Common Hashtag Mistakes That Are Hurting Your Reach

If your social posts feel like they’re going out into the void, hashtags might be part of the problem, but probably not in the way you think.

In 2026, hashtags still exist, but using them badly can actively limit your reach. For many businesses, it’s not that hashtags “don’t work” it’s that outdated tactics are quietly holding performance back.

Let’s break down the most common hashtag mistakes we see and what to do instead.

Mistake 1: Using too many hashtags

More hashtags does not equal more reach.

Platforms no longer reward:

• 20–30 hashtag blocks
• Walls of hashtags dumped at the end of captions
• Copy-paste hashtag lists

In fact, overuse can dilute relevance and make it harder for algorithms to understand your content.

What to do instead:

• Use 3–5 highly relevant hashtags
• Prioritise clarity over quantity
• Only include hashtags that directly relate to the post

Fewer, more relevant hashtags outperform large generic sets.

Mistake 2: Relying on broad or generic hashtags

Hashtags like:

• #business
• #marketing
• #success

There arfar too competitive to deliver meaningful reach.

Your content gets buried instantly.

What to do instead:

• Use niche or industry-specific hashtags
• Add local relevance where possible
• Match hashtags to intent, not popularity

Examples:

• #ShrewsburyBusiness
• #UKSmallBusiness
• #PaidSocialTips

Mistake 3: Using the same hashtags on every post

Recycling the exact same hashtag set sends a strong signal that your content lacks variation.

Algorithms prefer:

• Contextual relevance
• Natural language patterns
• Content that evolves

What to do instead:

• Adjust hashtags based on post topic
• Let hashtags reflect the content, not your brand alone
• Rotate naturally, not mechanically

Mistake 4: Using hashtags instead of good captions

Hashtags don’t replace messaging.

If your caption doesn’t:

• Explain the value
• Include keywords naturally
• Encourage engagement

…hashtags won’t rescue it.

Platforms now prioritise caption text, on-screen text, and audio far more than hashtags.

Hashtags support content  they don’t carry it.

Mistake 5: Chasing trending hashtags that don’t fit

Jumping on trends just for exposure can actually harm performance.

Irrelevant hashtags confuse algorithms and users alike, leading to:

• Lower engagement
• Shorter watch time
• Reduced future reach

What to do instead:
Only use trending hashtags if:

• They directly relate to your content
• They make sense for your audience
• You can deliver on the expectation

Mistake 6: Ignoring local hashtags

For local and service-based businesses, skipping location-based hashtags is a missed opportunity.

Local hashtags help reinforce:

• Geographic relevance
• Community connection
• Local discovery

Examples:

• #Shrewsbury
• #ShropshireBusiness
• #ShrewsburyMarketing

Used sparingly, they help position your content correctly.

Mistake 7: Believing hashtags are the growth strategy

This is the biggest mistake of all.

In 2026, reach is driven by:

• Watch time
• Engagement
• Relevance
• Content quality

Hashtags are a supporting signal, not the engine.

If your content isn’t engaging, hashtags won’t fix it.

What actually improves reach more than hashtags

If reach is your goal, focus here first:

• Strong hooks in the first 2 seconds
• Clear on-screen text
• Natural keyword usage in captions
• Platform-native video formats
• Consistent posting and interaction

These factors outweigh hashtag tweaks every time.

FAQs: Hashtag mistakes explained

Can hashtags reduce reach?

Indirectly, yes. Irrelevant or excessive hashtags can confuse algorithms and weaken performance signals.

Are hashtags still worth using?

Yes, when they add context and clarity. Not when they’re used as a shortcut.

Should hashtags go in comments or captions?

It makes little difference. Focus on relevance, not placement.

Do hashtags affect paid ads?

No. Hashtags have no meaningful impact on paid social campaigns.

The bottom line

Hashtags aren’t dead, but misuse is common.

Businesses that treat hashtags as a minor optimisation rather than a growth hack consistently see better results. The real gains come from strategy, content quality, and understanding how platforms actually work.

How Evolve My Media helps businesses improve reach

At Evolve My Media, we don’t obsess over hashtags - we obsess over performance.

We help businesses:

• Build content strategies aligned with modern algorithms
• Focus on engagement and conversion, not vanity reach
• Use hashtags strategically, not blindly
• Combine organic and paid social for real growth

Hashtags are just one small piece of a much bigger picture.

👉 Book a discovery call with a member of our team
We’ll audit your hashtag use, content strategy, and show you what’s actually impacting reach in 2026.

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