The Startup Ideas Podcast

Greg Isenberg
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The Startup Ideas Podcast Podcast

Get 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

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    How to write viral tweets with the man who beat the X algorithm

    Join me as I chat with Nick Huber, a serial entrepreneur and real estate investor, as we dive into the art of going viral on social media. Nick reveals his proven formula for creating engaging content that’s reached millions and helped him grow a massive following. If you're looking to boost your social media game and learn strategies that truly work, this episode is packed with actionable insights! Timestamps:  00:00 Intro01:36 The mindset02:39 The structure of a viral tweet / Example 108:42 Example 211:38 Example 315:51 Example 4 (video content) 16:59 Example 517:35 The importance of priming the algorithm19:28 Example 622:37 Example 7 1) The mindset:• Don't try to make everyone like you• Be willing to look silly sometimes• Have thick skin - you can't please everyone 2) The structure:• Start with a "wow" statement that sounds unique• Take a hard line on one side - no nuance• Back it up with strongly written copy 3) The hook:• You have 1/8 of a second to grab attention• Make people laugh, strike emotion, or teach something• Use numbers and specific details for added humor 4) The controversy:• Say something different than what most people hear• Take an un-nuanced stance on a debatable topic• Trigger people who disagree (respectfully) 5) The follow-up:• Double down in your second tweet• Add more context or examples• Don't backpedal or soften your stance 6) The visuals:• Use video when possible - algorithms favor it• Catch attention in the first second 7) The mix:• Blend personal content, entertainment, and value• Prime the algorithm with high-engagement tweets• Follow up bangers with business-related content 8) The authenticity:• Tweet things you actually believe• It's okay if not everyone agrees• Spark good conversations and critical thinking 9) The strategy:• Build a following of smart people and entrepreneurs• Use the "jab, jab, jab, right hook" approach• Leverage high-engagement tweets for business asks 10) The lesson: Nuance doesn't go viral. But thoughtful, controversial takes that make people think? 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  🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership. You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more! Spots are limited. https://www.communityempire.co/ 📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ 70,000+ people are already subscribed. To improve your rankings your business on Google and using AI for SEO, sign up to http://boringmarketing.com/ FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND NICK ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/sweatystartupInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweatystartupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sweatystartup/

    25 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    My reaction to MrBeast's LEAKED 36 page production document

    My notes on mr beast's LEAKED 36 page leaked "how to succeed in mr. beast production" document Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:12 Initial Thoughts02:38 Clarity of the Goal03:27  YouTube is eating all media:04:27 A, B, C player framework05:15 How to go viral08:21 Why isn’t MrBeast building the Y-Combinator of Creators? 09:12  He defines his own language. ie: lull, reengagement 11:26 Startup Idea 1: Audience and Engagement Insights Software for YT 12:32 Obsession is a prerequisite 13:13 Bias for Action14:01 Grounds Himself15:54 Constraint Fuels Creativity17:39 Always have a Backup Day18:54  Communication is key19:37 Leverage Experts21:55 "No does not mean no" can get toxic22:43 Meritocracy 23:27 His numbers are HUGE28:02 Keep things simple27:15 Work Life Balance Debate  28:20  What is the goal of our “content”29:37 Ads as Content30:18 Does his culture scale 31:12 His incentive structur  32:28 Final thoughts 1) YouTube is eating all media:• 99% of TV shows would flop on YouTube• Platform-specific content is crucial• MrBeast: "We are not Hollywood" 2) A-player mentality:• Only hire obsessive, coachable people• B-players can be trained, C-players must go• "There's only room for A-players here" 3) Re-engagement strategy:• Hook viewers at 3-minute mark• Use spectacles that only MrBeast can do• Example: Carl watching Josh in prison video 4)  Data-driven content:• Creators are data scientists, not just entertainers• 60M views = same as presidential debate• Obsess over audience retention graphs 5) Constraints fuel creativity:• Don't rely on big budgets• Example: Year's supply of Doritos is more engaging than $20k cash• "Creativity is the answer, not money" 6)  Communication is key:• Define when to use in-person, email, or text• No excuses, move on mentality• "Late" isn't in MrBeast's dictionary 7) Consultants are cheat codes:• Leverage expert knowledge• Example: Call previous world record holder• "Consultants are a gift from God" 8) Brand deal integration:• Make ads part of the content• Avoid boring, scripted brand mentions• Goal: No viewer realizes it's an ad 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  🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership. You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more! Spots are limited. https://www.communityempire.co/ 📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ 70,000+ people are already subscribed. To improve your rankings your business on Google and using AI for SEO, sign up to http://boringmarketing.com/ FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

