
Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie | Social Media Management & Strategy
The Dishing Up Digital Podcast is here to empower social media managers to build their dream life and business.
In this podcast, you will learn everything there is to know about being a successful social media manager. From social strategy and Instagram hacks through to practical business advice like how to host a sales call or the mindset of an entrepreneur.
I started my business as a small side hustle and quickly discovered the demand and growth potential in this industry. Within 10 months, I had scaled my business to match my corporate job and decided it was time to leave the 9-5 world and go all-in on my business. Now I run a six-figure agency and coaching business from the comfort of my own home in New Zealand!
If you're ready to create your own life of freedom, you've come to the right place. Grab a cup of tea or a glass of rose, and let's turn those dreams into a reality.
Latest episodes

9 snips
Sep 22, 2024 • 21min
Is a Social Media Manager Responsible for Growth?
Explore the nuanced role of social media managers and the immense pressure they face from clients and themselves. Discover why growth isn’t a simple metric, especially with unpredictable algorithms at play. Good content is essential, but the worth of a social media manager extends beyond just increasing numbers. Their contributions involve strategic systems and community engagement, creating lasting value. Ultimately, marketing should encompass a wider strategy, and social media is just one piece of that puzzle.

Sep 15, 2024 • 18min
Onboarding a New Client: My Step-By-Step Process
This is an episode I've been thinking about doing for awhile now, but I wasn't how much you would want an episode on this until someone actually requested it in my DMs. While onboarding a new client is something I've done many times, I realise it can be quite daunting your first couple of times. Hopefully this episode helps you get some key steps locked in for your first or next onboarding.
Some key takeaways from this episode are:
Contracts and invoices should be prioritised before starting work.
Charging upfront is a standard practice in the industry.
Understanding client preferences enhances the onboarding experience.
Gathering inspiration from clients can guide content creation.
Setting clear timelines helps manage client expectations.
Embrace the learning process and overcome imposter syndrome.
Trust in your ability to figure things out as you grow.
Thank you so much for listening, and as always, please reach out in my DMs with questions or thoughts on this episode and please also sent through any requests for subjects to cover in future epsiodes.
I'd also really appreciate a review on Apple podcasts or a rating on Spotify.
Catch you next week guys!Ellen xx
~~~
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

Sep 8, 2024 • 37min
Boundaries, Self-Acceptance & Finding Balance as Entrepreneurs | Interview with Maisie Hill
Maisie Hill, a life coach and menstrual cycle expert, discusses the empowering impact of understanding one's cycle on both personal and professional life. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and setting realistic expectations, noting that success should be defined by individual values. The conversation also highlights the necessity of establishing boundaries and prioritizing self-care for entrepreneurs, as well as the benefits of creating a supportive team to navigate challenges. Tune in for valuable insights on balancing business with well-being!

Sep 1, 2024 • 26min
One Year of Owning a Content Studio
It's been one year of owning my own content studio in Auckland Mackenzie Studios, and boy have I learnt some lessons along the way!
Having to hand-hold customers who don't read your FAQs!
Being challenged with imposter syndrome and self doubt - even though I've already done so much work on myself in this area
All the maintenance costs that come with owning a physical business vs an online business. Body Corp fees anyone?
Setting the business up with a recurring income - memberships!
Write. Out. Your. SOPs! (Standard Operating Procedures) Trust me when I say this will help avoid miscommunication
Have the capital to invest from the beginning - you will have overheads before you start making an income.
I have really enjoyed chatting about this past year and the lessons I've learnt along the way. Please let me know if you would like to hear more episodes like this. Reach out via my DMs or please leave an Apple Review or Subscribe on Spotify.
Have a great week guys!Ellen xx
~~~
Mentioned on today's episode:
Mackenzie Studios website: https://www.mackenziestudios.co.nz/
Mackenzie Studios on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackenziestudios.nz/
My Episode on What's Actually Working on Instagram Right Now: Selling During an Economic Downturn
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

