

Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie
Ellen Mackenzie
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 4, 2025 • 24min
The 5-step strategy that took me from 0 to fully booked!
🚨 Sign up for my FREE 3 day online conference for social media managers: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/summit2025If you’ve ever thought, “Why is no one booking me?”—this episode is your wake-up call. Inside, I’m breaking down the exact 5-step strategy I’ve used over and over again to get fully booked fast—whether I was starting from scratch, lost a big client, or just needed fast cash flow in my business.➡️ No giant following.➡️ No complicated funnels.➡️ No slashing your prices.Just simple, repeatable moves that work—especially for freelancers, social media managers, coaches, and service providers ready to grow to consistent 5k+ months and scale to six-figures in 2025.In this episode, we cover:How to tap your personal network (without feeling cringe)The right way to ask for referrals (and actually get them)Why testimonials are client magnets (if used strategically)The magic of posting so much it annoys even you 😏And how to add a ‘yes factor’ that makes people buy nowWhether you’re a new freelancer or seasoned service provider, this episode will reignite your momentum—and prove that you're not behind, you're just under-executing the boring stuff that actually works.🎧 Press play and let’s get you fully booked—again and againxxEllenOther pitching video mentioned: https://youtu.be/GbPNLtLB3F8?si=7hIzG19RP_TFl9ee💻 //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

Jul 27, 2025 • 45min
Don’t Make These Tax Mistakes: My Accountant Could Save You $10k+
Let’s talk money - because ignoring the “boring stuff” could be costing you thousands.In this episode, I’m sitting down with my accountant to break down the stuff no one talks about:➡️ What small biz owners always get wrong➡️ How to stay organized for tax season (without crying)➡️ When to hire help (and how to afford it)➡️ What actually matters when you’re starting outThis is the episode that would’ve saved past Ellen from so many money headaches. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or scaling fast, this is your reminder: financial literacy is a CEO skill. Let's make your bank account (and your mindset) match the business you’re building. 💸xxEllen⬇️ Sign up for my FREE online conference for social media managers: AUgust 12th-14th ✨https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/summit2025📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS// 🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee

Jul 25, 2025 • 19min
Is your inner broke girl holding your business back?
Let’s talk about the unspoken villain in your business story: your inner broke girl.The one who hoards money, second-guesses every investment, and whispers, “you can’t afford that” every time you try to grow. In this episode, I’m unpacking the mindset that secretly runs the show for so many online entrepreneurs—and how to shift it.We’ll cover:✨ What “broke girl energy” actually looks like in business✨ The difference between smart strategy and scarcity-driven decisions✨ How I shifted my relationship with money to grow a multi-6-figure brand✨ Tactical ways to move from fear-based to CEO-level financial decisionsThis one’s spicy—and it might sting a little—but it’s going to change the way you show up and scale. You ready?xxEllenWIN AN IPHONE 16 📲To celebrate the re-launch of the Dishing up Digital podcast, I'm hosting an epic giveaway! Enter here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/podcast📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS// 🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/

Jul 24, 2025 • 22min
How to Build a 6-Figure Online Business Before 2026 (Without Working 40 Hours a Week)
Whether you're a freelancer, creator, or coach, this is your roadmap to working less and earning more before 2026 hits. In this video, I'm breaking down the 3-part Freedom Framework - aka the three key steps to scaling your online business without working 24/7.To celebrate the re-launch of the Dishing up Digital podcast, I'm hosting an epic giveaway! Enter here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/podcastxxEllen⬇️ SIGN UP FOR MY FREE WEBINAR: how to become a social media manager ✨https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar--------------------------------------------------------------------------📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS// 🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee🤯// FREE GUIDE // 🤯How to become a social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie👩💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored.

Apr 20, 2025 • 35min
Red Flag Clients You Need to Avoid
In this episode we're chatting about those red flags that pop up in our clients and potential clients from time to time. Take it from me, someone with a lot of experience, I still can get caught out with red flags. Sometimes you need to look back and reflect and learn from these mistakes - luckily for you, I've compiled them all up to help you out!
RED FLAGS:
Asking for a discount
Can't make time for a discovery call
Starts to ghost you when it comes time to contract/invoice
Someone who grills you about growth during the discovery call
Your business styles just simply don't align (don't force yourself to change)
When they won't commit to a 3-month minimum contract
When they want to put you on a "trial period"
When they don't want to pay for content creation but their social content at the moment is really bad
When they aren't showing respect for your work hours
The client who wants endless meetings - but is on your lowest package
Traditional or older businesses who aren't willing to adapt
When it feels like they want an employee not a contractor
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!Ellen xx
This episode is sponsored by Trello. Sign up for Trello HERE - it's free to get started!
~~~
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Mackenzie Studios Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/mackenziestudios.nz/
Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
Ellen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EllenandTara/videos
Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book

Apr 13, 2025 • 24min
How to Make a Social Media Strategy for More SALES
What do you do when your social media strategy is no longer working for you? Firstly - you're not alone! This happens to so many business owners and this is exactly what I'm gonna be unpacking in today's episode of the Dishing Up Digital podcast.
Some Takeaways:
You are going to have to pivot your social media strategy.
Your bio is hot real estate.
You need to be so repetitive in your messaging.
Sometimes you can't have it all with every single post.
Don't let self-doubt take control during launches.
Your strategy is gonna change over time.
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!Ellen xx
This episode is sponsored by Trello. Sign up for Trello HERE - it's free to get started!
~~~
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Mackenzie Studios Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/mackenziestudios.nz/
Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
Ellen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EllenandTara/videos
Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book

