Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie: Recent Episodes
Ellen Mackenzie
The Dishing Up Digital Podcast is here to empower social media managers to build their dream life and business. In this podcast, you will learn everything there is to know about being a successful social media manager. From social strategy and Instagram hacks through to practical business advice like how to host a sales call or the mindset of an entrepreneur.
I started my business as a small side hustle and quickly discovered the demand and growth potential in this industry. Within 10 months, I had scaled my business to match my corporate job and decided it was time to leave the 9-5 world and go all-in on my business. Now I run a six-figure agency and coaching business from the comfort of my own home in New Zealand!
If you're ready to create your own life of freedom, you've come to the right place. Grab a cup of tea or a glass of rose, and let's turn those dreams into a reality.
I made six figures in a single quarter for the first time ever — $100K in three months — and I re-recorded the intro to this video about ten times because my brain still can't quite believe it. This is my full Q2 2026 income report: every revenue stream, every expense right down to the studio rent, and the three changes that drove a 35% jump in revenue. And because revenue isn't the whole story, we also get into the shrinking profit margin, the enrolment goal I massively undershot, and the ad experiment that only half worked.
The biggest lever of all? My Claude operating system — the AI setup that's quietly become the jet fuel behind this milestone.
Here's everything under the hood:
✨ The full revenue breakdown — April, May + June (yes, it declined inside a record quarter)
✨ Every expense category — team, Meta ads, coaching, software, studio — and my real 39% profit margin
✨ What I actually paid myself, and why I never hide the profit-vs-revenue gap
✨ YouTube + Instagram stats: why my views dropped but my watch time (and AdSense) climbed
✨ The 4× ad-spend experiment — what scaled beautifully and what I switched off
✨ How my Claude operating system let me post 70% more content while working LESS
Currency note: I'm based in New Zealand, so all figures are in NZD.
💕 Thank you to Rella for sponsoring this video
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
x Ellen
_______________________________________________________________
// FREE CLAUDE RESOURCES //
🔎 Copy my competitor research skill! Download the prompt + set up guide here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/pl/2148807824
📣 Set up your Claude to understand YOU! Download the Brand Voice Interview prompt: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/pl/2148783700
// WATCH NEXT //
🎥 How to set up Claude Cowork (full tutorial): https://youtu.be/R9Q1kDYlNUk?si=u2u9A2BmwJ2LGnLA
📲 Copy my Claude marketing team: https://youtu.be/-R32DSY5jOE?si=D6jdfa4hUIK4kYRz
// READY FOR MORE? //
📲 Buy my Instagram Strategy Playbook + AI knowledge file: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/d7pPgBE2?coupon_code=50OFF
🏕️ Sign up for Camp Claude: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/camp-claude
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⏱ //TIMESTAMPS//
00:37 What's inside this Q2 income report
01:24 Hi, I'm Ellen
02:20 The revenue breakdown: April, May + June
04:50 Expenses: the full breakdown
10:58 What I paid myself + tax
11:53 YouTube + Instagram stats
18:46 The 3 key changes behind the growth
19:03 The 4× Facebook ads experiment
24:43 New digital products + Camp Claude
30:20 The freebie that got 4,000 downloads
Most Claude skills are a complete waste of your time — so in this Claude skills tutorial, I'm breaking down the only 5 you actually need to run the marketing side of your business. Plus, you can grab a copy of my competitor research skill below, for free!xxEllen// FREE CLAUDE RESOURCES //🔎 Copy my competitor research skill! Download the prompt + set up guide here:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/pl/2148807824📣 Set up your Claude to understand YOU! Download the Brand Voice Interview prompt:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/pl/2148783700// WATCH NEXT //🎥 How to set up Claude Cowork (full tutorial):https://youtu.be/R9Q1kDYlNUk?si=u2u9A2BmwJ2LGnLA// READY FOR MORE? //📲 Buy my Instagram Strategy Playbook + AI knowledge file:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/d7pPgBE2?coupon_code=50OFF🏕️ Get on the waitlist for my course, Camp Claude, and secure a 50% discount:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/camp-claude⏱ TIMESTAMPS 01:29 What a Claude skill actually is02:51 How I use skills (and what I don't use them for)03:50 Meet my Claude team04:02 Skill 1: The platform specialists (Instagram, email + YouTube)06:06 Skill 2: The creative director (brand skill)07:25 Skill 3: The inbox manager (correspondence)08:29 Sourdough intermission + why this matters11:07 Skill 4: The competitor researcher12:21 Skill 5: The ops team (software skills)14:35 The biggest mistake people make with skills18:09 Set up your Claude foundations first// LET'S CONNECT //Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieeeWebsite: https://www.ellenmackenzie.comSponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
The reason your Instagram Reels are sounding flat isn't your hook — it's the storytelling layer right after it. In this video I'm walking through the exact 5-technique storytelling system I've used for a decade on my own account, including the journalism filter for deciding which stories are even worth posting and a real before/after caption rewrite so you can see what changes.
✨ Covered in this video:
00:00 The hook won't save your Instagram content
01:34 The state of Instagram in 2026
03:52 Part 1: The 7 Newsworthy Principles
11:04 Rella sponsor break
12:03 Part 2: The 7 Storytelling Shapes
19:38 Part 3: The Zoom-In Technique
23:49 The big lesson
If you want the full storytelling system + 8 other chapters of the strategy framework I've been quietly running on my own account for a decade, I just launched The Instagram Strategy Playbook (on SALE for a limited time only).
It's two files: a 50+ page PDF and a structured AI knowledge file you can drop into any AI tool you already use.
🚀 BUY THE PLAYBOOK: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/d7pPgBE2?coupon_code=50OFF
💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring the podcast
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
xx
Ellen
_______________________________________________________________
🎥 WATCH NEXT:
Why Instagram engagement is dead (and my new strategy): https://youtu.be/dKv498DDbmw
🎯 FREE WEBINAR:
Learn how I sign high-paying clients and build a scalable social media business:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //
Camera:
https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens:
https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //
Join the Dishing up Digital School:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Join the high level mastermind:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind
SMM template bundle:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen's book:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
🌐 Ellen's business:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries:
team@dishingupdigital.com
5 things I wish someone had told me before I became a social media manager — the stuff nobody talks about because it's easier to sell the dream than prepare you for the reality. From dealing with trolls and negative comments on your content, to losing clients you love, to the hiring nightmares nobody warns you about — this is the honest version.
In this video:
✨ Why negative comments hit different when you're creating UGC and client content
✨ The hard truth about clients leaving (and outgrowing the ones who stay) ✨ Why hiring and outsourcing is never as simple as business coaches make it sound
✨ The 9-to-5 guilt that follows you into self-employment
✨ How social media drains your nervous system — even when you love the work
xx Ellen
_______________________________________________
// 🎯 FREE TRAINING //
Learn how I sign high-paying clients and build a scalable social media business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //
Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Join the high level mastermind: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind
SMM template bundle: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
🌐 Ellen's business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
Instagram engagement just hit record lows... and as a creator and business owner, I'm feeling it. So I'm walking you through the 3 things I'm actively changing about my Instagram strategy in 2026 - in real time - so you can decide whether to copy them, tweak them, or wait for my update in a month.
In this video, I break down what's actually happening with the Instagram algorithm in 2026, why engagement has collapsed across the board, and the strategic pivots I'm making to protect my reach, my business, and (honestly) my nervous system.
✨ What we cover:
- The 2026 Instagram engagement stats no one's talking about
- My exact Trial Reels A/B testing system (and why I resisted it for a year)
- Why I'm scaling up Meta ads in 2026, and who needs to be doing the same
- How I use Claude AI in my content workflow, and the boundary I refuse to cross
- Why AI-generated content is actually making the engagement crisis worse
- The honest reason I've stepped back from Instagram and where my energy is going instead
Whether you're a social media manager, a creator, or a business owner who relies on Instagram for leads... this is the video to watch before you spend another hour fighting the algorithm.
xx
Ellen
_____________________________________________________________
🎯 FREE WEBINAR
Learn how I sign high-paying clients and build a scalable social media business:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //
30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30:
https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30
Camera:
https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens:
https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//
0 to 7 figures: enter your social media manager era!
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //
Join the Dishing up Digital School:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Join the high level mastermind:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind
SMM template bundle:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen's book:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
🌐 Ellen's business:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries:
team@dishingupdigital.com
If you're using Claude like a search engine, you're using maybe 5% of what it can actually do. In this video, I'm showing you the exact way I set up Claude Cowork to run my multi-six-figure freelance business — and the three foundation steps that put you ahead of 99% of freelancers and solopreneurs still typing prompts into a chat box.
This is Layer 1 of the AI operating system I use across every part of my business.
By the end, you'll have:
✨ A proper understanding of what Claude Cowork actually is (and why it's different to ChatGPT or browser-based Claude)
✨ Cowork mode set up on your computer
✨ The Global Instructions file that makes Claude sound like YOU
✨ Projects + memory so Claude remembers your business, not a fresh start every time
✨ Why folder structure is the deciding factor between five-star AI output and mediocre copy-paste loops
xx
Ellen
_______________________________________________________________
🎯 FREE BRAND VOICE INTERVIEW
The free tool to extract your voice with this detailed 30 minute interview and finally make Claude understand YOU:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/pl/2148783700
🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //
30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30:
https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30
Camera:
https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens:
https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//
0 to 7 figures: enter your social media manager era!
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //
Join the Dishing up Digital School:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Join the high level mastermind:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind
SMM template bundle:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen's book:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
🌐 Ellen's business:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries:
team@dishingupdigital.com
Scaling as a social media manager or freelancer: it's simple math and a simplified business. In this video I'm breaking down exactly how many clients you need (at $1,500, $2,000, and $2,500/month) to hit six figures, why simplicity is your biggest competitive advantage, and the mindset shift that changed how I run my entire business.
In this video:
✨ The exact client math behind a $100K social media management business
✨ Why offering fewer services actually makes you more money
✨ The lean tech stack and business structure that keeps things simple
✨ How to stop overcomplicating your path to six figures
✨ The permission slip you didn't know you needed
🎯 FREE TRAINING
Learn how I sign high-paying clients and build a scalable social media business:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring the podcast
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
xx
Ellen
____________________________________________________
🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //
Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
// WORK WITH ELLEN //
Join the Dishing up Digital School:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Join the high level mastermind:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind
SMM template bundle:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen's book:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
🌐 Ellen's business:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries:
team@dishingupdigital.com
Here's the exact 4-step system I use to reset when I'm burnt out, overwhelmed, and my systems have completely fallen apart — and how you can do it too.
In this video, I'm covering:
-
How to triage your brain when everything feels urgent
-
Reconnecting with your quarterly goals (and why that fixes everything)
-
Using AI as your executive assistant (morning briefings, email triage, trend research)
-
When to change your business systems (and how to do it without spiralling)
-The mindset shift that makes burnout feel manageable
💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring this video Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription: 👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
xx Ellen
🏕️ // CAMP CLAUDE //Get your ticket here, 50% off for a limited time only: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/camp-claude
🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //
30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30: https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30
Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//
0 to 7 figures: enter your social media manager era! https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN // J
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Join the high level mastermind: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind
SMM template bundle: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
🌐 Ellen's business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
If you’re a UGC creator in 2026… this is the conversation nobody’s really having. UGC isn’t dead. But relying on it as your entire business? That’s where things start to fall apart.
In this video, I’m breaking down what’s actually happening behind the scenes — from market saturation and rising standards, to why audiences are starting to see straight through “authentic” UGC ads. I’ve worked in this industry for years, I’ve done UGC myself, and I’ve experienced the creative burnout that comes with trying to turn content creation into a long-term business model.
The truth? UGC is a skill. Not a business.
So instead of telling you to quit, I’m walking you through 5 online businesses and revenue streams you can build alongside UGC to create something more sustainable, scalable, and actually yours.
If you want more stability, better income, and a business that grows with you… this is where to start.
💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring this video
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
xx
Ellen
_______________________________________________________________
🎯 FREE WEBINAR:
Learn how I sign high-paying clients and build a scalable social media business:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //
30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30:
https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30
Camera:
https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens:
https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //
Join the Dishing up Digital School:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Join the high level mastermind:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind
SMM template bundle:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen’s book:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
This is a full Q1 CEO report and deep-dive into the data behind my business — not just what I made, but how I made it, what actually drove sales, and where the biggest opportunities for growth are right now.
In this video, I’m walking you through a real quarterly business review so you can see:
how to analyse your revenue, leads, and conversion data
what numbers actually matter when you’re trying to grow
how to identify bottlenecks in your sales funnel
what to focus on next if you want to scale an online business
If you’re a social media manager, online service provider, or building a digital product business, this is exactly how you should be reviewing your numbers each quarter to make better strategic decisions (instead of just guessing what to do next).
This is less about “income reporting”… and more about learning how to think like a CEO when it comes to your business growth.
💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring this video
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
xx
Ellen
_______________________________________________________________
🎥 WATCH NEXT:
$40k in 30 days, my revenue streams & expenses:
https://youtu.be/ckFnGUE_GN0?si=s-fiYzjAY5l1ER-X
2025 income report:
https://youtu.be/Xh6zUNyaSeU?si=GznbmfGRtvwF6RGF
🎯 FREE WEBINAR:
Learn how I sign high-paying clients and build a scalable social media business:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //
30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30:
https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30
Camera:
https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens:
https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //
Join the Dishing up Digital School:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Join the high level mastermind:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind
SMM template bundle:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen’s book:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
If you’ve been overdelivering, overposting, and still undercharging… this is probably why.
