In this episode, I share comprehensive guide to launching profitable newsletter businesses in 2025, focusing on niche markets and proven monetization strategies. The episode covers various newsletter concepts ranging from local news to B2B decision-makers, with detailed implementation steps and revenue projections for each model. Special emphasis is placed on using newsletters as a foundation to build larger businesses through multiple revenue streams.

Timstamps: 
• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:54 - Newsletter Idea 1: Marketing newsletter for global talent
• 08:03 - Newsletter Idea 2: Platform-based educational newsletters
• 11:24 - Newsletter Idea 3: Unofficial sports team coverage
• 13:03 - Newsletter Idea 4: Local real estate investor news
• 20:55 - Newsletter Idea 5: B2B decision maker
• 25:01 - Newsletter Idea 6: Niche ad examples for media buyers
• 26:37 - Newsletter Idea 7: Meme-based news coverage
• 29:23 - Newsletter Idea 8: Industry-specific AI tips
• 31:12 - Newsletter Idea 9: Leadership lessons and profiles
• 34:38 - Newsletter Idea 10: Local community newsletters
• 37:14 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Link Mentioned: 

Matt’s full article: https://www.newsletteroperator.com/p/10-newsletter-business-ideas

Matt’s Twitter/X: https://x.com/JMatthewMcGarry

Key Points:
• Detailed breakdown of 10 different newsletter business models with monetization strategies
• Focus on building profitable newsletters with low startup costs and high scalability
• Emphasis on combining paid acquisition (Facebook ads) with organic growth
• Strategy for turning newsletters into larger businesses (software, marketplaces, agencies)

1) Marketing Newsletter for Global Talent 

• Target overseas marketers seeking US jobs
• Cost: $0.25-0.50 per sub via FB ads

• Structure:
1) Remote job listings
2) Digital marketing news
3) Marketing tutorials

Monetization path to $28k/mo:
• Job board ($18k/mo)
• Recruiting blasts ($10k/mo)

2) Platform-Based Newsletter 

Pick ONE tool (Figma, Notion, Perplexity AI) and go deep.

The gold mine here:
• 20-50% recurring affiliate commissions
• Sell premium templates
• Potential acquisition by the platform
• Build & sell SaaS tools to your audience

3) Local Real Estate Investor Newsletter 

The math:
• 5-10k subs
• $2 CPA
• $7.5k/mo in ad revenue
• $50k from seminars
• $50k from premium subs

Total: $190k/year with just 10k subscribers!

4) B2B Decision Maker Newsletter 

The secret sauce:
• Need only 2k subs (if they're the right people)
• Target C-suite in specific industry
• Collect detailed subscriber data
• Charge premium for targeted access

5) Visual News & AI Newsletters 

Two massive opportunities:

A) Meme-based news
• 2-4 stories/day
• Prosumer focus (tech/finance)
• Visual over Text in 2024

B) Industry-specific AI tips
• Target specific verticals
• Focus on time/money saving
• $200/year subscription model

6) Local Community Newsletter 

The playbook:
• Focus on positive news
• Thursday "Weekend Plans" format
• $0.50 CPA possible
• Target high-LTV local sponsors

Real example: Naptown Scoop makes $400k/year in one city!

7) The bigger opportunity? 

Don't just think "newsletter"
Think "audience building machine" that can spawn:
• Software products
• Marketplaces
• Agencies
• Communities

Start with newsletter, expand into empire.

Pro tip: for ANY of these:
• Use pre/post CTAs on social
• Build one social channel alongside
• Collect subscriber data beyond email
• Think paid first, organic second

Pick one and start this weekend! 

Notable Quotes:

"Newsletter businesses are a cheat code... you can build a marketplace, you can build an agency, you can build so much on top of a newsletter."

"You don't need 100,000 subscribers to make $100,000 a year. With 5-10,000 subs, you can make $190,000 a year."

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

Join me as I chat with Avi Schiffmann, Founder and CEO of friend.com, as we discuss technical challenges in AI memory systems and broader startup philosophy. Avi emphasizes the importance of creating new categories rather than competing in existing ones, while advocating for personal growth and confidence as crucial elements of entrepreneurial success. The discussion covers both technical aspects of AI development and philosophical approaches to startup building.

