The Startup Ideas Podcast

Join me as I chat with Blake Anderson, Co-Founder of Apex, as we discuss his frameworks and strategies for building and scaling viral AI Apps. Learn his step-by-step formula creating viral apps. 

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
02:59  Why build AI Apps
04:58 Startup Idea 1: Career AI
08:19 Blake's framework for building Viral AI Apps
10:38 Finding influencers
13:23 Product Development
17:25 Startup Idea 2: Journal AI
24:01 Paywalls and Payment Strategy
29:03 Startup Idea 3: Language AI
24:01 How to find more AI app ideas

1) Career AI: The all-in-one career advancement tool
• Combines resume analysis, career quizzes, & job application tips
• Use AI to create a 6-factor rating system for resumes (like Madden ratings)
• Design viral hooks: "I'm a senior and it says I should study CS!"

Distribution strategy:
• Target students on IG, TikTok, LinkedIn
• Partner with ed-tech influencers
• Split test different hooks across niches

2) Journal AI: Your AI-powered second brain
• Branded as a journal, functions like an emotional support assistant
• Provides productivity insights, relationship analysis, and emotional support
• Uses ChatGPT with enhanced memory storage
Key insight: People already use ChatGPT as a journal. This makes it official.
Naming tip: Consider friendly names like "Juni" or "Journey" instead of "AI"

3) Language AI: The Duolingo disruptor
• Create a dynamic, AI-powered language learning app
• Leverage newest AI voice-to-voice models as they become cheaper
• Update content dynamically, unlike Duolingo's static modules

Why it could work:
• Even 1% of Duolingo's market = $100M company
• High-intent users willing to pay
• Established players move slower than scrappy startups

4) Blake's framework for building viral AI apps:
1. Iterate on virality from day one
2. Split test hooks, influencers, and product features
3. Build personal relationships with influencers (don't use marketplaces)
4. Design around both functionality AND virality
5. Use tools like Superwall for easy paywall testing

5) Pricing strategy: Optimize for (users^n * profit per user), where n is greater than 1
• This prioritizes growth and market dominance over short-term profits.
• Blake's hot take: The "evil" onboarding flow that works

1. Get users to input personal info for "customization"
2. Hit them with a paywall at the end

• It's effective, but Blake admits it feels morally questionable. Use at your own risk.

6) Bonus tip: Create burner social media accounts to immerse yourself in your target niche.
• Curate your feed around your app's topic to truly understand your audience.

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

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. 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/

Stop Building Websites That Look Good But Don’t Sell: https://www.designscientist.com/design-store?b=https://www.designscientist.com/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND BLAKE ON SOCIAL
Blake’s startup: http://apex.inc/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/blakeandersonw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeandersonw/

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

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:46 Startup Idea 1: AI-Generated UGC Ads 
16:10 Startup Idea 2: AI Infographic Generator 
21:14 Startup Idea 3: AI Journaling App 
30:10 Startup Idea 4: Novel DTC products 
36:39 Startup Idea 5: Creator Business Model 2.0
44:13 Startup Idea 6: AI Receptionist 

1) AI-Generated UGC Ads 
• Use AI avatars + scripts to create UGC-style ads at scale
• Test 100s of variations quickly and cheaply
• Use for paid ads AND organic social content
• Huge arbitrage opportunity right now

How to distribute:
• Run as Facebook ads to conversion event
• Post across multiple burner accounts on TikTok/Reels

2) AI Infographic Generator 
• 9,000 searches/month for "AI infographic generator"
• Turn blog posts into visually appealing infographics
• Save time and money for businesses

Distribution:
• SEO - exact match domain already acquired
• B2B sales - infographics proven to increase engagement

3) AI Journaling App 
• 8,100 searches/month, trending up fast
• Voice recording + transcription + AI insights
• Daily habit tracking + ability to query past entries

Growth strategy:
• Partner with journaling YouTubers (200+ videos, affiliate commissions)
• TikTok/Instagram influencer sponsorships

