Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie

This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Use the code DishingupDigital and save! https://creators.riverside.fm/DishingUpDigital ~~~ Join my new course - DISHING UP INSTAGRAMWork with me over 8 weeks to build a personalised, bulletproof Instagram strategy utilising your unique personal brand.Enrol Now: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/dishing-up-instagram - Enrolments close 22 April 2024 (NZT), so if you are listening to this on the day of release you have mere hours to enroll! ~~~ In this episode, Ellen Mackenzie shares some raw and honest truths about being a freelancer and running her own business. She discusses the ups and downs of income, the impact of stress on her body, the challenges of managing taxes, losing clients, and her struggles with being a boss. Through these truths, she emphasiSes the importance of being open and authentic, learning from mistakes, and finding what works best for oneself. Takeaways: Being a freelancer comes with both highs and lows in terms of income, and it's important to plan and manage finances accordingly. Stress is a common part of running a business, and it's crucial to develop a healthy relationship with stress and find effective ways to manage it. Managing taxes can be challenging, and it's important to stay organized and seek professional advice to avoid mistakes. Losing clients is a normal part of freelancing, and it's important to see it as an opportunity for growth and new opportunities. Being a boss and managing contractors can be difficult, and it's important to find a management style that works best for oneself and the 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 ~~~ Mentioned in today's episode: My "Social Media is Fake" TikTok Post: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee/photo/7350062321009544456?lang=en  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   

Join my new course - DISHING UP INSTAGRAMWork with me over 8 weeks to build a personalised, bulletproof Instagram strategy utilising your unique personal brand.Enrol Now: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/dishing-up-instagram  ~~~ In this episode, Ellen discusses the effectiveness of 30-day posting challenges on Instagram. She shares her own experiences with posting challenges and provides insights into the results she has achieved. Ellen emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and creating a custom strategy that aligns with individual capabilities and preferences. She also highlights the significance of quality content and audience research in driving Instagram growth. Overall, Ellen concludes that while 30-day posting challenges can be beneficial, they should be tailored to each person's unique circumstances and goals. Takeaways: 30-day posting challenges on Instagram can be effective for growth, but they should be tailored to individual capabilities and preferences. Setting realistic goals and focusing on quality content are key to the success of posting challenges. Audience research and understanding your target audience are crucial for driving Instagram growth. Consistency and longevity in posting challenges can lead to significant results over time. A personalised and adaptable posting challenge is more sustainable and enjoyable than a one-size-fits-all approach. 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 30 Day Reels Challenge episode from 2022: https://pod.link/1576083467/episode/a0c176bfe929933e6a3e0cb01235d8fa  Watch my YouTube video from my 1 April 2024 Episode: How to Create a Social Media Strategy in 2024 Episode on Paid Ads: https://pod.link/1576083467/episode/b4480c522c5b53ba4bc06f3fb922f4a8  Manychat Automations: https://manychat.com/  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 

Sign up for my Free Live Workshop happening this Friday 12 April (NZT): https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Instagramworkshop  ~~~ In this episode, Ellen reflects on her 10-year journey on Instagram and shares 10 lessons she has learned as a creator. She emphasizes the importance of content creation as a skill that needs to be developed over time. She also discusses the significance of having a reason for people to follow you, rather than just having a niche. Ellen highlights the importance of putting effort into content creation and the ups and downs of engagement. She also talks about the evolution of content formats and trends on Instagram, and the balance between curation and authenticity. Ellen emphasizes the power of connection and the importance of trusting oneself and listening to one's own opinions.  Takeaways: Content creation is a skill that needs to be developed over time. Having a reason for people to follow you is more important than having a niche. Putting effort into content creation leads to better results. Content formats and trends on Instagram change over time. Connection with the audience is the most important outcome of social media. Metrics will always go up and down, so don't focus too much on vanity metrics. Size doesn't matter on Instagram; connection and engagement are more important. There is a balance between curation and authenticity on Instagram. Trust yourself and listen to your own opinions and instincts. Don't be afraid to mute industry leaders and listen to yourself. 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: Ellen’s first Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/SHuCbOgUQg/ 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 

