Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie

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.

In this episode, I share my personal journey of quitting my corporate job to pursue entrepreneurship, detailing the emotional challenges and practical steps involved. I provide you with five essential tips for those considering leaving their 9-to-5 jobs, emphasising the importance of preparation, financial stability, and strategic planning. My 5 Essential Tips: Don't just quite straight away - build your side hustle, validate your idea, starting building your client list Build a financial runway Get up close and personal with your numbers - make projections Lay the foundations - education/upskilling, building your website, register your business name Create a roadmap - action plan, goals, new offers etc Today's episode was sponsored by Trello. Sign up for Trello here - it's free to get started!  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 ~~~ Mentioned in today's episode: My Business Journey episode: https://pod.link/1576083467/episode/f44764a9626f42968d521b0466bb8377 Buy my Instagram Marketing e-book here 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 

Abbey Graves, a former radio DJ turned social media manager, shares her inspiring transition to entrepreneurship. She discusses the pivotal moment that propelled her to leave a stable job, emphasizing the importance of taking action towards dreams. Abbey highlights how specializing in niches has helped her support women entrepreneurs and manage podcast production effectively. She also dives into the challenges of client relationships, the benefits of package pricing, and the significance of community support for sustained business growth.

Dive into the world of social media management as the host breaks down a $2,000 package. Discover the key deliverables, from post schedules to crafting perfect captions and hashtags. Learn how engagement strategies and community management play crucial roles. Analytics and reporting insights are also revealed, shedding light on the effectiveness of your efforts. This discussion emphasizes the personal nature of pricing, offering valuable takeaways for aspiring social media managers!

Pricing strategies in social media management take center stage. Discover when hourly rates can be advantageous and the pitfalls they might entail. Learn how packages can enhance client relationships and drive business success. Ellen shares tips on crafting packages that cater to both client needs and personal benefits. Plus, there’s valuable advice for newcomers trying to secure their first client.

Social media is in a whirlwind, especially with the ups and downs of TikTok and Instagram. The shift towards YouTube is gaining momentum, as creators and audiences crave longer, more substantial content. YouTube's creator support and monetization options are significant advantages to consider. With a focus on evergreen content for 2025, strategies for maximizing searchability and engagement are key. Tune in to explore the exciting future of content creation and why YouTube is the platform to embrace.

Ellen dives into the gritty reality of launching digital products, debunking common myths perpetuated by online gurus. She emphasizes the crucial role of audience building and strategic planning in achieving sustainable income. Viral moments can spike sales, but they aren't a reliable long-term strategy. Higher ticket offers present a stronger income potential, and understanding audience privilege is essential for effective marketing. Get ready for a dose of real talk on what it truly takes to succeed in the digital product space!

Could lowering your prices actually hurt your business? Discover how insecurities can fuel pricing decisions that dilute service value. Instead of resorting to discounts, focus on your expertise and long-term goals. The episode dives into common pricing anxieties in the social media management world and shares strategies to enhance your pricing strategy without compromising quality. It's all about confidence, positioning, and showcasing the true worth of your services!

Discover how to land your first clients as a social media manager without any prior experience. Focus on what you can deliver rather than your follower count. Try cold pitching in Facebook groups to secure those gigs. Start with lower rates to build your portfolio, then increase as you gain confidence. Emphasize client acquisition over self-promotion, and learn how to refine your pitching strategy for better success. Get ready to hustle quietly and watch your client list grow!

Discover the secrets to gaining your first 500 Instagram followers and why this milestone is a game changer. Learn vital strategies like studying your competition and posting frequently to refine your skills. Explore the importance of sharing your unique story to attract followers. Engage actively with others to build a community and remember that patience is key. Consistency could be your best friend in the journey to social media success!