Episode Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Introduction and discussion of memory systems
• 02:04 - Advice for Founders, Competition, Critique of YC 
• 06:02 - Entrepreneurship vs Innovation
• 15:52 - Thoughts on Raising VC Funding and Bootstrapping
• 18:52 - Discussion on Confidence and Personal Growth
• 27:58 - Work Life Balance Discussion
• 31:18 - Startup Idea 1: Memory as a Service

Key Points:
• Discussion of memory systems for AI chatbots and the need for "memory as a service"
• Exploration of startup philosophy and the importance of creating new categories
• Emphasis on personal confidence as a key factor in startup success
• Critique of conventional startup wisdom and YC methodology

1) First, a HUGE opportunity in AI:

Memory as a Service (MaaS) for AI chatbots 
• Current memory systems rely on RAG
• No good solution exists yet
• Companies would pay $$$ to solve this
• Critical for AI relationship products

2) On building in existing categories:

The real advantage of startups?
• Fresh slate in people's minds
• Ability to define new categories
• Instant category leadership

3) MINDSHARE is the only true moat 

Example:
• Claude is better than ChatGPT in quality
• But ChatGPT owns mindshare
• Google trends: ChatGPT = 100, Claude = ~0

Lesson: Better product ≠ Winning product

4) On raising VC:
"The real way you raise is when it becomes about the deal, not what you're working on"
• VCs invest in YOU, not your product
• It's a social game
• They care about who else is in
• Focus on being good at "yapping"

5) The REAL key to startup success:

Personal confidence over YC advice

How to build it:
• Get out of tech bubble
• Build real relationships
• Have experiences
• Travel
• Live life

"No one great ever thought they couldn't be great"

6) On working style:

"You don't need to be at your computer to be working"

• Best ideas come in shower/walks
• Live life, let ideas brew
• Focus on right direction not working hard
• Think through ideas in different places

7) Final wisdom:

"You have a short bubble of consciousness while alive. Don't waste it working on something you're not confidently proud about."

Stop preparing.
Start building.
Be confident.
Make art.

Notable Quotes:
"If you view your work as art, you have no competition and you have no fear of failure."
"It's easier to create a new category than to try and win in an existing category because if you create your own category, you immediately crown yourself king."

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

FIND AVI ON SOCIAL

Friend: https://friend.com
X/Twitter: https://x.com/AviSchiffmann

My comprehensive year in review covering personal achievements, business developments, and investment strategies in 2024. I share a detailed breakdowns of my wealth allocation, business portfolio performance, and social media growth. The review emphasizes a shift toward business simplification, increased focus on AI and technology integration, and the importance of building sustainable, scalable ventures.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:38 Biggest wins
05:54 Biggest losses and lessons
11:47 - Q&A from social media
18:00 - Growth across social platforms
25:00 - Wealth breakdown and investments
33:03 - Business updates
48:16 - Productivity gains
50:48 - New insights and learnings

Key Points:
• Personal milestone of having first child and significant net worth achievement
• Business portfolio performance across Late Checkout Agency, Boring Marketing, and other ventures
• Portfolio breakdown: 75% stocks, 16% private equity, 7% real estate, 2% crypto
• Platform growth across YouTube (11K to 146K subscribers), X/Twitter (361K to 420K followers)
• Strategic shift toward simplification and focus on building "skyscrapers, not strip malls"

1) BIG WINS 2024:

• Had a baby 
• Started lifting consistently (+15-20 lbs muscle)
• Grew podcast into major platform
• Hit personal net worth milestone

2) Portfolio breakdown (fascinating):

• 75% stocks
• 16% private equity
• 7% real estate
• 2% crypto

Top holdings:
• 10% Berkshire
• 10% SPY
• 8% Apple
• 7% Amazon

3) Business Updates:

Late Checkout Agency (LCA):
• Found their niche: AI interfaces + community products
• Booked solid with major brands
• Started taking equity deals with billion-dollar companies

 Boring Marketing & Boring Ads:

