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Explore every episode of the podcast Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Claude ran my business for 3 months... and I made $100k30 Jul 202600:34:10

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


_______________________________________________________________


⏱ //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


Claude Skills Tutorial: The Only 5 You Need (+ Free Skill)13 Jul 202600:20:17

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

what’s inside a $3k/month social media management package20 Mar 202600:18:35

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


Your Guide to Paid Instagram & Facebook Ads - Is it Worth the Money?28 Jan 202400:37:00

Yes, it’s another juicy episode and it’s a little longer than usual too!

This topic came from my Instagram DMs - so if you have any topics you’d like me to explore on the podcast, please reach out!

Now, ads are not something I completely understand too much - I’m an organic girly at heart, but I do run ads in my business and help facilitate them for some of my clients. I definitely understand how they can work for you and your business.

In this episode, I chat through the Pros & Cons of running ads, how to set up a strategic ads campaign, and let you know what happened when I stopped running my own ads for a month

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 work with Ellen and her team? Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/ 

Watch Ellen's Free Webinar on How to Become a Social Media Manager

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 Mindset Shift That Helped Me Book More Clients21 Jan 202400:21:30

Ok Guys, I recorded this episode fresh off the plane from the USA and I was in a super productive, thriving mindset. I had even unpacked my suitcase and cleared my emails! I hadn't felt like this in a long time, so it made sense to record this episode on mindset. TBH the New Year's fever hadn't hit me and I was just too tired to set my goals and forecast the year. And I think we just need to give ourselves permission to relax, take it easy - we don't need to subscribe to the New Year hype of starting the year with a bang and rearing to go.

But now I've settled in, I'm fresh from having a holiday, and I'm feeling ready to go. And to do that, we get our mindset in check. I'm seeing this a lot in our community at the moment and that's how much your mindset affects your ability to book clients. This is what I'm un-packing in this episode. I hope you're excited to listen!

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

~~~

More Episodes on Mindset:

Want to work with Ellen and her team? Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/ 

Watch Ellen's Free Webinar on How to Become a Social Media Manager

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 

Outsourcing vs Hiring a Coach14 Jan 202400:15:30

Today is all about Outsourcing vs Hiring a Coach. I, in no way, prefer one over the other, but instead it's more about the timing of them. You guys know I'm an advocate for outsourcing and how essential it is for business owners who want to scale. Any time I've reached an income cap or I haven't been able to reach a certain goal, hiring a specialist or a contractor has been the way to help me break through that boundary.

However, I think that hiring a coach can be another way to break those boundaries as well. It really just comes down to where you are in your business. So listen as I go through how each of these have impacted my business, and when I've found that the timing is right for going with either of these options.

If you haven't already, listen to my previous episode on outsourcing here: Outsourcing as an Online Business Owner

And as always, I'd love to hear what you think. Flick me a DM and tell me if you've invested in a coach for your business, or if you've started outsourcing. You can also message me any questions you have. 

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 work with Ellen and her team? Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/ 

Watch Ellen's Free Webinar on How to Become a Social Media Manager

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 

0 to 1000 Followers: How to Start an Instagram Account from Scratch (Part Two)07 Jan 202400:33:00

We're back with my case study on growing the Instagram Page for my content studio: Mackenzie Studios.
If you haven't already, I recommend you listen to part one here: How to Start an Instagram Account From 0

This episode looks at the results I got from executing my content plan, as well as some strategies I didn't end up doing, and we look at what I'm planning in 2024. Reflecting on the results we were successful by using the following:

  • Focusing on good content. Leaning into the story-telling, the emotions, the pain points with your key target market or audience
  • Make sure you're on other social platforms - i.e. we used TikTok as a driver of more traffic to our Instagram page
  • Collaborating with others. Utilising our amazing community, connecting with our customers, being really engaged on social media, and looking for other businesses we could collaborate with

Thanks for listening this week. If you haven't already, I'd really appreciate anyone who has the time to leave me a review on Apple Podcasts, or rate & subscribe on Spotify, this really helps me to know to keep going on producing this content for you for free!

I'm really excited for you to listen to this episode guys!

Have a great week guys!

Ellen xx

~~~

Follow Mackenzie Studios on TikTok: mackenziestudios.nz

Watch my Free Webinar on How to Become a Social Media Manager

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

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 Much Money Did I Make in 202303 Jan 202400:28:00

Part 2 of my 2023 recap. Listen to my 1 January episode here: I didn't Achieve my Coals for 2023!

