Last Updated: March 1, 2025
LinkedIn hashtags have evolved significantly in 2025, with the platform giving them increased importance for content discovery and professional networking. Recent updates have transformed hashtags from a simple feature to a powerful strategic tool that can dramatically amplify your content's reach.
This guide covers everything you need to know about using hashtags effectively on LinkedIn in 2025, including the latest changes, best practices, common mistakes, and practical examples to help your content stand out.
Latest LinkedIn Hashtag Updates (2025)
LinkedIn has recently implemented several significant changes to how hashtags function:
-
Increased hashtag visibility: LinkedIn now shows substantially more posts from non-connections based on the hashtags you follow (15% increase on mobile, 25% increase on desktop)
-
Optimal hashtag count: While using 0-2 hashtags still negatively impacts post reach, LinkedIn now accommodates between 3-12 hashtags without penalizing engagement (though 3-5 remains the official LinkedIn recommendation)
-
Hashtag-based networking: LinkedIn now suggests connection opportunities with people who follow at least 3 of the same hashtags you do, making hashtag selection a networking strategy
-
Broader reach with popular hashtags: Implementing hashtags with 100,000+ followers leads to greater reach increases compared to only using niche hashtags with fewer followers
-
Profile integration: LinkedIn is making hashtags in profiles more functional, with hashtags in headline, about, and experience sections becoming clickable
These changes make a strategic approach to hashtags more important than ever for professionals and businesses looking to maximize their LinkedIn presence.
What Are LinkedIn Hashtags and Why Do They Matter?
LinkedIn hashtags are keywords preceded by the # symbol that categorize your content and make it discoverable to users interested in specific topics. They serve as navigation tools in the vast sea of LinkedIn content.
Hashtags matter because they:
-
Increase your content's visibility beyond your immediate network
-
Connect you with professionals sharing similar interests
-
Help you join relevant industry conversations
-
Position you as a thought leader in your field
-
Make your content searchable long after posting
-
Now facilitate new connection opportunities based on shared interests
LinkedIn Hashtag Do's: Best Practices for 2025
1. Use Relevant, Strategic Hashtags
Do: Choose hashtags that directly relate to your content and professional goals.
Example: If you're sharing insights about digital marketing strategies, appropriate hashtags might include #DigitalMarketing, #MarketingStrategy, and #ContentMarketing.
How LiGo helps: LiGo's content generation system analyzes your content themes and automatically suggests relevant hashtags based on your expertise areas, saving you research time.
2. Follow the 3-5 Hashtag Rule (With New Flexibility)
Do: While LinkedIn now accommodates up to 12 hashtags without penalizing reach, using 3-5 strategically chosen hashtags remains the most professional approach.
Example:
Just published our new case study on how we helped a B2B SaaS company increase conversions by 43% through targeted LinkedIn campaigns.
Key insights inside on audience segmentation, content types that drove engagement, and measurement strategies.
#B2BMarketing #LinkedInStrategy #ConversionOptimization
How LiGo helps: When creating posts in LiGo, the interface automatically suggests an optimal number of hashtags and warns you if you're using too many or too few, helping you maintain professional post aesthetics while maximizing reach.
3. Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags
Do: Combine popular hashtags (100,000+ followers) with more specific ones to maximize reach while targeting the right audience.
Example strategy:
-
Popular hashtag: #Leadership (millions of followers, high competition)
-
Mid-tier hashtag: #AgencyLife (moderate followers, moderate competition)
-
Niche hashtag: #SaaSDevelopment (fewer followers but highly targeted)
Why it works: Based on LinkedIn's recent algorithm changes, this combination helps you appear in popular feeds for broader reach while still connecting with the specific professionals most relevant to your content.
4. Research Trending Hashtags
Do: Stay updated on which hashtags are gaining traction in your industry.
