Dishing Up Digital with Ellen Mackenzie

Hosted by Ellen Mackenzie

Business Entrepreneurship Education

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213

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the 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.

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May 30, 202626 min

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 month.In this video, I break down what's actually happening with the Instagram algorithm in 2026, why engagement has collapsed across the board, and the strategic pivots I'm making to protect my reach, my business, and (honestly) my nervous system.✨ What we cover:- The 2026 Instagram engagement stats no one's talking about- My exact Trial Reels A/B testing system (and why I resisted it for a year)- Why I'm scaling up Meta ads in 2026, and who needs to be doing the same- How I use Claude AI in my content workflow, and the boundary I refuse to cross- Why AI-generated content is actually making the engagement crisis worse- The honest reason I've stepped back from Instagram and where my energy is going insteadWhether you're a social media manager, a creator, or a business owner who relies on Instagram for leads... this is the video to watch before you spend another hour fighting the algorithm.xxEllen_____________________________________________________________🎯 FREE WEBINARLearn how I sign high-paying clients and build a scalable social media business:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30:https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30Camera:https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens:https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//0 to 7 figures: enter your social media manager era!https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //Join the Dishing up Digital School:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolJoin the high level mastermind:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermindSMM template bundle:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZdBuy Ellen's book:https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee🌐 Ellen's business:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries:team@dishingupdigital.com

May 17, 202621 min

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 solopreneurs still typing prompts into a chat box.This is Layer 1 of the AI operating system I use across every part of my business.By the end, you'll have:✨ A proper understanding of what Claude Cowork actually is (and why it's different to ChatGPT or browser-based Claude)✨ Cowork mode set up on your computer✨ The Global Instructions file that makes Claude sound like YOU✨ Projects + memory so Claude remembers your business, not a fresh start every time✨ Why folder structure is the deciding factor between five-star AI output and mediocre copy-paste loopsxxEllen_______________________________________________________________🎯 FREE BRAND VOICE INTERVIEWThe free tool to extract your voice with this detailed 30 minute interview and finally make Claude understand YOU:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/brand-voice-interview🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30:https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30Camera:https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens:https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//0 to 7 figures: enter your social media manager era!https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //Join the Dishing up Digital School:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolJoin the high level mastermind:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermindSMM template bundle:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZdBuy Ellen's book:https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee🌐 Ellen's business:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries:team@dishingupdigital.com

May 8, 202617 min

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 changed how I run my entire business.In this video:✨ The exact client math behind a $100K social media management business✨ Why offering fewer services actually makes you more money✨ The lean tech stack and business structure that keeps things simple✨ How to stop overcomplicating your path to six figures✨ The permission slip you didn't know you needed🎯 FREE TRAININGLearn how I sign high-paying clients and build a scalable social media business:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring the podcastUse code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellenxxEllen____________________________________________________🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens: https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools // WORK WITH ELLEN //Join the Dishing up Digital School:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolJoin the high level mastermind:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermindSMM template bundle:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZdBuy Ellen's book:https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee🌐 Ellen's business:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries:team@dishingupdigital.com

April 26, 202623 min

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 everything)- Using AI as your executive assistant (morning briefings, email triage, trend research)- When to change your business systems (and how to do it without spiralling)-The mindset shift that makes burnout feel manageable💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring this video Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription: 👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellenxx Ellen🏕️ // CAMP CLAUDE //Get your ticket here, 50% off for a limited time only: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/camp-claude🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) // 30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30: https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30 Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES// 0 to 7 figures: enter your social media manager era! https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN // JJoin the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School Join the high level mastermind: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind SMM template bundle: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd Buy Ellen's book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA // Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee 🌐 Ellen's business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/ 📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com

April 10, 202631 min

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 standards, to why audiences are starting to see straight through “authentic” UGC ads. I’ve worked in this industry for years, I’ve done UGC myself, and I’ve experienced the creative burnout that comes with trying to turn content creation into a long-term business model.The truth? UGC is a skill. Not a business.So instead of telling you to quit, I’m walking you through 5 online businesses and revenue streams you can build alongside UGC to create something more sustainable, scalable, and actually yours.If you want more stability, better income, and a business that grows with you… this is where to start.💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring this videoUse code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellenxxEllen_______________________________________________________________🎯 FREE WEBINAR:Learn how I sign high-paying clients and build a scalable social media business:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30:https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30Camera:https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens:https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //Join the Dishing up Digital School:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolJoin the high level mastermind:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermindSMM template bundle:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZdBuy Ellen’s book:https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee

April 4, 202636 min

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:how to analyse your revenue, leads, and conversion datawhat numbers actually matter when you’re trying to growhow to identify bottlenecks in your sales funnelwhat to focus on next if you want to scale an online businessIf you’re a social media manager, online service provider, or building a digital product business, this is exactly how you should be reviewing your numbers each quarter to make better strategic decisions (instead of just guessing what to do next).This is less about “income reporting”… and more about learning how to think like a CEO when it comes to your business growth.💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring this videoUse code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellenxxEllen_______________________________________________________________🎥 WATCH NEXT:$40k in 30 days, my revenue streams & expenses:https://youtu.be/ckFnGUE_GN0?si=s-fiYzjAY5l1ER-X2025 income report:https://youtu.be/Xh6zUNyaSeU?si=GznbmfGRtvwF6RGF🎯 FREE WEBINAR:Learn how I sign high-paying clients and build a scalable social media business:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30:https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30Camera:https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens:https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //Join the Dishing up Digital School:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolJoin the high level mastermind:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermindSMM template bundle:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZdBuy Ellen’s book:https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee

