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✍️ LinkedIn Hashtags - Are they helpful?
Hey, Reader,
It’s not uncommon for me to hear the question “What about hashtags?”
I’ve had single female founders ask me this while working on their content, and recently, a B2B I work with paid me to do some research.
So I thought…why not share those valuable nuggets with you too?
Here’s the takeaway with the highlights I think will matter to you most…
I'm not going to sugarcoat it.
How You Think About Hashtags Needs to Change.
If you're still copying and pasting your Instagram posts with 10+ hashtags to your LinkedIn posts, it's time to stop.
And yes, I'm seeing this in the feed.
Because how LinkedIn treats hashtags and how your audience interacts with them has shifted dramatically.
Let me break it down.
On LinkedIn, Keywords > Hashtags
(Read that again.)
In late 2024, LinkedIn quietly made some major changes…
The ability to follow hashtags? Removed.
The hashtag search dropdown? Gone.
The introduction of “Specialisms” for business pages? Yes, this is new! If you have a business page, you need to update it.
Instead of using hashtags like you would on Instagram or TikTok, LinkedIn is now adopting a traditional SEO-style keyword strategy, and you should, too.
It’s how I approach all my LinkedIn profile page updates with clients.
Your best move is to optimize your business page and posts with relevant keywords.
What Are “Specialisms” on LinkedIn?
Think of specialisms as LinkedIn’s version of searchable business page hashtags.
You can add up to 20 to your company page. These are tied directly to LinkedIn’s internal search functionality.
👇To add them:
Business Page > Edit Page > Details (in the About section) > Scroll to “Specialisms”
Use broad industry terms, niche keywords, and client-facing language.
I get these hints from good old SERP analysis (Google tells you a lot if you know what to look at), LinkedIn's search functionality, and even ChatGPT.
I did find tools like Social Sprout that have a feature where you can tag the hashtag to see how each one performs per post.
I don't use this...
But If you're reading this and you're diving into hashtag performance per platform, I would love it if you could reply so we can discuss the data further.
When it comes to reach on LinkedIn, hashtags don't add value for most of us. Unfortunately, they just look spammy and straight out of AI.
I'll continue to stand firmly behind integrating keywords naturally asthe better strategy.
Bonus tip: Consider publishing LinkedIn articles that use your keywords. They’re searchable and evergreen, and ideal for long-term visibility. (I plan to experiment with this personally this summer.)
Final Thoughts
As much as you can, start changing your mindset to have a keyword strategy on LinkedIn vs. using hashtags.
Optimize your page.
Publish content with a purpose.
P.S. I've never done this, but...
Would you be interested in 45-minute prepaid LinkedIn mentoring calls with me?
In 20 years, I’ve realized this ONE thing makes all the difference professionally and personally… Building genuine relationships matters...and matters big time. Everyone always remembers how you made them feel…not necessarily the details of a job. When your relationships are good, your life is good. I touched on this with Toby Myles on her podcast, Her Origin Story, and what it felt like to realize the corporate career I had worked so hard to build no longer fit the life I wanted most. Motherhood has a way of doing that. During the pandemic, I saw it clearly… I didn’t just want more flexibility… I wanted to blend my work and day-to-day life more. And what’s made all the difference on this solpreneurship path? Connections. The two retainer clients I signed after 2 months of showing up on LinkedIn validated that an untraditional path was possible. The ones who referred me, encouraged me, and supported me every day with their comments kept me going...and still do. If you’re a founder or CEO building something bold and beautiful, this episode will speak to you. We talk about… 👍 Saying yes to the scary-but-exciting opportunities 🧭 Navigating identity shifts when you leave “safe” careers 📖 Why your story is your strategy on LinkedIn I’d love for you to take a listen (and let me know what resonates).
Talk soon,
How I Can Help You...
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If you're a CEO or B2B looking to build the LinkedIn brand you deserve, I can be your LinkedIn right-hand woman 💃
Reply now, and let's chat.
And if you're still debating, watch this video from one of my clients..