Hashtags Aren’t What’s Holding Your LinkedIn Back
Hashtags Aren’t What’s Holding Your LinkedIn Back
If you think the difference between a post flopping and flying is #Leadership vs #GrowthMindset, we need to talk.
I’ve been testing hashtags on LinkedIn for months now.
And here’s what I’ve found…even when sticking to LinkedIn’s own advice, no more than three hashtags per post, the ones without hashtags have often performed a little better.
But before you rush off to delete them all, let’s be clear: the algorithm is still all over the place.
One day you’ll land great reach, the next you’ll feel invisible.
That’s not about your hashtags, it’s LinkedIn itself.
The Algorithm Rollercoaster…
Every time LinkedIn launches new products and services (and there have been plenty recently), the algorithm wobbles.
Things shift, results fluctuate, and creators everywhere start second-guessing themselves.
But here’s what we know right now:
- Reach is inconsistent. Even great posts dip sometimes.
- Keywords are stronger than hashtags. Natural language in your content helps you show up more than tacked-on tags.
- Engagement signals win. The algorithm boosts content that sparks conversation, not content that just throws hashtags at the wall.
So yes, hashtags can still have a place, but they aren’t the thing making or breaking your LinkedIn game.
Hashtags Aren’t Dead… But They’re Not the Hero
Think of hashtags as a sidekick, not the star of the show.
A couple of hyper-relevant or branded ones?
Fine.
But stuffing your posts with hashtags won’t give you the reach you’re craving.
LinkedIn has evolved.
The algorithm is paying closer attention to the words you write and how people respond, not whether you slap on #BusinessGrowth at the end.
The Real Secret to Winning on LinkedIn
And this is the part most people miss…LinkedIn isn’t a content vending machine.
You don’t put in a post, add three hashtags, press the button, and expect clients to fall out.
LinkedIn is one giant networking event that never sleeps.
If you walked into a real-life networking event, would you stand in the corner yelling #Leadership #Strategy #Successat strangers?
Of course not.
You’d work the room. Shake hands. Ask questions. Get to know people. Build relationships.
That’s exactly how LinkedIn works too.
Work the Platform Like You’d Work the Room 🥂
If you want LinkedIn to actually work for you, shift your focus away from hashtags and towards people:
• Comment with intent. Don’t just scroll past, join the conversation.
• Engage consistently. Networking is about showing up, not dropping in once a month.
• Build relationships. Reach is nice, but connections are what count.
• Be human. Share your personality. Let people see the person behind the profile.
The algorithm loves engagement.
And engagement doesn’t come from hashtags, it comes from conversations.
The Bottom Line…
Yes, the algorithm changes.
Yes, hashtags can sometimes help.
But they’re not the deciding factor.
The real key to making LinkedIn work is simple…network socially. Work the platform like you’d work the room.
Build connections, start conversations, and keep showing up.
Because the truth is, hashtags won’t make you memorable, but making real connections with people will.
