Busy Blooming with Tess Barclay

We're going into a content creator AUDIT & COACHING session together today!! After 600+ calls with creators and influencers over the last 2 years.. 📥 Get started with Tailor Brands today here: https://tailorbrands.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=62&aff_id=3305 and you’ll get 35% off LLC plans!.. and we’re unpacking all of them today. From brand identity to content systems, I’m breaking down the biggest reasons I saw creators from 0-5M followers stop growing — and exactly what to do instead. Let’s get into it. 🧠✨👉 This episode is for you if:•⁠ ⁠You’re stuck in a growth rut and feel like your content just isn’t hitting the way it used to•⁠ ⁠You’re doing all the things — posting, editing, following trends — but you still feel stuck•⁠ ⁠You want to build something signature and sustainable, not just go viral once and burn out•⁠ ⁠You’re tired of chaotic content weeks and want a system that actually works for YOUWelcome to the BB office — let’s go to work 💼🎧 LISTEN ON THE PODCASTListen on Apple: https://apple.co/3OsCVEKListen on Spotify: http://bit.ly/3CHpmPoListen anywhere else: https://pod.link/1565886767📥 SPONSORGet started with Tailor Brands today here: https://tailorbrands.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=62&aff_id=3305 and you’ll get 35% off LLC plans!⸻⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS00:00 – Intro03:14 – CATEGORY 1: Mindset & Identity Mistakes03:45 – Mistake #1: No Clear, Aligned Vision for your BUSINESS05:40 – Mistake #2: Content Has Passion, But No Purpose08:25 – Mistake #3: Not Evolving with the Times10:02 – CATEGORY 2: Brand Strategy Mistakes10:31 – Mistake #4: Nothing signature about your content 13:06 – Mistake #5: Held Hostage by a Brand You’ve Outgrown15:21 – Mistake #6: Don’t Know Who You’re Talking To18:19 – CATEGORY 3: Content Systems19:30 – Solution: Weekly Themes, Series & Templates That Actually Work21:27 – Mistake #7: No priorities with content 22:44 – CATEGORY 4: Technical & Packaging Mistakes23:27 – Mistake #8: Overstimulating Edits 26:20 – Mistake #9: Re-purposing content everywhere28:03 – Mistake #10: Your Content is Too Inward-Focused29:54 – AFTER HOURS: Holding Myself Hostage to a Future Version of Me37:17 – Reminder: You don't need to change to be successful ⸻📌 FOLLOW USBusy Blooming IG → https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/Tess IG → https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclay🛍️ Shop templates, merch & more: https://www.busyblooming.ca/shop🔗 OUR LINKSStoryblocks: https://www.storyblocks.com/tessbarclayDescript: https://get.descript.com/tessClickUp: https://try.web.clickup.com/tessSome links in this description are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to sign up—at no extra cost to you!

Today we are going behind the SCENES!! In this episode, I'm unfiltered going through everything behind the scenes of my business & content.. 📥 Check out Storyblocks at https://www.storyblocks.com/tessbarclay to elevate your content!.. how I'm re-branding my social media & business in 2025, how I make income & my income streams, who works at Busy Blooming, my 9-5 to full-time entrepreneur journey, sharing my vision board, my goals, how I'm growing on social media & MORE!!👉 This episode is for you if:•⁠ ⁠You're curious how I make income as a creator + entrepreneur•⁠ ⁠You're interested in the behind the scenes of Busy Blooming, my team & content•⁠ ⁠You want to know my current goals, vision & what I want to do with Busy Blooming & my brand•⁠ ⁠You want to feel less alone navigating your own brand, business, or dream life!🎧 LISTEN ON THE PODCASTListen on Apple: https://apple.co/3OsCVEKListen on Spotify: http://bit.ly/3CHpmPoListen anywhere else: https://pod.link/1565886767🔗 OUR LINKSStoryblocks: https://www.storyblocks.com/tessbarclayDescript: https://get.descript.com/tessClickUp: https://try.web.clickup.com/tessSome links in this description are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to sign up—at no extra cost to you!📥 SPONSORCheck out Storyblocks at https://www.storyblocks.com/tessbarclay to elevate your content!⸻⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS00:00 – Welcome to WORK!! 03:45 – My Journey: University, Early 20s Hustle 9-5 in Toronto04:40 – My Corporate Girlie Era & Dreaming of YouTube06:00 – Starting 9-to-5 Vlogs While at my 9-506:40 – How Busy Blooming started from a FB group 07:36 – Quitting My 9-to-5 at 25: The Messy Truth & Pivots08:20 – Busy Blooming Today: Mission, Vision & The Podcast as its Heart09:25 – HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT: Introducing Busy Blooming HQ!10:26 – My Income Streams & What I'm changing about my business/content15:02 – Meet the Busy Blooming Team! (Including My Husband, Storm!)20:16 – My Current Weekly Priorities & Workflow22:30 – My Unfiltered Vision for Busy Blooming & My Personal Brand 35:22 – My Current Content Strategy Deep Dive (Instagram, YouTube/Podcast & New Setup!)43:38 – AFTER HOURS: More on Busy Blooming HQ + Q&A 50:32 – Q&A: The Real Story of Quitting My 9-to-5 & Early Financial Struggles56:20 – My Goals Now: Redefining Success01:01:40 – Q&A: How I Schedule My Time & Habits I Treat Like Medicine⸻📌 FOLLOW USBusy Blooming IG → https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/Tess IG → https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclay🛍️ Shop templates, merch & more: https://www.busyblooming.ca/shop#ContentCreation #9to5 #podcast

