Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie

Ellen Mackenzie
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Welcome to the Dishing Up Digital podcast—the go-to show for women building online businesses that pay well AND feel good. Hosted by Ellen Mackenzie, a former 9-5 escapee turned multi-six-figure digital entrepreneur, this podcast is where freedom-first founders come to grow with strategy that sells and mindset that moves. Whether you're a freelancer, coach, creative, or content creator, each episode is your permission slip to do business your way—with fewer hours, stronger boundaries, and magnetic marketing that converts.

  1. 10 APR

    the truth about UGC… here’s what to do instead (2026)

    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

    32 min

  2. 4 APR

    I Made $74K in 3 Months… But There’s a Problem

    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

    36 min

  3. 20 MAR

    what’s inside a $3k/month social media management package

    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

    19 min

  4. 8 MAR

    Is Notion Really Worth It? My Honest Review as a Social Media Manager

    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

    16 min

  5. 27 FEB

    The 3 things that scaled my social media business

    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

    21 min

  6. 31 JAN

    The “Quiet” Strategy to Book Premium Clients With Less Than 1K Followers

    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

    16 min

  7. 17 JAN

    How to become a full-time social media manager in 2026

    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

    18 min

  8. 3 JAN

    the daily habits of $100k social media managers (stop acting like a freelancer)

    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

    24 min
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About

Welcome to the Dishing Up Digital podcast—the go-to show for women building online businesses that pay well AND feel good. Hosted by Ellen Mackenzie, a former 9-5 escapee turned multi-six-figure digital entrepreneur, this podcast is where freedom-first founders come to grow with strategy that sells and mindset that moves. Whether you're a freelancer, coach, creative, or content creator, each episode is your permission slip to do business your way—with fewer hours, stronger boundaries, and magnetic marketing that converts.

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