Today's episode is going through my expenses and the financial figures for 2023. Did I reach my intended financial goal for 2023? What were my new expenses for 2023? A lot happened over 2023, so it's another long episode for you.

Let me know if you want a part 3 to this, going over the goals I'm setting for 2024, and as always, let me know how your financial goals went for 2023. You know that I always want to hear your feedback about the show as well as any topics you want to hear me talk about. And while you're at it, I'd love if you could leave a podcast review on Apple or a rating on Spotify!

I hope these first few days of 2024 have been going well for you

Happy New Year!
Ellen xx

~~~

Mentioned on this episode: 

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

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 

Follow Mackenzie Studios: https://www.instagram.com/mackenziestudios.nz/ 

I Didn't Achieve my Goals for 2023!31 Dec 202300:35:00

This is part 1 of 2 episodes that I'm releasing the first week of 2024. 

Today is all about my 2023 goals and if I achieved them or not - spoiler alert, I didn't! I'll go through a mix of my personal and business goals, chatting about how and or why I didn't achieve them. Also about why it's ok to move the goal posts to make room for other exciting things.

Let me know how you went on with your goals for 2023 - I always want to hear from you. Did you have similar goals to mine? And while you're at it, I'd love if you could leave a podcast review on Apple or a rating on Spotify!

Enjoy the start to your new year, and I'll be back on Thursday with part 2!

Happy New Year
Ellen xx

~~~

Mentioned on this episode: 

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

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 

Follow Mackenzie Studios: https://www.instagram.com/mackenziestudios.nz/ 

How to Raise your Prices with Existing Clients24 Dec 202300:25:45

First of all, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays if you don't celebrate. This episode is released on Christmas Day here in New Zealand and I hope you are all having a lovely break. I know this can be a time where you've maybe got some time off during your regular 9-5 job, and it means you can really focus on your side hustle. So, I thought it was important to keep these episodes coming over the holiday break so you can get some really good upskilling happening!

In this episode, I discuss the importance of increasing prices and provide you strategies for raising prices with existing clients. I emphasise the timing of price increases and the need to evaluate prices regularly. I also share tips for justifying the price increase and present a strategy from my Dishing Up Digital School. I then advise on how to present the price increase to clients and offer encouragement for dealing with rejection.

Takeaways:

  • Increasing prices is important for business growth and profitability.
  • Timing is crucial when raising prices, and the end of the year is a great opportunity.
  • When raising prices with existing clients, consider the amount of experience, the last price increase, and potential additional services.
  • Justify the price increase by highlighting achievements and the value provided.
  • Present the price increase strategically, focusing on the client's wins and offering a discounted rate compared to new clients.
  • Don't be afraid of rejection; losing clients who don't value your work can lead to better opportunities.

Thank you all so much for your support throughout the year. It really means a lot to me. 
Be kind to yourself this holiday season and I'll see you all in the new year!

Take Care
Ellen xx

~~~

Mentioned on this episode: 

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

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 

Ask Ellen! Social Media Manager Q & A17 Dec 202300:26:30

This week you guys helped me make this episode! This week I am answering your amazing questions, and I had so much fun doing this. In fact, I think I may need to make a whole episode based on just one of the questions posed - side note, would you want to hear more episodes on how I would create Social Media strategy for different business? And what businesses would you like to see?

In this episode, I discuss how to create an effective social media strategy for hotels and restaurants, emphasizing the importance of evoking emotions and storytelling in content. I also address the fear and uncertainty that comes with starting a business and provide some advice on overcoming it. I highlight the significance of entertaining content in social media marketing and give some tips on creating it. Additionally, I share my number 1 tool for social media managers and provide insights on finding help and outsourcing for business growth.

I also really appreciate anyone who has the time to leave me a review on Apple Podcasts, or rate & subscribe on Spotify, this really helps me to know to keep going on producing this content for you for free!

I'm really excited for you to listen to this episode guys!

Have a great week guys!

Ellen xx