Check out Storyblocks at https://www.storyblocks.com/tessbarclay to level-up your YouTube content!!👀 ABOUT THIS EPISODEIt's time go *FINALLY* grow on YouTube in 2025!!! This week, we're unpacking a full deep-dive guide to YouTube, how to ACTUALLY grow on YouTube in 2025, how to stop treating it like it's 2012 (lol) & you're new strategy for each week to grow! In today’s episode, we’re clocking in to the Busy Blooming office & diving into thumbnails, your weekly workflow to create a video, how to view your YouTube channel brand, scripting, and a mindset reset as always. Let’s get you that play button!!This episode is for you if: • You’ve been creating on YouTube for years & haven't had the growth you want • You want to get started on YouTube, but you feel overwhelmed by how to do it • You can't figure out why you're videos aren't performing & feel stuck • You want to understand how YouTube *actually* works & what you need to do grow • The 100k YouTube button is on your Pinterest board!!🎧 LISTEN ON THE PODCASTListen on Apple: https://apple.co/3OsCVEKListen on Spotify: http://bit.ly/3CHpmPoListen anywhere else: https://pod.link/1565886767⸻🔗 MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO Descript: https://get.descript.com/tessClickUp: https://try.web.clickup.com/tessVlog with filming/editing details: https://youtu.be/x-md4M5qd_0 Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to sign up—at no extra cost to you!⸻⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS00:00 – Let’s clock in!! It's time to deep-dive into YouTube 2025 03:27 – Why it’s harder to grow if you’re NOT new to YouTube.. 04:51 – YouTube has completely changed since 2015 (and here’s how) 05:26 – The BIGGEST mistake experienced creators make on YouTube 05:55 – How to stop treating your YouTube like a vlog & start treating it like a business 06:38 – The ONE theme every video on your channel needs 07:13 – Break up with “vibes-only” content — this isn’t 2015 YouTube anymore 07:55 – My weekly system to actually grow in 2025 (step-by-step) 10:16 – Building your video framework like a 100k subscriber channel 14:16 – How to “script” & outline your videos for growth 17:16 – Vlog vs sit-down content: here’s how to outline both 20:57 – Your intro matters more than you think — The first 2min 23:34 – Branding yourself as a creator (the soft skills and the hard ones) 26:56 – Let’s talk algorithm: CTR, retention, and what YouTube actually wants 29:00 – Titles & thumbnails are 90% of the game — here’s why 29:36 – Deep dive: how to write better titles that people will actually click 32:48 – Growth tip: change your title & thumbnail after 1-week 33:42 – How to make scroll-stopping thumbnails in 2025 37:32 – How to master YouTube descriptions, tags & more with ChatGPT 42:47 – After Hours!! The new BB show format & HUGE announcement!!!! 48:52 – Last week’s episode correction + sponsor thank you 💛⸻📌 FOLLOW USBusy Blooming IG → https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/Tess IG → https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclay

