🔥 Is Instagram Broken in 2025? Here’s the Truth No One’s Telling You

Why is your Instagram reach dropping like crazy? Are hashtags dead? And what the heck is up with the new Friend Map? In this episode of Rockin Social Media, Paul breaks down exactly what’s really happening on Instagram in 2025 — and what you need to do if you want to grow.

You’ll learn:

• The real reason Reels aren’t hitting like they used to (and how to fix it)
• Why original content is more important than ever
• The best formats to use now: Reels, carousels, Stories & UGC
• Whether hashtags still matter (and how to use them without getting shadowbanned)
• How to navigate new features like Trial Reels, Shared Access & AI tools
• What the Friend Map actually does (and why digital safety matters for your brand)

If you're serious about building a brand that connects and converts on Instagram — this episode is your roadmap. Get ready for the real talk, the strategy, and the tools you need to stand out and thrive.

💬 Got questions or myths you want Paul to unpack in the next episode? Drop them in the comments or tag us on Instagram @rockinsocialmediaagency

🎧 Listen now and take your brand from stuck to standout.

📅 Retreat info: https://rockinsocialmedia.com/retreat

In this episode, I’m cutting through the noise and giving you the Instagram updates from July–August 2025 that actually matter for your growth as a DJ, creative, or entrepreneur.

We’ll cover:
• The brand-new Repost feature and how to use it for fast, high-quality content
• How Instagram’s new Maps function can help you get discovered locally and promote events
• Why the Friends Tab on Reels changes how your content gets found
• The “Sends per reach” metric — your new shareability superpower
• AI editing tools in the Edits app that could boost your reach overnight

You’ll also hear about my 5-day DJ & Brand Growth Retreat in Estepona, Spain — May 2026, designed to give you hands-on skills, a clear strategy, and the confidence to go bigger with your brand.

🎧 Whether you’re behind the decks, behind a camera, or building a business, these updates can help you stay ahead of the curve.

📅 Retreat info: https://rockinsocialmedia.com/retreat

ChatGPT is powerful, but only if you train it to sound like YOU. In this episode, I show you step-by-step how to make ChatGPT your creative sidekick, write in your tone, and help you plan, write, and scale your content without sounding robotic.

🎯 Whether you’re a coach, DJ, course creator, or content strategist, you’ll learn:

• How to set up custom instructions
• How to create your own GPTs
• How to use AI to save time, write faster, and stay consistent
• Why this actually makes you more human, not less

💥 Plus I’m giving you my own GPT templates to copy. Scroll down for the prompts.

🎁 BONUS
👉 Download my custom GPT prompts

Learn my voice

I am going to provide you a full text file of my writing style and transcriptions from my previous emails, writings, video content, and podcasts. The idea here is for you to understand my tone of voice and my writing style and replicate that in my email newsletters, video scripts, and any other writing content that I produce. The best way I can describe my tone of voice is ...................... - my goal is to .................... Let me know when you are ready for me to provide the text of my writing and I can upload it. (Then add all the text you have collected as described in the video)

SOCIAL MEDIA

Act as world-class social media expert. I am a [title] in [niche] and I help [audience] to achieve [goals]. Create 30 content ideas for Instagram that speak directly to my audience’s pain points & goals that are actionable and engaging.

CONTENT HOOKS

Act as world-class copywriter expert. Create 5 attention-grabbing hooks for [topic]. Each hook should be no more that 15 words and should entice followers to engage with my content. Please write in a simple, fun & professional writing style. Please use the AIDA method!

Too busy to post? Struggling to figure out what to say on social media when your to-do list is stacked? This episode is your game plan for building content pillars that make posting easier—even when life is hectic.

🎧 In Episode 7 of the Rockin Social Media Podcast, we cover:

1. What content pillars really are (and how to define yours)
2. The “Too Busy” Content Hack to plan smarter, not harder
3. A plug-and-play list of post ideas for when your mind’s blank

👀 Whether you're a DJ, creative entrepreneur, or side hustler juggling a million things—this is for YOU.

💡 You'll learn how to:

• Build a repeatable content system
• Turn one idea into five posts
• Create visibility even when you're slammed with client work

👉 DM me your 3–5 content pillars after the episode—or tag a friend who needs help staying consistent on social.

Watch the Podcast episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ObwAbVaGlxeISm4Acaf8CbJzY5NKEqW

Instagram. TikTok. Facebook. LinkedIn. Covered. 👊

This is not just another tips episode — it’s a full-blown checklist for building a brand that actually connects, grows, and converts.

