Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie

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 realisticWatch or listen now to get the full plan and start strong this year.xx Ellen💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the PodcastUse 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-podcastJoin the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolCamera: https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens: https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com

Transparent, juicy, and zero gatekeeping—today I’m breaking down exactly how I made $270,000 NZD in 2025 across my digital products, brand sponsorships, client work, and more. But here’s the twist: I made the same amount as last year… working way less and loving my business more than ever.This isn’t just a numbers episode—it’s the real story behind the pivots, risks, burnout, boundaries, and breakthroughs that shaped my most aligned (and surprising!) business year yet.If you’re a freelancer, service provider, or digital creator wanting to build a freedom-first business without sacrificing income—this episode is your permission slip AND your game plan. Let’s get into the data, the decisions, and the energetic shifts that changed everything.xx Ellen💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the PodcastUse 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-podcastJoin the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolCamera: https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens: https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com

If you want to go viral in 2026, you need to stop creating carousels like it’s 2021. That basic Canva infographic? Not cutting it.Instead, you need bold, opinionated, story-led content that cuts through the scroll and converts eyeballs into followers, buyers, and fans.In this episode, I’m breaking down the 3 viral carousel types dominating my feed, my metrics, and my business right now—with real examples, the psychology behind why they work, and how you can start posting them today.Whether you're building a personal brand or scaling a service-based biz, this is your go-to strategy guide for carousels that actually move the needle in 2026.🎯 What you’ll learn:• Why your carousels aren’t converting—and how to fix it• The 3 scroll-stopping formats you should post every month• Hooks, CTAs, and messaging tweaks that build trust + drive clicks• Behind-the-scenes of my own viral posts (and how you can remix them)Posts referenced:https://www.instagram.com/p/DNWHaHyyA-M/?img_index=1https://www.instagram.com/p/DMbJBUczycg/?img_index=1https://www.instagram.com/p/DLqJxyGTTj6/?img_index=1https://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=DISHINGUPxx Ellen💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the PodcastUse 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-podcastJoin the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolCamera: https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens: https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com

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

Are you scared AI is going to replace you as a service provider? I get it—but here's the truth: AI isn't your competition, it's your co-creator. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how I use AI in my business (without losing my human touch), how it’s helped me grow faster, create better content, and work fewer hours.We’re ditching the fear-mongering and talking real strategies for service providers, social media managers, and content creators to thrive in the age of AI.Plus, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how I’ve integrated AI into my content workflows, trained my own custom GPTs, and how YOU can do the same—starting today.xx Ellen💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the PodcastUse 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-podcastJoin the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolCamera: https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens: https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com

Want to land your first social media manager client but feel stuck because you have no experience and no portfolio?In this video, I’m breaking down exactly how to build a high-converting portfolio from scratch - even if you’ve never had a paying client. Whether you’re a beginner SMM, content creator pivoting to services, or just want to book clients faster, this is your step-by-step roadmap.I’m also sharing my best-kept secret: my SMM Template Bundle (50% off this week only for Black Friday!) includes a done-for-you portfolio template to help you get set up in hours, not days.🎁 Grab it here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd/checkout?coupon_code=BF50💕 xx Ellen💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the PodcastUse 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-podcastJoin the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolCamera: https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens: https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com

I built an online business that’s now hitting nearly $1 M in revenue, and I didn’t do it with a viral reel or a big team. I did it with a clear strategy, consistent execution and the right systems. In this video I’m breaking down my full income journey, the key things that worked (and what didn’t), and how you can apply the same frameworks to your own business.xx Ellen💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the PodcastUse 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-podcastJoin the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolCamera: https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens: https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com

AI isn’t replacing you—unless you let it.In this episode, I’m sharing the full replay of my most popular free webinar to date—a training designed to help you build a thriving, booked-out business as a social media manager or service provider in 2026 without getting left behind by AI.We’ll cover:Why ChatGPT won’t replace high-touch service providersHow to become the irreplaceable option in your nicheThe exact ways I’m using AI to save time, serve better, and sell smarterWhether you're just getting started or ready to scale, this training will help you shift from fearing AI to fully leveraging it—and position your business for long-term success.Spoiler alert: The future isn’t less human. It’s more.xxEllen💻 The Ultimate SMM Template Bundlehttps://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd👩‍💻 My Business HQhttps://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship Enquiriesteam@dishingupdigital.com📲 Follow Me for More:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

In this spicy episode of the Dishing up Digital podcast, I’m sharing some of the wildest, most chaotic moments from my 6 years as a social media manager. From nightmare clients to contractor drama, invoice ghosting to holiday content meltdowns—these stories had me questioning everything.But with each messy moment came a powerful lesson that’s shaped how I run my business today.Here’s what we’re diving into:💔 A client ended our contract with zero notice during their divorce🌍 I redid a month of content while on vacation in South Africa🙃 A contractor nearly cost me my biggest client😵‍💫 7+ revisions on one post—and the meltdown that followed🚨 Late invoices, luxury car purchases, and the audacity🧾 Refunds, breakdowns, and what finally taught me to walk awayIf you’re a social media manager, freelancer, or service provider, this episode is your permission slip to set boundaries, charge your worth, and protect your peace.🎧 LISTEN NOW — and stay ‘til the end for the most unhinged confession I’ve never shared publicly 👀xxEllen🚨 Sign up for my FREE webinar on how to become a social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar——————————————————————————————————————————💻 //LINKS// 💻The ultimate template bundle for social media managers: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZdBuy Ellen's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee🤯 //FREE GUIDE//How to become a social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com

You don’t need 100k followers, a trending Reel, or a viral launch to make your first $10k month. I hit five-figure months before I had 2,000 followers—and it wasn’t magic, it was method.In this episode of Dishing Up Digital, I’m pulling back the curtain on the actual strategy that helped me go from low views to high income.You’ll learn:✨ Why follower count is NOT a business plan✨ The 4-part framework I use to create consistent $10k+ months✨ What to stop doing if you want to get booked out faster✨ Why boring, repeatable, unsexy systems scale better than viral trendsxx Ellen💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the PodcastUse 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-podcastJoin the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolCamera: https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens: https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com