The Startup Ideas Podcast

Greg Isenberg
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The Startup Ideas 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

    7 validated startup ideas that will make $100K/month (and how to grow them)

    Join us for an engaging conversation with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder and CEO of Swell AI, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities with detailed analysis of market opportunities, implementation strategies, and potential revenue models. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and technical setup01:31 - Startup Idea 1: Lightroom Preset SaaS04:41 - Startup Idea 2: Domain Portfolio for Lead Gen10:56 -Startup Idea 3: E-commerce newsletter AI tools15:19 -Startup Idea 4: High-LTV SaaS Services20:08 - Startup Idea 5: Productized Service  Agency28:11 - Startup Idea 6: Dog park bar concept32:53 - Startup Idea 7: Micro app Studio Key Points:• Detailed discussion of an AI-powered Lightroom preset subscription business opportunity• Analysis of e-commerce newsletter AI tools and market potential• Exploration of physical business concept: Dog park combined with bar• Discussion of micro-apps trend and opportunity in riding viral waves 1) Lightroom Preset SaaS Photographers spend $$$ on presets. Time to disrupt.• Build AI tool to generate Lightroom presets from sample photos• Convert XML packets at scale• $29/month subscription model• Target Adobe users on FB ads Infinite margins. Just code. 2) Domain Portfolio for Lead Gen Law firms do it. Now apply it everywhere.• Buy 1000+ exact-match domains for niche keywords• Rank organically (still works!)• Bundle leads to specific industries• Sell entire portfolio to PE firms 40k+ per lead in some niches  3) AI for Ecomm Newsletters People hate coding email templates.• AI chat interface for newsletter design• Product storytelling automation• Holiday campaign generation• Template modification without code Klaviyo users desperate for this. 4) Lalo Agency Play New CRM taking music industry by storm.• Help artists build fan lists• Run targeted merch giveaways• Geographic targeting for tours• Less than $1 cost per signup All major labels switching over  5) Dog Park Bar Concept The millennial country club is here. • Combine dog park + bar• Add app for daily dog updates• Target high-income dog owners• Members-only model potential 4pm is packed every day  6) Micro AI Apps Studio Text-behind-image went viral. More coming. - Build simple, focused AI tools• Ride viral trends• Credit pack monetization• $7/week pricing psychology Adobe does this. Why not you? 7) High-LTV SaaS Services Find tools people pay for but barely use.• Target Klaviyo, HubSpot, Sage• Build productized service• Create digital assets/templates• Add custom plugins 25k+ customer LTV  Notable Quotes:"Labels are like a bank. That's all they turned into." - Cody Schneider "Find trends. That's a very hard thing, I think, for the average person to do. But I think to that point, I think it's gonna get easier and easier to see these trends that are occurring." - 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/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

    45 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    The Actual Process Behind a $10.5K/Month Directory Website