I’m walking you through:
✨ Brand clarity that stops the scroll
🎥 Video strategies that build trust
📱 Platform-specific moves that work in 2025
🧠 The mindset + habits that make it sustainable

If you’ve ever asked, “What should I be doing on social media?” — this episode has your answers.

Links Mentioned:
🎧 Book: Amplify Your Brand
📲 Instagram: @YourHandle

Watch the Podcast episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ObwAbVaGlxeISm4Acaf8CbJzY5NKEqW

Where Should DJs Be Online in 2025?
In episode 5 of The Rockin Social Media Podcast, I walk you through the 3 essential platforms every DJ should focus onthis year: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

This isn’t about being everywhere, it’s about being strategic. I’ll show you how to turn Instagram into your digital press kit, how to use TikTok for discovery and relatability, and why Facebook is still a powerful tool for bookings, bios, and building your name in the scene.

✅ Learn how to optimise your bios
✅ Discover what content actually works on each platform
✅ Hear how top DJs are using these platforms in 2025

If you're tired of guessing what to post and where, this episode is your new cheat code.

Links Mentioned:
🎧 Book: Amplify Your Brand
📍 Retreat Info: Join us in Spain
📲 Instagram: @YourHandle

Watch the Podcast episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ObwAbVaGlxeISm4Acaf8CbJzY5NKEqW

Instagram can grow your brand—or burn you out.
In this episode of The Rockin Social Media Podcast, I share the real strategy behind using Instagram with clarity, confidence, and purpose—without spending your whole day on the app.

I’m Paul Hutchinson—DJ, entrepreneur, branding coach, and author of Amplify Your Brand. Whether you’re a content creator, coach, or small business owner, you’ll learn how to build a magnetic Instagram presence that connects with the right people and supports your mental health.

🎯 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to use Instagram with intention, not anxiety
• What the Instagram algorithm really looks for in 2025
• Simple content tips to boost engagement without burnout
• My personal 5 Content Pillars for consistency and creativity
• How to use “Trial Reels” to experiment without pressure
• Key mindset shifts to stay grounded while building your brand
• An exclusive invite to the Creative Reboot Retreat in Spain

🌴 JOIN THE CREATIVE REBOOT RETREAT (LAST 2 SPOTS!)

A 4-day branding, mindset, and music business reset in Estepona, Spain—for DJs, creators, coaches & entrepreneurs.
Book now: rockinsocialmediaagency.com

📚 Resources & Links:

Website & downloads: rockinsocialmediaagency.com
Book: Amplify Your Brand – Available on Amazon
Instagram: @paulhutchinsondj
Youtube Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ObwAbVaGlxeISm4Acaf8CbJzY5NKEqW

🎧 Listener CTA:

If this helped, leave a review or DM Paul on Instagram with your updated bio for a quick audit!

💬 Ready to build a brand that stands out? Subscribe for weekly personal branding and Instagram strategy tips.

I didn’t wake up one day as a brand strategist or DJ coach.
This journey started during lockdown, with a few powerful decisions, countless late nights, and five books that transformed everything.

In this episode of The Rockin Social Media Podcast, I’m sharing the 5 life-changing books that gave me the confidence to launch my business, build my brand, and move to Spain to live a purpose-led life. These aren’t just inspiring reads, they’re packed with practical branding tools, mindset shifts, and creative fuel for any coach, creator, DJ, or entrepreneur ready to level up.

📚 Featured in This Episode:

1. Start With Why – Simon Sinek | Purpose before product
2. Key Person of Influence – Daniel Priestley | Become the go-to name in your niche
3. The End of Marketing – Carlos Gil | Human connection, logo-driven content
4. Building a StoryBrand – Donald Miller | Make your audience the hero
5. The Miracle Morning – Hal Elrod | Win the day before it starts

🎯 What You'll Take Away:

• Powerful mindset shifts to help you trust your creative path
• Personal branding strategies rooted in storytelling
• Daily habits that support long-term success
• Why books are still one of the most underrated coaching tools out there

📚 Resources & Links:

Website & downloads: rockinsocialmediaagency.com
Book: Amplify Your Brand – Available on Amazon
Instagram: @paulhutchinsondj
Youtube Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ObwAbVaGlxeISm4Acaf8CbJzY5NKEqW

🎧 Listener CTA:

If this helped, leave a review or DM Paul on Instagram with your updated bio for a quick audit!

💬 Ready to build a brand that stands out? Subscribe for weekly personal branding and Instagram strategy tips.