In this video, I’m breaking down what I’d actually include in a $3k/month social media management package — and more importantly, what doesn’t need to be there.
Because premium pricing doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from how you position, structure, and run your business.
We’re covering:
✨ What a $3k/month SMM retainer realistically includes
✨ Why you don’t need daily posting or endless deliverables
✨ How to structure content (without burning out)
✨ What premium clients actually expect from you
✨ The 3 things that actually allowed me to increase my rates
If you’re serious about landing $3k–$5k clients consistently, I’m hosting a free training where I break down the full framework 👇
🎓 FREE TRAINING SERIES
From Underpaid to In-Demand: A free 4-part private podcast for social media managers who want better clients & higher rates:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring this video
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
xx
Ellen
🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //
30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30:
https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30
Template mentioned designed for SMMs by my student Christine:
https://www.instagram.com/maryfield.media/p/DVb1ysZlZGv/
Camera:
https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens:
https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//
From Underpaid to In-Demand: A free 4-part private podcast for social media managers who want better clients & higher rates:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //
Join the Dishing up Digital School:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Join the high level mastermind:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind
SMM template bundle:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen’s book:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
👩💻 Ellen’s business:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries:
team@dishingupdigital.com
Thinking about using Notion to run your social media management business? Watch this review first.
I tested Notion for two months inside my own workflow to see if it could replace my task manager, planning system, and content calendar. And while it’s one of the most powerful free productivity tools online, there are a few limitations social media managers don’t talk about enough.
In this video, I’m breaking down my honest review of Notion after using it with real client work. We’ll cover the free plan, the steep learning curve, why templates completely change the experience, and the biggest reason Notion might not be the all-in-one solution social media managers are looking for.
Because when you’re managing client work, your systems matter. The fewer tabs, tools, and workflows you need to juggle, the easier it is to execute consistently.
💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring this video
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
My previous Notion video setting up my template: https://youtu.be/002CCCMYb7U
My full Rella review: https://youtu.be/oUVsSAWon0Q
xx
Ellen
_______________________________________________________________________________________
🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //
30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30:
https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30
Template mentioned designed for SMMs by my student Christine: https://www.instagram.com/maryfield.media/p/DVb1ysZlZGv/
Camera:
https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens:
https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//
From Underpaid to In-Demand: A free 4-part private podcast for social media managers who want better clients & higher rates:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //
Join the Dishing up Digital School:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Join the high level mastermind:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind
SMM template bundle:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen’s book:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
👩💻 Ellen’s business:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries:
team@dishingupdigital.com
Most freelancers don’t have an income problem. They have a reinvestment problem. Once you start making money in your business, that revenue is no longer a salary. It’s fuel. And if you want to hit consistent $10K, $20K, $30K+ months, you have to learn where to pour it.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the only three investments that have actually shifted the needle in my business over the last seven years. If you’re serious about growing a real business, it’s not about buying a better camera. It’s about building better infrastructure.
💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring this video
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
xx
Ellen
⏰ TIME STAMPS
00:00 – You’re not an employee anymore
00:38 – The 3 investments that actually scaled my business
01:23 – Investment #1: Systems & Software
02:42 – Why $24/month software is worth it
04:04 – How software increases your prices
05:06 – Investment #2: Hiring Your First Contractor
07:18 – Why contractors over employees (at first)
08:32 – What you should actually outsource
09:06 – Investment #3: Coaching & Mentorship
11:58 – The $800 investment that changed everything
13:30 – Why investing should feel scary
16:50 – The hidden ROI of mentorship
20:47 – Final thoughts: Build infrastructure, not aesthetics
_____________________________________________________
🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //
30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30: https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30
Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//
0 to 7 figures: enter your social media manager era!
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Join the high level mastermind: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind
SMM template bundle: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen’s book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
You don’t need 10K followers. You don’t even need 1,000. If you’ve been holding off on going “all in” with your social media management business because you think you need a big following first… this is your wake-up call.
In this episode, I’m sharing the quiet strategy to book premium, high-ticket clients — even if you’re brand new and barely have a presence online. These are the same methods I used to go full-time as a social media manager, and what I’ve taught to hundreds of students inside the Dishing Up Digital School.
Spoiler: your follower count is the least important thing. Premium clients aren’t looking for virality — they’re looking for someone who gets results, builds trust, and makes their life easier. That can be you (even if you’re just getting started).
🎧 We’re covering:
-
How to build a client-booking portfolio (even with zero experience)
-
The exact places to network to find clients who pay well
-
Why growth ≠ income (and what to focus on instead)
-
Case studies from students who’ve booked $2K+ clients with less than1K followers
If you’re ready to ditch the Instagram follower pressure and start landing real clients in 2026, let’s dive in.
💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring this video
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
Students mentioned:Julia - https://www.instagram.com/social.vitality/Jade - https://www.instagram.com/jade.mc.neil/Liv - https://www.instagram.com/lilastudios.nz/Mackenzie - https://www.instagram.com/thesparklestrategy/Alex - https://www.instagram.com/alaskasocialco/
xx
Ellen
________________________________________________________________
🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //
30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30: https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30
Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//
0 to 7 figures: enter your social media manager era!
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Join the high level mastermind: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind
SMM template bundle: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen’s book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
Ready to quit your 9–5 and become a full-time social media manager in 2026? This is your roadmap.In this episode, I’m giving you a full 12-month plan to go from beginner (or part-time side hustler) to booked-out and thriving in your SMM business.
You’ll learn exactly what to do in each quarter — from landing your first client without an Instagram following, to building a portfolio that converts, to finally setting income goals that make quitting your job realistic.
We’re not guessing. We’re building. Month by month, phase by phase.
Let’s go full-time—together.
Inside this episode:
✔️ Why 2026 is the best time to go full-time
✔️ The biggest mistake new social media managers make
✔️ How to land your first 3–5 clients without a following
✔️ Pricing, packaging, and portfolio tips
✔️ When to build a website and brand shoot (not at the start!)
✔️ How to reverse-engineer your income and make quitting realistic
Watch or listen now to get the full plan and start strong this year.
xx Ellen
💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
___________________________________________________________
💻 //LINKS// 💻
Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
Motivation is flaky. Discipline and habits are what actually get you paid. In this episode, I’m breaking down the boring, repeatable daily habits that help you act like a $100K-a-year social media manager before the money shows up. Because six-figure businesses aren’t built on vibes. They’re built on systems, ownership, and habits that signal: this is a real company.
If you want to grow faster, more sustainably, and without burning out, it starts by treating your own business like a client, not an afterthought.
We’re covering:
🎧 Why six-figure social media managers work on their business before client work
🎧 How realistic daily planning builds confidence (not shame)
🎧 Why you don’t need more leads, you need better follow-up
🎧 Why tracking your numbers works
🎧 How consuming less content leads to faster growth
🎧 How protecting your energy directly impacts revenue
🎧 Why rest and boredom are non-negotiable for long-term success
If you’re ready to stop relying on motivation and start building habits that compound into real income in 2026, let’s dive in.
💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring this video
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
Videos mentioned:
30 day posting challenge - https://youtu.be/drFv-5bq9EY?si=jYOLOoiSLov0txcU
I analysed 250 instagram posts - https://youtu.be/d24k0VA_Gv4?si=IsdUWETlvl9-zh-N
xx
Ellen
________________________________________________________________
🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //
30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30: https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30
Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//
0 to 7 figures: enter your social media manager era!
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Join the high level mastermind: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind
SMM template bundle: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen’s book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
Transparent, juicy, and zero gatekeeping—today I’m breaking down exactly how I made $270,000 NZD in 2025 across my digital products, brand sponsorships, client work, and more. But here’s the twist: I made the same amount as last year… working way less and loving my business more than ever.
This isn’t just a numbers episode—it’s the real story behind the pivots, risks, burnout, boundaries, and breakthroughs that shaped my most aligned (and surprising!) business year yet.
If you’re a freelancer, service provider, or digital creator wanting to build a freedom-first business without sacrificing income—this episode is your permission slip AND your game plan. Let’s get into the data, the decisions, and the energetic shifts that changed everything.
xx Ellen
💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
___________________________________________________________
💻 //LINKS// 💻
Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
If you want to go viral in 2026, you need to stop creating carousels like it’s 2021. That basic Canva infographic? Not cutting it.
Instead, you need bold, opinionated, story-led content that cuts through the scroll and converts eyeballs into followers, buyers, and fans.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the 3 viral carousel types dominating my feed, my metrics, and my business right now—with real examples, the psychology behind why they work, and how you can start posting them today.
Whether you're building a personal brand or scaling a service-based biz, this is your go-to strategy guide for carousels that actually move the needle in 2026.
🎯 What you’ll learn:
• Why your carousels aren’t converting—and how to fix it
• The 3 scroll-stopping formats you should post every month
• Hooks, CTAs, and messaging tweaks that build trust + drive clicks
• Behind-the-scenes of my own viral posts (and how you can remix them)
Posts referenced:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DNWHaHyyA-M/?img_index=1
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMbJBUczycg/?img_index=1
https://www.instagram.com/p/DLqJxyGTTj6/?img_index=1
https://www.instagram.com/p/DNrCKNq5tRJ/?img_index=1
✨ Steal my templates:
Want my exact carousel layouts, design formulas, and CTA slides?
Grab the SMM Template Bundle—now updated with top-performing posts from 2025:
👉 https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd?coupon_code=DISHINGUP
xx Ellen
💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
___________________________________________________________
💻 //LINKS// 💻
Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
If you want a masterclass in modern marketing... stop looking at other creators and start looking at Kim Kardashian and Ryan Murphy.All Is Fair just had the biggest debut on Hulu ever, and whether you love the show or hate it... the marketing is undeniable. Today I’m breaking down the 5 strategies behind their viral success – and how YOU can use them to scale your content, your creative business, and your next launch.This episode is basically a crossover of my two lives: my past career as a TV writer, and my current one as a marketer. And trust me... these lessons are gold.We’re talking:✨ Polarization as a strategy (yes, you WANT some people to hate your content)✨ Why BTS content is your secret connection builder✨ The “weekly rollout machine” that keeps viewers coming back✨ The power of collaboration + star stacking✨ How Ryan Murphy’s signature style can inspire YOUR brand identityIf you want to treat your business like a Hollywood blockbuster in 2025 and beyond... this one’s for you.xxEllen💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the PodcastUse code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen___________________________________________________________⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 – The All Is Fair launch: why the marketing deserves a case study1:30 – Lesson 1: Why your marketing should not resonate with everyone5:00 – Lesson 2: Consistency is the engine behind conversion8:40 – Lesson 3: Behind-the-scenes content builds buy-in12:10 – Lesson 4: Collaboration multiplies visibility14:30 – Lesson 5: Lean into your signature style📣 Mentioned:Youtube video on how to make aesthetic content: https://youtu.be/14OKJurBC1Q💻 //LINKS// 💻Join the Dishing Up Digital School:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolMy Social CEO Toolbox (including my custom GPT The Content Coach):https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/xi9FTZ22?coupon_code=YOUTUBEThe ultimate template bundle for social media managers:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZdBuy Ellen’s book:https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee🤯 //FREE GUIDE//How to become a social media manager:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie👩💻 Ellen’s business:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries:team@dishingupdigital.com
Are you scared AI is going to replace you as a service provider? I get it—but here's the truth: AI isn't your competition, it's your co-creator.
In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how I use AI in my business (without losing my human touch), how it’s helped me grow faster, create better content, and work fewer hours.
We’re ditching the fear-mongering and talking real strategies for service providers, social media managers, and content creators to thrive in the age of AI.
Plus, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how I’ve integrated AI into my content workflows, trained my own custom GPTs, and how YOU can do the same—starting today.
xx Ellen
💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
___________________________________________________________
💻 //LINKS// 💻
Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
Want to land your first social media manager client but feel stuck because you have no experience and no portfolio?
In this video, I’m breaking down exactly how to build a high-converting portfolio from scratch - even if you’ve never had a paying client. Whether you’re a beginner SMM, content creator pivoting to services, or just want to book clients faster, this is your step-by-step roadmap.
I’m also sharing my best-kept secret: my SMM Template Bundle (50% off this week only for Black Friday!) includes a done-for-you portfolio template to help you get set up in hours, not days.
🎁 Grab it here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd/checkout?coupon_code=BF50💕
xx Ellen
💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
___________________________________________________________
💻 //LINKS// 💻
Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
I built an online business that’s now hitting nearly $1 M in revenue, and I didn’t do it with a viral reel or a big team. I did it with a clear strategy, consistent execution and the right systems. In this video I’m breaking down my full income journey, the key things that worked (and what didn’t), and how you can apply the same frameworks to your own business.
xx Ellen
💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
___________________________________________________________
💻 //LINKS// 💻
Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
AI isn’t replacing you—unless you let it.
In this episode, I’m sharing the full replay of my most popular free webinar to date—a training designed to help you build a thriving, booked-out business as a social media manager or service provider in 2026 without getting left behind by AI.
We’ll cover:
- Why ChatGPT won’t replace high-touch service providers
- How to become the irreplaceable option in your niche
-
The exact ways I’m using AI to save time, serve better, and sell smarter
-
Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale, this training will help you shift from fearing AI to fully leveraging it—and position your business for long-term success.
Spoiler alert: The future isn’t less human. It’s more.
xx
Ellen
💻 The Ultimate SMM Template Bundle
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
👩💻 My Business HQ
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship Enquiries
team@dishingupdigital.com
📲 Follow Me for More:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
In this spicy episode of the Dishing up Digital podcast, I’m sharing some of the wildest, most chaotic moments from my 6 years as a social media manager. From nightmare clients to contractor drama, invoice ghosting to holiday content meltdowns—these stories had me questioning everything.