    Get the exact system used to build profitable local directories: https://www.gregisenberg.com/directory The episode features Frey Chu explaining his methodology for building profitable directory websites, using dog parks as a case study. He demonstrates how to identify opportunities through keyword research, validate ideas through social proof, and implement a basic yet effective directory structure. The discussion emphasizes that even simple directory websites can generate significant passive income through various monetization methods, while also serving as a foundation for larger business opportunities. Timestamps:00:00 - Intro03:40 - Examples of Profitable Directories and their traffic10:35 - Why Build Directories12:23 - Finding and validating directory ideas26:44 - Data collection and enrichment42:21 - WordPress implementation46:36 - Monetization strategies Key Points:• How to identify profitable directory website opportunities using keyword research and competition analysis• Step-by-step process for validating directory ideas using Reddit and social listening• Data collection and enrichment techniques for building comprehensive directories• Simple implementation strategy using WordPress or other CMS platforms• Monetization strategies including AdSense, affiliate marketing, and potential SaaS opportunities 1) First, find your niche:• Use Ahrefs "near me" searches• Look for 30-100K monthly searches• Target keyword difficulty under 20• Avoid seasonal/branded keywords• Find niches with fragmented search intent 2) Validate your idea:• Check competition on Google• Look for basic/outdated directories• Browse Reddit discussions• Confirm real user pain points• Set a "bounty" on weak competitors 3) Data Collection Strategy:• Use Google Maps scraping tools (like Outscraper)• Focus on exact category matches• Collect key data points: - Name, address, phone- Reviews & ratings- Hours & location links- Street view images 4) Data Enrichment • Add unique features competitors lack• Include amenity details (shade, benches, etc)• Use AI tools to automate enrichment• Focus on solving specific user problems• Make data actually USEFUL 5) Building The Directory:• Start with simple "static pillar pages"• Target city-specific keywords• Include: - Table of contents- Location details- Embedded maps- Reviews- Internal linking structure 6) Monetization Options • Display ads (most passive)• Affiliate partnerships• Lead generation• Data collection/email lists• Potential SaaS upsell Notable Quotes "AdSense has been the closest thing that I've ever experienced to passive income." - Frey Chu"People are monetizing directories wrong. They're just putting AdSense... The opportunity is actually to build software on top of these directories." - Greg Isenberg 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/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND FREY ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/freychuYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreyChuFrey’s Newsletter: https://shipyourdirectory.kit.com

    54 min

  3. 10 FEB

    The Step-by-Step Plan to Go From $3M to $10M+

    In this episode, Ayman Al-Abdullah, former CEO of AppSumo, shares his framework for scaling businesses from seven to nine figures. The conversation focuses on the importance of customer retention, strategic hiring, and proper incentive structures. Ayman shares insights from his experience scaling AppSumo from $3M to $84M in revenue, emphasizing the transition from founder to CEO mindset. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and background02:47 - Discussion of the Nine Steps framework08:13 - Team building and executive compensation10:35 - The Reality of Startup Valuations14:36 - The importance of setting a strong foundation15:59 - Focus on Retention Before Growth22:26 - Evaluating Opportunities and Thinking Big29:47 - Examples of Successful Founders that Ayman admires31:35 - The Importance of Focus in Business33:26 - Build Skyscrapers, Not Strip-malls 36:01 - The importance of being the best in the market37:54 - Where to double down in your business40:22 - Testing and Investing in Business Strategies42:05 - Identifying Bottlenecks in Your Business44:39 - Finding Your Zone of Genius Key Points:• The "Nine Steps to Nine Figures" framework divides business growth into three phases: startup, scale-up, and grow-up• Focus on retention and customer loyalty before aggressive growth• Use the "Test Then Invest" framework with 80% resources on core business and 20% on experiments• Structure executive compensation with a 50-50 split between top-line and bottom-line metrics 1) The "Nine Steps to Nine Figures" Framework: Breaks down into 3 phases:• Startup (Product Market Fit)• Scale-up (Company Creation)• Grow-up (Legacy Protection) Most founders get this wrong from day 1... 2) RETENTION over GROWTH  "Building a business without focusing on retention is like building a skyscraper on sand" Every 3% increase in net revenue retention = DOUBLES company valuation Stop chasing growth before you nail retention! 3) The 80/20 Marketing Rule: • 80% of resources on proven channels• 20% on experimental channels Real example: AppSumo tested switching from credits to cash payments for referrals → Became 8-figure revenue channel 4) The Shield vs Sword Framework for Decision Making: Rate every opportunity 1-5 on:• Impact (Sword)• Effort (Shield) Only pursue 8+/10 total score opportunitiesIgnore the rest - they're distractions 5) On Building Your Executive Team: Two core functions:• Sales (CRO)• Delivery (COO) Pro tip: Hire first in YOUR zone of geniusWhy? You'll know what excellence looks like 6) The Triple, Triple, Double, Double Path to $100M: Year 1: $3M → $9MYear 2: $9M → $27MYear 3: $27M → $54MYear 4: $54M → $108M This is how you hit 9-figures in 5 years  7) REVOLUTIONARY Compensation Framework: Forget traditional equity!Instead:• Set total comp package• Let employees choose cash vs equity split• Makes equity REAL by forcing skin in the game 8) CEO Evolution: "The founder is the hardest working personThe CEO should be the laziest" Your job: Think 3-5 quarters ahead while your team executes  Key Takeaway:Focus on retention firstBuild processes before hiringThink in 5-year blocksExecute with intention Notable Quotes:"Product market fit is when it feels like you're wearing a meat suit in a dog park - you just have more leads than you know what to do with." - Ayman"Every 3% increase in net revenue retention doubles a company's valuation." - Ayman 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/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND AYMAN ON SOCIAL Ayman’s Website: https://aymanalabdullah.comX/Twitter: https://x.com/aymanalabdulLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aalab003/

