Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie

Ellen Mackenzie
  • 5.0 (90)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. JAN 31

    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

  2. JAN 17

    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

  3. JAN 3

    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

  4. 12/27/2025

    Exposing the income streams that made me $270K while working LESS

    Transparent, juicy, and zero gatekeeping—today I’m breaking down exactly how I made $270,000 NZD in 2025 across my digital products, brand sponsorships, client work, and more. But here’s the twist: I made the same amount as last year… working way less and loving my business more than ever. This isn’t just a numbers episode—it’s the real story behind the pivots, risks, burnout, boundaries, and breakthroughs that shaped my most aligned (and surprising!) business year yet. If you’re a freelancer, service provider, or digital creator wanting to build a freedom-first business without sacrificing income—this episode is your permission slip AND your game plan. Let’s get into the data, the decisions, and the energetic shifts that changed everything. xx Ellen 💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription: 👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen ___________________________________________________________ 💻 //LINKS// 💻 Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools 📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA// Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee 👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com

    29 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    Best Carousel Content Ideas for Instagram Growth in 2026 📈🚀📲

    If you want to go viral in 2026, you need to stop creating carousels like it’s 2021. That basic Canva infographic? Not cutting it. Instead, you need bold, opinionated, story-led content that cuts through the scroll and converts eyeballs into followers, buyers, and fans. In this episode, I’m breaking down the 3 viral carousel types dominating my feed, my metrics, and my business right now—with real examples, the psychology behind why they work, and how you can start posting them today. Whether you're building a personal brand or scaling a service-based biz, this is your go-to strategy guide for carousels that actually move the needle in 2026. 🎯 What you’ll learn: • Why your carousels aren’t converting—and how to fix it • The 3 scroll-stopping formats you should post every month • Hooks, CTAs, and messaging tweaks that build trust + drive clicks • Behind-the-scenes of my own viral posts (and how you can remix them) Posts referenced: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNWHaHyyA-M/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/p/DMbJBUczycg/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/p/DLqJxyGTTj6/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/p/DNrCKNq5tRJ/?img_index=1 ✨ Steal my templates: Want my exact carousel layouts, design formulas, and CTA slides? Grab the SMM Template Bundle—now updated with top-performing posts from 2025: 👉 https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd?coupon_code=DISHINGUP xx Ellen 💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription: 👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen ___________________________________________________________ 💻 //LINKS// 💻 Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools 📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA// Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee 👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com

    22 min

  6. 12/06/2025

    5 Marketing Lessons From Kim Kardashian’s All's Fair 👀 | Viral Content Strategy Case Study 📝

    If you want a masterclass in modern marketing... stop looking at other creators and start looking at Kim Kardashian and Ryan Murphy.All Is Fair just had the biggest debut on Hulu ever, and whether you love the show or hate it... the marketing is undeniable. Today I’m breaking down the 5 strategies behind their viral success – and how YOU can use them to scale your content, your creative business, and your next launch.This episode is basically a crossover of my two lives: my past career as a TV writer, and my current one as a marketer. And trust me... these lessons are gold.We’re talking:✨ Polarization as a strategy (yes, you WANT some people to hate your content)✨ Why BTS content is your secret connection builder✨ The “weekly rollout machine” that keeps viewers coming back✨ The power of collaboration + star stacking✨ How Ryan Murphy’s signature style can inspire YOUR brand identityIf you want to treat your business like a Hollywood blockbuster in 2025 and beyond... this one’s for you.xxEllen💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the PodcastUse code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen___________________________________________________________⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 – The All Is Fair launch: why the marketing deserves a case study1:30 – Lesson 1: Why your marketing should not resonate with everyone5:00 – Lesson 2: Consistency is the engine behind conversion8:40 – Lesson 3: Behind-the-scenes content builds buy-in12:10 – Lesson 4: Collaboration multiplies visibility14:30 – Lesson 5: Lean into your signature style📣 Mentioned:Youtube video on how to make aesthetic content: https://youtu.be/14OKJurBC1Q💻 //LINKS// 💻Join the Dishing Up Digital School:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolMy Social CEO Toolbox (including my custom GPT The Content Coach):https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/xi9FTZ22?coupon_code=YOUTUBEThe ultimate template bundle for social media managers:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZdBuy Ellen’s book:https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee🤯 //FREE GUIDE//How to become a social media manager:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie👩‍💻 Ellen’s business:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries:team@dishingupdigital.com

    17 min

  7. 11/28/2025

    My Exact Strategy to Scale with ChatGPTt & AI in 2026 📲 (it gets to be easy)

    Are you scared AI is going to replace you as a service provider? I get it—but here's the truth: AI isn't your competition, it's your co-creator. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how I use AI in my business (without losing my human touch), how it’s helped me grow faster, create better content, and work fewer hours. We’re ditching the fear-mongering and talking real strategies for service providers, social media managers, and content creators to thrive in the age of AI. Plus, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how I’ve integrated AI into my content workflows, trained my own custom GPTs, and how YOU can do the same—starting today. xx Ellen 💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription: 👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen ___________________________________________________________ 💻 //LINKS// 💻 Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools 📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA// Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee 👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com

    16 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    How to Create a Social Media Manager Portfolio (NO experience) 👩‍💻 Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

    Want to land your first social media manager client but feel stuck because you have no experience and no portfolio? In this video, I’m breaking down exactly how to build a high-converting portfolio from scratch - even if you’ve never had a paying client. Whether you’re a beginner SMM, content creator pivoting to services, or just want to book clients faster, this is your step-by-step roadmap. I’m also sharing my best-kept secret: my SMM Template Bundle (50% off this week only for Black Friday!) includes a done-for-you portfolio template to help you get set up in hours, not days. 🎁 Grab it here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd/checkout?coupon_code=BF50💕 xx Ellen 💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription: 👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen ___________________________________________________________ 💻 //LINKS// 💻 Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools 📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA// Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee 👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com

    16 min
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5
out of 5
90 Ratings

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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