Stay ConnectedGet your creative juices flowing with The Startup Ideas Podcast. Published twice a week, we bring you free startup ideas to inspire your next venture. Hosted by Greg Isenberg, CEO of Late Checkout and former advisor to Reddit and TikTok. Subscribe so you don’t miss out.
For more startup ideas, we created a database of 30+ startup ideas you can take at https://gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
Copyright: © The Startup Ideas Podcast
Join me as I chat with Paddy Galloway, a veteran YouTube strategist who has worked with major creators like MrBeast, where he shares a comprehensive blueprint for YouTube success. The discussion covers everything from initial channel strategy to advanced content packaging techniques, emphasizing the importance of consistent posting, strategic ideation, and effective thumbnail design. Galloway presents a structured approach to growing a YouTube channel over 12 months, with specific benchmarks and goals for each phase.
Growth guides to turn your startup into a money printer
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/growth-guides
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
03:41 - Why YouTube
09:26 - Evergreen Content vs Timely Content
11:54 - The Value of Comments and Engagement
14:44 - YouTube's Unique Position in Content Consumption
15:26 - Monetization Potential on YouTube
17:14 - The Challenge of Mastering YouTube
19:36 - YouTube's Popularity Among Younger Audiences
20:35 - Algorithm Stability on YouTube
30:27 - Depth vs. Discovery on YouTube
36:51 - The 12-month growth strategy breakdown
1:17:38 - Content ideation framework discussion
1:32:26 - Thumbnail and packaging strategies
Key Points:
• Success requires a 12-month commitment with specific phases: establishment (months 1-4), improvement (months 5-8), and optimization (months 9-12)
• Content ideation should follow a 0-100-10-1 framework: start with zero, generate 100+ ideas, filter to 10 strong ones, develop 1 final concept
• Thumbnails and packaging are crucial, with recommendation to create 3 distinct thumbnails per video and follow the "three focus area rule"
1) First, understand what YouTube really is:
• It's NOT social media - it's a streaming platform
• 60-70% of views come from TV screens
• It's the biggest streaming service worldwide
• Videos = digital real estate that appreciates over time
2)The 12-Month YouTube Growth Plan:
Months 1-4 (Establishment Phase):
• Find your niche using triple Venn diagram:
1. What you love
2. What you're good at
3. What people want to watch
• Post 2x per week consistently
• Don't overthink quality yet
3) Months 5-8 (Improvement Phase):
• Generate 100 video ideas weekly
• Make 3 thumbnails per video
• Study outlier content in your niche
• Switch to 1 high-quality video per week
• Focus on packaging (title + thumbnail)
4) Months 9-12 (Optimization Phase):
• Analyze your top 10% performing videos
• Double down on what works
• Spend 4 hrs/week studying YouTube
• Make small 1% improvements each video
• Build systems for consistent output
5) The Golden Rule of Audience Overlap:
Each video should have 80%+ audience overlap with your other content. If someone watches one of your videos, they should want to watch MOST of your other videos too.
6) Thumbnail Psychology:
• Use the "3 Focus Areas" rule
• Pass the "Glance Test" (1-second viewability)
• Max 4-5 words of text
• Make it bright and clear
• Being good at graphic design ≠ good at thumbnails
7) Smart Title Strategy:
• Keep under 60 characters
• Use simple, universal language
• Include superlatives when possible
• Write for humans, not algorithms
• Grade A readability score (7-8 year old level)
8) The CCN Framework for Ideas:
Every video should appeal to:
• Core audience
• Casual viewers
• New viewers
9) The Video Idea Pipeline:
Start with 100 ideas → Filter to 10 strong ones → Pick the best one
10) The ROI reality:
• Expect 12 months minimum before seeing real returns
• Need 50+ videos to find your groove
• Success = Volume + Quality + Consistency
• Best converting platform after email
• Worth the long-term investment
Remember: YouTube is a game of marginal gains.