    52 min

  4. 5 FEB

    I built an AI startup in 65 minutes (using ChatGPT, Leonardo AI, Kling AI, ElevenLabs)

    Greg's step-by-step guide to building a startup using AI workflows: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ai-startup In this episode, Omar Choudhry, a serial entrepreneur, shares the exact prompting sequences he uses to combine multiple AI tools to create products people actually want to buy. Watch us build a custom avatar business live. You'll learn the exact process: from crafting the perfect prompts in ChatGPT, to generating images in Leonardo AI, to animating with Kling AI, all the way to automated fulfillment with Printful. This isn't theory - it's a complete blueprint you can copy today. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and overview04:22 - Technical, Audience, and Cultural Shifts10:12 - Explanation of sequential prompting14:15 - How to create an AI Avatar using ChatGPT and Leonardo AI26:18 - Startup Idea 1: Custom AI Greeting Cards36:43 - Teenie Tales MVP showcase43:10 - How to animate AI Avatar’s using Kling AI 52:50 - Startup Idea 2: Personalized AI Sticker’s Key Points:• Detailed walkthrough of creating AI avatars using sequential prompting across multiple AI tools• Exploration of business opportunities in personalized greeting cards and educational materials• Discussion of automated workflows combining ChatGPT, Leonardo AI, and Kling AI• Integration strategies with print-on-demand services like Printful for physical products 1) The Big Shift in Business Models: Traditional path:• Raising VC $$$• Years to launch• Large teams• Office space needed New AI-First path:• Build instantly• Low cost• Zero employees• Remote-first 2) The Sequential Prompting Framework  Omar's genius method:• Use ChatGPT to create prompts• Feed prompts to specialized AI tools• Chain outputs together• Build user-friendly frontend Example flow:ChatGPT → Leonardo AI → Kling AI → 11Labs 3) Business Idea #1: AI-First Greeting Cards  The $400M Moonpig-killer:• Upload photos → Get AI avatars• Generate personalized scenes• Add animation & voice• Print physical cards Monetization:• $7-10 per card• $10-15 monthly subs• Gift upsells 4) Business Idea #2: Educational AI Stickers  Target market: Schools & Teachers The product:• Custom teacher avatars• Personalized student stickers• Achievement celebrations• Classroom decorations Distribution:• Direct mail to principals• School district partnerships 5) The Technical Stack  Tools needed:• ChatGPT for prompts• Leonardo AI for images• Remove.bg for backgrounds• Printful API for fulfillment• Zapier/Make for automation CAC potential: $15/customer 6) Marketing Strategy  Guerrilla tactics:• Find faculty directories• Create custom samples• Direct mail campaigns• Social media DM outreach• Leverage virality in schools Pro Tip: Start manual, perfect the process, then automate! 7) BONUS INSIGHT  The real opportunity isn't just in the tools - it's in the UX layer on top. Build specific solutions for specific problems.Create branded experiences.Make it dead simple to use. The tools are commodities. The experience is the moat. Notable Quotes:"We're building full workflows today using AI avatars. I'm going to have a ton of business ideas that you can start immediately with zero employees." - Omar "By the end of this episode, you'll be able to assemble an AI SaaS product that can literally print you cash." - Omar 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/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND OMAR ON SOCIAL 5 Day Sprint - Build with AI: https://www.skool.com/5-day-sprint/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/omarchoudhry/X/Twitter: https://x.com/OmarChoudhryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarchoudhry/?originalSubdomain=uk