This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Use the code DishingupDigital and save! https://creators.riverside.fm/DishingUpDigital ~~~ In this conversation, Ellen shares five effective tips for building a social media strategy in 2024. She emphasises the importance of setting goals, conducting competitive research, choosing the right platform, creating a posting schedule, and developing content themes. She also provides insights into her own personal social media strategy for 2024, highlighting the importance of aligning goals with content and adapting strategies based on different phases of business. Ellen emphasises the need for personalised strategies that cater to individual goals, audience needs, and content preferences. TAKEAWAYS: Setting clear goals is essential for building an effective social media strategy. Conducting competitive research and audience analysis helps in validating content ideas and identifying unique value propositions. Choosing the right platform(s) and creating a posting schedule are crucial for reaching and engaging the target audience. Developing content themes and a social media funnel helps in organizing and structuring content for maximum impact. Personalizing the strategy based on goals, audience needs, and content preferences is key to success. 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: Follow Ellen on her You tube channel: https://youtube.com/@EllenandTara?si=qfpesQsxauPToyhR  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

This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Use the code DishingupDigital and save! https://creators.riverside.fm/DishingUpDigital ~~~ Please note that this episode was recorded prior to the news coming out that Kate Middleton has been undergoing chemotherapy. In this episode, Ellen discusses the Kate Middleton drama and its connection to authentic marketing on social media. The manipulated photo released by Kate and William sparked a conversation about the expectations of audiences and the importance of authenticity. Ellen compares the Royal Family's approach to that of Rare Beauty, a brand that embraces authenticity and community. The discussion also touches on the trend of extreme authenticity on social media, using Nara Smith as an example. The episode concludes with a call for more authentic content in 2024. Takeaways Audiences crave authenticity on social media and are less willing to accept overly polished and manipulated content. Businesses and public figures should strive to connect with their audience on a more personal and authentic level. Authenticity can lead to higher engagement and a stronger relationship with the audience. The Royal Family and Rare Beauty are examples of brands that have successfully embraced authenticity in their content. 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

This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Use the code DishingupDigital and save! https://creators.riverside.fm/DishingUpDigital ~~~ In this episode, Ellen discusses the differences between viral and low-performing posts on Instagram and introduces the concept of a social media funnel. She explains how different types of content serve different purposes within the funnel and emphasizes the importance of understanding where each piece of content fits in the overall strategy. Ellen also shares examples from her own experience and highlights the fluctuations in engagement and views that even successful creators like Jenna Kutcher experience. She concludes by mentioning upcoming episodes and inviting listeners to join her Instagram group coaching program. View the posts here: Viral - https://www.instagram.com/p/C4bS3A2y_I8/ "Flop" - https://www.instagram.com/p/C4WJEZASdL7/  Takeaways Not every Instagram post is meant to go viral; different types of content serve different purposes within a social media funnel. Understanding where each piece of content fits in the funnel helps optimize the overall strategy and increase conversions. Fluctuations in engagement and views are normal, even for successful creators; it's important not to be too hard on oneself. Joining a group coaching program can provide valuable insights and guidance for optimizing Instagram strategy. 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: Waitlist now for my NEW Instagram Group Coaching Course (open to all service based entrepreneurs, not just Social Media Managers): https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/dishing-up-instagram  Jenna Kutcher on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennakutcher/  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   

This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Use the code DishingupDigital and save! https://creators.riverside.fm/DishingUpDigital  ~~~ In this episode, Ellen interviews Jade, a successful social media manager, about her journey in the industry. Jade shares how she transitioned from studying psychology to pursuing her passion for social media management. She discusses the challenges she faced in scaling her business and going full-time. Jade emphasizes the importance of increasing prices and targeting established businesses to achieve financial success. She also shares her strategies for finding clients, including in-person meetings, cold pitching, and engaging in Facebook groups. Jade highlights the challenges of work-life balance and organization in social media management and offers insights into maintaining healthy habits and morning routines. She shares her biggest milestone of booking an international client and discusses her future plans for her business. Jade concludes by reflecting on the impact of the Dishing Up Digital School and the importance of perseverance in the industry. Follow Jade over on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jade.mc.neil/  Takeaways Transitioning from a different field to social media management is possible with passion and determination. Increasing prices and targeting established businesses can lead to higher income and better work-life balance. Finding clients can be achieved through in-person meetings, cold pitching, and engaging in Facebook groups. Maintaining healthy habits and morning routines is crucial for productivity and work-life balance. Perseverance and not giving up are key to success in the social media management industry. 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 