But with each messy moment came a powerful lesson that’s shaped how I run my business today.
Here’s what we’re diving into:
💔 A client ended our contract with zero notice during their divorce
🌍 I redid a month of content while on vacation in South Africa
🙃 A contractor nearly cost me my biggest client
😵💫 7+ revisions on one post—and the meltdown that followed
🚨 Late invoices, luxury car purchases, and the audacity
🧾 Refunds, breakdowns, and what finally taught me to walk away
If you’re a social media manager, freelancer, or service provider, this episode is your permission slip to set boundaries, charge your worth, and protect your peace.
🎧 LISTEN NOW — and stay ‘til the end for the most unhinged confession I’ve never shared publicly 👀
xx
Ellen
🚨 Sign up for my FREE webinar on how to become a social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
——————————————————————————————————————————
💻 //LINKS// 💻
The ultimate template bundle for social media managers: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
🤯 //FREE GUIDE//
How to become a social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
You don’t need 100k followers, a trending Reel, or a viral launch to make your first $10k month. I hit five-figure months before I had 2,000 followers—and it wasn’t magic, it was method.
In this episode of Dishing Up Digital, I’m pulling back the curtain on the actual strategy that helped me go from low views to high income.
You’ll learn:
✨ Why follower count is NOT a business plan
✨ The 4-part framework I use to create consistent $10k+ months
✨ What to stop doing if you want to get booked out faster
✨ Why boring, repeatable, unsexy systems scale better than viral trends
xx Ellen
💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast
Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:
👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen
___________________________________________________________
💻 //LINKS// 💻
Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt
Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx
Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
If you’ve ever thought “I missed the boat” when it comes to content creation… this episode will flip that belief on its head.
Today, I’m joined by one of my incredible students—Janice, a 60+ UGC creator who’s redefining what’s possible at any age.
We’re talking about what it really looks like to start creating content later in life, how Janice landed her first brand deals, and the mindset shifts that helped her finally show up online with confidence.
Whether you’re a new creator or you’ve been putting it off because you think it’s “too late”—this episode is your permission slip to start where you are, with what you have.
💬 We cover:
- Why age can be your superpower as a creator
- Janice’s first steps into UGC + building her portfolio
- Getting over the fear of being visible online
- Building a brand when you're not a 20-something influencer
- The ripple effect of choosing to go for it
✨ Follow Janice on Instagram: @janice.ugc.creates
xx
Ellen
WORK WITH ME & be the next Janice! 📲 Sign up for the Dishing up Digital School here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
//SOCIAL MEDIA//
Instagram: @ellenmackenziee
Tiktok: @ellenmackenzieee
The creator economy is exploding—growing from $250B in 2024 to a projected $480B by 2027—but here’s the truth: you do not need a million followers or viral videos to claim your slice of the pie.
In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the exact strategies micro creators can use to grow a magnetic brand, build a community, and generate consistent income—without burnout and without waiting to blow up.
If you’ve been thinking:
→ “No one’s watching”
→ “I don’t know how to grow”
→ “I’ll start when my content takes off”
...this is your sign to stop waiting and start building like a CEO.
This is the new era of content—and you’re not late. You’re right on time.
xx
Ellen
🚨 Sign up for my FREE 3-day online conference for social media managers:
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/summit2025
💻 //LINKS// 💻
The ultimate template bundle for social media managers: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
🤯 //FREE GUIDE//
How to become a social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
August 2025 was my highest revenue month ever—and in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how I hit $40K (in New Zealand dollars) in 30 days.No fluff. No fake urgency. Just the real strategy, shifts, and streams that made it possible.In this episode, I break down:✨ The 9 revenue streams that made up my $40K month✨ How I rate each revenue stream and how important they are✨ Which offer made me $25,000 alone✨ Why smaller revenue streams are important tooThis isn’t a “look at me” moment—it’s a here’s what’s possible when you commit to a freedom-first business model moment.💻 Want to grow your own social media management business?Sign up for my FREE training: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar👀 New Instagram Strategy minimind drops Friday!Follow me on Instagram for all the launch details:https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/xxEllen💻 //LINKS// 💻The ultimate template bundle for social media managers: ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZdBuy Ellen's book: amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//Instagram: @ellenmackenzieeTikTok: @ellenmackenzieee🤯 //FREE GUIDE//How to become a social media manager: ellenmackenzie.com/freebie👩💻 Ellen’s business: ellenmackenzie.com📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most terrifying (and transformational) decisions in business: raising your prices.
I was booked out, overworked, and knew something had to shift. So I doubled my prices—fully prepared to be ghosted or told I was “too expensive.”
But here’s the thing: the client still said yes.
And that moment changed everything.
I’m sharing the full story, plus the truth about what really happens when you raise your rates, how to handle the mindset wobble that comes with it, and the pricing strategy I now swear by.
We’re talking:
🔹 The turning point that made me realize I was undercharging
🔹 What to do when clients say yes and when they say no
🔹 How to use pricing as a business growth strategy
🔹 The analytics + psychology behind my price increase method
🔹 Why your dream clients will thank you for charging more
This one’s for the service provider, freelancer, or coach who knows it’s time to stop charging “starter” prices—but feels scared to lose the clients they’ve worked so hard to earn.
Spoiler: Raising your prices is rarely what breaks your business. Playing small is.
xxEllen
🚨 Sign up for my FREE live webinar on how to become a booked-out social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
💻 //LINKS// 💻
The ultimate template bundle for social media managers: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZ
Buy Ellen's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
🤯//FREE GUIDE//
How to become a social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
Struggling to grow on Instagram, TikTok or Youtube? DESPITE posting consistently and doing everything "right"? You’re not alone… and you’re not broken.
The truth is, most social media “strategies” in 2025 are just content calendars with no real conversion plan behind them.
In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact strategy I use to sell $400K+ in digital products - including how to build a content plan that will increase your reach and brings in actual sales (even with a small following).
We’ll cover:
⚡ Why your current content strategy isn’t working
⚡ The 4 core layers of a modern content plan
⚡ My step-by-step method to map content to your goals
⚡ What to STOP doing in 2025 if you want to actually grow
Whether you’re a freelancer, creator, or coach—this episode is your roadmap to consistent clients and clear strategy.
xxEllen
💻 //LINKS//
The Social CEO Toolbox - including my AI Content Coach ✨ SAVE $100: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/F449g2tE/checkout?coupon_code=EARLYBIRD
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 //FOLLOW ME//
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
📧 Sponsor: team@dishingupdigital.com
DISCLAIMER: This episode is not sponsored.
🚨 Sign up for my FREE 3 day online conference for social media managers: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/summit2025
If you’ve ever thought, “Why is no one booking me?”—this episode is your wake-up call. Inside, I’m breaking down the exact 5-step strategy I’ve used over and over again to get fully booked fast—whether I was starting from scratch, lost a big client, or just needed fast cash flow in my business.
➡️ No giant following.➡️ No complicated funnels.➡️ No slashing your prices.
Just simple, repeatable moves that work—especially for freelancers, social media managers, coaches, and service providers ready to grow to consistent 5k+ months and scale to six-figures in 2025.
In this episode, we cover:
- How to tap your personal network (without feeling cringe)
- The right way to ask for referrals (and actually get them)
- Why testimonials are client magnets (if used strategically)
- The magic of posting so much it annoys even you 😏
- And how to add a ‘yes factor’ that makes people buy now
Whether you’re a new freelancer or seasoned service provider, this episode will reignite your momentum—and prove that you're not behind, you're just under-executing the boring stuff that actually works.
🎧 Press play and let’s get you fully booked—again and again
xx
Ellen
Other pitching video mentioned: https://youtu.be/GbPNLtLB3F8?si=7hIzG19RP_TFl9ee
💻 //LINKS// 💻
The ultimate template bundle for social media managers: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd
Buy Ellen's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
🤯 //FREE GUIDE//
How to become a social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
Let’s talk money - because ignoring the “boring stuff” could be costing you thousands.
In this episode, I’m sitting down with my accountant to break down the stuff no one talks about:
➡️ What small biz owners always get wrong➡️ How to stay organized for tax season (without crying)➡️ When to hire help (and how to afford it)➡️ What actually matters when you’re starting out
This is the episode that would’ve saved past Ellen from so many money headaches. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or scaling fast, this is your reminder: financial literacy is a CEO skill. Let's make your bank account (and your mindset) match the business you’re building. 💸
xx
Ellen
⬇️ Sign up for my FREE online conference for social media managers: AUgust 12th-14th ✨
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/summit2025
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS// 🔗
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
Let’s talk about the unspoken villain in your business story: your inner broke girl.
The one who hoards money, second-guesses every investment, and whispers, “you can’t afford that” every time you try to grow. In this episode, I’m unpacking the mindset that secretly runs the show for so many online entrepreneurs—and how to shift it.
We’ll cover:
✨ What “broke girl energy” actually looks like in business
✨ The difference between smart strategy and scarcity-driven decisions
✨ How I shifted my relationship with money to grow a multi-6-figure brand
✨ Tactical ways to move from fear-based to CEO-level financial decisions
This one’s spicy—and it might sting a little—but it’s going to change the way you show up and scale. You ready?
xx
Ellen
WIN AN IPHONE 16 📲
To celebrate the re-launch of the Dishing up Digital podcast, I'm hosting an epic giveaway! Enter here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/podcast
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS// 🔗
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Whether you're a freelancer, creator, or coach, this is your roadmap to working less and earning more before 2026 hits. In this video, I'm breaking down the 3-part Freedom Framework - aka the three key steps to scaling your online business without working 24/7.
To celebrate the re-launch of the Dishing up Digital podcast, I'm hosting an epic giveaway! Enter here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/podcast
xx
Ellen
⬇️ SIGN UP FOR MY FREE WEBINAR: how to become a social media manager ✨
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS// 🔗
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
🤯// FREE GUIDE // 🤯
How to become a social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com
DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored.
In this episode we're chatting about those red flags that pop up in our clients and potential clients from time to time. Take it from me, someone with a lot of experience, I still can get caught out with red flags. Sometimes you need to look back and reflect and learn from these mistakes - luckily for you, I've compiled them all up to help you out!
RED FLAGS:
- Asking for a discount
- Can't make time for a discovery call
- Starts to ghost you when it comes time to contract/invoice
- Someone who grills you about growth during the discovery call
- Your business styles just simply don't align (don't force yourself to change)
- When they won't commit to a 3-month minimum contract
- When they want to put you on a "trial period"
- When they don't want to pay for content creation but their social content at the moment is really bad
- When they aren't showing respect for your work hours
- The client who wants endless meetings - but is on your lowest package
- Traditional or older businesses who aren't willing to adapt
- When it feels like they want an employee not a contractor
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
This episode is sponsored by Trello. Sign up for Trello HERE - it's free to get started!
~~~
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Mackenzie Studios Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/mackenziestudios.nz/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Ellen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EllenandTara/videos
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
What do you do when your social media strategy is no longer working for you? Firstly - you're not alone! This happens to so many business owners and this is exactly what I'm gonna be unpacking in today's episode of the Dishing Up Digital podcast.
Some Takeaways:
- You are going to have to pivot your social media strategy.
- Your bio is hot real estate.
- You need to be so repetitive in your messaging.
- Sometimes you can't have it all with every single post.
- Don't let self-doubt take control during launches.
- Your strategy is gonna change over time.
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
This episode is sponsored by Trello. Sign up for Trello HERE - it's free to get started!
~~~
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Mackenzie Studios Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/mackenziestudios.nz/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Ellen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EllenandTara/videos
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
"This episode is your permission slip to not have it all figured out"
In this episode I'm chatting about jumping in to your new venture without having all your t's crossed and i's dotted. Sometimes it's something that you just need to do! I'll speak from personal experience, and we'll also do a mini case study on Meghan Markle's latest business ventures.
A few takeaways from this episode:
- Building a business requires taking small steps.
- Mistakes are part of the learning process.
- You can refine and improve your work over time.
- Trust yourself to figure things out along the way.
- Big ideas can be intimidating; start small.
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
This episode is sponsored by Trello. Sign up for Trello HERE - it's free to get started!
~~~
Mentioned in today's episode:
- Book recommendation: The Perfectionists Guide to Losing Control - by Katherine Morgan Schafler
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Mackenzie Studios Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/mackenziestudios.nz/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Ellen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EllenandTara/videos
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
Guys! I'm so sorry for the lack of podcast last week, but things have been hectic! If you're not aware of what's been going on, well, I've been a busy girl launching my second studio space for MacKenzie Studios. It's been crazy, but I am super proud of everything and would love you to go and have a look at it on Instagram. On top of launching the new studio space, I've still been trucking along with my Dishing up Digital students, Social Media clients and getting my own marketing out into the world. How have I done this you ask? Well, listen to today's episode to hear about what systems I have in place and tips & tricks I use to help me out in these busy times.
Remember:
- it's ok to have a break from your own social media
- don't over-apologise for having a break
- you can't go wrong with having a consistent morning routine in place
- discipline is probably more important than motivation
- YOU have the power to take action in your own business.
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
This episode is sponsored by Trello. Sign up for Trello HERE - it's free to get started!
~~~
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
If you're thinking about becoming a UGC creator in 2025, this episode might ruin your day. But I could help you avoid a very big mistake.
We're going to unpack the rise of the UGC industry as well as what I predict could be it's downfall in 2025.
I'm also going to share what you can do to build a more sustainable business as a creator and prepare for the changes coming.
