Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up DigitalIn this video, I’m sharing the exact data-backed strategies that helped me grow my reach, increase my engagement, and generate more sales—without relying on trends or guessing what to post.
I analyzed over 250 Instagram posts from 2024 and 2025 to break down: ✨What types of content go viral on Instagram right now ✨The real impact of hashtags, ManyChat automations, and repurposing from TikTok ✨Which posts brought in the most followers and sales (and which flopped) ✨How to create a content strategy that actually converts
How to Go Viral on Instagram (Real Data From 250+ Posts)Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-27 | In this video, I’m sharing the exact data-backed strategies that helped me grow my reach, increase my engagement, and generate more sales—without relying on trends or guessing what to post.
I analyzed over 250 Instagram posts from 2024 and 2025 to break down: ✨What types of content go viral on Instagram right now ✨The real impact of hashtags, ManyChat automations, and repurposing from TikTok ✨Which posts brought in the most followers and sales (and which flopped) ✨How to create a content strategy that actually converts
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored.Don’t Make These Tax Mistakes: My Accountant Could Save You $10k+Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-27 | 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 help (and how to afford it) ➡️ What actually matters when you’re starting out
This is the episode that would’ve saved past Ellen from so many money headaches. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or scaling fast, this is your reminder: financial literacy is a CEO skill. Let's make your bank account (and your mindset) match the business you’re building. 💸
DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored.Is your inner broke girl holding your business back?Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-25 | 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 online entrepreneurs—and how to shift it.
Whether you're undercharging, overthinking, or stuck in feast-or-famine cycles, this is your call-out and your come-up.
We’ll cover: ✨ What “broke girl energy” actually looks like in business ✨ The difference between smart strategy and scarcity-driven decisions ✨ How I shifted my relationship with money to grow a multi-6-figure brand ✨ Tactical ways to move from fear-based to CEO-level financial decisions
This one’s spicy—and it might sting a little—but it’s going to change the way you show up and scale. You ready?
The ultimate template bundle for social media managers: ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd Buy Ellen's book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798
DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored.The podcast for my online business girlies 💕🥂Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-24 | ...how to build a 6-figure business before 2026 👩💻 (WITHOUT working 80 hours a week)Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-24 | 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 Dishing up Digital podcast, I'm hosting an epic giveaway! Enter here: ellenmackenzie.com/podcast
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored.Unpopular opinion: its easier than ever to make content for social media 🤯Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-20 | Audiences are craving authentic and honest content.
My engagement has gone through the roof on Instagram and it's NOT professional photos or fancy reels driving this growth.
It's the simple phone selfies.
It's the carousels that are just an iphone photo with text.
It's the videos made off the cuff in my car.
Your followers don't want a full blown Stephen Spielberg film when they open up their social media.
They want to see the real you.
And that's an advantage for business owners.
Don't let tech or advanced editing techniques stop you from posting content.
🎥 from a recent workshop I taught at @mackenziestudiosIs $3000 overpriced for a month of work from a social media manager? 🤷♀️Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-18 | We don’t question paying a builder thousands of dollars, but for some reason, if a social media manager wants to charge over $1000 a month for their services, there are people who think it’s overpriced 🤷♀️RIP to my fellow social media managersEllen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-17 | ...Here are my tips for remote social media managers struggling to get content from their clients.Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-16 | Here are my tips for remote social media managers or those struggling to get content from their clients.
Sometimes there are new systems we can introduce to help support the client to make better content.
In some cases we can even upsell them onto a content package or help coordinate the management of some local UGC creators.
BUT at the end of the day, if a client is still giving you 💩 content, there’s not a lot you can do!Dropping truth 💣s for my fellow social media managers ✨Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-16 | ...Its the little things in life 💕 ft my SMM Template Bundle!Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-13 | The social media manager template bundle, available via the link in bio 🔥Every social media managers favourite time of day...Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-12 | ...watch me make & sell a digital product in 24 hours👩💻Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-11 | I gave myself 24 hours to create, design, and launch a digital product—from scratch. No plan, no prep—just me, my laptop, and a whole lot of delulu confidence. In this video, I’m bringing you behind the scenes of the entire process - from brainstorming the idea to building the product, writing the sales page, and making it live (yes, in one day!). If you’ve ever wanted to launch something digital but didn’t know where to start… this one’s for you.
Whether you're a coach, service provider, or content creator—this is proof you don’t need months to start monetizing your skills.
