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 followers

If 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 video

Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:

👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen

Students 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/

xx

Ellen

________________________________________________________________

🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //

30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30: https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30

Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt

Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx

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 //

Join 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: [email protected]

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 — from landing your first client without an Instagram following, to building a portfolio that converts, to finally setting income goals that make quitting your job realistic.

We’re not guessing. We’re building. Month by month, phase by phase.

Let’s go full-time—together.

Inside this episode:

✔️ Why 2026 is the best time to go full-time

✔️ The biggest mistake new social media managers make

✔️ How to land your first 3–5 clients without a following

✔️ Pricing, packaging, and portfolio tips

✔️ When to build a website and brand shoot (not at the start!)

✔️ How to reverse-engineer your income and make quitting realistic

Watch or listen now to get the full plan and start strong this year.

xx Ellen

💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast

Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:

👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen

___________________________________________________________

💻 //LINKS// 💻

Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt

Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx

Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools

📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee

👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: [email protected]

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 built on systems, ownership, and habits that signal: this is a real company.

If you want to grow faster, more sustainably, and without burning out, it starts by treating your own business like a client, not an afterthought.

We’re covering:

🎧 Why six-figure social media managers work on their business before client work

🎧 How realistic daily planning builds confidence (not shame)

🎧 Why you don’t need more leads, you need better follow-up

🎧 Why tracking your numbers works

🎧 How consuming less content leads to faster growth

🎧 How protecting your energy directly impacts revenue

🎧 Why rest and boredom are non-negotiable for long-term success

If you’re ready to stop relying on motivation and start building habits that compound into real income in 2026, let’s dive in.

💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring this video

Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:

👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen

Videos mentioned:

30 day posting challenge - https://youtu.be/drFv-5bq9EY?si=jYOLOoiSLov0txcU

I analysed 250 instagram posts - https://youtu.be/d24k0VA_Gv4?si=IsdUWETlvl9-zh-N

xx

Ellen

________________________________________________________________

🔗 //LINKS (ad affiliates) //

30% off the planning template I use with the code ELLENM30: https://productivitymethod.com/ELLENM30

Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt

Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx

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 //

Join 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: [email protected]

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 isn’t just a numbers episode—it’s the real story behind the pivots, risks, burnout, boundaries, and breakthroughs that shaped my most aligned (and surprising!) business year yet.

If you’re a freelancer, service provider, or digital creator wanting to build a freedom-first business without sacrificing income—this episode is your permission slip AND your game plan. Let’s get into the data, the decisions, and the energetic shifts that changed everything.

xx Ellen

💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast

Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:

👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen

___________________________________________________________

💻 //LINKS// 💻

Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt

Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx

Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools

📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee

👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: [email protected]

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=DISHINGUP

xx Ellen

💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast

Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:

👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen

___________________________________________________________

💻 //LINKS// 💻

Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt

Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx

Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools

📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee

👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: [email protected]

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 content, and work fewer hours.

We’re ditching the fear-mongering and talking real strategies for service providers, social media managers, and content creators to thrive in the age of AI.

Plus, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how I’ve integrated AI into my content workflows, trained my own custom GPTs, and how YOU can do the same—starting today.

xx Ellen

💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast

Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:

👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen

___________________________________________________________

💻 //LINKS// 💻

Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt

Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx

Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools

📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee

👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: [email protected]

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 creator pivoting to services, or just want to book clients faster, this is your step-by-step roadmap.

I’m also sharing my best-kept secret: my SMM Template Bundle (50% off this week only for Black Friday!) includes a done-for-you portfolio template to help you get set up in hours, not days.

🎁 Grab it here: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/offers/DwKaVUZd/checkout?coupon_code=BF50💕

xx Ellen

💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast

Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:

👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen

___________________________________________________________

💻 //LINKS// 💻

Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt

Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx

Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools

📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee

👩‍💻 Ellen’s business: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/📧 Sponsorship enquiries: [email protected]

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 didn’t), and how you can apply the same frameworks to your own business.

xx Ellen

💕 Thank You to Rella for Sponsoring the Podcast

Use code ELLEN for 10% off your subscription:

👉 https://getrella.com/?via=ellen

___________________________________________________________

💻 //LINKS// 💻

Sign up for my FREE private podcast: a 4 part training on how I scaled my business to $1 million in revenue - https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/private-podcast

Join the Dishing up Digital School: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/Dishing-up-Digital-School

Camera: https://geni.us/iPjpAt

Lens: https://geni.us/kNkJOx

Full list of tools & software I use: https://www.ellenmackenzie.com/tools

📲 //SOCIAL MEDIA//

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmackenziee

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenmackenzieee

👩‍💻 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