Notable Quotes:
"YouTube is not a video platform... before making a video, you need to understand what video to make, the strategy behind choosing ideas, packaging." - Paddy Galloway
"If you're going to do something for 12 months on YouTube, you have to be willing to eat shit for a long time before it might pay off." - Paddy Galloway
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND PADDY ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/PaddyG96
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@paddygalloway8780
YouTube Job Board: https://ytjobs.co
In this episode we dive deep into modern marketing strategies with Cody Schneider, focusing on the concept of "digital gravity" versus traditional marketing funnels. The discussion covers comprehensive tactics for both B2B and B2C companies, including detailed strategies for content creation, distribution, and monetization. Special emphasis is placed on leveraging AI tools, programmatic SEO, and multi-channel marketing approaches to build sustainable growth engines.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
01:23 - Digital gravity concept and content strategy
10:00 - B2B marketing tactics and implementation
38:45 - B2C marketing strategies and case studies
Key Points:
• Comprehensive breakdown of modern B2B and B2C marketing strategies
• Detailed explanation of "digital gravity" concept vs traditional marketing funnels
• Step-by-step guide for building media presence and content distribution
• Technical insights on email marketing, ad targeting, and influencer partnerships
1) The Digital Gravity Model
Forget marketing funnels. Think orbits.
People don't move linearly through funnels - they orbit your brand, coming closer until they convert.
More digital mass = more gravitational pull = more customers naturally drawn in.
**2) B2B Marketing Stack:**
• Scrape target emails ([Apollo.io](http://apollo.io/), $99/mo)
• Run AI avatar ads (Heygen + ElevenLabs)
• Cold email at scale (MailReef)
• Launch industry podcast
• Turn podcast → social content
• Monetize audience w/sponsorships
Cost per click? Often less than $0.01 vs $5+ on ads.
3) The Content Engine
Record customer convos → podcast episodes
↓
Turn into blog posts
↓
Create social clips
↓
Make whitepapers
↓
Email newsletter
One piece of content = 10x distribution points
4) B2C Growth Stack:
• Pick HUGE TAM
• Run FB/TikTok conversion ads
• Price at $70.99/week ($29/mo psychology)
• Use multiple creator accounts
• Clone best UGC with AI
• Add affiliate program
Key: $5 CPM or less = profitable
5) The SEO Playbook
• Wait for DA 40+
• Scrape top ranking content
• AI generate 10k articles
• Human edit winners
• CTA every scroll frame
• Pop-up at 25-50% depth
Focus on long-tail keywords nobody fights for.
6) Why This All Works:
Traditional marketing = campaigns (start/stop)
Modern marketing = always-on systems
You're not "doing marketing"
You're "marketing"
Big difference
Notable Quotes:
"Marketing isn't something you did, it's something you're doing. You're constantly doing marketing." - Cody Schneider
"The closer your ad is to content on the platform, the less you're going to have to pay for it." - Cody Schneider
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND CODY ON SOCIAL
Cody’s startup: https://www.swellai.com/
X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7
LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r
Join me as I chat with Dr. Tyler Lemco, known for co-founding Epic Mealtime (600M+ views), where we discuss strategies for building an internet audience from scratch. The conversation covers practical advice for content creators, including bio optimization, platform selection, and content strategy. We explore the balance between algorithmic success and authentic content creation, while emphasizing the importance of starting small and scaling gradually.