~~~

Mentioned on this episode: 

Watch my Free Webinar on How to Become a Social Media Manager

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

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 is a UGC Creator vs a Social Media Manager?10 Dec 202300:35:31

This year the use of the term UGC has skyrocketed in the marketing world. If you haven't heard of it before, UGC stands for user generated content. Typically this has referred to brand-specific content made on social media by customers. For example, I bought a new handbag this year from one of my favourite brands, Strathberry, and I posted a little unboxing on Youtube shorts. This isn't a sponsorship, I'm just a customer sharing what I bought.

Brands have long known the power of this kind of marketing. It feels like modern day referrals.

But this year we have seen the rise of something a little different, the UGC creator.

A UGC creator is someone hired by a brand specifically to make content for their social pages and the content looks like it could be from a customer. And that content is then part of the marketing material and the overall marketing strategy for that company.

Listen as I go through the Pros & Cons of both UGC Creator and Social Media Manager. What is your preference, or what would you like to pursue? Send me  a DM about it and also let me know what you thought about this weeks episode and what you would like to hear in future episodes.

 

I also really appreciate anyone who has the time to leave me a review on Apple Podcasts, or rate & subscribe on Spotify, this really helps me to know to keep going on producing this content for you for free!

I'm really excited for you to listen to this episode guys!

Have a great week guys!

Ellen xx

~~~

Mentioned on this episode: How to Book High Ticket Clients

Watch my Free Webinar on How to Become a Social Media Manager

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

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 

I'm Burning Down my Business!03 Dec 202300:24:25

Ok, maybe I'm being a little dramatic with the title of this episode, but guys, big changes are afoot and it's all very exciting!

LAUNCHING TODAY! The new Dishing Up Digital website is going live!

On the day that this podcast episode goes live, it has officially been four years since I started my business. Four years ago, a young, doe-eyed 23-year-old, Ellen, had officially left her corporate job, and this was the day that I announced to the world: "this is my baby, Dishing up Digital, this is my new business, and this is what I'm going to be doing full time!"

And it was a terrifying day.

Listen to how I'm celebrating this year. What new steps I'm taking. How I'm planning to challenge myself and continue to not only grow my own business, but in-turn, grow the businesses of my Dishing Up Digital School students. 

As always, I love when you DM me. Tell me if you found this useful or do you follow a different format? What works for you? 

I also really appreciate anyone who has the time to leave me a review on Apple Podcasts, or rate & subscribe on Spotify, this really helps me to know to keep going on producing this content for you for free!

I'm really excited for you to listen to this episode guys!

Have a great week guys!

Ellen xx

~~~

Watch my Free Webinar on How to Become a Social Media Manager

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

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 

Is Notion Really Worth It? My Honest Review as a Social Media Manager08 Mar 202600:15:56

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

How to Book Hight Ticket Clients26 Nov 202300:21:45

Today we are taking a break from Instagram & Marketing. We are chatting all about booking those high ticket clients. This is a timely conversation to have after the craziness of Black Friday promo (hands up if you're a little frazzled after that!) as it's a great time to reflect on your clients - are they the right fit for you? - and potentially look at price increases for your services and/or changing your packages & services.

In this episode, I look at:

  • Increasing your network
  • Working on your own 'Thought Leader' content
  • Cold Pitching

As always, I love when you DM me. Tell me if you found this useful or do you follow a different format? What works for you? 

I also really appreciate anyone who has the time to leave me a review on Apple Podcasts, or rate & subscribe on Spotify, this really helps me to know to keep going on producing this content for you for free!

This month, we've had a RECORD NUMBER of downloads and I am so thankful for this! You know I love creating content in this space and I appreciate every single one of you!