4) Creator Business Model 2.0 
• Short-form content → Lead magnet → Email list → Long-form YouTube
• Monetize through ads, sponsorships, and newsletter
• Scale to multiple channels/niches

Pro tip: Use community to ideate products for your audience

5/ AI Receptionist 
• Huge demand, especially for specific industries (dentists, etc.)
• Answers FAQs, schedules appointments, integrates with CRMs
• Outperforms human receptionists in many cases

Target market: Local businesses struggling to hire front desk staff

6) Novel DTC products 
• Create daily-use products with novel formats (e.g., toothpaste cubes)
• Focus on "clean living" trends
• Design for TikTok virality

Key: Make it a consumable for repeat purchases

7) AI-powered outbound calls 
• Use APIs like VAPI for managing calls
• Applications: Lead qualification, debt collection, appointment reminders
• Massive efficiency gains for businesses

Tip: Don't reinvent the wheel - find existing categories and remix with AI

Remember: Don't try to be too creative. Find validated markets and apply new tech to solve old problems better, faster, cheaper.

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

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. 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

Stop Building Websites That Look Good But Don’t Sell: https://www.designscientist.com/design-store?b=https://www.designscientist.com/

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

I’m joined by Jordan Mix, Operating Partner at Late Checkout, to discuss how to build swipe files and how to remix successful strategies. Jordan breaks down why these marketing funnels work and the anatomy of a successful funnel.

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:27 Why build Swipe Files
04:00 Example 1: Tweets
08:40 Example 2: DTC Product
12:10 Example 3: Thumbnails
14:47 Example 4: Landing Page
18:46 The Anatomy of a Funnel
22:22 Example 5: Email Followup
26:13 Example 6: Digital Lead Magnet
28:57 Example 7: IRL Lead Magnet
30:26 Creating a Got Got Swipe File
31:14 Innovating on Pricing
31:33 Micro SaaS idea: AI Agent Funnel Scraper

1) We see 4,000-10,000 ads daily. Turn that consumption into creation with a swipe file.
The best way to learn how to sell? Study how YOU got sold.
Create a "got got" file - save anything that makes you take action (click, share, buy).

2) Use My Mind to easily save & organize inspiration:
• Chrome extension for quick saves
• Tag system for easy retrieval
• Serendipity feature to surface random inspo
Beats bookmarking tweets you'll never see again!

3) Look for pattern interrupts & scroll-stoppers.
Example: Not Fried chicken ice cream
Lessons:
• Combine unexpected elements
• Use high contrast visuals
• Mix hot & cold concepts
Apply this thinking to your digital products!

4) Anatomy of a killer funnel:
• Top: Free value (content, lead magnets)
• Middle: Nurture (email sequences, surveys)
• Bottom: Convert (calls, buy buttons)
Key: Top should be ALL about THEM. Only talk about yourself at the bottom.

5) IRL to URL: Don't forget offline lead gen!
Tiago Forte's "Building a Second Brain" book:
• Bonus chapter accessed via URL in book
• Segments readers for targeted offers
Think: How can you bridge physical & digital worlds?

6) Innovation isn't just about product. Consider:
• Marketing innovation
• Pricing model innovation
Example: Sublime app's "pay what you want" model
Could this work for your biz?

7) Micro SaaS idea: AI Agent Funnel Scraper
Automatically collect & analyze:
• Email sequences
• Sales funnels
• Marketing tactics
Build a searchable database of winning strategies to remix!

8) Remember: Everyone's seeing "cool stuff" daily. You just need to train yourself to notice & capture it.

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

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. 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

Stop Building Websites That Look Good But Don’t Sell: https://www.designscientist.com/design-store?b=https://www.designscientist.com/
FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JORDAN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/jrdnmix
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-mix1/

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into how to build million dollar sales funnels. Jonathan shares his strategies and frameworks for creating sales funnels that will 10x your conversion rate

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
03:04  Sales Funnels explained (Websites vs Funnels) 
15:53 Ugly funnels convert better!
17:52 The magic formula and example 1
25:28 What businesses should use funnels
34:11 Example 1 continued 
44:58 Pixeling + retargeting = marketing gold
50:15 Example 2: Book Funnel
56:27 The MIFGY secret (Most Incredible Free Gift Yet)

1) Websites are not Funnels
Websites = brochures
Funchannels = $$$ machines
Most businesses confuse the two. Don't make that mistake!

