PODCAST · business
Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie
by 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.
Episodes
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How to Build a Premium Brand (and Charge Higher Prices)
Premium branding isn’t about expensive shoots or ultra-curated feeds. If you’re a service provider or business owner ready to raise your prices, attract high-ticket clients, or launch a luxury product, this is the framework for positioning, customer experience and authentic content marketing that...
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Instagram Trial Reels: How to Actually Use Them in 2026
It's time to talk trial reels strategy. How to actually boost your reach and grow your following on Instagram using this new feature. In this video, I'm breaking down the common misbeliefs and misconceptions around trial reels and what's actually been working for me. xx Ellen 💕 Thank You to…
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Is Being an Influencer Still Worth It in 2026?
Today we're unpacking the big question: is the influencer industry dying? Social media has been flooded with creators returning to 9-5 jobs as well as chatter that influencer budgets have been cut in 2025 and 2026. In this video I'm unpacking the truth behind these conversations as someone who…
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the "boring" strategy to book more clients (without a huge following)
I'm breaking down the four things that actually turn Instagram content into client inquiries, using real examples from my social media managers who are scaling their business. This is the exact content strategy I teach my social media manager students who are booking clients with 300 to 8,000...
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Claude ran my business for 3 months... and I made $100k
I made six figures in a single quarter for the first time ever — $100K in three months — and I re-recorded the intro to this video about ten times because my brain still can't quite believe it. This is my full Q2 2026 income report: every revenue stream, every expense right down to the studio…
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Claude Skills Tutorial: The Only 5 You Need (+ Free Skill)
Most Claude skills are a complete waste of your time — so in this Claude skills tutorial, I'm breaking down the only 5 you actually need to run the marketing side of your business. Plus, you can grab a copy of my competitor research skill below, for free!xxEllen// FREE CLAUDE RESOURCES //🔎 Copy…
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Your Instagram Content Is Boring (Here's The 3-Step Fix)
The reason your Instagram Reels are sounding flat isn't your hook — it's the storytelling layer right after it. In this video I'm walking through the exact 5-technique storytelling system I've used for a decade on my own account, including the journalism filter for deciding which stories are even...
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5 Hard Truths About Becoming a Social Media Manager
5 things I wish someone had told me before I became a social media manager — the stuff nobody talks about because it's easier to sell the dream than prepare you for the reality. From dealing with trolls and negative comments on your content, to losing clients you love, to the hiring nightmares...
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Why Instagram Engagement Is Dead (And My New Strategy)
Instagram engagement just hit record lows... and as a creator and business owner, I'm feeling it. So I'm walking you through the 3 things I'm actively changing about my Instagram strategy in 2026 - in real time - so you can decide whether to copy them, tweak them, or wait for my update in a…
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How to Set Up Claude Cowork (99% Better Than Other Freelancers)
If you're using Claude like a search engine, you're using maybe 5% of what it can actually do. In this video, I'm showing you the exact way I set up Claude Cowork to run my multi-six-figure freelance business — and the three foundation steps that put you ahead of 99% of freelancers and…
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making $100k as a social media manager is not hard
Scaling as a social media manager or freelancer: it's simple math and a simplified business. In this video I'm breaking down exactly how many clients you need (at $1,500, $2,000, and $2,500/month) to hit six figures, why simplicity is your biggest competitive advantage, and the mindset shift that...
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how to get your business organised (when everything's a mess)
Here's the exact 4-step system I use to reset when I'm burnt out, overwhelmed, and my systems have completely fallen apart — and how you can do it too. In this video, I'm covering: - How to triage your brain when everything feels urgent - Reconnecting with your quarterly goals (and why that fixes...
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the truth about UGC… here’s what to do instead (2026)
If you’re a UGC creator in 2026… this is the conversation nobody’s really having. UGC isn’t dead. But relying on it as your entire business? That’s where things start to fall apart. In this video, I’m breaking down what’s actually happening behind the scenes — from market saturation and rising...
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I Made $74K in 3 Months… But There’s a Problem
This is a full Q1 CEO report and deep-dive into the data behind my business — not just what I made, but how I made it, what actually drove sales, and where the biggest opportunities for growth are right now. In this video, I’m walking you through a real quarterly business review so you can see…
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what’s inside a $3k/month social media management package
If you’ve been overdelivering, overposting, and still undercharging… this is probably why. In this video, I’m breaking down what I’d actually include in a $3k/month social media management package — and more importantly, what doesn’t need to be there. Because premium pricing doesn’t come from…
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Is Notion Really Worth It? My Honest Review as a Social Media Manager
Thinking about using Notion to run your social media management business? Watch this review first. I tested Notion for two months inside my own workflow to see if it could replace my task manager, planning system, and content calendar. And while it’s one of the most powerful free productivity…
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The 3 things that scaled my social media business
Most freelancers don’t have an income problem. They have a reinvestment problem. Once you start making money in your business, that revenue is no longer a salary. It’s fuel. And if you want to hit consistent $10K, $20K, $30K+ months, you have to learn where to pour it. In this episode, I’m…
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The “Quiet” Strategy to Book Premium Clients With Less Than 1K Followers
You don’t need 10K followers. You don’t even need 1,000. If you’ve been holding off on going “all in” with your social media management business because you think you need a big following first… this is your wake-up call. In this episode, I’m sharing the quiet strategy to book premium…
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How to become a full-time social media manager in 2026
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 —...