Episode Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:54 - Transitioning from Creative for Hire to Solopreneur
• 07:29 - AI as a Thinking Partner
• 09:03 - How to position yourself within your niche
• 14:22 - Crafting a Compelling Bio
• 26:28 - YouTube Growth Strategies
• 41:30 - AI Tools for Content Production
Key Points:
• Transitioning from being a creative-for-hire to building your own audience
• Framework for effective content creation and social media growth
• Importance of platform focus and consistency in content creation
• Strategy for building audience before community before product
Content Strategy Framework:
1. Pick a platform to focus on
2. Identify what you love doing
3. Study what algorithms favor
4. Find gaps in your niche
5. Commit to consistency
Platform-Specific Insights:
• YouTube Shorts: Good for subscriber growth, lower monetization
• Long-form content: Best for overall revenue and engagement
• Live streams: Excellent for community building, poor for new audience growth
Key Takeaways:
• Start fresh when pivoting content direction
• Focus on audience building before community development
• Test and iterate content strategy
• Be willing to experiment publicly
• Utilize AI tools like Descript for content production
1) The Creative-for-Hire Trap
• Good money but no equity upside
• Easy to get stuck helping others win
• Key is transitioning to building YOUR OWN assets
• Start small, think big
2) Framework for Content That Works:
• Pick ONE platform to focus on (seriously)
• Do what you genuinely love creating
• Study what algorithms reward
• Fill gaps in your niche
• Commit to consistency
3) The YouTube Revenue Reality:
• Shorts: 3M views = $418 (+12k subs)
• Long-form: 1.3M views = $13,580
• Livestreams: 100k views = $1,926
Strategy: Use shorts for growth, long-form for revenue
4) The ABC Growth Framework:
A) Build an Audience first
B) Convert to Community
C) Create Products/Services
Don't try all at once. Master each phase!
5) Social Bio Formula:
• Show Credibility
• Create Intrigue
• Clear Value Prop
Pro tip: Write for non-followers, not existing ones
6) Starting Fresh vs Legacy Account:
• 94 engaged followers is better than 31,000 dead ones
• Algorithm favors engagement %
• Don't let ego stop you from starting over
• Fresh start = clean slate
7) Content Market Fit Truth:
• Takes 6-24 months to find
• Must experiment publicly
• Embrace the uncomfortable
• Better to ship than perfect
Bonus: For creators starting out - just START. You figure it out by doing, not planning.
The only difference between launching and not launching is deciding you've launched.
Notable Quotes:
"The goal of every solopreneur should be to not be a solopreneur." - Greg
"The only difference between launching and not launching is deciding that you've launched." - Tyler Lemco
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses [https://www.startupempire.co](https://www.startupempire.co/)
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND TYLER ON SOCIAL
Tyler’s Website: https://www.tlem.co/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/tlemco
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tlemco
In this episode, I share comprehensive guide to launching profitable newsletter businesses in 2025, focusing on niche markets and proven monetization strategies. The episode covers various newsletter concepts ranging from local news to B2B decision-makers, with detailed implementation steps and revenue projections for each model. Special emphasis is placed on using newsletters as a foundation to build larger businesses through multiple revenue streams.
Timstamps:
• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:54 - Newsletter Idea 1: Marketing newsletter for global talent
• 08:03 - Newsletter Idea 2: Platform-based educational newsletters
• 11:24 - Newsletter Idea 3: Unofficial sports team coverage
• 13:03 - Newsletter Idea 4: Local real estate investor news
• 20:55 - Newsletter Idea 5: B2B decision maker
• 25:01 - Newsletter Idea 6: Niche ad examples for media buyers
• 26:37 - Newsletter Idea 7: Meme-based news coverage
• 29:23 - Newsletter Idea 8: Industry-specific AI tips
• 31:12 - Newsletter Idea 9: Leadership lessons and profiles
• 34:38 - Newsletter Idea 10: Local community newsletters
• 37:14 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Link Mentioned:
Matt’s full article: https://www.newsletteroperator.com/p/10-newsletter-business-ideas
Matt’s Twitter/X: https://x.com/JMatthewMcGarry
Key Points:
• Detailed breakdown of 10 different newsletter business models with monetization strategies
• Focus on building profitable newsletters with low startup costs and high scalability
• Emphasis on combining paid acquisition (Facebook ads) with organic growth
• Strategy for turning newsletters into larger businesses (software, marketplaces, agencies)
1) Marketing Newsletter for Global Talent
• Target overseas marketers seeking US jobs
• Cost: $0.25-0.50 per sub via FB ads
• Structure:
1) Remote job listings
2) Digital marketing news
3) Marketing tutorials
Monetization path to $28k/mo:
• Job board ($18k/mo)
• Recruiting blasts ($10k/mo)
2) Platform-Based Newsletter
Pick ONE tool (Figma, Notion, Perplexity AI) and go deep.