2) The magic formula:
Facebook/YouTube ads → Landing page → Free valuable content → Call booking
This simple funnel structure has generated MILLIONS for AJ&Smart

3) Ugly funnels convert better! 
Jonathan's "ugliest" funnel:
• 4 years old
• Looks terrible
• Generated $20M+ revenue
Lesson: Done is better than perfect. Launch fast, iterate later.

4) The power of long-form content:
1-hour training video → Deeper engagement → More qualified leads
People who invest time watching = more likely to buy

5) Pixeling + retargeting = marketing gold
Track visitors, show them targeted ads across platforms.
Build an inescapable marketing web!

6) Email marketing isn't dead, it's EVOLVING
Capture emails → Drip feed value → Segment based on behavior → Targeted offers
Smart email funnels = predictable revenue

7) Physical products STILL WORK in digital age
Free book funnel = game changer
People love holding something tangible. Use it to your advantage!

8) The MIFGY secret (Most Incredible Free Gift Yet)
Stack one-time bonuses on your offer. Create FOMO.
Even high-end brands use this. It just WORKS.

9) Key takeaway: Funnels aren't sleazy, they're ESSENTIAL
Top brands like Eight Sleep, AG1, and Whoop all use these tactics.
It's not about tricking people. It's about guiding them to solutions they need.

10) Want to dive deeper?
Read "Expert Secrets" and "DotCom Secrets" by Russell Brunson
Study Facebook Ad Library to reverse-engineer competitor funnels

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 

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. 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/

Community Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses: http://communityempire.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/

Join me as I chat with Sarah Lacy, Co-Founder of The Best Book Store , as we discuss  a variety of EdTech startup ideas.  Sarah also shares her the lessons she learned from studying Mark Zuckerberg and her advice for networking and storytelling

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:46  Startup Idea 1: Pre-MBA Entrepreneurship Program for Tween Girls
23:53  Networking and Storytelling as Key Skills
31:13 Lessons Learned from Mark Zuckerberg
36:33 Startup Idea 2: AI-Powered Author Coaching Bots

1) Startup Idea 1: Pre-MBA Entrepreneurship Program for Tween Girls
Why it's HOT:
• Tackles confidence drop in adolescence
• Teaches negotiation, self-worth, ideation
• Potential to transform female leadership

Key features:
• Online curriculum for schools
• Real-world challenges with local businesses
• Focus on digital marketing, not outdated door-to-door sales

Monetization strategy:
• Sell to schools (public & private)
• Sponsorships from big brands (Nike, anyone?)
Pro tip: Use storytelling to sell to sponsors. Remember the water charity campaign? ONE story can lead to big numbers.

2) Startup Idea 2: AI-Powered Author Coaching Bots
Problem: People buy self-help books but struggle to apply the lessons long-term.

Solution: Daily prompts & coaching from an AI avatar of the author!

 How it works:
• Personalized daily check-ins
• Reminders to apply book concepts
• Voice & look of the actual author

Potential authors to target:
• James Clear (Atomic Habits)
• Adam Grant
• Brené Brown

 Business model:
• Partner with publishers
• Drive book pre-orders (10k = NYT Bestseller!)
• Offer exclusive access to early adopters

3) Zuckerberg Insight 👀

What made young Zuck unique? EXTREME HUMILITY + self-awareness.

"He knows when he doesn't know something, and he doesn't just go in to learn it. He gives himself... a position of extreme humility." - Sarah Lacy

4) Key takeaway: NETWORK + STORYTELLING = Startup success

Remember: It's not just WHO you know, but HOW you pitch your idea! 

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 

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. 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/

Community Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses http://communityempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND SARAH ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/sarahcuda
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcuda/
The Best Book Store: https://bestbookstore.com/

Join me as I chat with John Rush, a serial entrepreneur, as we dive deep into how to build and scale directories. John shares his strategies and frameworks to for how to use AI and SEO to build and scale cash flowing directories.

