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 breaking down the 3 viral carousel types dominating my feed, my metrics, and my business right now—with real examples, the psychology behind why they work, and how you can start posting them today.Whether you're building a personal brand or scaling a service-based biz, this is your go-to strategy guide for carousels that actually move the needle in 2026.🎯 What you’ll learn:• Why your carousels aren’t converting—and how to fix it• The 3 scroll-stopping formats you should post every month• Hooks, CTAs, and messaging tweaks that build trust + drive clicks• Behind-the-scenes of my own viral posts (and how you can remix them)

Posts referenced:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DNWHaHyyA-M/?img_index=1

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMbJBUczycg/?img_index=1

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLqJxyGTTj6/?img_index=1

https://www.instagram.com/p/DNrCKNq5tRJ/?img_index=1

✨ Steal my templates:Want my exact carousel layouts, design formulas, and CTA slides?Grab the SMM Template Bundle—now updated with top-performing posts from 2025:👉 https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd?coupon_code=DISHINGUPComment below and let me know: Which carousel type are you posting first?xx Ellen💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the PodcastUse code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen___________________________________________________________💻 //LINKS// 💻Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-SchoolBuy Ellen’s book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473664798📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenzieeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee🤯 //FREE GUIDE//How to become a social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: [email protected]

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 cover:

• Why ChatGPT won’t replace high-touch service providers

• How to become the irreplaceable option in your niche

• The exact ways I’m using AI to save time, serve better, and sell smarter

Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale, this training will help you shift from fearing AI to fully leveraging it—and position your business for long-term success.

Spoiler alert: The future isn’t less human. It’s more.

xx

Ellen

💻 The Ultimate SMM Template Bundle
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd

👩‍💻 My Business HQ
https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/

📧 Sponsorship Enquiries
[email protected]

📲 Follow Me for More:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

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 each messy moment came a powerful lesson that’s shaped how I run my business today.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

💔 A client ended our contract with zero notice during their divorce

🌍 I redid a month of content while on vacation in South Africa

🙃 A contractor nearly cost me my biggest client

😵‍💫 7+ revisions on one post—and the meltdown that followed

🚨 Late invoices, luxury car purchases, and the audacity

🧾 Refunds, breakdowns, and what finally taught me to walk away

If you’re a social media manager, freelancer, or service provider, this episode is your permission slip to set boundaries, charge your worth, and protect your peace.

🎧 LISTEN NOW — and stay ‘til the end for the most unhinged confession I’ve never shared publicly 👀

xx

Ellen

🚨 Sign up for my FREE webinar on how to become a social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freewebinar

——————————————————————————————————————————

💻 //LINKS// 💻

The ultimate template bundle for social media managers: 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

🤯 //FREE GUIDE//

How to become a social media manager: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/freebie

👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/

📧 Sponsorship enquiries: [email protected]

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 start creating content later in life, how Janice landed her first brand deals, and the mindset shifts that helped her finally show up online with confidence.

Whether you’re a new creator or you’ve been putting it off because you think it’s “too late”—this episode is your permission slip to start where you are, with what you have.

💬 We cover:

• Why age can be your superpower as a creator

• Janice’s first steps into UGC + building her portfolio

• Getting over the fear of being visible online

• Building a brand when you're not a 20-something influencer

• The ripple effect of choosing to go for it

✨ Follow Janice on Instagram: @janice.ugc.creates

xx
Ellen

WORK WITH ME & be the next Janice! 📲 Sign up for the Dishing up Digital School here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

//SOCIAL MEDIA//
Instagram: @ellenmackenziee
Tiktok: @ellenmackenzieee