Have a great week guys!

Ellen xx

~~~

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

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 

Tackling your fear of failure21 Nov 202300:15:49

Afraid to start that business? Is you fear of failure taking over? In today's episode we are going to unpack fear, the role it plays in your business and how to move through the feeling. I'll be reading a chapter from my book B.I.T.C.H Power - I hope you enjoy.

 

Have a great week guys!

Ellen xx

 

~~~

Mentioned in this episode:

 

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/

Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee

My Content Workflow for Being Consistent on Instagram19 Nov 202300:24:58

BLACK FRIDAY! It's here. 5 Days. 5 Deals. It all starts Monday, 20 November at 8am NZT (7pm GMT & 2pm ET). Each deal lasts for 24 hours only. 
Check out all the details here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/black-friday

~~~

In today's episode we're all about Instagram and my content workflow. This time of year can get busy, but it's also an opportunity for you to capitalise on so much potential. I'll go through the workflow I follow for my Reel batch creating days - in fact I used this exact workflow for all my Black Friday lead up and deals - go check out my Instagram for the implementation! From blasting Taylor Swift to turning off notifications, editing yourself out of videos where you've tried to get your phone/camera to stand up only to have it fall over... anyway, you get the gist!

As always, I love when you DM me. Tell me if you found this useful or do you follow a different format? What works for you? 

I also really appreciate anyone who has the time to leave me a review on Apple Podcasts, or rate & subscribe on Spotify, this really helps me to know to keep going on producing this content for you for free!

Have a great week guys!

Ellen xx

~~~

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

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 Real Reason You're NOT Growing on Instagram12 Nov 202300:31:40

The day I recorded this episode, I woke up feeling confident because boy, do I make some bold claims in this recording! This is my spiciest and most unfiltered episode on Instagram strategy yet! I'm just going to say it...there's a lot of bad advice out there on Instagram at the moment. So, I wanted to add my 2 cents worth and give you a solid list of the DON'Ts in Instagram strategy right now.

That list is:

  1. Being too focused on consistency and not on quality
  2. Too much repurposing and being too hands off
  3. Being Selfish
  4. Being Copycats

This is all explained in the episode, so enjoy this one!

Guys, my DMs are always open. I hope you know I love hearing from you, so please reach out and I'll do my best to help. Or, if you're able, I would love if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a 5 star rating on Spotify, or even subscribing, I would really appreciate it.

Take care out there guys, and see you next week.

Ellen xx

~~~

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

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 Going to Therapy Changed my Business06 Nov 202300:31:30

BLACK FRIDAY!
Now that I have your attention, keep an eye on my Instagram Page and turn on notifications for more info coming soon!

~~~

I honestly thought I'd never talk about therapy on this podcast, but I had a bit of a realisation recently that made me realise I find it really easy to talk to my online podcast community. So, it completely makes sense to come to this place that I am my most comfortable and excited to create in. 
Being an entrepreneur requires a balance and inner workings of many cogs, and it all needs to be a well oiled machine. And that well oiled machine starts with me.

I recorded this episode on the 1 year anniversary of me starting therapy, so this topic seemed really fitting. I hope this helps you in some small way and that even if you think you don't need it, seeking therapy can help you in all aspects of you life - business or personal! 

Guys, my DMs are always open. I hope you know I love hearing from you, so please reach out and I'll do my best to help you. 
Or, if you're able, I would love if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a 5 star rating on Spotify, or even subscribing, I would really appreciate it.

Take care out there guys, and see you next week.