    34 min

  3. 6 DAYS AGO

    Learn how to win on the internet in 28 min [tiktok shop, trends, building cult brands]

    Join me as I sit down with Oren John, the internet's creative director who's worked with major brands like Red Bull, Ciroc, Grey Goose, and YRB. Together, we explore the game-changing potential of TikTok Shop and how creators are using the platform to build thriving businesses. Oren shares his expert insights on the role of luxury, craftsmanship, and storytelling in product design, and how these elements can elevate your brand. If you're curious about using TikTok to grow your business, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro00:55 Startup Idea 1: Collectible Pokemon iPhone Case10:22 TikTok Shop is a game-changer15:10 The power of creator communities18:38 TikTok Shop success formula21:40 Oren’s tech stack and tools24:37 YouTube vs TikTok26:29 Oren's content creation philosophy 1) Startup Idea 1: Collectible Pokemon iPhone Case• Combines collectibility and utility• A product’s utility is the best way to standout on the interet• Tap into current trends to leverage the zeitgeist 2) TikTok Shop is a game-changer:• Scale through affiliate creators• Brands pay $1,500-$2,500/month retainer• Creators earn 20% commission on sales"Kids aged 20-25 are making 10-25k/month off these commissions" - Oren 3) The power of creator communities:• Discord channels like "Your First Dollar"• Brands recruit creators for TikTok Shop• Learn video creation, hooks, and editingPro tip: Brands can find pre-trained creators here  4) TikTok Shop success formula:• Wide demographic reach• Multiple creators across age/race/gender• Leverage Amazon for fulfillmentExample: Goalie (gummy brand) offering Rolex, Lamborghini as affiliate incentives  5) Content creation golden rule:• Provide saveable, shareable value• Entertain (replace Netflix experience)• Or fail"So many people fall in that third bucket because they go say, I'm going to talk about my brand story" - Oren 6) TikTok vs Youtube:• TikTok algo allows for hyper-specific targeting• TikTok has wider reach than YouTube for niche products• Youtube is a less direct sales driver• Youtube is great for brand building• Long-form content still valuableHot take: "YouTube as a primary sales driver for most businesses" is outdated 7) Oren's content creation philosophy:• 1) Value 2)entertainment 3)brand story• Tell stories, not just facts• Create content people want to bookmark• Focus on your area of expertise"I want your director to drop it in the Slack channel and be like, why aren't we doing this?" - Oren 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  🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership. You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more! Spots are limited. https://www.communityempire.co/ 📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ 70,000+ people are already subscribed. To improve your rankings your business on Google and using AI for SEO, sign up to http://boringmarketing.com/ FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND OREN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/orenmeetsworldInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/orenmeetsworld/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orenj/

    29 min

  4. 16 SEPT

    Sales funnels for Beginners

    I’m joined by Jonathan Courtney, as we deep dive on how to set up million dollar sales funnels.  1) Startup Idea 1: Paid Ads Agency• Huge market for one-person ad consulting businesses• Target specific verticals (e.g., hair salons, female info product owners)• Take a cut of revenue instead of charging upfront 2) Facebook ads still crush it (for 40+ demo):• Still effective for 40+ demographics• AJ&Smart spends $80k/month on FB ads• 318% ROI in June ($252k revenue from $80k spend)"Meta ads are only dead for people under 35" - Jonathan 3) Funnel basics:• Opt-in page → Free training video → Call booking• Use ClickFunnels for quick tests• Use Framer for validated funnelsPro tip: Automate everything possible in your funnel 4)  The book funnel strategy:• Offer free digital + physical book• Lose money upfront to get email addresses• Monetize later with other offersExample: http://workshopperplaybook.com/ 5) Copywriting hacks:• Focus on increasing status (even for B2B)• Use pain vs. pleasure framework• Adjust tone based on economic conditionsKey insight: Status increase drives purchases, even in corporate training 6) Jonathan's funnel philosophy:• Don't obsess over tracking every conversion source• Focus on overall company growth• Prioritize Facebook ad spend ROI"You have your monthly P&L. You just make sure your company is growing" - Jonathan To improve your rankings your business on Google and using AI for SEO, sign up to http://boringmarketing.com/ 🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership. You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more! Spots are limited. https://www.communityempire.co/ 📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ 70,000+ people are already subscribed. 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  FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/JicecreamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/ Episode Timestamps:0:00 Intro06:41 Startup Idea 1: Paid Ads Agency26:19 Funnel Hacking and Conversion Optimization34:34 AJ & Smart Funnel breakdown44:27 Copywriting Hacks