The gold mine here:
• 20-50% recurring affiliate commissions
• Sell premium templates
• Potential acquisition by the platform
• Build & sell SaaS tools to your audience
3) Local Real Estate Investor Newsletter
The math:
• 5-10k subs
• $2 CPA
• $7.5k/mo in ad revenue
• $50k from seminars
• $50k from premium subs
Total: $190k/year with just 10k subscribers!
4) B2B Decision Maker Newsletter
The secret sauce:
• Need only 2k subs (if they're the right people)
• Target C-suite in specific industry
• Collect detailed subscriber data
• Charge premium for targeted access
5) Visual News & AI Newsletters
Two massive opportunities:
A) Meme-based news
• 2-4 stories/day
• Prosumer focus (tech/finance)
• Visual over Text in 2024
B) Industry-specific AI tips
• Target specific verticals
• Focus on time/money saving
• $200/year subscription model
6) Local Community Newsletter
The playbook:
• Focus on positive news
• Thursday "Weekend Plans" format
• $0.50 CPA possible
• Target high-LTV local sponsors
Real example: Naptown Scoop makes $400k/year in one city!
7) The bigger opportunity?
Don't just think "newsletter"
Think "audience building machine" that can spawn:
• Software products
• Marketplaces
• Agencies
• Communities
Start with newsletter, expand into empire.
Pro tip: for ANY of these:
• Use pre/post CTAs on social
• Build one social channel alongside
• Collect subscriber data beyond email
• Think paid first, organic second
Pick one and start this weekend!
Notable Quotes:
"Newsletter businesses are a cheat code... you can build a marketplace, you can build an agency, you can build so much on top of a newsletter."
"You don't need 100,000 subscribers to make $100,000 a year. With 5-10,000 subs, you can make $190,000 a year."
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
Join me as I chat with Avi Schiffmann, Founder and CEO of friend.com, as we discuss technical challenges in AI memory systems and broader startup philosophy. Avi emphasizes the importance of creating new categories rather than competing in existing ones, while advocating for personal growth and confidence as crucial elements of entrepreneurial success. The discussion covers both technical aspects of AI development and philosophical approaches to startup building.
Episode Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Introduction and discussion of memory systems
• 02:04 - Advice for Founders, Competition, Critique of YC
• 06:02 - Entrepreneurship vs Innovation
• 15:52 - Thoughts on Raising VC Funding and Bootstrapping
• 18:52 - Discussion on Confidence and Personal Growth
• 27:58 - Work Life Balance Discussion
• 31:18 - Startup Idea 1: Memory as a Service
Key Points:
• Discussion of memory systems for AI chatbots and the need for "memory as a service"
• Exploration of startup philosophy and the importance of creating new categories
• Emphasis on personal confidence as a key factor in startup success
• Critique of conventional startup wisdom and YC methodology
1) First, a HUGE opportunity in AI:
Memory as a Service (MaaS) for AI chatbots
• Current memory systems rely on RAG
• No good solution exists yet
• Companies would pay $$$ to solve this
• Critical for AI relationship products
2) On building in existing categories:
The real advantage of startups?
