The introduction of hashtags to LinkedIn in 2018 marked a significant shift in the dynamics of the professional social networking platform. Since then, users have been debating the real utility of these markers in their posts.
Although current algorithms can detect keywords in texts, the question arises: do hashtags still provide tangible value once all aspects are considered?
It is true that algorithms have evolved to identify keywords within posts, potentially making hashtags less crucial than they were in their early days. Relevant indicators for search and audience segmentation are already present in the body of posts, raising the question of whether it is truly necessary to use hashtags to ensure your posts reach the right people.
Nevertheless, LinkedIn continues to endorse the utility of hashtags. The platform argues that users can easily identify relevant posts simply by looking at associated hashtags. Faced with the overwhelming amount of content generated daily, some users may choose to explore specific topics by searching for hashtags rather than reading each individual post.
However, it is not merely about flooding your posts with random hashtags and hoping for results. The key remains relevance. It is crucial to focus on using hashtags directly related to your niche or sector. To determine which ones are most effective, observing leading pages in your field and analyzing the hashtags they use can be an effective strategy.
At the end of the day, though hashtags are no longer as vital as they once were, they can still offer utility in specific contexts. Your posts can gain visibility through relevant keywords and association with specific topics. Nevertheless, we may be witnessing a transition towards a landscape where hashtags are no longer an essential tool, and the quality and relevance of content will be the dominant factors for standing out on LinkedIn.