Ways to find trending hashtags:
-
Use LinkedIn's search bar and switch to the "Hashtags" tab
-
Follow relevant hashtags to see content in your feed
-
Monitor which hashtags industry leaders are using
-
Check LinkedIn's content analytics to see which hashtags drive engagement
How LiGo helps: LiGo's analytics chatbot can tell you about the hashtag performance across your posts, showing you which tags drive the most engagement for your specific audience.
5. Create Personal and Company Hashtags
Do: Develop unique hashtags for your personal brand and company, especially now that LinkedIn is making profile hashtags clickable.
Example: If your agency is called "Bright Spark Digital," you might create:
-
Personal hashtag: #JaneSmithInsights (for your personal profile)
-
Company hashtag: #BrightSparkDigital (for company content)
Best practice: Include these hashtags in your profile headline, about section, and experience descriptions to create clickable entry points to your content.
6. Engage With Hashtag Communities
Do: Don't just use hashtags-participate in the conversations they create and connect with others who follow the same hashtags.
Engagement strategies:
-
Follow relevant hashtags to see content in your feed
-
Comment on posts using hashtags in your expertise area
-
Share valuable insights on trending hashtag topics
-
Connect with professionals suggested by LinkedIn who follow the same hashtags
LinkedIn Hashtag Don'ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Don't Use Too Few Hashtags
Don't: According to LinkedIn's latest algorithm changes, using 0-2 hashtags significantly limits your post's reach.
Bad example:
Just finished our client project! Great results. #Marketing
Why it fails: This approach drastically reduces visibility since LinkedIn now strongly favors posts with at least 3 hashtags.
2. Don't Use Irrelevant Hashtags
Don't: Add popular but unrelated hashtags just to increase visibility.
Bad example: Using #JobSearch on a post about your marketing insights (unless it's specifically about marketing job searches).
Why it fails: This can damage your credibility and annoy users looking for specific content.
3. Don't Create Extremely Long Hashtags
Don't: Create hashtags that are difficult to read or remember.
Bad example: #HowToOptimizeYourLinkedInProfileForBetterVisibilityIn2025
Better alternative: #LinkedInOptimization or #ProfileTips
4. Don't Forget to Research Hashtags
Don't: Use hashtags without checking what content is already associated with them.
Example mistake: Using a hashtag that has been used for controversial content or has a different meaning than you intended.
How to avoid this: Before using a new hashtag, click on it to see what kinds of posts are associated with it.
5. Don't Use Spaces or Special Characters
Don't: Include spaces, punctuation, or special characters in your hashtags.
Bad examples: #social media (space breaks the hashtag) or #marketing! (punctuation breaks the hashtag)
Correct format: #SocialMedia or #Marketing
6. Don't Ignore Hashtag Analytics
Don't: Continue using the same hashtags without analyzing their performance.
Better approach: Regularly review which hashtags drive engagement with your content and refine your strategy accordingly.
How LiGo helps: LiGo's analytics dashboard shows you which hashtags perform best with your audience, allowing you to make data-driven decisions about your hashtag strategy.
Leveraging the New Hashtag-Based Networking Feature
LinkedIn now suggests connections based on shared hashtag interests, creating a new networking opportunity.
How to Use This Feature:
-
Follow strategic hashtags: Select 5-10 hashtags that represent your core expertise and interests
-
Engage consistently: Comment and post using these hashtags regularly
-
Connect strategically: When LinkedIn suggests connections who follow the same hashtags, personalize your connection request by mentioning your shared interests
Example connection request:
Hi [Name], I noticed we both follow #DigitalStrategy and #AgencyGrowth. I enjoyed your recent post about client retention strategies. I'd love to connect and exchange ideas on these topics.
How LiGo helps: LiGo's theme-based content system ensures you consistently use your strategic hashtags, increasing the likelihood of connecting with relevant professionals through LinkedIn's hashtag-based suggestions.