    1h 5m

  5. 3 FEB

    4 microSaaS ideas you can build to make $100k/month

    In this episode, Sari Azout, Founder and CEO of Sublime,  explores various startup ideas and business concepts. The discussion centers on the evolving nature of startups in the AI era, emphasizing the importance of focusing on specific, well-defined problems rather than broad solutions. Sari shares multiple business ideas, from parental control services to creative tools, while discussing the philosophy behind building successful products in today's market. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and setup00:57 - Startup Idea 1: DrScreenTime06:39 - Startup Idea 2: Business-in-a-box ideas13:34 - What becomes scarce in an AGI world? 14:38 - Founders and Their Approaches16:10 - Akio Morita Simplicity Principle 17:01 - Startup Idea 3: Podshot 22:10 - Discussion on micro-startups 25:53 - Testing Ideas and Positioning29:03 -  Feedback and Intuition33:04 - Startup Idea 4: Meme generator  Key Points:• Discussion of several innovative startup ideas including "DrScreenTime" (parental control franchise), PodShot, and meme generator • Exploration of business-in-a-box concepts and the future of trades/crafts• Analysis of micro-startups vs. traditional startup approaches 1) The "Franchise for Parental Controls" Idea  Parents are desperate for help managing screen time. Current solutions = messy. Opportunity: In-home screen time consultants who: - Set up controls- Create family rules- Recommend apps/tools Revenue model:• $2K setup fee• Recurring affiliate revenue• Think "Dr. Screen Time"  2) The "Business in a Box" Trend  Big insight: What becomes scarce in an AI world?Answer: People doing things with their hands! Opportunity: Modern craft business franchise• Partner with local artists• Supply chain + education• Target: offline-first experiences• Status = disconnecting from screens 3) The Trade School Revolution  Huge opportunity in modernizing trade education:• Lambda School model for trades• Zero upfront tuition• Revenue share after job placement• Bundle with business tools/marketing• Focus: plumbing, electrical, etc. Why? Trades becoming MORE valuable in AI era 4) The Micro-Startup Strategy  Modern startup playbook: 1. Have a 10-year vision2. Unbundle into micro-products3. Start with easiest/viral pieces4. Build distribution first Key insight: "Nobody searches for an inspiration engine" 5) Product Development Philosophy  Two types of founders:• Artists (creative vision driven)• Scientists (iteration driven) Choose your path but stick to it. Sari’s 2024 goal: "Take less feedback, trust intuition more" 6) The Meme Generator Opportunity  Final killer idea: Long-form to meme converter• Input: articles, presentations, links• Output: culturally relevant memes• Train on curated meme library• Potential $10M+ SaaS business Why? No idea goes mainstream without memes  Key Takeaway: 2024 startup strategy: 1. Build close to OR far from AI2. Focus on what becomes scarce3. Start micro, think macro4. Distribution not Product Notable Quotes:"No idea will become mainstream if it's not captured in a meme." - Sari Azout"Screenshots are the new bookmarks." - 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/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND SARI ON SOCIAL Sublime: https://sublime.appX/Twitter: https://x.com/sariazoutSubstack: https://sublimeinternet.substack.com