    52 min

  5. 11 SEPT

    How to become a solopreneur (3 $1M+ startup ideas)

    I’m joined by Marc Lou, a serial entrepreneur and indie hacker legend, as we explore innovative startup ideas, and his frameworks for content marketing, gamification, and pricing 1) Sell Digital Products• Create courses/ebooks on what you know• Focus on life-changing hacks (e.g. better sleep)• Use gamma.app for slick lead magnetsPro tip: Share your personal journey, not just advice 2) Document your journey publicly:• Share what you're working on (Twitter, YouTube, etc.)• Creates initial traction & builds audience• Find your authentic voice over timeKey: Use "I" statements, not "you should" when starting out 3) Smart pricing strategies:• Always use a paywall• Don't undervalue your work• Research competitor prices• Test one-time vs. subscription models"When it's cheap, people will undervalue the product." - Mark  4) Harness the power of gamification:• Inspired by Pokemon Sleep's $100M success• Apply to habits: sleep, diet, workouts• Use leaderboards, points, rewards 5) Gamify GitHub commits for devs!• Combine Github commits with credit card point system• Create leaderboards and scorecards for commits• Leverage word of mouth and social for growth 6) Stripe Atlas alternative for indie hackers • Legal setup & tax optimization• Simplify global business setup• Explore international business structures• Premium support services"It's the #1 question I receive on every YouTube video." - Mark on legal advice! 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  🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership. You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more! Spots are limited. https://www.communityempire.co/ 📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ 70,000+ people are already subscribed. To improve your rankings your business on Google and using AI for SEO, sign up to http://boringmarketing.com/ FIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND MARC ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/marc_louvionYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@marc-louMarc Lou: https://marclou.com Episode Timestamps:0:00 Intro03:26 Startup Idea 1: Sell Digital Products10:32 Framework for Content Marketing16:21 Framework for Pricing Products24:07 Framework for Gamifying Apps/Life30:37 Startup Idea 2: Gamify GitHub commits for devs!33:07 Startup Idea 3: Stripe Atlas alternative for indie hackers

    42 min

  6. 9 SEPT

    The ultimate guide to product building with the man who changed software

    I’m joined by Jason Fried, Co-founder and CEO of 37signals, as we deep dive on innovative startup ideas, our frameworks to building products people love, and our thoughts on the current software landscape.  1)  The "Scratch-off Ad" app idea:• Full-screen ad you scratch off with your finger• Blow into mic to clear "dust"• Chance to win prizes/coupons• Global, once-a-day experiencePotential: Massive user base, high engagement  2) "Shower Door Sketch" app concept:• Simulates drawing on steamy shower glass• Ephemeral canvas that fogs up & clears• Add shower sounds for immersion• Screenshot to save ideasPerfect for creative brainstorming! 3) Key insight: Bring real-world experiences to digital• Leverage mystery, surprise, uncertainty• Create moments that can't be replicated• Tap into universal human experiences"There's some sort of deeper universal things to tap into here." - Jason 4)  The power of limitations in software:• Time-based experiences (HQ Trivia)• Visit-once websites• Apps with "open hours"Creates scarcity & increases perceived value  5) Hobbyist ethos missing in modern software:• Early internet had more quirky, fun projects• Less focus on monetization, more on exploration• Need for "weirder" apps and experiencesChallenge: How can we make the internet weird again?  6)  Cozy software movement:• Make apps feel warm, comfortable• Contrast to clinical, cold modern design• Focus on user experience & delightGoal: Create software people genuinely enjoy using  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  🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership. You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more! Spots are limited. https://www.communityempire.co/ 📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ 70,000+ people are already subscribed. To improve your rankings your business on Google and using AI for SEO, sign up to http://boringmarketing.com/ FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND JASON ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/jasonfriedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-fried/37signals: https://37signals.com/ Episode Timestamps:0:00 Intro02:17 Startup Idea 1: The "Scratch-off Ad" app 18:44 Startup Idea 2: "Shower Door Sketch" app concept:33:43 Frameworks for building products people love