Industry-Specific Hashtag Strategies
Different industries benefit from tailored hashtag approaches. Here are some effective strategies for specific sectors:
For Marketing Agencies
Core hashtags: #DigitalMarketing #MarketingStrategy #AgencyLife
Niche opportunities: #ROIMetrics #ClientSuccess #BrandStorytelling
LiGo users in marketing agencies can create content themes specifically designed for client work, case studies, and agency growth, with hashtags automatically tailored to each area.
For Tech Companies
Core hashtags: #TechInnovation #SoftwareDevelopment #ProductLaunch
Niche opportunities: #DevOps #AIImplementation #TechTalent
For Freelancers and Consultants
Core hashtags: #FreelanceLife #ConsultingTips #BusinessGrowth
Niche opportunities: #ClientAcquisition #ExpertAdvice #ServiceOfferings
LiGo's content themes for freelancers make it easy to maintain consistent messaging while varying your content focus between expertise demonstration, client acquisition, and thought leadership.
How to Find the Right Hashtags for Your Content
Finding effective hashtags doesn't have to be time-consuming. Here are practical methods:
1. Use LinkedIn's Search Function
Type relevant keywords into LinkedIn's search bar and switch to the "Hashtags" tab to see related options and follower counts.
2. Learn From Top Performers
Analyze posts from thought leaders in your industry. Which hashtags do they use consistently? Which of their posts get the most engagement?
3. Monitor Competitors
Observe which hashtags your competitors use and how their audience responds.
4. Leverage Analytics Tools
Use LiGo's hashtag analytics to identify which tags drive the most engagement for your specific audience and content.
5. Create a Hashtag Library
Develop a curated list of effective hashtags categorized by content type:
Thought leadership: #IndustryInsights #FutureOfWork #ThoughtLeadership Case studies: #ClientSuccess #ResultsDriven #CaseStudy How-to content: #HowTo #ProfessionalTips #LinkedInStrategy
Optimizing Your Profile with Hashtags
With LinkedIn making profile hashtags clickable, strategically placing hashtags in your profile has become more important:
Professional Headline
Include 1-2 key hashtags that represent your core expertise:
Digital Marketing Strategist | Helping agencies scale through data-driven campaigns | #DigitalStrategy #AgencyGrowth
About Section
Incorporate 3-5 relevant hashtags throughout your about section, with a focus on:
-
Your expertise areas
-
Industries you serve
-
Technologies/methodologies you specialize in
Experience Descriptions
Add 1-2 hashtags in each relevant position description that highlight:
-
Key achievements
-
Specializations developed
-
Industry focus
How LiGo helps: When optimizing your LinkedIn profile through LiGo, the system suggests strategic hashtags to include in each profile section based on your professional focus and target audience.
Measuring Hashtag Performance
To maximize the impact of your hashtag strategy, regularly analyze how different hashtags affect your content's performance.
Key metrics to track:
-
Reach: How many people saw posts with specific hashtags
-
Engagement: Likes, comments, and shares on posts with specific hashtags
-
Follower growth: New followers gained after using certain hashtags
-
Click-through rates: Links clicked on posts with specific hashtags
-
Connection requests: New connections received through hashtag-based suggestions
How LiGo helps: LiGo's analytics chatbot can provide detailed insights into how different hashtags impact your engagement metrics, helping you refine your strategy over time.
Creating a Cohesive Hashtag Strategy
Rather than choosing hashtags on a post-by-post basis, develop a cohesive strategy that aligns with your overall LinkedIn objectives.
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Identify what you want to achieve on LinkedIn:
-
Build thought leadership
-
Generate leads
-
Recruit talent
-
Promote services
-
Grow your network
Step 2: Identify Your Target Audience
Determine who you want to reach:
-
Industry peers
-
Potential clients
-
Hiring managers
-
Industry influencers
Step 3: Create Hashtag Categories
Develop hashtag categories that support your goals:
Expertise hashtags: Demonstrate your knowledge (#ProjectManagement, #MarketingStrategy)
Industry hashtags: Reach your professional community (#FinTech, #HealthcareProfessionals)
Personal/Company hashtags: Promote your brand (#YourNameInsights, #YourCompanyName)
Trending hashtags: Join relevant conversations (#RemoteWork, #AIInnovation)
Step 4: Implement and Monitor
Test different hashtag combinations and track their performance. Adjust your strategy based on engagement patterns.