Ellen xx

~~~

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

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 nipple bra? 4 marketing lessons from Skims & Kim Kardashian31 Oct 202300:31:03

I have a new FREE training for you all! Learn how I schedule and organise content for myself and my clients in this jam packed 30 minute lesson: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/free-content-training

 

In today's episode, I'm chatting about Skims and the 4 core marketing strategies that they have used to build their $4 billion dollar brand in 4 years.

 

We cover...

- The importance of solving problems for your customer

- Scarcity in marketing and how to do it right

- Utilising other audiences with partnerships

- Viral marketing techniques

 

Ellen xx

~~~

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

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 

Are Influencers or Online Creators "Real" Entrepreneurs?29 Oct 202300:27:30

Back in the day, before there was MacKenzie Studios, or Dishing Up Digital, or this podcast, there was blogger and Youtuber Ellen. That's right, I come from the humble beginnings of an influencer background, before it was even known as "being an influencer". It's what led me into seeking out Social Media Management as a job. But the question that's been really bugging me, that I've been seeing online - particularly TikTok, is "are influencers or content creators "real" entrepreneurs? 

This week I dive into this question, I look back on my time as an influencer and how influencer's can justify calling themselves entrepreneurs.

As always, I would love your feedback - hit me up with your thoughts in my DMs.

I also really appreciate anyone who has the time to leave me a review on Apple Podcasts, or rate & subscribe on Spotify, this really helps me to know to keep going on producing this content for you for free!

Have a great week guys!

Ellen xx

~~~

Mentioned in this podcast: Sharing Your Income Online? Ew!

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School 
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 

$5k to $30k months: My Journey as a Social Media Manager (Part Two)22 Oct 202300:37:45

Episode 100! 
That's right. today marks 100 episode's of the Dishing Up Digital podcast. It's my favourite form of content creation, and I absolutely love receiving feedback from you about what you've learnt. Some of you have even started your careers as Social Media Managers, just from listening to the free content in my podcast! I'm so proud of that! 
We've had an amazing couple of months with downloads lately and that has been super positive to see. You can help us out by subscribing, giving us a 5 star rating, or a review on Apple Podcasts, and this helps with the reach of the podcast.

For the 100th episode, I've decided to do a part 2 from this previous episode: $0 to $5K Months: My Journey as a Social Media Manager. This was a hugely popular episode and some of you even requested a follow up. Today we'll look forward from the lessons learnt in that episode and chat about how you continue to grow your business. Lots of talk about scaling and growing your mindset.

I am also quiet launching a mini version of my Scale on Social Mastermind - a great way to scale your business to finish off your year on a high. Jump over to Instagram and DM me for more information to see if it's the right fit for you now: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyWFORSsjsR/  

I hope you enjoy this episode guys. I'm so grateful to every single person who listens to this podcast and just want to thank you all for coming along on this journey with me!

Have an amazing week!

Ellen xx

~~~

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School 
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 

Ditch the 9-5 and Work from Anywhere in the World15 Oct 202300:20:20

If you've been following along, you know that I've been travelling a bit recently - in fact, this episode was recorded while I was in South Africa! This makes it the perfect time to release this episode about being able to work from anywhere in the world. I know there's a lot of Reels & TikTok's out there really glamourising the digital nomad lifestyle, but the reality is, a lot behind the scenes work goes into my business in order to get to this point. This has helped me to put together the following in which I hope can support you with travelling while still working or starting out on that digital nomad lifestyle.

  1. Remember you're still working - this may require a bit of sacrifice to your holiday schedule
  2. Hire Help
  3. Create passive revenue streams
  4. Be organised and BUY WIFI!

I'd love to hear how you've gone with taking your work on the road with you or if you're thinking of embarking on this journey. What do you wish you had done before travelling, or what was something that made a huge difference while embracing the digital nomad life? DM me! 
And please, I'd really appreciate your review on Apple Podcasts or subscribing on Spotify - it really helps encourage me to continue putting out these episodes.
Have a great week guys!
Ellen xx

~~~

Mentioned in this episode: Outsourcing as an Online Business Owner

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School 
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 

Apps I Use as a Social Media Manager13 Oct 202300:17:45

Last month (September), I had a huge response to this post on my Instagram Page, giving me the idea to expand and record a podcast episode out of it. This is also one of the topics I frequently get asked questions on, so I thought I'd let you know what apps and programmes I use in the day to day running of my business.

My apps are: Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, CapCut, Paypal, Xero, PandaDoc, ClickUp (affiliate link), Trello, and Meta Business Suite.

It's important to note, that yes, there are many amazing alternatives out there, and I'm not saying my chosen apps are the ones you should work with. This are just what work for me and, in some cases, what were available to me when I started.

Hit me with any questions you have around this topic, or let me know what your preferred alternatives are - what's popular in your part of the world too! And if you enjoy this episode, don't forget to review us on Apple Podcasts or Follow us on Spotify - it really helps encourage me to keep making these for you.

Have a great week Guys!

Ellen xx