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:12  Why directories
02:59 How to find directory ideas
08:43 Building your directory
19:47 Promoting your new directory:
23:27  SEO for Directory
29:53 Data/Content for Directory 
34:25 How to monetize Directory 
42:29 What are the multiples for Directory 
45:20 How large can a directory became

1) Why directories are hot right now:
• More content online = higher need for curation
• People trust well-curated directories
• Less SEO competition than other niches

2) How to find directory ideas:
• Use Google Keyword Planner
• Look for high search volume, low competition keywords
• Find available domain names that match or are close to target keywords

3) Building your directory:
• Use no-code tools (like Unicorn Platform) for speed
• Start simple - focus on listing items, not features
• Use AI to generate initial content and structure

4) Promoting your new directory:
• Share on relevant Reddit threads (carefully!)
• List your directory in other directories
• Engage on social media, especially Twitter
• Focus on SEO after initial validation

5) SEO strategy for directories:
• Start with ~10 high-quality articles
• Use tools or AI to generate SEO-optimized content
• Focus on internal linking and site structure
• Add trending items quickly to capture search traffic

6) Monetization strategies:
• B2B sponsorships and featured listings
• Affiliate links (especially for high-ticket items)
• Sell anonymized data or insights
• Charge for premium listings or access
• Brand sponsorships for established directories

7) The power of directories for SaaS:
• Easier to win SEO traffic than direct SaaS marketing
• Use directories to funnel traffic to your main product
• Consider buying relevant directories for instant traffic

8) Realistic expectations:
• $5K MRR achievable as a side project
• Up to $20K MRR with focused effort
• Million-dollar potential exists (but rare)

9) Why start with directories:
• Lower failure rate than SaaS
• Faster dopamine hits (traffic, first sale)
• Great way to learn digital product development

Pro Tip: Don't fall in love with one idea. Launch multiple directories, see what sticks after 30 days, then double down on winners!

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 

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. 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 [BoringMarketing.com](http://boringmarketing.com/)

Community Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses http://communityempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JOHN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/johnrushx
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrushx/
John’s directory guide: https://johnrush.me/directory-guide/

Join me as I chat with Anu Atluru, startup builder, angel investor, and writer, as we dive deep into how to build and scale premium dating apps, and Anu shares her thoughts on how to leverage status to position and growth hack your startup. 

Episode Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:27  Startup Idea 1: Premium Dating App for Niche Markets
20:51 Startup Idea 2: AI Girlfriends/Boyfriends for Niche Demographics 
27:23 Startup Idea 3: "Riz-maxing" app
30:55 Startup Idea 4: Report cards for life
35:15  Pricing strategy shift
39:10  Content format discussion

1) The League 2.0: Dating app for modern status symbols 
- Original League app sold for $30M+ to Match Group

a) Charged up to $2,499/month (!) for premium memberships
b) New version could filter by:

- YC founders
- Follower counts
- Who follows you

Key insight: Status markers have evolved beyond just education/job

2) Why now for League 2.0? 
- Cheaper than ever to launch dating apps

a) More distribution channels to hack growth
b) People desperate for new ways to find partners
c) Premium/niche dating apps are HOT

Example: Lox Club for Jewish singles crushing it

3) Controversial idea alert: AI girlfriends/boyfriends for niche demographics 
- Huge financial opportunity (but ethically questionable)
- Google Trends shows massive spike in interest
- Could target specific ethnicities, religions, etc.

Opportunity for brave founders, but proceed with caution!

4) "Riz-maxing" app: Charisma coach in your pocket 
- AI listens to your convos & scores social skills
- Gives feedback on awkwardness, charisma, etc.
- People crave honest social feedback

Think: Looksmaxxing app, but for personality

5) Report cards for life: Huge untapped opportunity 
- We're conditioned to want feedback from school days
- Adults still crave knowing how they measure up
- Combine with personality tests, IQ tests, etc.