• Fresh slate in people's minds
• Ability to define new categories
• Instant category leadership
3) MINDSHARE is the only true moat
Example:
• Claude is better than ChatGPT in quality
• But ChatGPT owns mindshare
• Google trends: ChatGPT = 100, Claude = ~0
Lesson: Better product ≠ Winning product
4) On raising VC:
"The real way you raise is when it becomes about the deal, not what you're working on"
• VCs invest in YOU, not your product
• It's a social game
• They care about who else is in
• Focus on being good at "yapping"
5) The REAL key to startup success:
Personal confidence over YC advice
How to build it:
• Get out of tech bubble
• Build real relationships
• Have experiences
• Travel
• Live life
"No one great ever thought they couldn't be great"
6) On working style:
"You don't need to be at your computer to be working"
• Best ideas come in shower/walks
• Live life, let ideas brew
• Focus on right direction not working hard
• Think through ideas in different places
7) Final wisdom:
"You have a short bubble of consciousness while alive. Don't waste it working on something you're not confidently proud about."
Stop preparing.
Start building.
Be confident.
Make art.
Notable Quotes:
"If you view your work as art, you have no competition and you have no fear of failure."
"It's easier to create a new category than to try and win in an existing category because if you create your own category, you immediately crown yourself king."
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND AVI ON SOCIAL
Friend: https://friend.com
X/Twitter: https://x.com/AviSchiffmann
My comprehensive year in review covering personal achievements, business developments, and investment strategies in 2024. I share a detailed breakdowns of my wealth allocation, business portfolio performance, and social media growth. The review emphasizes a shift toward business simplification, increased focus on AI and technology integration, and the importance of building sustainable, scalable ventures.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:38 Biggest wins
05:54 Biggest losses and lessons
11:47 - Q&A from social media
18:00 - Growth across social platforms
25:00 - Wealth breakdown and investments
33:03 - Business updates
48:16 - Productivity gains
50:48 - New insights and learnings
Key Points:
• Personal milestone of having first child and significant net worth achievement
• Business portfolio performance across Late Checkout Agency, Boring Marketing, and other ventures
• Portfolio breakdown: 75% stocks, 16% private equity, 7% real estate, 2% crypto
• Platform growth across YouTube (11K to 146K subscribers), X/Twitter (361K to 420K followers)
• Strategic shift toward simplification and focus on building "skyscrapers, not strip malls"
1) BIG WINS 2024:
• Had a baby
• Started lifting consistently (+15-20 lbs muscle)
• Grew podcast into major platform
• Hit personal net worth milestone
2) Portfolio breakdown (fascinating):
• 75% stocks
• 16% private equity
• 7% real estate
• 2% crypto
Top holdings:
• 10% Berkshire
• 10% SPY
• 8% Apple
• 7% Amazon
3) Business Updates:
Late Checkout Agency (LCA):
• Found their niche: AI interfaces + community products
• Booked solid with major brands
• Started taking equity deals with billion-dollar companies
Boring Marketing & Boring Ads:
• Both crushing it
• $100M+ in ad spend managed
• 76 meetings booked in next few weeks
• Unbundling tools for DIY customers
• Created Boring Holdings umbrella company
5) Key productivity unlocks:
• Switched to Yerba Mate for afternoon energy
• Simplified from Notion to Apple Notes
• Using Things app for to-do lists
• Less tools, more focus
6) Platform Growth 2024:
YouTube: 11K → 146K subs
X: 361K → 420K followers
LinkedIn: 82K → 149K
Newsletter: 72K → 120K subs
Podcast: 360K → 575K downloads
7) Best decision framework:
"Friday Afternoon Test"
- Only make big decisions Friday PM when tired
- If it still feels right then, it's probably right
- Prevents caffeine-fueled impulse choices
8/ MAJOR hiring insight:
"Day Zero Integrity Test"
• Give unclear instructions for small task
• See if they ask questions or just guess
• Reveals everything about future behavior
9/ Key lessons:
• Trust but verify (especially with remote teams)
• Simple over Complex
• Double down on what's working
• Build skyscrapers, not strip malls
• Tech investment over immediate profits
10) 2025 Focus:
• Finding long-term business partners
• Building more proprietary tech
• Simplifying business structure
• Going harder on current opportunities
• Scaling what works
Notable Quotes:
"If this scales, do I want to be in that business? If not, what is the business that I want to be in?"