~~~

Mentioned in this episode: Why I Don't Schedule Client Posts

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School 
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 3 things that scaled my social media business27 Feb 202600:21:25

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

How I Book and Work with International Clients01 Oct 202300:24:10

Hi! I'm Ellen, and I'm from a country called Aotearoa (or New Zealand) located at the almost bottom of the globe, and I work with, and have worked with, many international clients. That's right, multiple!

Today's episode goes through how I got started with my first International Client, how I booked my next one and how International Clients tend to find me. Guess What? I have never even cold pitched an International Client!

Have a listen to see what tips & processes I recommend for booking your own International Clients.

As always, I'd love to hear your feedback and what has worked for you in this area. And if you enjoy this episode, don't forget to review us on Apple Podcasts or Follow us on Spotify - it really helps encourage me to keep making these for you.

Have a great week Guys!

Ellen xx

~~~

Mentioned in this episode: Interview with Maeve Erin Creative

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School 
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 MONEY SERIES | Step into the Mindset of a Premium Service Provider24 Sep 202300:25:30

This is the 4th and last installment of the money series! Scroll down below for the links to the previous 3 episodes.

Social Media Management is a premium service and we are in demand. It is so essential as an online business to have a social media presence. We offer so much value in our services as Social Media Managers and we need to start believing in ourselves.

In this episode I got through how to get yourself into the right mindset around valuing your services and making that leap to increasing your package prices. I want you to feel confident in what you do and I want your prices to reflect that! 

Listen closely, because I'm giving you homework, and I want you to message me that you've done this!

As always, I so appreciate you listening to the podcast. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, subscribe to us on Spotify, or even just tag us on your socials when you're listening. All of this helps to keep up producing this podcast and keeping it free for you!

I hope you enjoyed this money series.
Take care Guys,
Ellen xx

~~~

The Money Series so far:

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School 
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 MONEY SERIES | Example Packages & Prices for Social Media Managers17 Sep 202300:24:00

This is your last week to take advantage of saving $700 on joining the Dishing Up Digital School! CLICK HERE for more details and join before September 24th.

~~~

We're on episode 3 of The Money Series!
I'm going to be taking you through some example packages and showing you how to create a 3-tiered system of prices and packages, that sets you up really well in terms of your income and finances, but is also really attractive to clients. This is a system that I teach in-depth in my Dishing Up Digital School (Join Today!).
My 3-tiered System:

  1. Entry Level $300-$900
  2. Mid Level $1000-$1500
  3. High Level $2000+ 

I really hope you enjoy this episode. As always I'd love to hear your feedback. Don't forget to post your reviews on Apple Podcasts or subscribe via Spotify.
See you next week with another installment of the Money Series!
Take care Guys
Ellen xx

~~~

Mentioned in this episode: Sharing Your Income Online? Ew!
The Money Series so far:

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 MONEY SERIES | How to Know You're Undercharging as a Social Media Manager10 Sep 202300:28:30