People LOVE data about themselves!

6) Pricing strategy shift: Death of monthly subscriptions? 
- One-time payments
- Lifetime subscriptions
- Annual plans
- Pay-what-you-want models

Monthly feels like a "situationship" - users want commitment or freedom!

7) Content creation pro tip: Iterate on format until you find your groove 
- Don't get stuck on what you "should" do
- Experiment with:

a) Live vs. async
b) Solo vs. group
c) Short-form vs. long-form
d) Audio vs. video

Find your emotional center & natural aptitude!

8) Challenge: Create more novel content formats! 
Ideas:
- Tech/culture Daily Show
- Startup Cribs (MTV-style home tours)
- Live, unscripted breakdowns
Push to extremes - avoid the crowded middle!

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 

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. 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/

Community Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses http://communityempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND ANU ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/anuatluru
Newsletter: https://www.workingtheorys.com

Join me as I chat with Andrew Wilkinson, Co-Founder of Tiny, as we explore innovative startup ideas, and his frameworks for finding and building startups

Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:55 Startup Idea 1: Robot Lawn-mowing Service/Directory
17:54 Startup Idea 2: CPAP alternatives for Sleep Apnea
26:24 Startup Idea 3: Computer Vision for Small Biz 
32:03 Startup Idea 4: Negotiating as a Service 
36:48 Startup Idea 5: Sperm Freezing Made Easy 
42:50 Startup Idea 6: Community Building as a Service 

1) Robot Lawnmower Revolution 
• Buy robot mowers, geofence yards
• Start a mowing company with ZERO labor
• ROI beats solar panels (6-12 month payback)
• Opportunity: Review site for mowers (affiliate $$$)

2) Sleep Apnea Gold Rush 
• Apple Watch can now diagnose sleep apnea
• 80-90% of cases undiagnosed
• Opportunities:
a) Buy sleep clinics
b) DTC alternatives to CPAP
c) App using Apple Watch data
d) Financing for CPAP machines
• Sleep tech is about to EXPLODE

3) Computer Vision for Small Biz 
• Mount an old iPhone in your store
• Get heat maps, customer behavior insights
• Identify repeat vs. new customers
• Enterprise-level tech now accessible to SMBs

4) The Ultimate Negotiator 
• Most employees HATE negotiating
• Idea: Outsourced negotiation for EVERYTHING
• Houses, cars, software, office supplies
• Take a % of savings

5) Sperm Freezing Made Easy 
• Older fathers = higher risk of complications
• Current process is awkward and clinical
• Idea: At-home kit, ship back with dry ice
• ZERO Google Ads competition (for now)

6) Community Building as a Service 
• EO/YPO Forum model: Monthly deep discussions
• Build trust, solve problems, forge friendships
• Opportunities beyond just business groups
• "Secular church" concept

7) Bonus: Undiagnosed Illness Detection 
• Smartwatches can detect more than sleep apnea
• AFib, hypertension, stress/anxiety
• Huge market for early, non-invasive detection
• The future of healthcare is on your wrist

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 

Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. 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/

Community Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses =http://communityempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND ANDREW ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/awilkinson
Never Enough: https://www.neverenough.com/
Tiny: https://www.tiny.com/

Join me as I chat with Romain Torres, Co-Founder of Arcads AI, as we discuss his frameworks and strategies for finding and building profitable AI Apps. Learn his step-by-step formula to building and growth hacking apps. 

Episode Timestamps
0:00 Intro
00:49 Introduction to AI Apps and User Acquisition
10:38 Product-Led Growth
13:30 ASO (Apple Search Optimization)
21:13 Organic Social Growth Hacks
33:51  Paid Ads Strategy
40:30 Creating Ads at Scale with AI Tools

1) Three main strategies to grow mobile apps:
• TikTok/Instagram organic growth
• Paid ads (FB, TikTok, Google)
• Apple Search Optimization (ASO)
• Each has its pros and cons.