March 20, 202618 min

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 doing more. It comes from how you position, structure, and run your business.We’re covering:✨ What a $3k/month SMM retainer realistically includes✨ Why you don’t need daily posting or endless deliverables✨ How to structure content (without burning out)✨ What premium clients actually expect from you✨ The 3 things that actually allowed me to increase my ratesIf you’re serious about landing $3k–$5k clients consistently, I’m hosting a free training where I break down the full framework 👇🎓 FREE TRAINING SERIESFrom Underpaid to In-Demand: A free 4-part private podcast for social media managers who want better clients & higher rates:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring this videoUse code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellenxxEllen🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30:https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30Template mentioned designed for SMMs by my student Christine:https://www.instagram.com/maryfield.media/p/DVb1ysZlZGv/Camera:https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens:https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//From Underpaid to In-Demand: A free 4-part private podcast for social media managers who want better clients & higher rates:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //Join the Dishing up Digital School:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolJoin the high level mastermind:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermindSMM template bundle:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZdBuy Ellen’s book:https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee👩‍💻 Ellen’s business:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries:team@dishingupdigital.com

March 8, 202615 min

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 tools online, there are a few limitations social media managers don’t talk about enough.In this video, I’m breaking down my honest review of Notion after using it with real client work. We’ll cover the free plan, the steep learning curve, why templates completely change the experience, and the biggest reason Notion might not be the all-in-one solution social media managers are looking for.Because when you’re managing client work, your systems matter. The fewer tabs, tools, and workflows you need to juggle, the easier it is to execute consistently.💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring this videoUse code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellenMy previous Notion video setting up my template: https://youtu.be/002CCCMYb7UMy full Rella review: https://youtu.be/oUVsSAWon0QxxEllen_______________________________________________________________________________________🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30:https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30Template mentioned designed for SMMs by my student Christine: https://www.instagram.com/maryfield.media/p/DVb1ysZlZGv/Camera:https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens:https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//From Underpaid to In-Demand: A free 4-part private podcast for social media managers who want better clients & higher rates:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //Join the Dishing up Digital School:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolJoin the high level mastermind:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermindSMM template bundle:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZdBuy Ellen’s book:https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee👩‍💻 Ellen’s business:https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries:team@dishingupdigital.com

February 27, 202621 min

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 breaking down the only three investments that have actually shifted the needle in my business over the last seven years. If you’re serious about growing a real business, it’s not about buying a better camera. It’s about building better infrastructure.💕 Thank You to Rella for sponsoring this videoUse code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellenxxEllen⏰ TIME STAMPS00:00 – You’re not an employee anymore00:38 – The 3 investments that actually scaled my business01:23 – Investment #1: Systems & Software02:42 – Why $24/month software is worth it04:04 – How software increases your prices05:06 – Investment #2: Hiring Your First Contractor07:18 – Why contractors over employees (at first)08:32 – What you should actually outsource09:06 – Investment #3: Coaching & Mentorship11:58 – The $800 investment that changed everything13:30 – Why investing should feel scary16:50 – The hidden ROI of mentorship20:47 – Final thoughts: Build infrastructure, not aesthetics_____________________________________________________🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30: https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens: https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//0 to 7 figures: enter your social media manager era!https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN //Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolJoin the high level mastermind: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermindSMM template bundle: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZdBuy Ellen’s book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com

January 31, 202615 min

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, high-ticket clients — even if you’re brand new and barely have a presence online. These are the same methods I used to go full-time as a social media manager, and what I’ve taught to hundreds of students inside the Dishing Up Digital School.Spoiler: your follower count is the least important thing. Premium clients aren’t looking for virality — they’re looking for someone who gets results, builds trust, and makes their life easier. That can be you (even if you’re just getting started).🎧 We’re covering:- How to build a client-booking portfolio (even with zero experience)- The exact places to network to find clients who pay well- Why growth ≠ income (and what to focus on instead)- Case studies from students who’ve booked $2K+ clients with less than1K followersIf you’re ready to ditch the Instagram follower pressure and start landing real clients in 2026, let’s dive in.💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring this videoUse code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellenStudents mentioned:Julia - https://www.instagram.com/social.vitality/Jade - https://www.instagram.com/jade.mc.neil/Liv - https://www.instagram.com/lilastudios.nz/Mackenzie - https://www.instagram.com/thesparklestrategy/Alex - https://www.instagram.com/alaskasocialco/xxEllen________________________________________________________________🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30: https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAtLens: https://geni.us/kNkJOxFull list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools🤯 //FREE TRAINING SERIES//0 to 7 figures: enter your social media manager era!https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast💻 // WORK WITH ELLEN // Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolJoin the high level mastermind: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/the-lfg-mastermind SMM template bundle: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZdBuy Ellen’s book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 // SOCIAL MEDIA //Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com