Psst! Did you know there is currently a deal on if you Join Dishing Up Digital School? Save $700 by joining before September 24th. CLICK HERE for more details

~~~

Ooo guys, I am loving recording this series for you! Seriously, I am giving away some GOOD information! In this week's episode, I want to help you realise your worth and how you can go about increasing your prices. Income is the number one reason businesses fail and not knowing what to charge is a big part of this!

This episode covers:

  • Getting started
  • Starting small
  • Working your way up
  • Realising you can change your prices whenever you want
  • How converting every discovery call isn't actually an achievement (spoiler alert: you want a few no's out of every 10 or so calls)

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or a rating on Spotify, because this seriously helps me out so much and I would really love to continue bringing you these free episodes - and this will help and support me!

Have a great week guys, and I'll see you next Monday!

Ellen xx

 

Follow Ellen on:

Visit Ellen's Website

Buy Ellen's Book: B.I.T.C.H Power

THE MONEY SERIES | Should I Charge an Hourly Rate or Offer Packaged Services?03 Sep 202300:24:15

THE MONEY SERIES 
For the month of September I am bringing you my 4-part money series!

This week we start with a common question I receive - should I charge hourly or offer packaged services? Spoiler Alert! I am pro packaged services, BUT, I believe there is a time and place for the hourly charge. Listen as I go through the ins and outs of hourly charging, and hopefully convince you to value your time and expertise more, by putting together some fantastic packages for your clients.

 

I can't wait to hear what you think - are you offering packages? What do you like about charging hourly? Also, let me know if you have any money questions - I may just get the chance to answer your question in this series!

 

As always, your feedback and reviews are so valued. I would love it if you could review us on Apple Podcasts and subscribe via whichever platform you are listening.

Thanks for listening and have a great week!

Ellen xx

 

Follow Ellen on:

Visit Ellen's Website

Buy Ellen's Book: B.I.T.C.H Power

Can a Social Media Manager Actually Only Work 2-4 Hours a Day?27 Aug 202300:22:30

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:

Follow Ellen on:

Visit Ellen's Website

Buy Ellen's Book: B.I.T.C.H Power

Booking Clients on Instagram with only 100 Followers! Interview with Maeve Erin Creative20 Aug 202300:27:15

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:

Visit Ellen's Website

Buy Ellen's Book: B.I.T.C.H Power

The 5 Step System to Quit Your Job Before the End of the Year13 Aug 202300:24:01

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:

  1. Make a plan
  2. Start focusing on money generating activities
  3. Build a financial runway
  4. Find you why and be an action taker
  5. 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:

Visit Ellen's Website

Buy Ellen's Book: B.I.T.C.H Power

Why I Don't Schedule Client Posts08 Aug 202300:15:57

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:

Visit Ellen's Website

Buy Ellen's Book: B.I.T.C.H Power

$0 to $5k Months: My Journey as a Social Media Manager30 Jul 202300:37:06

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

 

The “Quiet” Strategy to Book Premium Clients With Less Than 1K Followers31 Jan 202600:15:45

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

Sharing Your Income Online? Ew!23 Jul 202300:19:15

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

How to Start an Instagram Account From 0 (part one)16 Jul 202300:19:45

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:

  1. Make a business plan to understand your goals and audience
  2. Give yourself a good pre launch period
  3. Focus on good content and lean into storytelling to captivate a new audience
  4. 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
  5. Collaborate with others
  6. Get on other platforms
  7. 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:

 

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

My new business! Setting up a content studio10 Jul 202300:24:12

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

 

ROI on Social Media and Why You're Getting it Wrong25 Jun 202300:16:15

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:

 

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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: 

Setting Boundaries with Clients: 5 Strategies to Make it Easy18 Jun 202300:29:52

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:

  1. Be firm from the beginning
  2. Utilise your contract
  3. 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)
  4. Address the issue with the client: explain politely but firmly
  5. 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.

 

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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: 

 

Outsourcing as an Online Business Owner11 Jun 202300:24:05

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:

 

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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: 

Help! I Can't Choose My Niche04 Jun 202300:15:00

All of my students should be listening to this episode!

If you think choosing a niche is going to save your business, think again! I'm very anti-choosing a niche, and I can speak to this from the comfort of my very successful Social Media Management business! No brag, just facts! Time and time again I see people stressing over choosing a niche, to a point where it's stopping them from starting their business, and that's the worst thing you could be doing as a Social Media Manager right now!

I've been wanting to do this topic for awhile now, so I'm so excited to be chatting about my niching journey (or lack there of) on today's episode.

 