What I love about UGC:
- content for social media MUST be different to your other advertising content
- it's been a game changer for a lot of brands and icnreased sales massively
- ANNNND they haven't had to spend 10s of thousands of dollars on full production teams
- shown brands the value of content creation
Why I think this is a bad decision to build a UGC business in 2025:
- Yes, it's proven, yes there's a demand
- However #2: this is so set up to burn you out mentally and also creatively.
-
3 As a service business I feel it's fundamentally broken: there's only so many brands you can work with
-
4 Consumers are catching on and it's loosing the authenticity
- When you start to lose consumer interest, you start to loose conversions. When you loose that, brands stop hiring you
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
This episode is sponsored by Trello. Sign up for Trello HERE - it's free to get started!
~~~
Mentioned in today's episode:
- You can watch my Free Webinar here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
This episode is one of my most valuable yet and is actually a replay from my last webinar at the end of February.
In this free training, you'll learn the 3 key steps to successfully set up your freelance business as a social media manager.
- How to find high-ticket clients: freedom does NOT mean working for $200 a month
- Systems and workflows: Get a BTS look at how I manage multiple clients while working less hours
- Outsourcing and hiring your mini dream team: this is my secret weapon to providing high-value service as a SMM without burning myself out
If you'd rather watch the full webinar and see me in video, you can watch that here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
Or, (for the first time ever), I'm sharing my Canva slides with you so you can refer to them as you listen or after you'd finished listening. Get those HERE
This episode is sponsored by Trello. Sign up for Trello HERE - it's free to get started!
~~~
Mentioned in this episode:
- My episode with Jade McNeil
- My episode with Stenya LeClair
- My episode with Abbey Graves
- https://www.honeybook.com/ & https://www.dubsado.com/
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
In this episode, I share my personal journey of quitting my corporate job to pursue entrepreneurship, detailing the emotional challenges and practical steps involved. I provide you with five essential tips for those considering leaving their 9-to-5 jobs, emphasising the importance of preparation, financial stability, and strategic planning.
My 5 Essential Tips:
- Don't just quite straight away - build your side hustle, validate your idea, starting building your client list
- Build a financial runway
- Get up close and personal with your numbers - make projections
- Lay the foundations - education/upskilling, building your website, register your business name
- Create a roadmap - action plan, goals, new offers etc
Today's episode was sponsored by Trello. Sign up for Trello here - it's free to get started!
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
~~~
Mentioned in today's episode:
- My Business Journey episode: https://pod.link/1576083467/episode/f44764a9626f42968d521b0466bb8377
- Buy my Instagram Marketing e-book here
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
In this episode my two worlds collide as we chat Social Media Management and Podcast Production with the wonderful Abbey Graves. From radio DJ to Government Social Media Manager to taking her own side hustle full time we discuss her journey and how she was able to apply what she learnt from the Dishing up Digital School to her podcast production company.
Some Key Takeaways:
- The turning point in going full time with Social Media Management and Podcast Production
- How the Dishing up Digital School helped
- How to manage the lower income months
- Managing client deliverables
- Giving up control in some areas by hiring a contractor - Ellen gives Abbey homework!
Find out more about Abbey on her website: https://abbeygravesproductions.com/
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
~~~
Mentioned in today's episode:
- My episode on hourly rates: https://pod.link/1576083467/episode/a0fe9022dbaa5009400403424e436ea8
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
My pricing episodes always bring out some interesting comments and responses. Yes I’m going to be revealing every deliverable the details as part of this package, but I first need to reiterate that pricing is personal and everyone is different. There are so many different factors to consider from your level of experience, to where you’re based in the world. Other than a chat about pricing strategy, I’m mainly delving into the deliverables in this package today. I’m covering:
- Number of posts and the posting schedule
- Captions and Hashtags
- Engagement Strategies and community management
- Analytics & reporting
- Content Creation vs Management
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
~~~
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
Pricing is such a big conversation around social media Management. I always get DMs on this topic and whenever I do a podcast around pricing it quickly becomes one of the most downloaded. I even have 4 videos on pricing in the Dishing up Digital school alone!
Topics I cover in this episode:
- When hourly rates are useful
- The downside of hourly rates
- How packages benefit your clients
- How to make your packages work best for you and your clients
- What to do when you're first starting out and trying to get your first client
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
~~~
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
How are all my fellow Social Media Managers and Business Owners? What a crazy start to the year this has been. I mean, I don't usually rush to post an update when TikTok gets banned in the US, or there's ANOTHER algorithm change on instagram, or when TikTok gets reinstated, but it's hard to ignore what's been happening over the month of January in our industry alone! Usually I can just roll with the punches and take them in my stride, but this was even a lot for me guys.
Listen as I briefly un pack Social Media, but also do my best to convince you that YouTube is where you need to be. If you haven't already, also check out my YouTube video from last year on 2025 Social Media Trends & Predictions: what you need to know.
Some takeaways from this episode:
- The rise of YouTube and longform content
- YouTube's creator support and monetisation (something we actually get in NZ!)
- The future of content creation
If any of my listeners found me via YouTube, I would love to know! Do you think I should make follow up episodes this year on YouTube?
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
~~~
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
Spicy Ellen makes a bit of a return in this episode as I discuss the realities of launching and selling digital products. Online "Gurus" love to tell you that all you need to is to create and sell this one digital product and you'll be set financially! Well, lets debunk that myth and have a bit of a reality check.
Some takeaways from this episode:
- Many online coaches oversimplify the process of selling digital products
- A discussion around Audience Privilege
- Viral moments can boost sales but are not reliable long-term.
- Higher ticket offers can lead to more sustainable income.
- Building an audience is essential for selling digital products.
- The importance of strategic planning for product launches.
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
~~~
Mentioned in today's episode:
- Viral TikTok that helped increase sales of my digital product: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee/video/7196839608276077826?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7389835566663173648
- My episode on how much each revenue stream made me in 2024: How Much Money I Made in 2024
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
Sign up to my FREE webinar on how to be a Social Media Manager. Price, package & pitch your way to booking out your services with an easy "yes" from clients!
~~~
This episode came about after 2 of my students asked me if they should create a lower priced package for potential clients. The short answer? No! The long answer, listen and find out!
Some takeaways from the episode:
- Lowering prices often stems from insecurity rather than market demand.
- It's essential to evaluate the true reasons behind pricing decisions.
- Offering lower-priced packages can dilute the value of services.
- Focus on long-term goals rather than short-term fixes.
- Stay true to your value and expertise in pricing.
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
~~~
Mentioned on today's podcast:
- My episode on how much each revenue stream made me in 2024: How Much Money I Made in 2024
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
Sign up for my FREE webinar on becoming a Social Media Manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
Apologies if you thought you would be getting an episode on Social Media Strategy! Instead this episode is on the strategy that helped me book my first clients as a Social media Manager with no experience. My 2 rules for this strategy are:
- You don’t need an Instagram following to “prove that you can do it” or “prove your worth”
- You can hustle in silence
In this episode I focus on the following:
- Clients care more about what you can do for them than your follower count.
- Use cold pitching in Facebook groups to secure clients (instead of relying on social media).
- A refined pitching strategy to secure clients and increase conversion rates.
- Starting with lower rates to gain experience, build a portfolio, and increase rates over time.
- Focus on client acquisition over self-promotion on social media.
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
~~~
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
TBH, if I titled this episode "10 Steps to Your First 10,000 Followers" I would probably get way more downloads and listens. The reason I've chosen to focus on your first 500 followers is because I believe this milestone is incredibly life-changing and powerful and I really want everybody listening to this episode to focus on building a small but mighty audience.
The 5 Steps I'll be covering are:
- Study your competition
- Post more frequently to get more data and refine your skills
- Focus on your story and your opinions - why should people follow YOU.
- Engage with other accounts
- Patience
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
~~~
Mentioned in today's episode:
- My episode on Social Media Trends
- See Sarah Airey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.airey.co/
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
As a freelance social media manager and online coach/creator, I LOVE having multiple revenue streams. Here's a breakdown of how much each revenue stream made me in 2024. This video also covers my expenses and profit (how much it costs to run my business) as well as a quarter by quarter breakdown with what went right and what went wrong this year.
November and December was a pretty tough month in business with me, so I got a touch emotional reflecting in this video. But overall I'm feeling super proud of myself and excited for what 2025 will hold.
xx Ellen
➡️ NEW FREE WEBINAR How to become a freelance social media manager and be your own boss in 2025: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
💻 //LINKS// 💻
Podcast on buying a house: https://pod.link/1576083467/episode/83485b801e1f31ac58d8febbded0e3eb
Last year's income report: https://pod.link/1576083467/episode/af06cb1daa58f371846a3b92759a6400
Tech and gear: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools
📖 Buy Ellen's book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS// 🔗
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s6K8enUncsQ?si=YWhAYNXaYOLbefCS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: ellen@dishingupdigital.com
It’s that magical time of year again when we are about to enter a new year. And I don't know about you guys, but I get excited this time of year. I love the buzz, the energy, the excitement, and I love how there's something about entering the new year that can give you the motivation that perhaps you've been lacking for the rest of all the previous year.
I wanted to take a little moment for those listening who have already started working with their own clients and are wanting to use the energy of the new year to start scaling, to step things up a notch and perhaps work towards that juicy illustrious goal of hitting a 10K month.
I'm going to be sharing the three key steps you need to focus on in 2025 if your goal is to scale to 10k months as a social media manager.
- Increasing your prices, stepping into the role of a premium service provider
- Increasing your marketing, focusing on building your brand
- Outsourcing and building your dream team
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
~~~
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
What does the future of Instagram, TikTok, Youtube and all social media platforms in 2025 look like? Today I'm sharing my predictions and the trends I think are going to have an impact on the industry. As a social media manager, I LOVE using the New Year as a time to reassess my strategy and I hope this podcast episode leaves you feeling inspired.
00:41 - How AI is going to evolve in 2025
04:23 - The quality of your content matters more than ever
07:08 - Social media is more important than your website
10:42 - YouTube is on the rise
15:45 - The power of evergreen content
xx
Ellen
💻 //LINKS// 💻
Buy Ellen's book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
Sign up for Ellen's course - https://www.dishingupdigitalschool.com/
📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS// 🔗
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
🤯// FREE GUIDE // 🤯
How to become a social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: ellen@dishingupdigital.com
DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored.
Guys, my confidence has taken a bit of a knock lately and I’ve been struggling behind the scenes. From what to post, to should I record this podcast episode - in fact, this wasn’t even the podcast episode I was originally going to post! It happens to all of us and has been especially prevalent in our industry of late.
I do hope this helps someone and you can gain your own confidence back! It’s a little bit of a kick up the butt! A little bit of a wake up call, and a little bit of BTS of Ellen!
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
~~~
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EllenandTara/videos
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
Today is all about the lessons I’ve learnt after being self employed for 5 years. Social Media Management was something I could get started in with no experience (I basically “winged” it), and now I help other Social Media Managers to not “wing it”, do things successfully by learning from my mistakes and scale faster to be working for themselves from anywhere in the world.
This episode is broken into 5 categories:
- Money
- Boundaries
- Clients
- Failures
- Marketing
These, for me, have been the crucial categories to focus on in order to scale my business. Enjoy the episode!
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
If you’ve been sitting there telling yourself that it’s too late to get started as a Social Media Manager, or that you don’t have enough experience, or any of the other text book excuses newbies like to use, this episode is the one for you!
I chat to the fabulous Stenya, who is one of my Dishing Up Digital School students. She enrolled in the programme earlier in the year and has had some amazing leaps and bounds with her business whilst also juggling 3 kids and travelling the world.
In this interview, we cover:
- How she got started
- Finding those crucial first clients with no experience
- How she then grew and developed that business
- Finding her own unique niche with her services
In case you're new around here, we upload new episodes of the Dishing Up Digital podcast every Monday. These are a mixture of educational, strategic videos, all things social media management and marketing. So if that is something that you love, make sure that you subscribe and you can catch the next episode when it goes live.
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
~~~
Mentioned in today's episode:
- Check out Stenya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitalsparkmedia/
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
The Dishing Up Digital School is now OPEN! Join Now: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School
~~~
In today’s episode I chat to the wonderful Liv, from Lila Studios, about her journey to becoming a full time Social Media Manger, how she booked her first clients and how she is now growing & scaling her business.
Liv has a pretty cool story in that she managed to quit her job within just a few months of signing up for my programme - the Dishing Up Digital School. This all happened this year, so for anybody listening - it is not too late to get started as a Social Media Manager!
Liv is really showing you what is possible when you dedicate yourself to your dream and making it happen by putting in the work. There's so many golden takeaways and lessons to learn in this episode and I know it's going to inspire so many of you, so I hope you enjoy!
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx
~~~
Mentioned in today's episode:
- Lila Studios on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilastudios.nz/?hl=en
- Lila Studios on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lilastudios.nz
- Website: https://www.lilastudios.co.nz/
- Wedding Content Creation IG: https://www.instagram.com/momentsbylilastudios/?hl=en
- Liv's fashion page: https://www.instagram.com/thecasualstylistnz/?hl=en
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
- Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
- Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
- Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
- Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
Get your tickets now for the Social Media Management Summit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Social-Media-Manager-Summit
The ultimate 4-day LIVE online conference to become a booked out social media manager!
~~~
You've seen the viral videos all over TikTok where you're told that you can work 2-4 hours a day as a Social Media Manager. While, yes, this is true, it should also come with a caveat or an asterix * - because in reality, there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes, or the years leading up to this point. Or, it could be that someone is only working 2-4 hours a day, but not earning much.