How LiGo helps: When creating content in LiGo, you can set up specific content themes for different aspects of your strategy, ensuring your hashtags always align with your content goals and target audience.
Examples of Effective LinkedIn Hashtag Usage
Example 1: Thought Leadership Post with Hashtag Mix
The biggest mistake I see agencies make with client reporting is focusing on activities instead of outcomes.
Clients don't care that you published 15 posts this month.
They care that engagement increased by 47%, leading to 12 qualified leads.
Here's how to reframe your reporting to focus on what actually matters to your clients...
#AgencyGrowth #ClientCommunication #ROIMetrics #Marketing #BusinessStrategy
Example 2: Case Study Announcement with Popular & Niche Hashtags
Just published: How we helped a SaaS startup increase demo bookings by 215% using LinkedIn as their primary channel.
The strategy combined targeted content, strategic engagement, and data-driven optimization.
Full case study in comments 👇
#B2BMarketing #SaaSGrowth #LinkedInStrategy #DigitalMarketing #LeadGeneration
Example 3: Industry Insight with Personal Hashtag
AI isn't replacing marketers-it's transforming how we work.
After implementing AI tools across our agency workflow:
- Content research time: ⬇️ 65%
- First draft quality: ⬆️ 40%
- Client deliverables: ⬆️ 22%
The key is using AI to handle research and baseline content while humans focus on strategy and creativity.
#AIMarketing #AgencyInnovation #MarketingEfficiency #Leadership #JohnSmithInsights
2025 LinkedIn Hashtag Trends
As LinkedIn continues to evolve, these hashtag trends are emerging in 2025:
-
Profile-integrated hashtags: Growing importance of strategic hashtags in profile sections, now that they're becoming clickable
-
Connection-driving hashtags: Increased focus on hashtags that facilitate networking through LinkedIn's new connection suggestion feature
-
Micro-community hashtags: More specific tags that connect niche professional communities (#FemaleFoundersInTech, #GenAIEngineers)
-
AI-specific tags: Growing popularity of hashtags related to artificial intelligence applications (#AIContentStrategy, #GenAIImplementation)
-
Skills-based hashtags: Increased use of tags highlighting specific professional competencies (#DataVisualization, #RemoteTeamManagement)
How LiGo helps: LiGo's content theme system stays updated with emerging hashtag trends, ensuring your content remains relevant and discoverable as trends evolve.
Conclusion: Implementing Your LinkedIn Hashtag Strategy
Effective LinkedIn hashtag usage has become more strategic and important than ever. With LinkedIn's recent algorithm changes and new features, hashtags now affect not just content visibility but also networking opportunities.
Remember:
-
Use 3-5 hashtags per post (though you can now use up to 12 without penalties)
-
Mix popular (100,000+ followers) and niche hashtags
-
Include personal and company hashtags in your profile
-
Leverage hashtags for networking through LinkedIn's connection suggestions
-
Track performance and adjust accordingly
With the right approach to hashtags, your LinkedIn content can reach exactly the right audience, positioning you as a valuable contributor to your professional community.
Take Action: Start by auditing your recent LinkedIn posts and your profile. Are you using enough hashtags? Do they include a mix of popular and niche options? Have you integrated strategic hashtags into your profile? Use these insights to refine your strategy going forward.
This article is part of our 30-day Linkedin Roadmap. If you are just getting started on Linkedin, then let's start from the beginning:
Linkedin Growth: The Complete Roadmap for 2025
Also featured in Week 1: Linkedin Content Creation: Your first week guide