📥 SPONSORGet started with Tailor Brands today → https://tailorbrands.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=62&aff_id=3305 — and get 35% off LLC plans!👀 ABOUT THIS EPISODEFeeling overwhelmed by the algorithm? Burnt out by content that used to work? Questioning if TikTok is even worth it anymore? You’re not alone.In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the entire state of social media so you know exactly what needs to come across your desk as a creator, brand, or podcaster in 2025.🎯 This episode is for you if:• You’re in a content rut and everything that used to work… doesn’t anymore• You’re trying to grow on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok but feel like the platforms keep changing• You’re ready to treat social media like a business, but not sure where to start with all the new updatesLet’s unpack what’s actually working right now, the latest algorithm shifts, and how creators can still win in 2025.⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS00:00 – Intro02:42 – What’s the vibe right now on social media?04:55 – ChatGPT is changing what content is working07:00 – The biggest thing that’s working right now10:00 – What’s new on YouTube right now12:30 – YouTube Partner Program monetization update13:30 – Shorts algorithm (why they flop lol)15:00 – What’s working on YouTube right now (algorithm)18:00 – Instagram updates: Edits & Trial Reels19:30 – Trial Reels — what’s going on?!21:00 – What’s working on Instagram now24:00 – How to treat Threads right now26:00 – TikTok ban update & algorithm change28:40 – Final thoughts & wrap up🎧 LISTEN ON THE PODCASTApple Podcasts → https://apple.co/3OsCVEKSpotify → http://bit.ly/3CHpmPoAnywhere else → https://pod.link/1565886767📌 FOLLOW USBusy Blooming IG → https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/Tess IG → https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclay🛍️ Shop templates, merch & more → https://www.busyblooming.ca/shop

Growing on social media can make you burnout, compare, spiral, crash-out & you need a reset!! Download the FREE 2025 State of Marketing Report for creators: https://clickhubspot.com/44af5bIt's time to CLOCK-IN!! Feeling burnt out, stuck, or like social media is slowly stealing your soul? 👀 Let’s fix it. In today’s episode, we’re getting cozy (and real) about the emotional side of content creation — burnout, comparison spirals, the ick — and walking through the exact 3-step reset routine I use when I feel totally lost. Then we’re clocking in with Alyssa from  @inspiredmedia_co  to break down the business side of being a creator — selling without the cringe, building trust, and becoming a content PART 1: The Creator Crashout Reset Routine (ft. Tess)00:00 Intro02:22 Everything you feel is SO common!!06:40 The 3-Step Reset Routine Overview07:00 Step 1: Take a real break (and why it’s productive)13:45 Step 2: Recalibrate your GPS (your big scary vision)21:20 Step 3: Set habits & priorities to stay on trackPART 2: Content CEO Era with Alyssa (@inspiredmedia_co)24:33 Alyssa’s here!! Let’s talk about the hard parts of building a content biz29:52 How to sell online without the ick30:23 Tips ≠ Trust: Why people actually buy from you30:57 “I watched one video and I booked” — building brand trust33:14 Custom strategies vs. generic advice (and why clients love it)35:30 Lifestyle Pillars 101: What to share (and what to gatekeep)40:19 Personality vs. Personal: How to show up without oversharing43:45 Ready to outsource? Here’s when to hire & how to let goCEO.👉 This episode is for you if: • You’re in a rut (or mid-spiral lol) • You’re comparing yourself to other creators/entrepreneurs • You feel like you have no idea what you're doing/lost • You sell services, products, or courses as a creator🎧 LISTEN ON THE PODCASTApple: https://apple.co/3OsCVEKSpotify: http://bit.ly/3CHpmPoOther platforms: https://pod.link/1565886767📥 SPONSOR: HUBSPOTDownload the FREE 2025 State of Marketing Report for creators: https://clickhubspot.com/44af5bEPISODES MENTIONED Weekly work routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJpDP1WVjdg&t=38sBuilding income streams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px86V1Qop2s&t=1165s&pp=0gcJCYQJAYcqIYzvFOLLOW ALYSSAThe Inspired Media Podcast: https://pod.link/1730433175Our episode together on YouTube!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgwjaf5rEv4&t=35s&ab_channel=Alyssa%2BInspiredMediaCo.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredmediaco/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inspiredmediaco⸻⏱️ 📌 FOLLOW US Busy Blooming on IG → https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/Tess on IG → https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclay🛍️ Shop tools, templates & merch: https://www.busyblooming.ca/shop