Apr 6, 2025 • 17min
This is Your Permission NOT to Have it all Figured Out
"This episode is your permission slip to not have it all figured out"
In this episode I'm chatting about jumping in to your new venture without having all your t's crossed and i's dotted. Sometimes it's something that you just need to do! I'll speak from personal experience, and we'll also do a mini case study on Meghan Markle's latest business ventures.
A few takeaways from this episode:
Building a business requires taking small steps.
Mistakes are part of the learning process.
You can refine and improve your work over time.
Trust yourself to figure things out along the way.
Big ideas can be intimidating; start small.
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!Ellen xx
This episode is sponsored by Trello. Sign up for Trello HERE - it's free to get started!
~~~
Mentioned in today's episode:
Book recommendation: The Perfectionists Guide to Losing Control - by Katherine Morgan Schafler
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Mackenzie Studios Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/mackenziestudios.nz/
Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
Ellen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EllenandTara/videos
Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book

Mar 30, 2025 • 21min
How to stay consistent when you're busy AF
Guys! I'm so sorry for the lack of podcast last week, but things have been hectic! If you're not aware of what's been going on, well, I've been a busy girl launching my second studio space for MacKenzie Studios. It's been crazy, but I am super proud of everything and would love you to go and have a look at it on Instagram. On top of launching the new studio space, I've still been trucking along with my Dishing up Digital students, Social Media clients and getting my own marketing out into the world. How have I done this you ask? Well, listen to today's episode to hear about what systems I have in place and tips & tricks I use to help me out in these busy times.
Remember:
it's ok to have a break from your own social media
don't over-apologise for having a break
you can't go wrong with having a consistent morning routine in place
discipline is probably more important than motivation
YOU have the power to take action in your own business.
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!Ellen xx
This episode is sponsored by Trello. Sign up for Trello HERE - it's free to get started!
~~~
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book

Mar 16, 2025 • 16min
Is UGC Content Dead in 2025?
If you're thinking about becoming a UGC creator in 2025, this episode might ruin your day. But I could help you avoid a very big mistake.
We're going to unpack the rise of the UGC industry as well as what I predict could be it's downfall in 2025.
I'm also going to share what you can do to build a more sustainable business as a creator and prepare for the changes coming.
What I love about UGC:
content for social media MUST be different to your other advertising content
it's been a game changer for a lot of brands and icnreased sales massively
ANNNND they haven't had to spend 10s of thousands of dollars on full production teams
shown brands the value of content creation
Why I think this is a bad decision to build a UGC business in 2025:
Yes, it's proven, yes there's a demand
However #2: this is so set up to burn you out mentally and also creatively.
#3 As a service business I feel it's fundamentally broken: there's only so many brands you can work with
#4 Consumers are catching on and it's loosing the authenticity
When you start to lose consumer interest, you start to loose conversions. When you loose that, brands stop hiring you
If you have the time, please could you rate and review this podcast or subscribe to it. It really helps us to continue making this free content for you and we just generally appreciate that you would do this for us!
Have a great week guys!Ellen xx
This episode is sponsored by Trello. Sign up for Trello HERE - it's free to get started!
~~~
Mentioned in today's episode:
You can watch my Free Webinar here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar
Want to get more Ellen or Work with her and her team?
Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/
Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/courses
Ellen's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee/
Ellen on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee?lang=en
Buy Ellen's Book: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/book

Mar 9, 2025 • 1h 6min
The EXACT Steps to Starting and Scaling Sustainably as a Social Media Manager
Discover the essential steps to kickstart your freelance career as a social media manager. Learn how to attract high-ticket clients instead of settling for low rates. Get a behind-the-scenes view of efficient systems and workflows that minimize your hours worked. Uncover the secret to outsourcing and building your dream team, ensuring high-quality service without the overwhelm. Gain insights into the balance between financial success and avoiding burnout in this dynamic field.