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the daily habits of $100k social media managers (stop acting like a freelancer)
Motivation is flaky. Discipline and habits are what actually get you paid. In this episode, I’m breaking down the boring, repeatable daily habits that help you act like a $100K-a-year social media manager before the money shows up. Because six-figure businesses aren’t built on vibes. They’re…
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Exposing the income streams that made me $270K while working LESS
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...
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Best Carousel Content Ideas for Instagram Growth in 2026 📈🚀📲
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...
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5 Marketing Lessons From Kim Kardashian’s All's Fair 👀 | Viral Content Strategy Case Study 📝
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…
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My Exact Strategy to Scale with ChatGPTt & AI in 2026 📲 (it gets to be easy)
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...
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How to Create a Social Media Manager Portfolio (NO experience) 👩💻 Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
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...
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How I've Made a Million Dollars as a Creator 👩💻💰 (without a big team or going viral)
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…
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How AI is going to help you reach $100k as a social media manager [full webinar]
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…
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What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Social Media Manager
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...
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The "Boring" Strategy to Hit $10K Months With Under 2k Followers
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...
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$500 for ONE video: How Janice became a UGC creator in her 60s
If you’ve ever thought “I missed the boat” when it comes to content creation… this episode will flip that belief on its head. Today, I’m joined by one of my incredible students—Janice, a 60+ UGC creator who’s redefining what’s possible at any age. We’re talking about what it really looks like to...
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2026 Is the Year of the Micro Creator - Here’s How to Build Your Brand Without Going Viral
The creator economy is exploding—growing from $250B in 2024 to a projected $480B by 2027—but here’s the truth: you do not need a million followers or viral videos to claim your slice of the pie. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the exact strategies micro creators can use to grow a...
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$40,000 in 30 Days: My Real Revenue Breakdown
August 2025 was my highest revenue month ever—and in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how I hit $40K (in New Zealand dollars) in 30 days.No fluff. No fake urgency. Just the real strategy, shifts, and streams that made it possible.In this episode, I break down:✨ The 9 revenue...
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I Doubled My Prices and Thought I’d Lose Clients... Here’s What Actually Happened
In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most terrifying (and transformational) decisions in business: raising your prices. I was booked out, overworked, and knew something had to shift. So I doubled my prices—fully prepared to be ghosted or told I was “too expensive.” But...
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Your New Social Media Strategy Starts Here 📲✨
Struggling to grow on Instagram, TikTok or Youtube? DESPITE posting consistently and doing everything "right"? You’re not alone… and you’re not broken. The truth is, most social media “strategies” in 2025 are just content calendars with no real conversion plan behind them. In this episode, I’m...
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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/summit2025 If 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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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The EXACT Steps to Starting and Scaling Sustainably as a Social Media Manager
This episode is one of my most valuable yet and is actually a replay from my last webinar at the end of February. In this free training, you'll learn the 3 key steps to successfully set up your freelance business as a social media manager. How to find high-ticket clients: freedom does NOT mean...
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Quitting your Job? Listen to this First
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,...
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The Power of Taking Action: How this Social Media Manager Started her Business! Interview with Abbey Graves
In this episode my two worlds collide as we chat Social Media Management and Podcast Production with the wonderful Abbey Graves. From radio DJ to Government Social Media Manager to taking her own side hustle full time we discuss her journey and how she was able to apply what she learnt from the...
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This is What a $2000 Social Media Management Package Includes
My pricing episodes always bring out some interesting comments and responses. Yes I’m going to be revealing every deliverable the details as part of this package, but I first need to reiterate that pricing is personal and everyone is different. There are so many different factors to consider from...
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Hourly Rates vs Monthly Packages: Social Media Manager Pricing Models
Pricing is such a big conversation around social media Management. I always get DMs on this topic and whenever I do a podcast around pricing it quickly becomes one of the most downloaded. I even have 4 videos on pricing in the Dishing up Digital school alone! Topics I cover in this episode: When...
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Why it's Time to Move to YouTube
How are all my fellow Social Media Managers and Business Owners? What a crazy start to the year this has been. I mean, I don't usually rush to post an update when TikTok gets banned in the US, or there's ANOTHER algorithm change on instagram, or when TikTok gets reinstated, but it's hard to…
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$10k from one $39 Digital Product: Case Study Analysis
Spicy Ellen makes a bit of a return in this episode as I discuss the realities of launching and selling digital products. Online "Gurus" love to tell you that all you need to is to create and sell this one digital product and you'll be set financially! Well, lets debunk that myth and have a bit…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie have?
Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie currently has 221 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie about?
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...
How often does Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie release new episodes?
Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie publishes regularly with 221 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie?
You can listen to Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie?
Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie is created and hosted by Ellen Mackenzie.
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