    49 min

  7. 4 SEPT

    4 profitable startups from the founder of exploding topics

    Join us for an engaging conversation with Brian Dean, Co-Founder of Exploding Topics I, as we explore a wide range of startup ideas and business opportunities 1) AI Content Updater for Publishers • Automatically finds & updates outdated content• Fixes broken links, outdated stats, irrelevant info• Integrates with CMS for seamless updates• Target: Large publishers with 1000s of posts•  Potential: $1k-$10k/month per enterprise client  2) Uber Black of Meal Delivery •  Chef-prepared, high-end meals ($50-$75 per meal)• Beautifully presented, like an "Apple product"• Target: Tech cities with high-income professionals• Potential: Multi-million dollar business in select markets• Key insight: There's always a market for premium versions 3)ADHD Brand & Community • Position ADHD as a potential superpower• Create content, products, and community• Start with social media to build audience• Expand into apps, tools, coaching services• Opportunity: No clear market leader in ADHD space yet• Pro tip: Name it after a historical figure with ADHD 4) Content Repurposing Service • Turn blog posts into videos, podcasts, newsletters• Target: Content marketers at larger brands• Pricing: Per-update model to avoid subscription fatigue• Potential: 8-figure agency if executed well 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  🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership. You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more! Spots are limited. https://www.communityempire.co/ 📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ 70,000+ people are already subscribed. To improve your rankings your business on Google and using AI for SEO, sign up to http://boringmarketing.com/ FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND BRIAN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/BrianEDeanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianedean/ Episode Timestamps:0:00 Intro02:11 Startup Idea 1: AI Content Updater for Publishers08:25 Startup Idea 2: Uber Black of Meal Delivery 18:08 Startup Idea 3: ADHD Brand & Community 26:28 Startup Idea 4: Content Repurposing Service

    32 min

  8. 2 SEPT

    5 $1M+ startup ideas you can launch tomorrow with $0

    Join us for an engaging conversation with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder and CEO of Swell AI, as we explore a wide range of startup ideas and business opportunities 1) Canva  Agency •  Create tutorials on how to use Canva• Build an audience through YouTube• Offer design services to viewers• Hire offshore talent for execution• Monetize through ads, affiliate links, and services• Potential: $80K/month with 80% margins 💰 2) AI-Generated Type Beats • Use AI to create thousands of "type beats"• Upload to YouTube with SEO-optimized titles• Monetize through streaming, licensing, and beat sales• Top producers making $60K/month• Distribution strategy: YouTube + beat marketplaces 3) Digital Influencers for DTC Brands • Create AI-generated influencers owned by brands• Craft narratives and drama for engagement• Cheaper and more controllable than human influencers• Becomes a digital asset on balance sheets• Use tools like Midjourney, DALL-E 2, Stable Diffusion 4) AI Email HTML Generator • Solve the pain of writing email HTML• Create an AI-powered tool with visual preview• Target keywords like "email HTML generator"• Distribution: AI directories, Google Ads, content marketing• Potential: $20K MRR, sellable for $1M+ 5) Newsletter Service for Short-Form Creators •  Help creators monetize through newsletters• Creator records 30-min video, you create newsletter• Build targeted B2B email lists• Monetize through ads and sponsorships• Potential: $20K/month per newsletter 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  🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership. You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more! Spots are limited. https://www.communityempire.co/ 📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ 70,000+ people are already subscribed. To improve your rankings your business on Google and using AI for SEO, sign up to http://boringmarketing.com/ FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND CODY ON SOCIALCody’s startup: https://www.swellai.com/X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r Episode Timestamps:0:00 Intro01:44 Startup Idea 1: Canva Agency 10:53 Startup Idea 2: AI-Generated Type Beats 19:37 Startup Idea 3: Digital Influencers for DTC Brands33:44 Startup Idea 4: AI Email HTML Generator 37:31 Startup Idea 5: Newsletter Service for Short-Form Creators

    48 min
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Hosts & Guests

About

Get 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

Information

  • Creator
    Greg Isenberg
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Startup Ideas Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Startup Ideas Podcast

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