

Great hashtag strategy supports great content – it doesn’t replace it. Invest in creating valuable content first, combine it with proper post formatting, then use strategic hashtags to ensure it reaches the professionals who need to see it most.

Ready to build a marketing team that understands LinkedIn strategy without the guesswork? FidForward delivers digital marketing professionals who know how to create engaging content and reach target audiences effectively, navigating beyond LinkedIn’s inherent limitations.

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