This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Use the code DishingupDigital and save! https://creators.riverside.fm/DishingUpDigital ~~~ In this episode, Ellen discusses strategies for booking clients as a social media manager. She emphasises the importance of changing your mindset and realising that there are clients everywhere. Ellen shares her own experiences with cold pitching and pitching in Facebook groups, highlighting the need for a well-written pitch and a strong set of services. She also explores the power of personal connections and networking, encouraging listeners to attend in-person events and build their network. The episode concludes with a call to action to take proactive steps in finding clients. Takeaways There are clients everywhere, and it's important to change your mindset and believe in the abundance of opportunities. Cold pitching and pitching in Facebook groups can be effective strategies for finding clients, but it's crucial to have a well-written pitch and a strong set of services. Utilizing personal connections, such as family and friends, can help you gain social proof and build your portfolio. Building your network and making in-person connections through events and networking groups can lead to referrals and new 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: Oops you missed out on my live training series! But you can check out my other free webinar here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar Watch my YouTube video on 30 Steps to Becoming a Social Media Manager 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 

This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Use the code DishingupDigital and save! https://creators.riverside.fm/DishingUpDigital ~~~ FREE 3 Day LIVE Training Series: Pricing Unlocked! What to Charge as a Social media Manager https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/pricingunlocked   ~~~ In this episode, Ellen interviews Kelly, a social media manager and graphic designer, about her journey in entrepreneurship. Kelly shares her experiences and challenges in starting her own business and offers advice for overcoming self-doubt and fear. She discusses the importance of networking and finding clients in her niche industry. Kelly also emphasizes the value of pushing oneself and taking bold steps to achieve personal and professional growth. She highlights the benefits of the Dishing Up Digital School in providing relatable and practical guidance for aspiring social media managers. Takeaways: Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome is a common experience for entrepreneurs and social media managers. Networking in person can be a powerful way to find clients and build relationships in a niche industry. Taking bold steps and embracing fear is essential for personal and professional growth. Financial independence and the ability to support oneself are crucial for making difficult decisions and leaving toxic situations. Check out Kelly over on her Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/kelchadesign/  I love you supporting me by listening to this podcast, but you can go one step further by subscribing and/or reviewing this podcast - it really helps me to continue to make and produce this content for you. Have a great week Guys! Ellen xx ~~~ Want to work with Ellen 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 

This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Use the code DishingupDigital and save! https://creators.riverside.fm/DishingUpDigital Summary In this episode, Ellen Mackenzie discusses the importance of defining personal goals and creating one's own definition of success. She shares her experience of turning down a potential $30,000 client and reflects on how her goals and priorities have evolved over time. Ellen emphasises the need to resist societal pressures and stay true to one's own vision of success. She encourages listeners to define their own goals and recenter themselves on what they truly want to achieve in their business.   Takeaways Take the time to define your own goals and create your own definition of success. Don't let societal pressures or others' definitions of success impact your own vision. Reflect on your personal growth and how your goals and priorities have evolved over time. Stay true to your own vision and focus on what brings you joy and fulfillment in your 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 ~~~ Mentioned in today's episode: $0 - $5K Months: My Journey as Social Media Manager: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3js8gqYRAL67sVLq5OrYqP?si=51a5149bd7ca415c  Want to work with Ellen and her team? Check out the Dishing Up Digital Agency website for more information and to contact us: https://www.dishingupdigital.com/ FREE 3 Day LIVE Training Series: Pricing Unlocked! What to Charge as a Social media Manager https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/pricingunlocked   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