The Startup Ideas Podcast

Greg Isenberg
  • 4.8 (148)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
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. 3 HR. AGO

    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

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    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

  3. SEP 9

    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

  4. SEP 4

    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

  5. SEP 2

    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

  6. AUG 29

    The step by step guide to starting a business from $0

    I’m joined by Adam Robinson who has bootstrapped startups to millions of dollars in revenue, as we deep dive on how we would validate and grow a startup idea. 1) The Yonder Phone Pouch market is exploding• Locks phones away to create "phone-free spaces"• Already in schools, concerts, comedy shows• Huge potential for innovation (charging, remote unlock, etc.)• Adam predicts 98% of middle schools will require in 10 years 2) How to validate & launch a Yondr competitor:• Target affluent customers first (Elon approach)• Have 100s of conversations before building• Look for "eyes lighting up" as signal• Prototype only after strong validation 3) Growth strategy: Micro-influencer UGC• Outreach to 1000s of relevant micro-influencers• Send free product, ask for honest posts if they like it• No monetary incentives needed for authentic content• Aim for breadth of coverage, not mega-influencers 4) Copywriting Framework• Study successful brands in similar space (e.g. Jolie)• Use AI (Claude, ChatGPT) to adapt their style• Remember: Don't copy, but get inspired and make it your own 5) The "third way" of building startups:• Combine Rework's bootstrapping principles with Y Combinator's focus on product excellence• Result: Profitable growth without VC dependency• If product is truly excellent, word-of-mouth drives growth 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 ADAM ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/retentionadamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retentionadam/ Episode Timestamps:0:00 Intro02:34 Startup Idea 1: Yondr Phone Pouch 2.009:53 How to validate & launch a Yondr competitor18:41 Growth strategy: Micro-influencer UGC26:28 Copywriting Framework30:43 The "third way" of building startups:

    40 min

  7. AUG 27

    5 validated startup ideas to get you paid (steal these $1M+/year ideas)

    I’m joined by Chris Koerner who owns 8 RV parks + 7 companies, as we jam on 5 ideas he would start tomorrow: 1) Content Management for underserved platforms  • Instagram Reels can be cross-posted to Facebook• FB Reels get massive organic reach (100k+ views/hr)• Clickable links allowed in comments (unlike IG)• Opportunity: Build a tool/agency to automate this for creators 2) Programmatic SEO Franchise • Use tools like Zapier, TagParrot, Whalesync to create 1000s of local landing pages• Target undersaturated home services niches• Sell as a "business in a box" for $10k + monthly fee• Cheaper than a franchise, potentially huge ROI 3) Viral-Content Finder • Content often goes viral on one platform, unknown on others• AI could scan for viral content in your niche across platforms• Automatically repurpose & post to your accounts• Bonus: Add viral potential prediction feature 4) "Lifetime Warranty" DTC Brand  • Inspired by Shady Rays ($130M sunglasses brand)• Offer lifetime replacements, factor cost into pricing• Apply to other niches: flip flops, accessories, etc.• Key: High margins + emotional connection to product 5) Shopify Abandoned Cart Call Center  • Human outreach converts WAY better than automated messages• Target high AOV Shopify stores (100$+)• Offer no upfront cost, take % of recovered sales 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 CHRIS ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/mhp_guyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekoerneroffice/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekoerneroffice/videos 0:00 Intro02:16 Startup Idea 1: Content Management for underserved platforms 10:24 Startup Idea 2:  Programmatic SEO Franchise19:21 Startup Idea 3:  Viral-Content Finder27:15 Startup Idea 4:  "Lifetime Warranty" DTC Brand 30:46 Startup Idea 5:  Shopify Abandoned Cart Call Center 35:09 Most Valuable Platform for Personal Brand Discussion 39:42 Greg’s Elon Story

    44 min

  8. AUG 23

    How I use Pinterest and Google Trends to find startup ideas

    In this episode, we dive deep into uncovering validated startup ideas by leveraging anti-trends on Pinterest and Google Trends. I'll walk you through my workflow, showing you exactly how to use these tools to spot emerging trends, identify key problems and solutions, and find creators and websites thriving in these niches. If you're looking for a fresh approach to finding your next big startup idea, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss! 1) What are anti-trends and how to spot them•  Anti-trends = opposite of what's hot right now• Example: "AI-free" products when EVERYONE is jumping on the AI bandwagon•  Why it works: Creates a unique moat + appeals to overlooked market segments•  How to spot anti-trends: Real-world observations, Social media chatter, Consumer studies (e.g. recent study shows AI mentions LOWER purchase intent)•  Pro tip: Always be on the lookout for what's NOT being talked about 2) Tool: Pinterest deep dive:• Shows monthly/weekly changes• Reveals related trends• Displays popular pins•  Example: "Slow living" trend analysis gives insights into minimalism, cozy bedrooms, etc. 3) Tool: Google Trends + Glimpse hack:• 5-year view of trend growth• Related trends• Social platform activity• Topic maps•  Pro tip: Look for steady, sustainable growth rather than spikes 4) Competitive research workflow:1. Use Claude AI to list top creators/websites in your niche2. Analyze their traffic/backlinks with Ahrefs3. Check creator growth on ViewStats 5) Key questions to ask:• What products/services can I create for this anti-trend?• Where's the audience hanging out?• Any low-hanging fruit in terms of SEO?• Which geographic markets are underserved? 6) Remember: Anti-trends are about serving overlooked markets• There's often less competition and more passionate audiences in these niches• Don't be afraid to go against the grain! 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 🚀  My FREE 5 day email course to learn how to build a business of the future using the ACP funnel:https://www.communityempire.co/free-course 🎯 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. FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ How I use Reddit and AI to find winning startup ideas: https://youtu.be/8vXoI7lUroQ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro00:59 What are anti-trends and how to spot them03:12 Tool 1: Pinterest07:40 Tool 2: Google Trends 08:52 Tool 3: Glimpse13:07 Tool 4: Claude AI finding top creators/websites15:23 Tool 5: Ahrefs for analyzing traffic/backlinks 17:28 Tool 6: ViewStats checking creator growth

    21 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
148 Ratings

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
    154
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Startup Ideas Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Startup Ideas Podcast

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