"My main mission is to build skyscrapers, not strip malls."
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses [https://www.startupempire.co](https://www.startupempire.co/)
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg
Join me as I chat with Daniel Dalen, CEO and Founder of Ecomflow, as we explore various startup ideas and business opportunities, focusing on embeddable businesses and the Shopify ecosystem. We discuss the potential of credibility badges, analyzing both successful and unsuccessful business concepts while sharing insights on product development, aesthetics, and bootstrapping versus venture capital approaches.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:39 - Startup Idea 1: Best Product Plaques for Credibility
09:00 - Startup Idea 2: Embeddable Businesses
31:49 - Startup Idea 3: Shopify ecosystem opportunities
45:53 - Building sustainable businesses
59:47 - Content creation strategy discussion
Key Points:
• Discussion of embeddable businesses and their potential in 2025
• Analysis of credibility badges/plaques as a business model
• Deep dive into Shopify ecosystem opportunities
• Insights on aesthetic vs luxury software products
1) First startup idea: "Best Product of Year" Certification Business
• Similar to Better Business Bureau model
• Sell digital badges + physical plaques to startups
• ~$200/year subscription model
• 99% margins, pure SaaS play
• Key challenge: Need massive distribution to create credibility
2) Second concept: "Embeddable Businesses"
• Greg built http://offerbutton.com as an example
• Place buttons/widgets on other people's websites
• Own digital real estate across the web
• Similar to "Sent with Superhuman" model
• Massive distribution potential through viral embedding
3) Fascinating insight on software categories:
Luxury Software is DEAD
Aesthetic Software is the FUTURE
• Users care more about design than status
• Example: People use Superhuman for its clean UI
• Shows they value design-thinking
• Growing trend in 2024+
4) On building Shopify apps:
• Massive opportunity in DTC ecosystem
• Need to deeply understand specific pain points
• Niche down (ex: CRO for specific industries)
• Can charge premium as money constantly flowing
• Avoid competing with Shopify's core features
5) Building mindset insights from Daniel Dalen:
• Bootstrap over VC if possible
• Focus on cash flow positive businesses
• Build with people who share your values
• Success = freedom to choose your projects
• Document over promote when building in public
6) Hot Take from Greg:
"The wealthiest people have the least amount of recurring meetings"
True wealth = control of your time
Automation over Meetings
Clear calendar = Clear mind
7) Key lesson on content:
Stop asking for likes/subs
Start asking for genuine feedback
Let quality speak for itself
Focus on documenting the journey
Real value drives real engagement
Notable Quotes:
"I feel like luxury software is old, and the new wave is gonna be aesthetic software." - Greg Isenberg
"The wealthiest people have the least amount of recurring meetings." - Greg Isenberg
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND DANIEL ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/danielvandalen
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danieldalen/videos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danieldalen/
I share my experience growing from zero to 145,000 LinkedIn followers in 14 months, generating millions in revenue. I detail specific strategies for LinkedIn growth, including leveraging the new video tab, creating engaging story posts, and utilizing infographics. The presentation explains how to properly monetize a LinkedIn following through strategic content posting and lead magnet implementation.