    38 min

  6. 29 JAN

    DeepSeek R1 - Everything you need to know

    Greg's DeepSeek Cheetsheet: From Installation to Expert Prompting: https://www.gregisenberg.com/deepseek Ray Fernando, a former Apple engineer, gives an in-depth tutorial on DeepSeek AI and local model implementation. The conversation includes detailed guide for setting up local AI environments using Docker and OpenWebUI, and how to implement DeepSeek on mobile using the Apollo app. Key Points:• Comprehensive overview of DeepSeek AI and its reasoning capabilities• Discussion of data privacy concerns when using Chinese-hosted models• Detailed tutorial on running AI models locally using Docker and OpenWebUI• Comparison of different AI model providers (Fireworks, Grok, OpenRouter)• Mobile implementation of AI models using Apollo app Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:34 - Overview of DeepSeek05:29 - Data privacy concerns with Chinese-hosted models08:02 - Running Models Locally with OpenWebUI10:06 - Comparing Hosting Providers: Fireworks and Groq16:54 - Cost Comparison of using/running AI Models18:35 - Improving Prompts for Better Outputs22:41 - Running AI Models Locally: A Step-by-Step Guide37:09 - Mobile AI implementation discussion45:27 - Future implications and closing thoughts 1) DeepSeek's R1 Model - What's the big deal? • On par with ChatGPT's reasoning capabilities• Open source & free to use• BUT hosted in China (data privacy concerns)• Incredible for analysis and content generation 2) Alternative Ways to Use DeepSeek: • Fireworks AI ($8/million tokens)• OpenRouter• Grok API• Local hosting (safest for sensitive data) 3) Running AI Models Locally  Step-by-step setup:• Install Docker• Use OpenWebUI• Download models via Ollama• Configure API connections Pro tip: Takes 5 mins to set up, saves hours of worry about data privacy 4) Mobile AI is HERE! • Apollo app lets you run models locally on phone• Download smaller, optimized models• Works offline• Perfect for quick analysis on the go 5) Temperature Settings Explained: High temp (0.8-1.0) = Creative modeLow temp (0-0.3) = Logical mode Choose based on your needs! 6) FUTURE PREDICTIONS  • Watch-based AI coming soon• Emergency response applications• Real-time negotiation assistance• Advanced audio analysis 7) Getting Started Tips: • Start with public data on DeepSeek• Experiment with different models• Use temperature settings wisely• Focus on practical use cases Notable Quotes:"We're in this new deep-seek world where if you figure out the model that works for you and the tasks that you want to accomplish, you might be able to out-compete whoever you're competing against." - Greg "Please don't be fearful or don't feel like you're left behind. If you're just finding out about this, you're not that far behind. We're all actually still trying to understand what this intelligence can give us." - Ray Fernando 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/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND RAY ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/RayFernando1337YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RayFernando1337Ray's Website: https://www.rayfernando.ai

    52 min

  7. 27 JAN

    I Met Charlie Munger and Discovered How Billionaires Really Think

    Meet David Senra, the guy who turned his obsession with reading about successful people into a million-dollar podcast. He's read over 300 books about the world's biggest entrepreneurs and shares all the best bits on his show, Founders. In this episode, David breaks down exactly how he finds golden nuggets of wisdom in these books, building deep relationships with founders, and insights from meetings with figures like Charlie Munger. Timestamps:00:00 - Intro and Founders Origin Story 07:10 - The importance of Naming and Branding14:56 - Energy Transfer in Relationships and Cities 19:51 - How to become World-Class25:03 - Startup Idea 1: Founders for Kids26:52 - The Value of Biographies31:28 - The Power of Long Attention Spans37:42 - You’re never too late39:32 - Innovative ways entrepreneurs monetized their business44:05 - Work - Life Balance Problems with High Achievers48:38 - Meeting with Charlie Munger55:22 - Monetization strategy and business model of Founders 1:01:28 - Biography recommendations and reading strategies1:08:55 - Career Advice from Charlie Munger 1) On Building a World-Class Podcast: "Find what you're meant to do and let time carry the weight" David's moat: 375+ books read, connecting historical figures across episodes. To compete, you'd need to read all those books first. And he keeps going.  2) On Business Models: Fascinating approach to podcast monetization:• Only 2 long-term partners (2-year contracts)• Focus on brand partnerships vs CPM• Deep relationships with founders first• Think Nike/Tiger Woods, not traditional podcast ads 3) On Learning from History: "Biographies are the closest thing to finding a cheat code in real life" Every great entrepreneur studied other great entrepreneurs:• Elon read Franklin, Ford, Tesla• Edison read every bio in Detroit library• Jobs studied Edwin Land 4) On Work Ethic & Balance: Key insight: Almost every legendary figure sacrificed balance for greatness One exception: Ed Thorpe (Episode 222)• Built first quant hedge fund• Amazing father/husband• Stayed in shape• Lived a thrilling life 5) On Memory & Knowledge: It's not natural talent - it's "maddening repetition" David's method:• Rereads highlights daily• Re-listens to old episodes• Updates/re-edits past content• Constantly connects historical figures 6) STARTUP IDEA  "Founders for Kids" - Comic book-style biographies teaching entrepreneurship to children Why it works:• Proven model (worked for @SamParr)• Huge educational value• Underserved market• Scalable content 7) Key Quote Worth Remembering: "Money comes naturally as a result of service" - Henry Ford The best entrepreneurs don't chase billions - they chase excellence in service. 8) Final Wisdom: Want to be world-class? The competition isn't as fierce as you think. Most people:• Never try• Quit quickly• Lack patience Notable Quotes:"I think podcasting is building relationships at scale." - David Senra "Money comes naturally as a result of service." - Henry Ford (quoted by David Senra) 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/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND DAVID ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/FoundersPodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@founderspodcast4055Founders Podcast: https://www.founderspodcast.com/