Aug 25, 2024 • 26min
I'm Closing the Dishing Up Digital School...
Okay, okay, it's not quite as dramatic as that. But because I am always committed to YOU, my students, I am doin a full revamp of the school and the modules. Listen today to find out all the details and the reason why I'm doing this!
Takeaways from this episode are:
My frustration with the online coaching industry as a whole
Richard Branson's focus on providing excellence for customers is a key driver of his success in various industries
I am committed to delivering a high-quality program and constantly improving it to serve my students better.
If you've been on the fence about signing up NOW IS THE TIME TO DO IT!
In this episode I also call for other online coaches to DM me their thoughts on the industry as well. See my links below for contacting me via Instagram as well as joining the Dishing up Digital school.
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
~~~
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

Aug 18, 2024 • 24min
Social Media Manager Q&A: Pricing, Unrealistic Clients & More!
Clients don't fall out of the sky. Find out what's working right NOW in this brand new 60 minute live training you will learn...
The biggest mistakes new SMMs make
Pricing your services to make them more attractive
Pitching, networking and getting in front of clients
Sign up for the FREE Live Webinar now: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/14/l7q5oa0
~~~
On today’s episode it’s Q&A time! I’ve gone through my YouTube, Instagram & TikTok comments for the most commonly asked questions and put them into this episode for you.
Today we’re covering:
Cold Pitching - Emails vs DMs
Pricing - What to charge as a Social Media Manager
Platforms - which ones should you or your clients be on
Client Expectations - watching out for Red Flags!
Not Reaching Client Goals - how to resolve these with your client.
Let me know what you think of today’s episode over on Instagram. Should I do more of these? Do you have a burning question you’d like me to bring up? Would you do something differently to me - tell me why!
Thanks so much for listening. As always, I’d appreciate it if you could review the podcast over on Apple or Follow & Rate us 5 Stars on Spotify. Your continued support in this area means we can continue to bring these episodes to you for free!
Talk to you next week!Ellen xx
~~~
Mentioned in today's episode:
Listen to my Money Series episodes. Start here with Should I Charge an Hourly Rate or Offer Packaged Services
And one of my earlier episodes on Value Based Pricing & What to Charge
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

Aug 12, 2024 • 19min
The Do's & Don'ts of Social Media Management in 2024
Clients don't fall out of the sky. Find out what's working right NOW in this brand new 60 minute live training you will learn...
The biggest mistakes new SMMs make
Pricing your services to make them more attractive
Pitching, networking and getting in front of clients
Sign up for the FREE Live Webinar now: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/14/l7q5oa0
~~~
Some of these may seem obvious, but there may be some of you who are just getting into Social Media Management or you've been doing this for awhile and might be needing a refresher.
Topics I cover in this episode:
Do
Start with a price that feels comfortable to you
Lean into the skills you already have
Offer two platforms
Focus on your content creation skills
Dont
Don't start any work with out a signed contract and a paid invoice
Cut out the noise, focus on you and your clients
Don't Post and ghost
Don't just post one type of content for clients
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:
Listen to my Money Series from 2023 by starting with this episode: Should I charge an Hourly Rate or Offer Packaged Services?
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

Aug 4, 2024 • 30min
What's Actually Working on Instagram Right Now: Selling During Economic Downturn
Hello! On today's episode I'm chatting about strategies for selling on Instagram in the current economic client. Here are my 5 key tips:
Give customers more time to buy
Repitition in your marketing
Can you offer a discount or upsell?
Sell the solution/value/why you
More 1:1 touchpoints during the sales process
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:
Odd Muse Case Study
Rare Beauty Case Study
How to Start an Instagram Account from 0
0 to 1000 Followers. How to Start an Instagram Account from Scratch (Part 2)
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

13 snips
Aug 2, 2024 • 27min
Mindset & Business Lessons From Simone Biles
Explore the remarkable journey of Simone Biles and the powerful business lessons it offers. Learn how to take control of your narrative and pivot towards joy and alignment with your values. Discover the importance of a supportive community in overcoming challenges. Embrace resilience and see failures as opportunities for growth. This inspiring discussion encourages prioritizing mental well-being and silencing negativity to pave your own path to success.

Jul 28, 2024 • 24min
How to Find Clients as a Social Media Manager: What's Working NOW!
This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Use the code DishingupDigital and save! https://creators.riverside.fm/DishingUpDigital
~~~
One thing that aspiring Social Media Managers always ask me is, how do I find clients? Listen to this episode for some ideas that are proven to work and that have worked in the current climate of 2024.
The points covered are:
Looking at multiple avenues
Cold pitching still works, but use those personal relationships you have and build on them
Use your network for referrals
Upwork or Job Listings - and make your application stand out
In-person networking events
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
~~~
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
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