This talk was given at Andrew Wilkinsons IP2 conference
Learn more about IP3
Andrew's Newsletter: https://neverenoughnewsletter.kit.com/signup
Andrew's Twitter/X: https://x.com/awilkinson
Andrew's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeverEnough2024
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:05 - The ACP Funnel Explained
02:50 - Case Study: BoringMarketing.com
04:42 - Tactical Tips for Going Viral on LinkedIn
06:10 - Leveraging Video Content on LinkedIn
08:10 - Crafting Compelling Stories for Engagement
09:46 - Using Infographics to Boost Engagement
10:31 - Monetizing Your LinkedIn Audience
12:16 - Creating Effective Lead Magnets
Key Points:
• LinkedIn in 2024 is comparable to Twitter in 2020 for viral growth potential
• Three main strategies for LinkedIn growth: video content, storytelling posts, and viral infographics
• Monetization through strategic lead magnets and post-editing techniques
• Building the ACP (Audience-Community-Product) funnel for business growth
1) The ACP Framework:
• Audience first
• Convert to Community
• Build Product for them
Example: Boring Marketer → Free community → $8M ARR SEO tool business
2) Why LinkedIn in 2025?
"LinkedIn right now is 2020 Twitter - it's fishing with dynamite"
Greg grew 125K followers in 14 months with just 15 hours of work
3) LINKEDIN HACK #1: Video Content
LinkedIn just added a video tab. Nobody knows this yet.
Two options:
• Faceless content with AI voiceover (use @elevenlabs)
• Record yourself
Pro tip: Videos are getting INSANE reach right now
4) LINKEDIN HACK #2: Stories that Convert
• Get someone to interview you
• Extract 15 career stories
• Focus on vulnerable moments
• MUST pair with photo of yourself
• Use storytelling frameworks
5) LINKEDIN HACK #3: Viral Infographics
• Find previously viral infographics
• Repost with credit
• Add universally agreeable caption
• Example: "This year's gonna be great" → 151K likes
6) THE MONETIZATION STRATEGY
Don't put links in original posts!
Secret sauce:
• Post content
• Wait 4 hours
• If more than150 likes, EDIT post to add link
• LinkedIn won't suppress it
7) LEAD MAGNET MASTERY:
Don't sell directly. Create valuable free content.
Example:
• Made startup ideas database
• 5,000 downloads in 30 days
• Segment in ConvertKit
• Nurture → Monetize later
8) KEY TAKEAWAY:
2025 will be HUGE for LinkedIn.
Start now while organic reach is insane.
Even 15 hours can build a massive following that drives millions in revenue.
Notable Quotes:
"LinkedIn is fishing with dynamite right now." - Greg
"I grew from zero to 125,000 followers with probably like 15 hours of work in 14 months." - Greg
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
Join me as I chat with Mike Hudack, CEO of Sling Money, as we deep dive into AI startup strategy by discussing frameworks for building AI companies, product development approaches, and go-to-market strategies. The conversation covers practical advice for entrepreneurs considering AI ventures, from choosing between B2B and B2C models to pricing strategies and competition analysis. Hudack shares insights from his experience at Facebook and current venture Sling Money.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:12 - AI agent framework and startup ideas
08:19 - Discussion of successful AI companies
16:20 - B2B vs B2C strategy
19:28 - Product development philosophy
25:20 - How to think about Competitors
28:40 - Go-to-market strategies
33:46 - Pricing and monetization discussion
39:16 - Mark Zuckerberg's Perspective on AI
Key Points:
• Framework for AI agents: single clear action, instant feedback, bounded decisions, zero friction
• Three promising AI companies discussed: Greenlight (fin-crime), Granola (note-taking), Gradient Labs (customer service)
• B2C vs B2B strategy: B2C has higher potential but higher risk, B2B offers more predictable outcomes
• Product development approach: focus on solving genuine pain points and building with meaning
1) On picking AI startup ideas:
Look for repetitive, time-consuming tasks that:
• Have clear actions
• Provide instant feedback
• Make bounded decisions
• Create zero friction
Examples: Flight booking, restaurant reservations, scheduling
2) The most promising AI companies right now:
• Green Lite - Automating financial compliance
• Granola - AI-powered collaborative note-taking
• GradientLabs - Next-gen customer service
• Domu - AI debt collection with empathy
All solving specific, manual problems with tight feedback loops.