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored.What’s changed about my Instagram strategy in the last 6 months 💥Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-11 | What’s changed about my Instagram strategy in the last 6 months 💥My advice for new social media managers 🚨Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-08 | My advice for new social media managers 🚨
Posting for yourself is SO different to working with a real client. If you’re brand new to social media management, you’re number one focus should be approaching potential clients and networking.
Don’t sit around waiting for a client to fall out of the sky!
I analyzed 250+ Instagram posts and pulled the actual data behind what worked—and what didn’t.
Inside the video video, I’m breaking down:
📈 The post that got me 424 followers without showing my face
🤔 Whether TikTok repurposing hurts your reach
#️⃣ If hashtags are even worth your time anymore (spoiler: not really)
+ SO MUCH MORE!
youtu.be/d24k0VA_Gv4?si=QtLtikyJQkwaViZa300+ posts later... here’s what blew up (+ what flopped) in my 30 day social media challengeEllen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-07-03 | AD // In this video, I’m breaking down exactly what happened when I posted 300 pieces of content in 30 days across Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You’ll get the real numbers, what flopped, what actually converted, and what I’d never do again.
I'm also breaking down what content formats performed best across platforms, whether daily posting actually grows your audience, wow I used content to fuel a high-converting launch, my biggest surprises (and regrets!) from posting 10x a day and more! This isn’t just about going viral. It’s about using content intentionally to grow your brand and attract aligned clients.
xx Ellen
⬇️ SIGN UP FOR RELLA: save 30% off your subscription with the code "ELLEN": getrella.com/?via=ellen
Audiences are craving authentic and honest content.
My engagement has gone through the roof on Instagram and it's NOT professional photos or fancy reels driving this growth.
It's the simple phone selfies.
It's the carousels that are just an iphone photo with text.
It's the videos made off the cuff in my car.
Your followers don't want a full blown Stephen Spielberg film when they open up their social media.
They want to see the real you.
And that's an advantage for business owners.
Don't let tech or advanced editing techniques stop you from posting content.
🎥 from a recent workshop I taught at @mackenziestudiosHow to book more clients as a freelance social media manager 🔥Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-24 | ...What new social media managers ACTUALLY need to know to start booking clientsEllen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-23 | ...Just social media manager things 📲💕Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-20 | ...Dived deep into the archives for this one…Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-20 | Dived deep into the archives for this one…I’ve coached 300+ social media managers… here’s why you’re NOT booking clientsEllen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-19 | ad // In this video, I'm sharing exactly what's going to help you book clients in 2025... and what you're wasting your time on! I'm diving into cold/warm pitching, not using a website, utilising Upwork to get paying clients and so much more.
➡️ Thank you Upwork for sponsoring today's video - you can sign up for FREE here: upwork.pxf.io/19VgXg
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.comScaling as a social media manager? Building an agency is NOT the only way!Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-17 | ...I’ll take freelance social media management instead thank you 💅Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-16 | ...Batch recording content and getting in DONE 🔥 #contentstudio #contentcreatorEllen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-15 | ...The truth is YOU get to define your own version of success. For me, thats not hustling 24/7 🫶Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-13 | ...When a very large global software company wants you to make them content for free?! 🚩Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-10 | ...Are Reels Dead!? How to make BANGING Instagram content in 2025 🔥Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-08 | In this video we are talking about how the Instagram algorithm has changed in 2025 and what's trending with content right now. There's been a huge rise in carousel content over the past few months and today I'll be breaking down my own data and analytics to show how posting more carousels has helped me grow on Instagram. I'll also be sharing how I make these and my key tips and tricks.
📧 Sponsorship enquiries: team@dishingupdigital.com DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored.Still not over it ✨ #engagement #proposalEllen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-08 | ...Just another social media manager girlie 🤷♀️Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-08 | ...Invest in yourself now and start growing that dream business ✨Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-06 | ...What to charge as a social media manager ⚡️Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-06 | ...Calling social media managers, spill the tea 📢Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-02 | ...Day in the life of a content creator and studio owner 📸Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-01 | ...Starting From 0! ➡️ Apps & Software you ACTUALLY Need 👩💻 as a Social Media ManagerEllen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-06-01 | AD // Thank you to Rella for sponsoring today's video! In this video I'm sharing affordable apps and tools I'd recommend to new social media managers just starting their freelance business. Everything I mention in this video is under $20 and is going to help you grow your business and book more clients!
xx Ellen
⬇️ SIGN UP FOR RELLA: save 30% off your subscription with the code "ELLEN": getrella.com/?via=ellen
There have been many lessons learned the hard way.