In this episode, I talk through the times when I have been able to work 2-4 hours a day, but I also give you the background as to how I've managed to be able to do that.
How many hours are you working per day? Do you think you're working enough on your business? And how has it fit with your lifestyle?
I always love to hear your feedback, so don't by shy about letting me know via a DM, screenshot and post that you've listened (tag me!) or leave me a review on Apple Podcasts. I appreciate everyone who reaches out after listening to an episode.
I hope you all have a good week - don't forget to sign up to the SMM Summit in the link above - it's this week!!
Talk soon
Ellen xx
~~~
Mentioned in this episode:
- My episode from July 30, on 0-5K Months: My Journey as a Social Media Manager
Follow Ellen on:
- TikTok
Visit Ellen's Website
Buy Ellen's Book: B.I.T.C.H Power
Grab your ticket to the ultimate 4-day LIVE online conference to become a booked out social media manager right here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Social-Media-Manager-Summit
Unlock your new dream business, level up your social media game and connect with a community of boss women doing the same!
10+ expert guest speakers, 8 live trainings, pop up Facebook group & more
~~~
I am so excited to be interviewing Maeve from Maeve Erin Creative in this week's podcast episode. We chat about getting started in her social media career, how she got started with no clients, how she used social media to organically bring in more clients to her business. We also discuss some of her biggest challenges, getting over the fear of what other people think when you post on social - just so many great chats that I think anyone starting out with their own career needs to hear!
If you enjoy this epsiode with Maeve, you can hear more from her in my Social Media Manager Summit (link above).
I hope you find this to be an inspiring episode. If you wouldn't mind review it for me, I would be so appreciative!
Have a great week guys.
Ellen xx
~~~
Follow Ellen on:
- TikTok
Visit Ellen's Website
Buy Ellen's Book: B.I.T.C.H Power
Gain access to my Social Media Summit Here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Social-Media-Manager-Summit
~~~
Guys, have you ever had a standard, normal week at work, got to the end of it and thought, "Wow! I just had the best week!" That was me last week and it just made me realise that I'm in the right job. How good to have a stock standard, mundane week and still think that it was an amazing week.
Like some of you, I have been in the boat of having job that I just dreaded going to and would drag my feet through the week, so I will forever be grateful for the work-life that becoming a Social Media Manager has given me.
This week I want to go through that journey of going from that job you know is not for you and finding your dream job and your purpose as a Social Media Manager FULL TIME!
I'm sharing 5 steps to go from side hustler to full time Social Media Manager. The steps are:
- Make a plan
- Start focusing on money generating activities
- Build a financial runway
- Find you why and be an action taker
- Find your support
I hope you find this week's episode helpful. I would love to know where you are in your journey to taking your side hustle to full time. What's stopping you? What do you need to take the next step? Listen to the episode and DM me what you think.
If you can also review the podcast, I would be so appreciative!
Have a great week.
Ellen xx
~~~
Follow Ellen on:
- TikTok
Visit Ellen's Website
Buy Ellen's Book: B.I.T.C.H Power
Gain early-bird access to my Social Media Summit Here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Social-Media-Manager-Summit
Today's episode is a practical and insightful one for my fellow Social Media Managers. We are talking about client post organisation, scheduling content, why I don't lean towards using scheduling apps and how I manage the realm of manually posting for my clients.
I hope this episode is helpful for you. I would love to hear how you manage your posts for clients and if you are finding any apps particularly good.
As always, I would love it if you could review the podcast on Apple and subscribe to it. I always welcome your feedback, and look forward to hearing from you in my Instagram DMs.
Have a great week everyone!
Ellen xx
Follow Ellen on:
- TikTok
Visit Ellen's Website
Buy Ellen's Book: B.I.T.C.H Power
Today's podcast is for those who are new here and haven't quite managed to get through the back catalogue, but also I think long time listeners may find this reminder good. I'm re-hashing my journey and how I got from the bottom to where I am today. For those who think I've always had $5, $10, $20K months, this one is for you!
Thanks so much for listening. As always I would love it if you could subscribe to my podcast on the platform you're listening. If you're on Apple Podcasts, I would appreciate a review!
Come follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Sign up for my courses: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/courses
Buy my book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
Come to my free Live Webinar! Last year I only held ONE free live webinar. You don't want to miss out on this rare opportunity! So join me on July 26th for Clients & Cash.
~~~
Every person on this planet should be able to talk about their money and income with pride if they so wish.
I'm so sick of this toxic narrative circling in the world of marketing that talking about how much money you've made is gross and cocky and manipulative and this whole argument that oh you shouldn't use money as a marketing technique.
This conversation is so ugly and I'm seeing it everywhere right now so I have to add my two cents.
Yes I love income transparency.
But more than anything, I believe women especially deserve to be proud of their accomplishments and be able to share them online without other people, specifically other women, tearing them down for it.
Thanks so much for listening. As always I would love it if you could subscribe to my podcast on the platform you're listening. If you're on Apple Podcasts, I would appreciate a review!
Come follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Sign up for my courses: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/courses
Buy my book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
If you listened last week, you would have heard all about my new business venture - Mackenzie Studios. Part of that business is starting new socials, so I thought it would be a good idea to document the process of starting an Instagram account from scratch.
Here are my 7 tips for starting an Instagram account from 0:
- Make a business plan to understand your goals and audience
- Give yourself a good pre launch period
- Focus on good content and lean into storytelling to captivate a new audience
- Start by posting a good amount of posts in the first 3 days to establish a good catalogue of posts and then get back into a regular posting schedule that works for you
- Collaborate with others
- Get on other platforms
- Allocate a budget for paid ads
Thanks so much for listening. As always I would love it if you could subscribe to my podcast on the platform you're listening. If you're on Apple Podcasts, I would appreciate a review!
Other podcast episodes mentioned:
- Last weeks episode on my new business
- My Marketing Strategy Episode
Come follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Sign up for my courses: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/courses
Buy my book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
In this week's episode I'm sharing the story of how I started my new business! I can't wait to share more about Mackenzie Studios and what it takes to build a content lifestyle studio.
Come follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Sign up for my courses: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/courses
Buy my book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book
I've had clients drop me before, and they've blamed it on ROI. It is such a misunderstood concept, especially in Social Media, that I decided we needed a podcast episode to do some myth-busting, to dive in to what the ROI is and how to showcase your ROI to your client to get them renewing their contract.
Mentioned in this episode:
- My episode on my Strategy for 2023
~~~
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
- Buy Ellen's book: B.I.T.C.H Power
- Follow Ellen on TikTok
- Work with Ellen
This is a topic that I think doesn't get talked about enough, and I think by not talking about it, this is giving our clients agency over the we run OUR businesses. This is not ok and in this episode I talk through my 5 strategies to make setting boundaries with your clients that little bit easier. And no, it's not just putting the boundaries in place from the start - I'll talk through some real life experiences I've had, with having to introduce boundaries to my clients when they're already established with me.
My 5 Strategies are:
- Be firm from the beginning
- Utilise your contract
- Get comfortable with saying no. Ask yourself, is this really urgent? (so often it's just our own guilt getting in the way and it's not even the client)
- Address the issue with the client: explain politely but firmly
- Last resort: find new clients
I hope you enjoy this one, and that it helps you add some safeguards in place for yourself and your business.
~~~
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
- Buy Ellen's book: B.I.T.C.H Power
- Follow Ellen on TikTok
- Work with Ellen
You guys LOVED the last episode I did on outsourcing, so I thought that because there have been changes to my team since, now would be a good time to revisit this topic with an update as well.
I know outsourcing work can be daunting, and something we try to avoid as business owners. But trust me when I say, when you get the right people in your team, it only means good things for your business.
You all know I've got my OG, day 1 Girlie, Fleur and then Hannah (who's been with me for over a year now), but as I've been growing my business and changing my focus, I've brought some new players into the game.
I hope you enjoy this episode on outsourcing as much as the other one!
Mentioned in this episode:
- My previous episode on Outsourcing
- My episode with Milli from Bare Social Agency
~~~
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
- Buy Ellen's book: B.I.T.C.H Power
- Follow Ellen on TikTok
- Work with Ellen
If you've followed me for a while, you may be surprised to learn how many hours I actually do in a typical week! I'm very vocal about taking time for self care, finishing the work day early or going to the movies in the middle of the day on a Wednesday - but, I do still put in the full time hustle.
In this short and sweet episode, I go through the variations in my working weeks, working in the weekend, and those times where I don't listen to my own advice and have to have my laptop yanked away from me (ahem, boyfriend, ahem). But also, how good is avoiding that afternoon slump with a little nap!
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Get on the waitlist for my BOOK!
- Get my current Instagram Marketing eBook HERE
- Dishing Up Digital School
- Work with Ellen
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
Today I talk to Silvia Pinho who is a freelance Social Media Manager and Online Educator from Portugal. She's a lover of all things cats, Disney and video games. She helps small business owners make social media fun, all while helping her fellow freelancers get more clients for themselves.
Silvia chats to us about her Upwork journey (nearly 10 years!) and gives us some great advice on getting started with Upwork, dealing with imposter syndrome, as well as some common mistakes to avoid.
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- See what Silvia's up to on Instagram
- Have a look at Silvia's Youtube channel
- Dishing Up Digital School
- Work with Ellen
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
It's one thing to start a business, it's another to keep it growing.
Today we are talking about how to scale your service based business without burning yourself out or starting to hate your job. This is a trap that so many service-based entrepreneurs can easily fall into. You start off with your client's project and you get paid for it. And it's exciting to be getting paid for your creative work at first, however at some point you hit a ceiling and realise that you do want to grow your business and get bigger, but there are only so many hours in a day, and there are only so many clients you can work with.
This is where most entrepreneurs hit a ceiling and they feel like they can't go any further.
In this episode, I am going to go over how to smash through that block and keep scaling your business. And of the 6 core areas to focus on, I'm going to go over Premium Pricing, Crafting an Offer Suite, Marketing & Visibility and Outsourcing.
The full list of 6 is:
- Premium Pricing
- Crafting an Offer Suite
- Marketing & Visibility
- Outsourcing
- Systems & Scheduling
- Mindset & Confidence
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Enroll for my Scale on Social Mastermind course here
- Dishing Up Digital School
- Work with Ellen
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
This is an episode I've wanted to do for a while, but have been avoiding. I have literally recorded a whole podcast on it and deleted it without posting it! But, at the end of the day, I feel really called to talk about this because I am part of the coaching industry and I have purchased many courses & programmes online, which means I have experienced a lot. Everything from being refused a refund when an international retreat wasn't going ahead to being disappointed by the quality of programmes that I've spent thousands on.
In this episode, I'm going to talk through my experiences and by doing so, just bring awareness to things to be on the look out for when you're looking and shopping around for an online course to invest in. And also, I would like this to be educational for those looking to go into the coaching industry, or those who already are, to learn from people's mistakes and to hear what it's like from a user experience.
Enjoy this one guys, and let me know what you think!
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Watch my podcast interview with Vanessa Lau here
- Enroll for my Scale on Social Mastermind course here
- Dishing Up Digital School
- Work with Ellen
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
Lately, I've talked a lot about mindset and confidence on the podcast. Today, I wanted to talk about strategy and actionable steps to book clients, to grow our business, to sell more of our services or product.
In this episode, I'll share 3 key strategies on how to increase your sales, and how I've used these sales techniques successfully in my own business.
The topics we cover:
- Offering seasonal packages, bonuses & discounts
- A.B.S - Always Be Selling (and I cover the Marketing Rule of 7)
- Focusing your marketing & selling on solutions and outcomes
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Sign up to get the link to the replay of my webinar: How to Become a Social Media Manager
- Website recommended: Sprout Social
- Dishing Up Digital School
- Work with Ellen
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
When it comes to starting a social media business, your first steps might be setting up an instagram page, researching social media strategy, maybe registering an LLC or finding out information on taxes. Maybe you start a website and decide you need to learn more about branding. All of these are great things, but there's one thing people often forget to educate themselves on when starting a busines...
...and that's mindset.
In this episode I talk about the screw up I had in my business the other week. I've decided to dissect what went wrong and talk about how I've developed a mindset to work through my failures, no matter how embarrassing or horrible they are.
The topics we cover:
- My Webinar mistake
- How to reposition the idea of failure
- My 3 practical steps for changing your mindset (including some great book recs)
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Sing up to get the link to the replay of my webinar: How to Become a Social Media Manager
- Books recommended: Mindset by Dr Carol Dweck, The Subtle Art of not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, Girl on Fire by Cara Alwill Leyba
- Dishing Up Digital School
- Work with Ellen
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
In this episode I talk to Lisa from Social Cosmos. Lisa is a student of mine who has successfully turned Social Media Management into a full time career. We chat about her growth as a Social Media Manager, and her tips and advice on getting started. Lisa has some great advice on carving out your own niche, but not letting it define you while you still need clients!
The topics we cover:
- Lisa's niching journey and choosing a niche
- We talk pricing! What she started out charging, vs now
- Highs & lows of the SMM industry
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Check out Lisa's Instagram page here: Social Cosmos
- Watch the replay of my FREE WEBINAR here: How to Become a Social Media Manager
- Download some freebies to help start your SMM journey here
- Dishing Up Digital School
- Work with Ellen
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
Join my FREE webinar on How to Become a Social Media Manager - price, package & pitch your way to $5K months.
We'll be diving into...
- How to position yourself as an EXPERT in the social media management space (even with NO experience)
- Package & price your services so they’re IRRESISTIBLE and get an easy "YES!" from potential clients
- How to send the perfect pitch and land your first clients
SIGN UP HERE!