• Both crushing it
• $100M+ in ad spend managed
• 76 meetings booked in next few weeks
• Unbundling tools for DIY customers
• Created Boring Holdings umbrella company

5) Key productivity unlocks:

• Switched to Yerba Mate for afternoon energy
• Simplified from Notion to Apple Notes
• Using Things app for to-do lists
• Less tools, more focus

6) Platform Growth 2024:

YouTube: 11K → 146K subs
X: 361K → 420K followers
LinkedIn: 82K → 149K
Newsletter: 72K → 120K subs
Podcast: 360K → 575K downloads

7) Best decision framework:

"Friday Afternoon Test"

- Only make big decisions Friday PM when tired
- If it still feels right then, it's probably right
- Prevents caffeine-fueled impulse choices

8/ MAJOR hiring insight:

"Day Zero Integrity Test"
• Give unclear instructions for small task
• See if they ask questions or just guess
• Reveals everything about future behavior

9/ Key lessons:

• Trust but verify (especially with remote teams)
• Simple over Complex
• Double down on what's working
• Build skyscrapers, not strip malls
• Tech investment over immediate profits

10) 2025 Focus:

• Finding long-term business partners
• Building more proprietary tech
• Simplifying business structure
• Going harder on current opportunities
• Scaling what works

Notable Quotes:
"If this scales, do I want to be in that business? If not, what is the business that I want to be in?"
"My main mission is to build skyscrapers, not strip malls."

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses [https://www.startupempire.co](https://www.startupempire.co/)

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

Join me as I chat with  Daniel Dalen, CEO and Founder of Ecomflow, as we explore various startup ideas and business opportunities, focusing on embeddable businesses and the Shopify ecosystem. We discuss the potential of credibility badges, analyzing both successful and unsuccessful business concepts while sharing insights on product development, aesthetics, and bootstrapping versus venture capital approaches.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:39 - Startup Idea 1: Best Product Plaques for Credibility
09:00 - Startup Idea 2: Embeddable Businesses
31:49 - Startup Idea 3: Shopify ecosystem opportunities
45:53 - Building sustainable businesses
59:47 - Content creation strategy discussion

Key Points:
• Discussion of embeddable businesses and their potential in 2025
• Analysis of credibility badges/plaques as a business model
• Deep dive into Shopify ecosystem opportunities
• Insights on aesthetic vs luxury software products

1) First startup idea: "Best Product of Year" Certification Business

• Similar to Better Business Bureau model
• Sell digital badges + physical plaques to startups
• ~$200/year subscription model
• 99% margins, pure SaaS play
• Key challenge: Need massive distribution to create credibility

2) Second concept: "Embeddable Businesses"

• Greg built http://offerbutton.com as an example
• Place buttons/widgets on other people's websites
• Own digital real estate across the web
• Similar to "Sent with Superhuman" model
• Massive distribution potential through viral embedding

3) Fascinating insight on software categories:

Luxury Software is DEAD
Aesthetic Software is the FUTURE

• Users care more about design than status
• Example: People use Superhuman for its clean UI
• Shows they value design-thinking
• Growing trend in 2024+

4) On building Shopify apps:

• Massive opportunity in DTC ecosystem
• Need to deeply understand specific pain points
• Niche down (ex: CRO for specific industries)
• Can charge premium as money constantly flowing
• Avoid competing with Shopify's core features

5) Building mindset insights from Daniel Dalen:

• Bootstrap over VC if possible
• Focus on cash flow positive businesses
• Build with people who share your values
• Success = freedom to choose your projects
• Document over promote when building in public

6) Hot Take from Greg:

"The wealthiest people have the least amount of recurring meetings"

True wealth = control of your time
Automation over Meetings
Clear calendar = Clear mind

7) Key lesson on content:

Stop asking for likes/subs
Start asking for genuine feedback
Let quality speak for itself
Focus on documenting the journey
Real value drives real engagement

Notable Quotes:
"I feel like luxury software is old, and the new wave is gonna be aesthetic software." - Greg Isenberg
"The wealthiest people have the least amount of recurring meetings." - Greg Isenberg

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

FIND DANIEL ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/danielvandalen
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danieldalen/videos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danieldalen/

I share my experience growing from zero to 145,000 LinkedIn followers in 14 months, generating millions in revenue. I detail specific strategies for LinkedIn growth, including leveraging the new video tab, creating engaging story posts, and utilizing infographics. The presentation explains how to properly monetize a LinkedIn following through strategic content posting and lead magnet implementation.