3) Framework for choosing what to build:
Run a "regret minimization" exercise:
• Imagine yourself 5-10 years in the future
• Consider all possible outcomes
• Pick something meaningful you'd be proud to work on
• Must be excited to wake up for it every day
4) On B2B vs B2C products:
B2B:
• Easier to validate
• Clear path to revenue
• Lower failure rate
• Smaller outcomes
B2C:
• Bigger potential upside
• Harder to get right
• Need to catch lightning
• More glory (if it works)
5) On pricing AI products:
Formula:
(Human labor cost saved + Emotional damage prevented) × (20-50% discount) = Your price
Pro tip: You CAN raise prices later if you build something people truly love.
6) Go-to-market strategy for AI products:
• Build in public
• Create early waitlists
• Find your core believers
• Let them help shape the product
• Focus on native content for your audience's platform
7) On competition:
Don't be afraid to copy primitives (basic features everyone needs)
BUT:
• Stay true to your vision
• Keep a mental tab on competitors
• Don't get sucked into being reactive
• Maintain consistent narrative
Most important lesson: Build something YOU deeply care about. The most successful products come from genuine passion, not just market opportunity.
Notable Quotes:
"We don't make services to make money, we make money to make better services." - Mike Hudack (citing Walt Disney/Facebook)
"If you build a thing which is beautiful and people love and has a place in their lives, you can charge more for it later." - Mike Hudack
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co/
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND MIKE ON SOCIAL
Mike’s Website: https://hudack.com/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/mhudack
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhudack/
Sling Money: https://sling.money/
Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into various lead generation strategies. Jonathan shares his strategies and frameworks for building a client pipeline without having a large online following.
00:00 - Intro
03:13 - The Dream 100 Strategy
11:01 - The Canvas Strategy (for reaching out)
18:12 - Go Where Your Audience Lives
27:21 - The Power of Strategic Gifting
36:33 - Content Creation (if you choose to)
40:47 - Key Mindset Shift around Content Creation
1) The Dream 100 Strategy:
• Make a list of 100 people/orgs who already talk to your target audience
• Research their platforms, reach, content
• Focus on building relationships with them
• Can start with just 10-20 names
Example: Web design agency targeting founders? Start with podcast hosts, community leaders
2) The Canvas Strategy (for reaching out):
• Don't just ask for favors
• Focus on providing extreme value first
• Make thoughtful, detailed pitches
• Show you've done your homework
• Be patient and play the long game
3) Go Where Your Audience Lives:
• Join paid communities ($149/mo is nothing if you land 1 client)
• Lurk in Reddit threads
• Answer Quora questions in detail
• Participate in Discord servers
• Be the MOST valuable member
No promotion, just pure value.
4) The Power of Strategic Gifting:
• Doesn't need to be expensive ($5-50 can work)
• Make it personal and meaningful
• Think long-term relationship building
• One mentor landed a huge deal with a $50k guitar gift
• Small gestures = big memories
5) Content Creation (if you choose to):
• Focus on MASSIVE value over production quality
• Create 5+ hour detailed tutorials
• Answer common questions exhaustively
• "Low quality, high effort" is the new formula
• Example: mastering . com's 11-hour tutorials
6) Key Mindset Shift:
Stop obsessing over:
• Social media metrics
• Personal branding
• Complex marketing funnels
Start focusing on:
• High-leverage relationships
• Direct value creation
• Being present where your audience is
7) The ROI is INSANE:
• Single partnerships can generate millions
• One webinar can outperform months of ads
• Relationship-based leads convert better
• More sustainable than viral marketing
• Less stressful than being an "influencer"
Pro Tip: Review your Dream 100 list every quarter. Most businesses forget this and focus on low-leverage tasks instead.
Links Mentioned:
The Dream 100 Google Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1a7d1GSZoJq_pT2Ptbvc9HsZWPxNsQDhRcUvT6d1V2Jw/edit?gid=0#gid=0
The Canvas Strategy Ep: https://youtu.be/fr5xG_bTV44
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/
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