LIFESTYLE CREATORS - It’s time to go to WORK!! We are joined today with Alyssa, also known as InspiredMediaCo on TikTok & Instagram to dive into the lifestyle creator universe and breaking down exactly how to grow as a lifestyle creator & influencer in 2025 – even if you’re starting from scratch. If you have “lifestyle” written anywhere in your content strategy, this episode is truly for YOU. Alyssa is breaking down for us Why old-school vlogs don’t work anymoreWhat it actually means to be a lifestyle creator in 2025How to create “unselfish vlogs” and add storytelling + conflict to your contentThe concept of niching down within yourself (!!!)→ Repeating yourself on purpose, signature content series, and building your legacyPLUS how to create content faster without burning outAfter work, I dive into a little chat about the podcast trip to LA (+, going to Dear Media!!), Q2 content plan & my final "30-day Instagram Challenge" results!FOLLOW ALYSSAThe Inspired Media Podcast: https://pod.link/1730433175Our episode together!! https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FabBiPRj5M3zVMHtm1Avo?si=ZB2Mpva_QgqAsQnMEkZ7Fg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredmediacoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inspiredmediaco JOIN 30-DAY INSTAGRAM CHALLENGE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rASyMZpjFbc&t=1098sTIME STAMPS00:00 Intro4:40 Alyssa joins us!!6:00 What is a lifestyle creator in 2025?8:00 Why day-in-my-life vlogs aren’t enough anymore10:00 “Unselfish vlogs” – how to vlog in a way that actually performs12:45 The secret to making your vlogs more interesting14:30 Do you have to vlog to be a lifestyle creator? (Spoiler: no)17:00 Niching down within yourself – why this changes everything21:17 Signature style series – how to stand out as a lifestyle creator23:45 What makes a brand memorable on social media26:00 Why repeating yourself online is a good thing 28:00 Balancing your CEO brain vs creative heart as a creator30:00 Cutting your inspo scrolling in HALF31:30 How to implement the lifestyle method as a creator 35:55 Post-work social: LA podcast trip mini-recap 37:43 45-day challenge for Q2?? 39:11 Instagram challenge update⋒ FOLLOW BUSY BLOOMING ⋒TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@busybloominggInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/busy-blooming/Join the community: https://www.busyblooming.ca/⋒ FOLLOW TESS ⋒Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclay⋒ ABOUT US ⋒Welcome to the Busy Blooming YouTube channel! Every week, we host our podcast show, Busy Blooming to give you the energy, advice & motivation you need to build your brand, content & business! You will also find vlogs from our founder, Tess Barclay, of working at Busy Blooming in Toronto, behind the scenes of our events & more!

👀 ABOUT THIS EPISODEWant to go full-time as a creator but don’t know where to start? Today we’re unpacking the exact system I would use if I had 0 followers & wanted to become a full-time influencer/content creator by the end of 2025!We’re getting ✨ rigid ✨ about building a super simple business & content strategy you can use every single week — to simplify your workflow, create a solid base, and build from there.After the content workshop, we’re having a little coffee chat about my own experience doing this, why it’s harder than you think to find your “thing” online, and wrapping it all up with an “after work social” 💅🏻 with updates on the podcast, Busy Blooming & more!🎯 This episode is for you if:• You want to grow online but have no idea where to start• You’re overwhelmed trying to balance content & business• You keep hearing “treat it like a business” but don’t know how• You feel like you still don’t know what your niche or “thing” is• You want a system that simplifies everything, weekly⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS00:00 – Intro2:30 – Workshop to create a simple, business-coded content strategy3:16 – The function of your business5:18 – Lifestyle creators - how to define your business function8:06 – Building the person you always talk to (who loves you lol)11:19 – Building a simple brand14:02 – What content you’re going to post14:19 – The social media platform to pick17:33 – Weekly posting structure19:09 – Building out signature content templates22:45 – My biggest mistake treating social media like a business24:51 – Why I would pick ONE thing to be known for when growing26:06 – What if you don’t know what your “thing” is as a creator?28:54 – What’s going on with the podcast & how I’m feeling35:10 – Busy Blooming sweatshirts are live!!36:12 – Exciting things coming up!!37:30 – If you’re overwhelmed with content right now🎧 LISTEN ON THE PODCASTApple Podcasts → https://apple.co/3OsCVEKSpotify → http://bit.ly/3CHpmPoAnywhere else → https://pod.link/1565886767📌 FOLLOW USBusy Blooming IG → https://www.instagram.com/busybloomingg/Tess IG → https://www.instagram.com/tessbarclay/TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@tess.barclayLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/busy-bloomingJoin the community → https://www.busyblooming.ca/⸻💼 ABOUT USWelcome to the channel! Every week, we host our podcast show, Busy Blooming, to give you the energy, advice & motivation you need to build your brand, content & business! You’ll also find vlogs from our founder, Tess Barclay, behind the scenes at Busy Blooming HQ in Toronto, our events & more!

