Marketing expert Lucinda Sloane asks: Do hashtags do anything?

Hashtags in LinkedIn posts – what’s the point? I am increasingly asked this question and often, exasperatedly, find myself asking the same thing. So, let’s take a look together and explore whether hashtags really boost discoverability.

How do hashtags work?

Hashtags are used to categorise content so people can quickly and easily find information about a particular topic. For LinkedIn, they’re a tool to ensure your post is seen by your chosen audience.

Do hashtags make your posts discoverable?

Actually, yes. But, not in isolation. When determining whether a post is of value to an audience, LinkedIn’s algorithm (much like Google) also takes into account your content’s quality, relevance, and engagement. So yes, hashtags do help make your posts discoverable, but only if your content is well-crafted.

How many hashtags should I use?

Unfortunately, there’s no magic hashtag number. The general advice is 3 to 5, but the most valuable advice is to be strategic, specific, and relevant. Slapping a load of hashtags onto your posts will not increase exposure. In fact, it may have the opposite effect by making your content appear spammy. Prioritise quality over quantity every time.

How do you know which hashtags to use?

Your content and your audience determine the hashtags you should use. You can use LinkedIn’s search bar to see what hashtags are popular in your industry and amongst your competitors. Hashtag generator tools – such as Hashtagify, All Hashtag, Hashtag Analytics, or RiteTag – can also provide insight into hashtag popularity and related tags by analysing trends and engagement metrics. But don’t just use the most popular hashtags. Use (relevant!) niche tags too to avoid your content getting lost in the noise.

Should hashtags be capitalised on LinkedIn?

This might seem like a minor detail, but it matters. Capitalising hashtags – using CamelCase (for example #ContentMarketingTips instead of #contentmarketingtips) – significantly improves readability and accessibility for visually impaired users. When hashtags are clear and easy to read, it enhances their effectiveness.

Where should hashtags appear in a LinkedIn post?

I’m asked this a lot. In reality, hashtags can be included anywhere and LinkedIn's algorithm will pick up your hashtags regardless of their placement – that is, in the body copy, at the end of the post, or in the first comment. For me, clarity is key. I prefer hashtags to appear at the end of a post. There’s nothing more #heartbreaking than seeing #beautifully #crafted #copy cluttered with #hashtags.

So, do hashtags do anything?

The answer is yes, but only when used correctly, when aligned with your audience, and when accompanying well-crafted content and engaging visuals.

Falling short on your content creation? In 2025, I’m offering a free 30-minute consultation to help businesses get their content strategy back on track. Email me at lucinda.sloane@thisisbirdmedia.com