Are Hashtags Still Relevant on LinkedIn? Here’s What You Need to Know
Earlier this year, we explored the role of hashtags on LinkedIn and questioned whether they still hold any value. LinkedIn’s relationship with hashtags has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with the platform initially resisting their use, later embracing them, and then seemingly downplaying their importance. This back-and-forth has left many users wondering: are hashtags on LinkedIn still relevant?
LinkedIn’s mixed signals about hashtags have caused confusion among marketers and professionals alike. Initially, hashtags were a significant feature for content discovery, especially after their reintroduction in 2018. However, recent changes—like their removal from Creator Mode on-profile displays—have sparked a debate on their current usefulness.
LinkedIn’s Evolving Search System
Recently, LinkedIn provided more clarity on this matter by sharing an engineering overview of its evolving Search system. The update sheds light on how LinkedIn’s algorithms now prioritize a broader range of contextual cues to match search queries, moving beyond just hashtags and keywords.
According to LinkedIn, their new content search engine now incorporates “semantic matching” capabilities. This means that the system can better understand and respond to complex search queries, even if the keywords don’t exactly match. For example, LinkedIn’s updated algorithm can now effectively answer questions like “how to ask for a raise?” by considering the overall concept rather than just matching individual keywords.
This improvement has led to a more intuitive and relevant search experience on LinkedIn. The platform measures the effectiveness of these updated queries by tracking topic relevance and user engagement, specifically looking at how long users dwell on content that matches their search. As a result, LinkedIn has seen a significant boost in content discovery and user engagement.
Do You Still Need Hashtags on LinkedIn?
So, with LinkedIn’s search capabilities becoming more advanced, where does that leave hashtags? The short answer: they may no longer be as crucial as they once were.
Given LinkedIn’s improved search algorithm, relying on hashtags to boost content discovery may be less effective. If your post already includes a keyword, adding a hashtag for the same term is likely redundant. LinkedIn’s system is now equipped to understand the context and relevance of your content without needing additional tagging.
The Bottom Line
Hashtags on LinkedIn are no longer the powerhouse they used to be. With the platform’s shift towards more sophisticated search algorithms, it’s time to rethink how you use hashtags in your posts. While they can still offer some value in terms of discovery, they are no longer essential for ensuring your content is seen.
Instead, focus on crafting high-quality content with clear, relevant keywords. LinkedIn’s smarter search capabilities will do the rest, ensuring your posts reach the right audience without the need for excessive tagging. So, as you plan your LinkedIn strategy, consider dialing back on the hashtags and letting the platform’s improved algorithms work their magic.