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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: 

 

Social Media Manager Q&A28 May 202300:25:51

Please note: This episode is audio lifted from a recorded zoom session that was done live in my Dishing Up Digital: Insiders Club Facebook group. It involved some visual support where I was sharing my screen, however we think we've managed to edit this in such a way that means you're not missing too much. For those of you who are students and are in the Facebook group, you can search Live Q&A - November, should you wish to watch the video recording. 

For those of you who would like to join the Dishing Up Digital school and get automatic entry to the Facebook group, you can join here.

 

Questions covered in this episode are:

  • Should I charge an extra fee for brand new clients who have no existing social media pages
  • How I organise my own Instagram content
  • How to edit and schedule client reels (and how to download audio to use third part editors)
  • Pitching: getting blind discovery calls and when to follow up on cold pitches

You definitely want your pen & paper for this one! And incase you forgot them, here the the links to different tools and courses mentioned:

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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: 

 

Punching Fear in the Face and Starting Your Business21 May 202300:22:15

Guys, I'm preaching to myself in this episode! I know so many of you will need to hear what I have to say in this episode, and as you'll hear, it turns out I needed this message myself! This is a great one to soak up, and I'd definitely recommend having your notebook at the ready. We've all got to start somewhere when it comes to taking that big leap of starting a new business, and for a lot of us overcoming the fear of the unknown, of failure, of so many things, is where we need to start.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

 

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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: 

How I Prepare my Business for a 4 Week Holiday14 May 202300:22:30

Are you a freelance business owner or contractor who finds it really hard to take holidays? Or have you not quite taken the plunge into it, and one of the reasons is you're worried about being able to take a break? Well, then this is the perfect episode for you. The week this episode releases, I'm off on a long awaited holiday to the UK for 4 weeks. Join me as I go through my process for preparing for this as well as things I learnt from the last time I did this. 

My 5 tips for preparing for a holiday are:

  1. Get as much done in advance as possible
  2. Bring in support
  3. Create white space for while you're away
  4. Clear communication with clients
  5. Don't feel guilty for taking a break

Everyone deserves a break and I hope this episode can help you be on your way to achieving that! 

 

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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: 

How to become a full-time social media manager in 202617 Jan 202600:17:58

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

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Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools


📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//

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👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com


The Secret to Discovery Calls and How to Sell Your Services07 May 202300:24:05

Are you a Social Media Manager or in a similar service based industry? Then discovery calls are something that you probably should be doing with potential clients. Discovery calls are a great way to give your potential client an in-depth overview of what working with you will be like, and in return, it should also tell you what you client will be like to work with. This is your groundwork in setting up a great relationship.

 

Want my tips on making great Discovery Calls? My top 5 tips are:  
  1. Don't script it
  2. Optional: create a short PDF or audit
  3. Change your mindset: you're having a chat with a friend about something you love
  4. You don't have to know the answer to everything
  5. Remember your value

 

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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: 

How my TikTok got 1.7 Million Views (Viral Video Strategy)30 Apr 202300:30:27

You may, or may not, know that I had a TikTok video go viral. I got 1.7 million viewers! This resulted in:

  • 270,000 Likes
  • 4,500 Comments
  • 24,000 Shares
  • 21,000 Saves

And while these are great results, did this result in sales of my book or new students paying for my course? 

 

In this episode, I go over what I think are some tips to help you achieve your own viral video, as well as breaking down why these results aren't all rainbows & unicorns.

Enjoy this one guys!

 

Mentioned in the episode:

 

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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: 

4 Ways to Improve your Customer Service and WHY23 Apr 202300:17:55

Booking a trip to a day spa with my friend is what inspired this episode for me. The way it all worked and the service we received, really made me appreciate what I was getting and, more importantly, made me want to keep coming back and sending my money their way. 

So, lets take these lessons from the day spa experience and apply them to customer service in general for us as online business owners to help you get reoccurring customers.

In this episode, we learn:

  • to offer packages that solve pain points
  • to personalise the process
  • to build a connection and keep them as customers
  • and get feedback

 

Previous podcast episode mentioned: Value Based Pricing 

 

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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: 

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