TIME STAMPS00:00 Intro4:00 The "big 4 basics" content checklist5:04 Raising the bar with your content 7:11 How to make your content less generic8:00 How to "ladder" your content to make it unique 10:43 The 3 P's checklist to make your content unique 12:03 Don't post random content, add to your collection 13:48 Creating a content ecosystem from one post 16:16 Creating for people who don't follow you 17:14 Fearing repetition 19:15 Theming every piece of content 19:58 Don't sacrifice creativity in your business Try out Riverside for free https://creators.riverside.fm/TessBarclay, and use coupon code TESS for 15% off paid plans!

Get started with Tailor Brands today here: https://tailorbrands.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=62&aff_id=3305 and you’ll get 35% off LLC plans!WELCOME TO A NEW SERIES!! How to *ACTUALLY* take social media seriously!! I'm so excited to be kicking-off this 4-part series over the next 4 weeks about how to take social media seriously so it can become your business!! Today we're unpacking the internal shift you need to make & we're giving tough-love energy so you can truly start viewing social media and content creation as your business & here's the unfiltered advice you need to hear! TIME STAMPS00:00 Intro 5:58 Re-branding your mindset from a creator8:29 Making the big decision 13:05 Lifestyle influencer businesses 15:25 Stopping your emotions controlling your business17:04 Accepting the reality of your content 19:53 Pushing through resistance 22:59 Numbers vs. ego

It's time to enter your 1M era on Instagram & GROW on Instagram as a content creator in 2025!! Today Tess is breaking down a 30-day Instagram content calendar, strategy & more (based off the 3-month Winter 2025 content strategy) that we're all doing together to grow on Instagram in 30-days - and we're unpacking the Instagram algorithm & how it *actually* works in 2025!FREE CONTENT CALENDAR & CAROUSELS TEMPLATES: https://www.busyblooming.ca/free-30-day-instagram-calendar3-month winter content strategy: https://youtu.be/MqIs7mv6iKILet Clickup help you get more done than 99% of people. Go to https://tryclickup.co/tessbarclay and use my code YOUTUBE to get started for free. If you love Clickup, my code will also give you 20% off for your first year on unlimited and business plans. Offer doesn't expire if you decide to upgrade.⋒ TIME STAMPS ⋒00:00 Intro2:50 Part 1: Your foundation for 30-days5:26 Part 2: Content calendar6:33 The content pillars11:42 Mental health note12:45 How much do you need to post to grow?14:28 What is "good" content for Instagram?17:02 How to post on IG in 2025 (schedule vs. manual)18:16 How to create Instagram carousels18:31 How to create Instagram Reels19:41 The 2025 Instagram algorithm 10123:58 How to get more reach on Instagram⋒ BUILD YOUR VISION ⋒Workbook (Use code: YOUTUBE for 30% off!): https://www.busyblooming.ca/product-page/video-workbook-content-strategy-brand-business-builderVideo to set your foundation/vision: https://youtu.be/2b4OPL4Tl7M⋒ PODCAST LINKS ⋒Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/3OsCVEKListen on Spotify: http://bit.ly/3CHpmPoListen anywhere else: pod.link/1565886767⋒