Can you tag someone on LinkedIn after posting? Here’s what you need to know

Ever hit "Post" on LinkedIn and then realize you forgot to tag someone important? You’re not alone! It’s a common situation for many LinkedIn users, especially when juggling busy schedules or rushing to share content. So, the big question is: Can you tag someone on LinkedIn after posting?

The short answer is yes—but there’s more to it than just a quick edit. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tagging someone after your LinkedIn post is live, including how to do it, when it’s appropriate, and tips for using tags effectively. Ready to clear up the confusion? Let’s dive in!

What does tagging on LinkedIn mean?

Before we get into the specifics, let’s clarify what tagging means on LinkedIn. When you tag someone, you mention their LinkedIn profile in your post or comment by adding the “@” symbol before their name.

Tagging serves several purposes:

• Acknowledging contributors: Give credit to someone who inspired or contributed to your post.

• Encouraging engagement: Tags can notify users and invite them to join the conversation.

• Building visibility: When you tag someone, your post may appear in their network’s feed, increasing its reach.

Have you tagged someone on LinkedIn before? If not, don’t worry—we’ll guide you through it step by step.

Can you tag someone on LinkedIn after posting?

Yes, you can tag someone on LinkedIn after your post has gone live. LinkedIn allows you to edit your posts and add tags at any time. However, there are a few nuances to keep in mind:

• Tagging in the post: You can go back and tag someone directly in the post text during an edit.

• Tagging in comments: If editing isn’t an option, you can tag someone in the comments section instead.

How to tag someone on LinkedIn after posting

1. Edit the post to add a tag

If you forgot to tag someone in your post, here’s how you can fix it:

1. Locate Your Post: Go to your LinkedIn feed or profile to find the post you want to edit.

2. Click on the “...” Menu: In the upper-right corner of your post, click the three dots to open the dropdown menu.

3. Select “Edit Post”: Choose this option to make changes to your post content.

4. Add the Tag: Insert the “@” symbol followed by the person’s name in the appropriate place. A dropdown list of names will appear—select the correct profile.

5. Save Changes: Hit the “Save” button, and voilà! Your tag has been added.

Note: The tagged person will receive a notification about being mentioned, just like they would if the tag were included from the start.

2. Tag Someone in the comments

Sometimes, editing a post isn’t the best option—maybe the tag feels more relevant as a follow-up comment. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the post: Navigate to the post where you want to add a tag.

2. Write a comment: In the comment box, type your message and use the “@” symbol to tag the person.

3. Post the comment: Once you’re satisfied with your comment, click “Post.”

For example:
“Great point, @JohnDoe! Would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.”

Does this method feel more appropriate for your situation?

When should you tag someone after posting?

While tagging can enhance your post’s engagement, it’s important to use it thoughtfully. Here are some situations where tagging someone after posting is perfectly acceptable:

1. You forgot to tag them initially: It happens! Whether it’s a colleague, client, or collaborator, editing your post to tag them ensures they get the recognition they deserve.

2. You’ve discovered relevant people post-publishing: Sometimes, you realize later that someone in your network would benefit from seeing your post.

3. To prompt a discussion: If your post is gaining traction, tagging an expert or thought leader can bring valuable perspectives to the conversation.

Best Practices for Tagging on LinkedIn

To avoid overdoing it or appearing spammy, here are a few tips to tag thoughtfully:

1. Only tag relevant people

Before tagging someone, ask yourself:

• Did they contribute to this post?

• Will they find the content valuable?

• Is their perspective essential to the discussion?

Tagging people who aren’t connected to the topic can come across as self-promotional. Have you ever been tagged in something irrelevant? It’s not fun, right?

2. Keep it professional

LinkedIn is a professional platform, so ensure your tags add value to the conversation. Avoid casual or unrelated mentions.

3. Don’t over-tag

There’s no magic number for how many people you should tag, but fewer is often better. Tagging 2-3 relevant people usually works best.

4. Respect privacy

Not everyone wants their name tied to certain topics. If in doubt, consider asking someone’s permission before tagging them.

What happens when you tag someone on LinkedIn?

Tagging someone on LinkedIn triggers the following actions:

• They receive a notification: The tagged person gets a notification that they’ve been mentioned.

• Increased post visibility: The tagged person’s network might see the post, expanding its reach.

• Encourages engagement: Tagged individuals are more likely to engage with the post by liking, commenting, or sharing.

Pretty powerful, right? But remember, tagging doesn’t guarantee engagement—it depends on the relevance and quality of your post.

Common tagging issues and how to fix them

Sometimes tagging doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to solve them:

1. The tag doesn’t work

• Why It Happens: LinkedIn’s tagging feature might fail if the person’s profile settings don’t allow tags.

• What to Do: Double-check the person’s privacy settings or use their full name in the post without tagging.

2. The tag didn’t save

• Why It Happens: If you didn’t click “Save” after editing your post, the tag won’t take effect.

• What to Do: Re-edit the post and ensure you save changes before exiting.

3. Tagging feels awkward post-publish

• Why It Happens: Sometimes, adding a tag later feels forced.

• What to Do: Consider tagging them in the comments instead. It can feel more natural and conversational.

Tagging do’s and don’ts

To wrap things up, here’s a quick summary of the best (and worst) tagging practices:

Do:

• Tag people thoughtfully and strategically.

• Use tags to give credit, invite discussion, or add value.

• Edit your post to add tags if necessary.

Don’t:

• Over-tag or spam your connections.

• Tag irrelevant individuals.

• Use tags excessively in every post.

Final thoughts: Should you tag someone on LinkedIn after posting?

Absolutely! Tagging someone after you’ve posted is not only possible but can also enhance your content’s visibility and engagement—when done correctly. The key is to be thoughtful about who you tag, why you’re tagging them, and how it adds value to the conversation.