2) ASO (Apple Search Optimization) 101:
• Find keywords with high volume, low competition
• Put keywords in app title
• Optimize app store page conversion rate
• Get reviews & high initial download velocity
• Pro tip: Use AppFigures to research keywords & opportunities

3) Organic social growth hack:
• Create native-looking content (not ads)
• Integrate app naturally into videos
• Post consistently across platforms
• Leverage micro-influencers for reach
• Example: Travel buddy app crushing it with wanderlust reels 

4) Paid ads strategy:
• Test THOUSANDS of ad variations
• Use AI to scale ad creation (tools like @ArcAdsAI)
• Iterate on winning formats
• Localize ads for different markets
• Key insight: AI makes testing 1000s of ads feasible for small teams

5) Case study: 17yo dev makes $400k/mo with AI calorie tracking app 
• Found trend on Reddit/TikTok
• Built simple AI-powered app
• Leveraged micro-influencers for organic growth
• Iterated on viral formats
• Lesson: Sometimes "overdone" ideas + AI + great marketing = $$$

6) Monetization hack: Niche down existing app ideas
• Examples:
a) Dating apps for specific demographics
b) Bible app for women
c) Plant identifier for specific countries
• Smaller audience, but higher conversion rates & less competition

7) AI is leveling the playing field:
• Easier to build MVP with ChatGPT
• Faster ad creation & testing
• Quick localization for global markets
• You don't need VC $ to compete with big players anymore!

8) Key takeaway: Success = Product-Market Fit + Execution
• Find proven demand (ASO, trends)
• Add AI "sizzle" to existing concepts
• Execute relentlessly on product & marketing
• Test, iterate, scale

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!

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FIND ROMAIN ON SOCIAL
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Arcads AI: https://www.arcads.ai/

Join me as I chat with Samir Chaudry, Co-Founder of Colin and Samir, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of content creation, technology, and the future of media. 

Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:20 AR glasses
10:46 The future of Content in an attention economy
15:15 Samir’s Youtube and content strategy
21:50 Content Formats
29:56 Why it’s hard to standout on Youtube
33:58 Samir’s thoughts on Monetization
45:20 VR vs. AR
50:35 Creators should build software
56:58 Advice from Tim Ferris

1) AR glasses: The next big thing? 
•  Meta's Orion AR glasses left a big impression. Samir thinks they could replace smartphones... but not as soon as Zuckerberg predicts.
•  Greg’s timeline: 2035-2040 for mainstream adoption. Start experimenting NOW.

2) Content creation is evolving FAST 
• YouTube's push for connected TV means:
• 30+ minute videos
• Organized into series
• Netflix-like UI

3) The "Exit Velocity" problem 
• On YouTube, if 70% of viewers are still watching after 5 minutes, you're CRUSHING IT.
• Reality check: Audience retention is harder than ever. Hook them FAST or lose them forever.

4) Monetization strategy: Value Prop Extension 
• Don't just chase any sponsorship. Ask:
• What's my core value proposition?
• Which brands align with that mission?
• How can I extend that value to my audience?
Authenticity = $$$

5) The future might value INEFFICIENCY 🤯
• As AI makes everything hyper-efficient, there will be a premium on verifiably human experiences.
• Example: Paying $$$ for a live concert vs. streaming for free.

6) Events are the next big opportunity for creators 🎉
• Build community
• Create unforgettable experiences
• Solve the "loneliness problem" for your audience

7) VR vs. AR: Place your bets 
• Samir's not sold on VR. He believes AR/mixed reality has a brighter future.
• Why? People still want to be part of the real world, not fully immersed.

8) The creator's dilemma: Opportunity rich, time poor 
• Biggest challenge? Finding operators who can maintain quality as you scale.
• Lesson: Your content is still your #1 product. Everything else comes second.

9) Final wisdom from Tim Ferris
•  Separate the rewards of podcasting:
a) The conversation itself
b) The performance/results
• Enjoy the process, not just the metrics!

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/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND SAMIR ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/samirchaudry
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColinandSamir/videos
Workshop: https://courses.colinandsamir.com/50-ideas-in-5-days-waitlist
Publish Press: https://www.thepublishpress.com/