In this episode we are talking all about taking your side hustle and turning it into a full time hustle. I'll go over the steps to take you there and chat about how I applied them in my journey to full-time.
The 5 Steps I cover are:
- Get up close and personal with your bank account
- Make a solid plan
- Dedicate the majority of your time to pitching and networking
- Be disciplined
- Surround yourself with positive like minded people - joining courses, communities & masterminds
Books Mentioned:
- Chillpreneur - By Denise Duffield-Thomas
- Get Rich, Luck Bitch - By Denise Duffield-Thomas
- We Should all be Millionaires - By Rachel Rodgers
Podcasts Mentioned:
- The Chillpreneur Podcast (Erin May Henry)
- She Means Business Show (Carrie Green)
- Hello Seven Podcast (Rachel Rodgers)
- Jereshia Said (Jereshia Hawk)
- Girls That Invest
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- My very first podcast episode: Dishing Up Digital Episode 1
- Dishing Up Digital School
- Work with Ellen
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
If you think you need to grow your confidence before starting your own business, think again!
In this episode we are talking all about CONFIDENCE. And how confidence in your busines and/or services directly leads to more profit. I'll share some of my personal struggles with self confidence as well as some of my best strategies to grow your own confidence.
The topics I cover this week are:
- "Fake it till you make it"
- My one strategy for helping with confidence
- The evolution of my business the more my confidence grows
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Podcast Episode on Being an Introvert in Business
- Podcast Episode on How Imposter Syndrome is Robbing You
- Greys Anatomy Episode with Superman Pose: Season 11, Episode 14
- Dishing Up Digital School
- Work with Ellen
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
Armed with a cup of tea for this episode, I am ready to spill some tea! It's a juicy episode, but also one that shows my growth over my 4 years in my Social Media Management business.
In this episode I discuss how many times I've been FIRED as a Social Media Manager, how many times I've lost a client and how to navigate that situation. This was always one of my biggest fears when I first got started - young Ellen just wanted to keep all her clients! Listen to how I've grown in this area, the processes I have in place to be prepared for this and tips & tricks on how to react in these situations.
The topics I cover this week are:
- How many times I've been "fired"
- How to react in these situations
- Why losing a client is totally normal
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Dishing Up Digital School
- Work with Ellen
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
UGC Creators is a booming topic on TikTok right now. It's trending in a lot of countries, so I wanted to go over what exactly a UGC Creator is and how to get started.
You can get your hands on my course, Gram Cam, for FREE when you leave a review for the podcast. Simply take a screenshot of your review and post it on your Instagram Stories (tag me!) or send me a DM and I'll reply with all the details about redeeming your free offer. This course is valued at $299USD and will only be available for the month of September 2022! Find out more details about Gram Cam HERE.
In this episode I share about what a UGC Creator is, what UGC looks like compared with traditional marketing content (magazines, billboards etc), and how you can get started and turn it into a career. I discuss a little about my own UGC Creator journey and how it works within my business today, and we finish up with some tips for being successful in the UGC field.
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Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Video & photo editing software mentioned: InShot, CapCut, vsco
- Work with Ellen
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
Yes, I plan to retire at the age of 35!
You can get your hands on my course, Gram Cam, for FREE when you leave a review for the podcast. Simply take a screenshot of your review and post it on your Instagram Stories (tag me!) or send me a DM and I'll reply with all the details about redeeming your free offer. This course is valued at $299USD and will only be available for the month of September 2022! Find out more details about Gram Cam HERE.
In this episode I share how I plan to reach my goal of retiring at the age of 35. It might not be a typical "retirement", but it will be a great way to live with financial independence. I'll give you an inside look into my reasoning for this as well as my journey so far and how it looks for future me.
The topics I cover this week are:
- a bit about the F.I.R.E concept
- Why and how I was motivated to start my own business
- What I invest in*
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Buy the Girls That Invest book here (you wont regret owning this book)
- More about the F.I.R.E concept: Financial Independence, Retire Early
- Work with Ellen
- Connect with Ellen on Instagram
*Please remember that I am not a financial advisor and am just sharing my own personal journey in investing. I recommend talking to a professional should you require advice regarding your own personal financial situation.
I'm back with Season 2 of the Dishing Up Digital podcast!
You can get your hands on my course, Gram Cam, for FREE when you leave a review for the podcast. Simply take a screenshot of your review and post it on your Instagram Stories (tag me!) or send me a DM and I'll reply with all the details about redeeming your free offer. This course is valued at $299USD and will only be available for the month of September 2022! Find out more details about Gram Cam HERE.
In this episode, I share my profit for the month of August, which happens to be my biggest month of profit for my little business to date. I also go over the results of my 30 day reels challenge, which definitely had some...challenges!
The topics I cover are:
- The results of my 30 Day Reels Challenge
- Why I decided to do this challenge
- Was it worth it
- And what my strategy is moving forward
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
- Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
- Scale On Social
If you're listening to this episode in real-time, I am celebrating my new Mastermind course, Scale On Social; The mastermind to help you streamline, scale, and skyrocket your social media business! One of the things that's a big focus for the program is outsourcing and building your dream team. So that's what I am going to chat about in this episode.
Suppose you feel like you might be ready for outsourcing, or you're confused about what you could outsource or just what to do if you're thinking about hiring your first team member. This has been a real journey for me, and I've picked up a lot of tips and advice through this process myself, so today, I am going to be giving you guys some guidance and direction on how to start outsourcing so you can scale your business!
In this episode, you'll discover…
- What kind of roles you can potentially hire for your business
- The flexibility around contractors over employees
- Why experience is so valuable
- A timeline of all the hires in my business
- How I pay my contractors
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
-
Scale On Social
10k months! Now, this is a massive goal I think we all crave and a word that gets thrown around alot in the online community in social media when it comes to businesses. I hit this goal a year after leaving my 9-5, so I wanted to bring a realistic set of steps to help you sustainably achieve this milestone within your business using the right strategy, mindset, systems, and organization. Tune in for my ten steps to $10k months!
In this episode, you'll discover…
- Having confidence in prices and packages
- Crucial steps of scaling
- Organization: setting up your business internally
- Prioritizing your business
- Leveraging different revenue streams
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
-
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
-
Scale On Social
If you're new to this space, you may be hearing fancy terms like 'pitches' and 'proposals.' If you're unsure about what these documents are and how to use these documents in your client onboarding phase, then this is the ep for you. In this episode, I will be breaking down exactly what these documents are, what to include, and how to write excellent ones that get our clients signing on the dotted line!
In this episode, you'll discover…
- The key difference between a proposal and a pitch
- What I include in a pitch to potential clients
- When to use each document
- Sending professional pitches and proposals
- How to outline price and deliverables
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
What exactly does a $3,000 monthly Social Media package include? After a few years of mastering the art of socials, I am now in a position where I can very confidently negotiate a $3,000 package. I believe the more experience you get, the more you can charge. It's definitely a milestone I believe all my students can achieve down the line, so in this episode, I want to dive into this package's specifics and break down what it looks like to book and deliver services for a package of this value.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- The curation of images and graphics
- Community management and engagement
- Ad management
- When to start charging premium prices
- When to begin offering premium services
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
- Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
In this episode, I want to talk about what I wish I had known when I started as a newbie SMM. Throughout my journey of being a social media manager, I have learned so many different lessons. Looking back now, I have a clearer perspective of how I wish I had done things, and throughout the process, there were alot of things I wish I had known earlier on. Hopefully, this is helpful to you guys who are also early on in your journey and want to get a few insights, skip a few of my mistakes, and fast-track your own business.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- Admitting to not knowing everything
- Overcoming pressure and implementing boundaries
- Is niching down the key in the beginning?
- When to outsource
- Investing in yourself
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
Sign up for my new workshop here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/social-success-workshop
Lead generation is a fancy term for pretty much marketing. Lead generation is all about bringing leads (potential clients) into your marketing strategy, similar to foot traffic if you weren't an online business. If you have set up your social media business, you've signed a few clients, and you're ready to take your business marketing to the next level, lead generation is crucial in this next phase. You don't want to have to be sending so many cold pitches every week and instead have potential clients reaching out to you. In this episode, I want to dive into my top four tips for generating more leads for your business; these are what I have found the most helpful for my business journey.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- Nailing an IG brand
- How to build out your business with referrals
- The importance of exposure
- Collaborating and using your network
- How to most effectively use the above strategies
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
I am very much team Instagram, but the time has come to learn how TikTok compares to Instagram and learn more about using it in your business. Over the past week, I have been conducting a TikTok experiment where I posted 2 TikToks per day for the past seven days, so In this episode, I'm going to chat about the results as well as let you in on many thoughts, feelings, truths, milestones, observations. I also want to discuss my ideas around how we can incorporate TikTok into our business strategy.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- Navigating the TikTok algorithm
- The effects social media can have on your mindset
- Setting up your TikTok for success
- Luck & does it play into going viral on TikTok
- Critical differences between TikTok & Instagram
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
If you follow me on Instagram, you will know I've just taken a month off daily business operations and client work to travel to South Africa with my partner. I also took off two whole weeks from social media during this time. This trip enabled me to slow down, and I didn't realise at the time the benefits this would have on my business. In this episode, I want to discuss a bit about my trip and the aftermath of taking not only time off from my biz but also social media, my opinions on algorithms, and why we can get creative burnout.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- Where I've been the past month!
- Resetting your mindset to tackle new things in your business
- Why switching off supports creativity
- A new project I'm working on
- Taking time off to boost productivity and inspiration
- Creative burnout
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
Financial freedom is definitely a buzz topic in this industry. While financial freedom is great and exciting to talk about, we still need to have more conversations around financial security. Studies show that women retire with less money than men and that women are more likely to be better investors. In this episode, I want to open up about this conversation around setting yourself up to be financially secure, why it's important and how to take the first steps.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- How to start building financial security
- What investing looks like
- Why it's important to plan your retirement
- Breaking the stigma around investing
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
Having your own business doesn't mean you have to be working 24/7. It's healthy to take breaks and holidays, and it's possible to travel and still run a successful business. At the time of recording, I am about to set off on my first overseas trip since the big C. (the excitement is very real)
In this episode, I discuss my plan to take my business on the road for a month. I'll break it down and give you an overview of how I'll streamline all the tasks within my business to avoid any workload burnout. You can still have an enjoyable trip with some planning involved, so tune in to learn how.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- What taking time off was like in the corporate 9-5
- My April travel plans
- Learning to outsource and delegate tasks in your business
- How to prepare for a successful break
- Why I believe in outsourcing
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
-
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
Welcome to this special series brought to you by my signature course, the Dishing up Digital School; the ultimate course for new and aspiring social media managers who are ready to spread their wings and go out into the exciting world of self-employment and become their own boss.
To celebrate the recent relaunch of this program, I'm sitting down with past students to chat about their experience with the Dishing Up Digital School and life as a social media manager. We will be discussing their learnings, where they are now, how my signature course has benefitted their career, landing clients, and so much more. At the end of March, the course price is going up. So if you have been thinking about joining, now is the time! Believe in yourself to take the leap and start your dream career as a social media manager.
Today I'm talking to Abigail. Abigail started her social media management journey back in April of 2020 and has since launched her agency Feijoa Social, which She now runs as a side hustle off her corporate job. In this interview, we will dive into her decision to go back to corporate or take this corporate job offer that popped up and also what she's experienced as a social media manager so far.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- Working in the influencer space vs. working in the SMM space
- Abigail's experience with being a Social Media Manager
- The biggest obstacles Abigail has faced on her journey
- Overcoming imposter syndrome
- The positive impacts of Dishing Up Digital
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
-
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
-
Feijoa Social: https://www.instagram.com/feijoasocial/?utm_medium=copy_link
- Connect with Abigail: https://www.instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Welcome to this special series brought to you by my signature course, the Dishing up Digital School; the ultimate course for new and aspiring social media managers who are ready to spread their wings and go out into the exciting world of self-employment and become their own boss.
To celebrate the recent relaunch of this program, I'm sitting down with past students to chat about their experience with the Dishing Up Digital School and life as a social media manager. We will be discussing their learnings, where they are now, how my signature course has benefitted their career, landing clients, and so much more. At the end of March, the course price is going up. So if you have been thinking about joining, now is the time! Believe in yourself to take the leap and start your dream career as a social media manager.
Today, I am chatting with a past Dishing Up Digital School student, Quincie, my second ever coaching student! This interview is special to me as we started working together in May 2020 when Dishing Up Digital was only developing. I was working 1-1 with people to understand better how to structure the program. Quincie is still a full-time social media manager two years later, working for herself. Quincie has found herself in a unique niche/industry; Working with artists and bands, so In this interview, we will dive into Quincies incredible journey and story.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- The best part about being a social media manager for artists in the music industry
- How Quincie 10 x her original package rate
- The challenges of an aspiring social media manager
- What experience do you need to get started
- Life since starting Dishing Up Digital
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
-
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
- Connect with Quincie: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialdropoutco/
Welcome to this special series brought to you by my signature course, the Dishing up Digital School; the ultimate course for new and aspiring social media managers who are ready to spread their wings and go out into the exciting world of self-employment and become their own boss.
To celebrate the recent relaunch of this program, I'm sitting down with past students to chat about their experience with the Dishing Up Digital School and life as a social media manager. We will be discussing their learnings, where they are now, how my signature course has benefitted their career, landing clients, and so much more. At the end of March, the course price is going up. So if you have been thinking about joining, now is the time! Believe in yourself to take the leap and start your dream career as a social media manager.