And there have been a lot of tears along the way.
But at the same time, this journey has been so incredibly rewarding. It’s challenged me in the best way possible and unlocked so much opportunity for me.
It’s a job that often gets glamourised on the internet so this post is for the SMMs who are having a rough week and thinking you’re all alone - trust me you’re not.
A phrase I like to come back to a lot is, “if it was easy, everyone would do it”
I hope that serves as a reminder for those that needed to see this post today ❤️
P.S. if you’re ready to invest in your journey as a SMM and learn from a tried and tested curriculum PLUS get access to community and coaching support, the Dishing up Digital School is back open for enrolment! Message me on Instagram for the details.The only thing stopping you for succeeding is you. Time to get out of your own way 💕Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-05-28 | Can I share a little secret with you?
When I made my first $1000 as a social media manager back in 2019, I didn't believe it was real... 💰 I had the cash in my bank account but I felt guilty like I was scamming someone... I felt like I didn't deserve the money 🙊 ❌ Why would people pay me to do this? ❌ I'm such an imposter. ❌ I don't even have a marketing degree. ❌ Who do I think I am?? These were just some of the many self doubts I had in those early days of starting my business. But if I had given up then, I never would have made it to where I am today - a multiple six-figure business with over 800 clients and students.
Don't stop believing in yourself and keep going. People NEED your services and they want YOU to help them.BUT my Instagram impressions for 2025 so far are about to hit 900k soooo... 😉💅Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-05-27 | ...300 pieces of content in 30 days?! #socialmediamanager #rellaEllen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-05-26 | ...Social media management aka the best job ever 😉 Did I get ya?!Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-05-26 | 3 months after quitting my job to go full time as a freelance social media manager…
…a global pandemic plunged our world into chaos.
I had to pivot FAST.
That awesome high ticket client I just booked who sold travel tours? The one who was planning to fly me to India to create content that year?!
Yep, they dropped me. Their business, just like all my clients, had to shut up shop overnight.
I had a brief thought that maybe I’d chosen to quit my job at the worst time possible. I was hustling hard to find more e-commerce clients that were now popping off with sales due to everyone being locked up at home.
Meanwhile, something huge happened to my “stable” old job and the company I used to work for.
They closed down.
300 of my former colleagues were made redundant on a company wide zoom call 2 weeks into lockdown.
I was absolutely devastated for them.
But the biggest shock was thinking about how I could have so easily been alongside them.
Suddenly, my crazy idea of starting a business became the “stable” option. Because even though I had lost clients, I’d been able to pivot fast and actually came out of lockdown with double the amount of clients than I had going into it.
Your business can provide stability and it can open doors you never thought possible ❤️5 Social Media Trends in 2025 🔥 🎧 Listen to the Dishing up Digital podcast!Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-05-25 | These 5 Social Media Trends Are Going to Change Everything in 2025 🔥
🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Dishing up Digital podcast!Undercharging as a social media manager? Dont worry, Ive been there!Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-05-24 | 3 lessons on pricing your services 👇
1️⃣ Don’t charge hourly
You’re cutting yourself short charging hourly and you’ll struggle to hit those $5k or $10k months with that structure.
Instead, look to build packages. This gives you a more sustainable income AND it means you’re not punishing yourself for doing the work faster or more efficiently.
Did I mention logging your hours is a huge pain and way too much admin?? Packages have the power to set you FREE my friend.
2️⃣ Think of the value
It’s not just the hours you work, it’s the value you provide clients. You take away a huge amount of stress, you give them back time to focus on other parts of their business and you bring the expertise and training (they don’t need to sit around watching another Instagram masterclass because they’ve got you now!)
Also think about the fact that you’re building an online community that will be an ongoing asset to their business, long after your contract finishes.
There is so much more to it than just the hours you spend making a graphic. It’s time to break down that habit of thinking about hours and think about the bigger picture of what you offer.
3️⃣ Pricing is personal
Everyone’s pricing is different, and that’s okay. In a TikTok I posted about a $2.5k social media package I offer, I got serious whiplash reading the comments.
One minute someone told me I was undercharging massively, but then the next comment said I was “overpriced”.
My point here is that everyone has a different idea of the “perfect” price and you shouldn’t just copy what someone else says.
Think about what price feels good for you. Think about your level of experience. Think about where you live and the cost of living.Instagram strategy 101: how to use the pinned post feature 🔥Ellen Mackenzie | Dishing up Digital2025-05-23 | ...