    1h 17m

  8. 22 JAN

    Why 2,500 Subscribers Is All You Need For $1M

    Jonathan "Jicecream" Courtney believes that in 2025, basic marketing still outperforms everything: a simple 90-minute webinar turns 200 attendees into 20 buyers, even with just 2,500 subscribers. The framework is dead simple - 20 minutes on your story, 15 minutes on the solution, 20 minutes showing the transformation, then offering them a choice between DIY or done-for-you. He goes into it in this episode. Key Points:• Detailed breakdown of successful webinar funnel structures and challenge funnels• Discussion of basic marketing fundamentals that still work in 2025• Exploration of how software companies can use traditional funnel marketing techniques Timestamps:00:00 - Intro03:17 - Greg’s New Year Reflections11:19 - JC's transition from CEO to an advisory role22:07 - How to make deals with influencers25:10 - Detailed breakdown of webinar funnels30:28 - The structure of webinar funnels37:07 - How to use funnels for SaaS products and challenge funnels explained 47:25 - Product recommendations and wrap-up 1) The Basic Funnel Formula Still Works:• Email list → Webinar → Product sale• Even with just 2,500 subscribers• Live training converts WAY better than direct email• 90-min webinar can turn 200 attendees into 20 buyers 2) Perfect Webinar Structure (by Russell Brunson):• 20min: Your story & struggles• 15min: The "vehicle" (solution you discovered)• 20min: Impact & transformation• Present options: DIY vs accelerated path• Close with clear next steps 3) Challenge Funnels Are Underrated:• Perfect for SaaS & digital products• 30-day format with daily support• Free trial + structured program• Examples: - Notion + Second Brain challenge- Fitness apps + weight loss challenge- Meditation apps + mindfulness challenge 4) The Warm-Up Step is CRUCIAL:• Direct pitching rarely works• Need a middle step to build excitement• Options: - Webinars- Challenges- Info sessions- Live trainings 5) List Partnerships Done Right:• Never cold pitch for list access• Build relationships first• Consider paid partnerships ($10k can be worth it for 1M+ list)• Focus on value alignment KEY TAKEAWAY:Basic funnels still work incredibly well in 2024, but you need: 1. A list (even small)2. Warming step (webinar/challenge)3. Clear transformation story4. Tactful execution Notable Quotes:"Most of the real basics work so goddamn well today. Like 2025, we can launch a product using basically just the same webinar. Just email your list, send them to a webinar." - JC "When a company is doing well, they don't want me involved... They want the strategic advice. They want access to connections." - Greg Isenberg 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/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/AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

    52 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    199
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Startup Ideas Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Startup Ideas Podcast

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