Today, I am chatting with a past Dishing Up Digital School student, Esther. Esther and I have similar backstories; we both have a communications degree and aspired to escape the cooperate grind. Esther has leaped into the digital nomad lifestyle and began her self-employment journey in Thailand. In the space of a year, she has built up her business enough to support her lifestyle successfully. In this episode, we unpack her journey up until now!
In this episode, you'll discover…
- Booking clients on the down-low in the beginning
- Starting with your network
- Experimenting with different industries and niches
- Balancing travel & work as a digital nomad
- The challenges Esther has faced while building her biz
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
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Esther’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leap_social_media/
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Connect with Esther: https://www.instagram.com/esther_ayres/
Welcome to this special series brought to you by my signature course, the Dishing up Digital School; the ultimate course for new and aspiring social media managers who are ready to spread their wings and go out into the exciting world of self-employment and become their own boss.
To celebrate the recent relaunch of this program, I'm sitting down with past students to chat about their experience with the Dishing Up Digital School and life as a social media manager. We will be discussing their learnings, where they are now, how my signature course has benefitted their career, landing clients, and so much more. At the end of March, the course price is going up. So if you have been thinking about joining, now is the time! Believe in yourself to take the leap and start your dream career as a social media manager.
Today, I am chatting with Claire, who joined the program in November 2021. In that short amount of time, she has launched her side-hustle, booked her first handful of clients, and even surpassed her full-time corporate income. We have an open chat about exactly how she did this, the kind of work going on behind the scenes to scale and grow this quickly, and more.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- How Claire started with Dishing Up Digital
- Juggling full-time work and a thriving side hustle
- How claire fast-tracked her success as a social media manager
- Landing your first client/s
- The benefits of building a business and being your own boss
- Overcoming roadblocks and learning curves
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
- Claire’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairessocialstrategy/
Welcome to this special series brought to you by my signature course, the Dishing up Digital School; the ultimate course for new and aspiring social media managers who are ready to spread their wings and go out into the exciting world of self-employment and become their own boss.
March is probably one of my favorite months of the year. It's very special to me; it's my birthday month and the month where it all started with my business! This is an exciting time for reflection, so I decided to do something special this year and relaunch my signature program. To celebrate the recent relaunch of this program, I'm sitting down with past students to chat about their experience with the Dishing Up Digital School and life as a social media manager. We will be discussing their learnings, where they are now, how my signature course has benefitted their career, landing clients, and so much more. At the end of March, the course price is going up. So if you have been thinking about joining, now is the time! Believe in yourself to take the leap and start your dream career as a social media manager.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- A reflection of my journey so far
- Getting over that first hurdle of getting clients
- Lessons I’ve learned in my business journey
- Why I started Started Dishing Up Digital
- The benefits of the self-employed lifestyle
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
- Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
You probably have big dreams about being your own boss and living life on your own terms if you're here. In the beginning, everything seems so out of reach, but it is 1000% possible, and there are so many inspiring people pathing the way to show you just how achievable it is.
Today's guest, Marie, has just gone full time in her online business, which is incredible. I have watched her journey over the past two years, so today, we will be chatting about her journey and her entire career. We're also going to talk fulfillment mindset and finding a really fulfilling job that you love.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- Marie's career and journey to fulfilling employment
- Staying organized as a parent
- Leaving a comfortable but unfulfilling job
- Taking scary leaps as a mum
- Entering the online space as not a native English speaker
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
-
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
-
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
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Join the Insiders Club
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Check out Gram Cam The photography & reels course that finally makes promoting your biz on Instagram easy
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Connect with Marie https://www.instagram.com/match_acreative/
Having a healthy mindset is key to running a successful business. In business (especially as online service providers), we tend to surround ourselves with people in our industry that inspire us. Sometimes this can lead to comparison, a bit of jealousy, just general sadness, or some actual low points in our business journeys. Unfortunately, too much comparison can lead to things like undercutting yourself because of the emotions that you're feeling at that moment. In today's episode, I want to address comparison and have a little bit of a chat about how to stop comparing yourself to other people.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- What comparison leads to
- Curating an inspiring feed
- What to do in business lows
- Celebrating all parts of your business journey
- The power of journaling
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
-
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
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Join the Insiders Club
-
Check out Gram Cam The photography & reels course that finally makes promoting your biz on Instagram easy
There are plenty of businesses and accounts with large audiences on Instagram these days. Still, this metric doesn't necessarily mean that these accounts are seeing more success and conversions than those with smaller audiences. There are so many other factors that come into play when monetizing your social media. In this episode, I want to demystify the idea that you need a large audience to start selling. I'll be discussing secrets to marketing on social media no matter what size your audience and give a debrief around my most recent course launch.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- Having a positive sales mindset
- Getting strategic around your offers
- Showing up consistently
- How to present your offers
- Creating your launch posting schedule
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
-
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
-
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
-
Join the Insiders Club
- Check out Gram Cam The photography & reels course that finally makes promoting your biz on Instagram easy
Scaling your business doesn't have to mean more hours or harder work. Simple and sustainable growth is real (believe it or not). Today's guest is nailing this exact approach with her business, so I have brought her onto the podcast for a fun discussion around her business growth and success.
Courtney Marie is a Kajabi GURU. Her business focuses on branding websites, sales pages, and consulting for course creators and coaches. In this episode, we chat all things outsourcing, hiring team members, tips for scaling, and so much more.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- How Courtney started her business
- Keeping your business strategy simple
- Tips for scaling your business
- How to effectively streamline processes within your business
- The truths about management
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
-
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
-
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
-
Join the Insiders Club
-
Check out Gram Cam The photography & reels course that finally makes promoting your biz on Instagram easy
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Connect with Courtney over on Instagram
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Check out Courtney’s Website
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Coffee with Courtney The Podcast
I recently popped a little question box up on my Instagram story for you guys to ask me all your burning questions around running a social media management business and was inundated with your responses. I started this podcast for you, so I wanted to make this episode more interactive and do a bit of a Q&A with all the questions that stood out to me. Tune in as I share my answers around getting consistent clients, managing workflow, outsourcing, and so much more.
Also! My new course is officially launching today! Grab Cam The photography & reels course that finally makes promoting your biz on Instagram easy.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- The importance of a good client relationship
- Tips for lead generation
- Landing international clients
- The truth around hiring your dream team
- Managing your workflow
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
-
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
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Join the Insiders Club
Social Media Strategy: This was something that used to highly intimated me! Imposter syndrome is flaring as a new entrepreneur finding your way in a new industry, and this word strategy honestly felt so daunting. Over two years later, I can see now that strategy is just a fancy term (for people who must be really good at their job, lol). It doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming at all.
In this episode, I want to help you understand what a social media strategy looks like and how to develop and present a social media strategy to a client or customer.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- Understanding your client’s goals
- Doing the research
- The brain dump
- Auditing your clients podcast
- Planning the content calendar
- Presenting your strategy
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
- Join the Insiders Club
It's a new year, and I know we all love a little bit of planning for the year ahead, but it's also important to reflect on the previous year. Reflecting on your last business year allows you to recognize what's been working, what isn't working, and what needs to change to reach your next goal.
After reflecting on my past year in business, I can see all the accomplishments, milestones, and bucket list things that I've ticked off and where there is room for improvement. In this episode, I want to share the things I'll be changing in my business moving forward as I step into CEO energy.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- Setting standards for your business
- Letting go of what doesn't serve you
- Having boundaries with new clients
- Discovering what business structure works for you
- From freelancing to a sustainable and profitable business
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
-
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
- Join the Insiders Club
Hello, 2022! As we roll into this new year, I really believe that there are two types of people; goal setting, diary buying, new year resolutioners, or the more pessimistic people who wholeheartedly decide that a new year doesn't mean too much and isn't going to change very much. I know what one I am, and I know that one year I made that decision to just do the damn thing! (start my biz) and it was that moment and determination that got me to where I am today. This episode is a big reminder that it is possible to dream big and turn your goals and aspirations into reality. In this episode, I am breaking down exactly how I did it.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- The NYE before Dishing Up Digital Started
- Why it's so important not to give up early on
- How I went from 0 interest to having 40 businesses interested in my services
- How believing in yourself is the key to getting to where you want to be
- The importance of goal setting
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
Most businesses will be selling products, services, or a combination of both. When it comes to selling products and services, there are a few critical differences around how to market each of these effectively. Today, I am talking with Sarah Airy, a product-based business coach. Sarah has her own line of apparel along with some excellent courses. In this episode, we're going to dive into the nitty-gritty of how to market a product on Instagram. Sarah has over 20,000 Instagram followers, she might sound humble, but she has a truly successful business.
In this episode, you'll discover…
- Using Instagram to market your business.
- What platforms to start on.
- What you should be doing with your branding on Instagram.
- The visual side of branding and the importance of high standards
- Connecting & engaging with your audience
You can sign up for Sarah's Instagram Reels course here (hurry enrolment is only open for 1 more day!). Use the code "ELLEN" to let her know you came from the podcast: https://sarahairey.com/master-your-reels
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don't forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
-
Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
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Connect with Sarah on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.airey.co
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Sarah’s Website: https://sarahairey.com/
I'm going to let you in on a bit of a secret, and that is, overnight successes are not real! (despite what you see on the internet and social media) In most cases, you will begin your business journey while doing some other form of work or study. AKA, your business will start as your 'side hustle.' This was the case for me, and It took me quite a few months until I left my corporate job and went full time in my business. I receive a lot of questions from others asking how the heck I managed both for so long, and I am going to break it down for you in this episode! Tune in to learn my tips and strategies for building your side hustle while working full time.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- What self-discipline looks like and how to find a healthy balance
- Planning and organizing your weeks
- How to prioritize tasks
- Setting realistic and intentional goals
- Please don't burn your bridges: Deciding when it's the right time to go full time
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
If you listened to last week's episode, I spoke about my experience of two years in business as a social media manager. Well, this week is all about why I believe you should think about diving into the space also! (I'm guessing you might already be there if you're here)
I've spoken about many of the benefits of becoming a social media manager before on this podcast. However, I really wanted to touch on a couple of things in this episode: the future of the industry, the potential of the industry, and where else you can go with social media. Social Media Management is just the beginning, it is the launchpad for so much more, and I think it's an exciting decision that can open up so many more doors for you.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- The benefits of working as a Social Media Manager
- Different pathways for growth
- How to treat your business like another client
- Using your skills to build something of your own
- The perspective of someone who has been in this field for a couple of years
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
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Latasha James Youtube
Not only have we hit 20 episodes of the Podcast, but this week is also Dishing Up Digital's 2nd birthday; that's right, I've hit two years as a business owner. It feels like only yesterday that I launched my business, but at the same time, it also feels like a lifetime ago. When I look back to December 1st, 2019, I am blown away by the amount I have grown and developed personally and professionally. I have learned so much on this journey, and I wanted to celebrate this milestone by bringing you an episode about the most important business lessons I have learned in the past two years! In this episode, I share with you five defining things from my story and my experience as a business owner that I think would be helpful for those starting their online business journey.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people
- Staying motivated throughout your business journey
- When to set boundaries
- Scaling your business at the right pace
- Setting systems up and structuring your business along the way
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
When you're starting a business or venturing into the world of entrepreneurship -- there is going to be a whole lot of 'trial and error.' But when you're in the beginning stages of your business and your finances are limited, Investing in different things can feel like a scary step. After a few years in business, I am now at the point where I can try out a whole range of investments, and so in this episode, I wanted to share my top six investments with you. This episode is essential for anyone starting out as a social media manager as I share my experience with what's necessary and what's not.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- The importance of educating yourself
- What expenses are necessary for your social media business
- My best business investments
- When these investments are necessary
- The assets you think you need (that aren't important)
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
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Sign up for my FREE webinar here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/free-webinar-signup
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Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
Once again, we have to learn, adapt and adjust to the new guidelines and features that Instagram has put out. Reels have changed the Instagram game, and accounts implementing Reels into their IG strategy see huge growth and FREE exposure. The more Reels you post, the more exposure and reach you see as an account and a business. This all looks great if we are looking at vanity metrics, but if you're relying on your Instagram to generate revenue, posting Instagram Reels every day should not be your new business strategy. In this episode, I am going to break down exactly why.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- Why reels don't serve everyone
- Converting a follower into a customer or client
- The journey of a customer
- How to create content to build attraction for all buyer types
- What components create a stronger Instagram strategy
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Ellen’s membership group: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/insiders-club
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
Work makes up a huge part of our everyday and, well, our entire life. We're going to be working until we retire. So why do something that makes you miserable? If you listen to me (long enough), chances are you're going to feel a bit inspired to leave your job and start your own business. I mean, that's why you're here, right? There is actually a method to my madness, and that's what today's podcast is all about. In this episode, I want to share with you how I made the leap from the cooperate world to building the business of my dreams. I talk about leaving your current job on good terms, building the financial runway, and analyzing things from a budgeting perspective so you can too make a safe and secure plan for becoming your own boss.
If you want to know exactly how I built my business from the ground up, then head over to the Dishing Up Digital School (Currently Open for Enrollment)
In this episode, you'll discover...
- The right way to quit your job
- Building your financial runway
- Investing in your business from the beginning
- Analyzing your budget
- Making the plan
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
- FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
When we're younger, we often get so excited to start new things, but as we get older, some of us tend to fear the idea of being the 'beginner' at something. This idea of starting in a new industry and having no experience at all can be SO daunting, but the truth is, we all have to start somewhere, right? This episode is all about taking control and embracing the idea of 'starting from the bottom.' I dive into mindset shifts to discover your inner go-getter attitude, how to find your first clients with no experience, and how to present yourself and build on connections within your network.
If you want to know exactly how I built my business from the ground up, then head over to the Dishing Up Digital School (Currently Open for Enrollment)
In this episode, you'll discover...
- Mindset shifts for overcoming the fear of starting something new
- Tackling self-doubt
- Where & how to find your first potential clients
- Building on connections and when to pitch a business
- Presenting juicy offers
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Ellen’s membership group: https://www.dishingupdigitalschool.com/membership
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
In this episode, We're talking about prices, money, cash dollars-- what to charge as a social media manager. It's so hard to put a number on your services when you're starting out, I know it was one of my biggest concerns initially, and it's the same for many of my students. This episode is a sneak peek into one of the six pieces of training on pricing yourself as a social media from my Dishing Up Digital school. I talk about different strategies on how to price yourself, what value-based pricing looks like and why an hourly rate isn't always the best way to go.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- Why I don't believe in hourly rates as a social media manager
- What value-based pricing looks like
- Mindset shifts in understanding your value
- Putting together packages that have value
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
-
FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
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We should all be Millionaires - Rachel Rodgers: https://www.amazon.com/We-Should-All-Be-Millionaires/dp/1400221625
My partner and I have this running joke about who's going to retire the other person. He always jokes that I'm his retirement plan because he sees the business that I'm building, and he is so incredibly proud of it. In 1980, only 13% of women made the same or more than their husbands in terms of their annual income. Today those numbers are increasing, but it's still relatively uncommon for females to be the breadwinner in the relationship. I feel lucky to have a relationship where we mutually support each other's success, but I know this isn't the case for everyone. That's why I felt inspired to discuss this on the podcast. I don't want any woman out there holding back their potential for a man. You have so much power and potential to change the world, your own life, and your family's life.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- What made me feel called to discuss this topic
- My mindset shifts around female wealth and power
- How we, as women, can worry about outshining our partner
- Holding back your potential and why it needs to stop now
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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Ellen’s membership group: https://www.dishingupdigitalschool.com/membership
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
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Article mentioned : https://www.thelily.com/kacey-musgravess-breadwinner-resonated-for-women-who-out-earn-their-partners/
The 'Digital Nomad' lifestyle is becoming more and more common. Being your own boss and ditching the 9-5 is one thing, but living a life where you are 100 percent location-independent unlocks that extra piece of freedom that some of us are seeking.
My guest today, Shannon Segall, knows this lifestyle all too well. Shannon is an online entrepreneur who picked up her life and moved to Bali, where she runs her business. In this episode, Shannon gives us an insight into what it's like to truly live a digital nomad lifestyle. We also discuss the realities of being a digital nomad, tips, and advice on getting yourself set up, and what inspired her to get started.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- How Shannon discovered the world of online business
- The cause of a one-way ticket to Bali
- The Digital Nomad Lifestyle
- Relationships & Business
- Advice on how to get set up
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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My membership group: https://www.dishingupdigitalschool.com/membership
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonsegall/?hl=en
For me, it's all about quality over quantity when it comes to your Instagram followers. However, I also understand that we do need followers and an audience to sell to! Often we might find ourselves in a place where our Instagram growth is stagnant, isn't going anywhere, or even stops. So in this episode, I dive into four reasons why you might not be growing on Instagram. These are things that I've experienced and overcome. Tune in as they're easy changes that could have a significant impact.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- Things that could be hindering your IG growth
- The truth about the Algorithm
- Engagement for feed posts and stories
- How to get the most out of your content
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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My membership group: https://www.dishingupdigitalschool.com/membership
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
Entrepreneurship can naturally feel very risky and unstable, especially in the beginning stages and even more so for those of us who leaped into the self-employed life during a global pandemic. It took me a while to realise that running my own business can actually be incredibly stable.
After introducing multiple revenue streams into my business, I was able to find stability, consistency, and more reliability in my income. So, In this episode, I really wanted to talk about my 5 streams of income and explain why you should also be making it a goal for yourself to have multiple revenue streams if you're a social media manager or another service-based online entrepreneur.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- Entrepreneurship and stability
- A breakdown of my revenue
- Why it’s important to have more then one stream of revenue
- Different ways to scale if coaching isn’t your thing
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
-
FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
-
Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
I always say organic social media content is a bit of a slow burner, but in my opinion, it is well worth the wait. It's a slower process compared to paid advertising. You don't usually get those instant kinds of results, and it's also a lot harder to track those results. You might get someone on Instagram following you for a while, and it takes them three months to make a purchase.
In today's episode, we're talking all about how to turn your followers into customers. We're really going to break down this process of going from attracting enough followers, nurturing them, and turning them into paying customers or clients.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- Organic sales funnels
- Organic ROI vs Paid Advertising ROI
- Attracting the right clients or customers
- Warming up your audience
- Different ways to show up and sell
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
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Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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My membership group: https://www.dishingupdigitalschool.com/membership
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
During this global pandemic, SO many people have resorted to online learning. Entrepreneurs have jumped on this concept, and evergreen courses have since been blowing up. It's a saturated market, but if done correctly, your course can be a really lucrative source of income.
In this episode, we are talking all about online courses for social media managers and service-based entrepreneurs. There is a lot of hard work that goes into creating a course. (I don't want to put anyone off, I just want to be real here) So what I'm going to do is share my four steps to success for building your online course. If you follow these steps and do things the right way, your course can be a fantastic revenue stream.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- The first crucial step to take when you're creating an online course
- How to market the perfect course
- Evergreen: Ways to consistently promote your course
- Different approaches to take when launching
- How to efficiently sell your course at the right price point
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
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Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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My membership group: https://www.dishingupdigitalschool.com/membership
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Connect with Ellen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee
As busy entrepreneurs, we are constantly striving towards the next big business goal. We can get so caught up in what's coming next that we can sometimes even neglect our health, body, and mind. Business goals come first, and the rest comes second, third, and maybe last. Unfortunately, this is not a sustainable or fulfilling way to run a business, and this is why I'm so excited about this week's guest, Dr. Rachel Yan.
Rachel is a holistic health coach, she founded Precision Empowered Health, a fantastic business that combines holistic health with modern medicine. Rachel's approach is not just about your body and your physical health, but also your mind and your spirit. It's all about reaching a 360 overall improvement to your health.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- Advice for entrepreneurs who want to balance their health mind & Business
- Putting your health first in Business & what happens next
- Common misconceptions entrepreneurs have around health
- Actionable steps to improve mind, body & spirit
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
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Work with Ellen: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/
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My membership group: https://www.dishingupdigitalschool.com/membership
Dr. Rachel's courses: https://www.precisionempoweredhealth.com/work-with-us/?ltclid=c3d35263-5be1-4094-b8e2-e6e8933b6a06
When people through my business discover I am an introvert, the initial reaction usually goes something like, 'oh my gosh! how are you an introvert when you're so out there online, you do your YouTube channel, you go live on Instagram, you have so much confidence and energy you can't possibly be an introvert.'
WELL, I am such a firm believer that you can be an introvert and still have a thriving, beautiful, successful business. You don't need to be this crazy extroverted person to thrive and to build a business. So in today's episode, I talk about my own experience with starting a business as an introvert, how breaking out of your comfort zone is essential, and why learning to switch into that extraverted energy is sometimes key to running a successful business.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- My personal experience with starting a business as an introvert
- Embracing the ‘introvert’ status
- Switching into extroverted energy
- The actual definition of extraversion and introversion
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
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The Dishing Up Digital School: www.dishingupdigitalschool.com
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Join my self study course Get the Gram: http://www.getthegram.com/
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Private Coaching https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-coaching
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Discount Code ‘Insidersclub100’
When I decided that I'd like to become a social media manager, I didn't think I would start my own agency or become a freelancer. I felt I needed to find a corporate job where I start as an in-house Social Media Manager. In today's episode, we're going to dive deep into this topic. I'm going to talk about how I got started, how I changed careers and got my first few clients, and how I built that up into a full-time gig. I'm also going to give you some tips and advice if you are in a position where you want to move into social media management, and you're trying to get your feet off the ground and get started.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- Pricing yourself as a beginner vs. pricing yourself as an experienced social media manager
- The perks of starting in social media management compared to other industries
- Why hands-on experience trumps a degree or qualification as a social media manager
- Different ways to get hands-on experience when you're starting out
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- The Dishing Up Digital School: www.dishingupdigitalschool.com
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FREEBIE! Download my Social Media Starter Kit: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie
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Join my self-study course Get the Gram: http://www.getthegram.com/
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Private Coaching https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-coaching
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Discount Code ‘insidersclub100’
It's a strange and challenging situation to find yourself in when you discover that the career you've been working towards for many years isn't the most fulfilling or right path for you anymore. Today's guest has been a massive inspiration to me when it came to quitting my job, starting my business, and taking that plunge.
I will be interviewing my older sister Tara who has had quite an interesting and similar career story. Tara has also hit that reset button and completely pivoted her entire career path after finishing her master's degree. In this episode, We dive into Tara's journey, the challenges of hitting that reset button on your chosen career path, and advice for anyone feeling ready to do the same.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- The day to day of a fashion designer
- The right time to pursue a career change
- Breaking the news to your family
- Setting yourself up to minimise financial risk
- Advice for other people who might be looking at pursuing their passion or a career change
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
- Our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EllenTara
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The Dishing Up Digital School: www.dishingupdigitalschool.com
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Join my self study course Get the Gram: http://www.getthegram.com/
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Check Out Rosie from badasscareers.com
Here on the dishing up digital podcast, I love to talk all things strategy, hashtags, growing your Instagram, all of that good stuff. However, one crucial part of running a successful business is your mindset. Today, we are talking about the elephant in the room, or maybe the elephant in your business, and that is imposter syndrome, something that many new business owners suffer from. We can have the MOST experience in the world and still get struck down by imposter syndrome.
I know from firsthand experience how much imposter syndrome can hold you back and how great it can be once you overcome it. For me, facing my imposter syndrome and limiting beliefs has been a defining point in my business, helped me succeed today, and helped me reach this six-figure milestone. So, in today's episode, I talk all about how imposter syndrome can be the make-or-break thing in your business and how you can break through those limiting beliefs, overcome that imposter feeling and develop your confidence for success.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- Understanding imposter syndrome
- Challenging and pushing through negative thought patterns
- How Facing my imposter syndrome was a massive turning for me
- Developing a habit of confidence
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
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The Dishing Up Digital School: www.dishingupdigitalschool.com
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Join my self-study course Get the Gram: http://www.getthegram.com/
There is this one specific industry label that has become so elusive for service-based businesses today, as it defines success, and that is to become 'booked out.' As service-based businesses, we all want to be fully booked out; we want to know that our business is making the cash dollar bills and that we have this label that assures us we are doing well.
In today's episode, I am sharing eight actionable tips that will help your social media business or service-based business reach that pinnacle label of being 'booked out.' I also break down common mistakes that I see new social media managers make, how to structure your business so you can become booked out not overwhelmed, and everything I did to achieve this business milestone
In this episode, you'll discover...
- Making your services and point of difference attractive
- When niching down is essential for your business
- Making yourself more visible
- Taking action to find new clients
- Restructuring your business to become booked out successfully
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
The Dishing Up Digital School: www.dishingupdigitalschool.com
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Join my self-study course Get the Gram: http://www.getthegram.com/
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Follow me on Instagram to enter my week of giveaways for the launch of the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Do you love Instagram? Or do you lean a little bit towards more of the hate side? If you answered the hate side, don't worry, we've all been there. As entrepreneurs, Instagram can become a pain, a struggle, and slightly overwhelming. However, with the right strategies in place, Instagram can be hugely beneficial for the growth of your business, making more conversions, growing an engaging community, and signing more clients.
In this episode, I will be breaking down and sharing four different aspects and tips of my current Instagram growth strategy. If you really follow and embrace these four tips, you're going to see a significant difference in your Instagram growth, which means more clients through the door, more of that cash dollar in the bank account, and a thriving profitable business.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- Why counting your followers is just a vanity metric
- The one thing that could be affecting your growth
- Putting your followers first
- Reels: receiving free exposure
- How to gain IG traffic away from IG
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
-
The Dishing Up Digital School: www.dishingupdigitalschool.com
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Join my self-study course Get the Gram: http://www.getthegram.com/
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Follow me on Instagram to enter my week of giveaways for the launch of the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Welcome to the very first episode of The Dishing Up Digital Podcast. I'm your host, Ellen, a former 9 to 5 escapee to 6-figure business owner. Tune in to learn everything there is to know about building your dream life and career as a social media manager. Whether you're just starting out and feeling lost and confused, or you want to take your current business to the next level, and double your income, this is the podcast for you!
In my first episode, I wanted to start back at the beginning and talk all about how I got to where I am today. My story is realistic. It’s not about making 10k or 20k in the first few months of business. Instead, It’s all about creating steady and sustainable growth in all areas of your business and mindset. I also open up about personal experiences and all the challenges faced throughout my entrepreneurial journey.
In this episode, you'll discover...
- Landing the ‘dream’ job to soon discover a lack in passion
- Serial side hustling until I found my full time business
- How I landed my first clients
- The trip that inspired it all
- Heartbreak: Launching a business from rock bottom
- Embracing and learning from the ups and downs of entrepreneurship
Thank you so much for listening. If you are enjoying the Dishing Up Digital Podcast, please leave a review on Apple and let me know! Don’t forget to connect with me over on Instagram, let me know what you would like to hear in future episodes, and share this episode with anyone you think would benefit from it!
Links & Resources:
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The Dishing Up Digital School: www.dishingupdigitalschool.com
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Buy my ebook on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0876RCF16/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=Instagram+Marketing&qid=1587119158&sr=8-15
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The Dishing Up Digital School: www.dishingupdigitalschool.com