This talk was given at Andrew Wilkinsons IP2 conference

Learn more about IP3
Andrew's Newsletter: https://neverenoughnewsletter.kit.com/signup
Andrew's Twitter/X: https://x.com/awilkinson
Andrew's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeverEnough2024

Episode Timestamps: 

00:00 - Intro
02:05 - The ACP Funnel Explained
02:50 - Case Study: BoringMarketing.com
04:42 - Tactical Tips for Going Viral on LinkedIn
06:10 - Leveraging Video Content on LinkedIn
08:10 - Crafting Compelling Stories for Engagement
09:46 - Using Infographics to Boost Engagement
10:31 - Monetizing Your LinkedIn Audience
12:16 - Creating Effective Lead Magnets

Key Points:
• LinkedIn in 2024 is comparable to Twitter in 2020 for viral growth potential
• Three main strategies for LinkedIn growth: video content, storytelling posts, and viral infographics
• Monetization through strategic lead magnets and post-editing techniques
• Building the ACP (Audience-Community-Product) funnel for business growth

1) The ACP Framework:
• Audience first
• Convert to Community
• Build Product for them
Example: Boring Marketer → Free community → $8M ARR SEO tool business

2) Why LinkedIn in 2025?
"LinkedIn right now is 2020 Twitter - it's fishing with dynamite"
Greg grew 125K followers in 14 months with just 15 hours of work 

3) LINKEDIN HACK #1: Video Content 

LinkedIn just added a video tab. Nobody knows this yet.
Two options:
• Faceless content with AI voiceover (use @elevenlabs)
• Record yourself

Pro tip: Videos are getting INSANE reach right now

4) LINKEDIN HACK #2: Stories that Convert
• Get someone to interview you
• Extract 15 career stories
• Focus on vulnerable moments
• MUST pair with photo of yourself
• Use storytelling frameworks

5) LINKEDIN HACK #3: Viral Infographics
• Find previously viral infographics
• Repost with credit
• Add universally agreeable caption
• Example: "This year's gonna be great" → 151K likes

6) THE MONETIZATION STRATEGY
Don't put links in original posts!
Secret sauce:
• Post content
• Wait 4 hours
• If more than150 likes, EDIT post to add link
• LinkedIn won't suppress it

7) LEAD MAGNET MASTERY:
Don't sell directly. Create valuable free content.
Example:
• Made startup ideas database
• 5,000 downloads in 30 days
• Segment in ConvertKit
• Nurture → Monetize later

8) KEY TAKEAWAY:
2025 will be HUGE for LinkedIn.
Start now while organic reach is insane.
Even 15 hours can build a massive following that drives millions in revenue.

Notable Quotes:
"LinkedIn is fishing with dynamite right now." - Greg
"I grew from zero to 125,000 followers with probably like 15 hours of work in 14 months." - Greg

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

Join me as I chat with Mike Hudack, CEO of Sling Money, as we deep dive into AI startup strategy by discussing frameworks for building AI companies, product development approaches, and go-to-market strategies. The conversation covers practical advice for entrepreneurs considering AI ventures, from choosing between B2B and B2C models to pricing strategies and competition analysis. Hudack shares insights from his experience at Facebook and current venture Sling Money.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:12 - AI agent framework and startup ideas
08:19 - Discussion of successful AI companies
16:20 - B2B vs B2C strategy
19:28 - Product development philosophy
25:20 - How to think about Competitors 
28:40 - Go-to-market strategies
33:46 - Pricing and monetization discussion
39:16 - Mark Zuckerberg's Perspective on AI

Key Points:
• Framework for AI agents: single clear action, instant feedback, bounded decisions, zero friction
• Three promising AI companies discussed: Greenlight (fin-crime), Granola (note-taking), Gradient Labs (customer service)
• B2C vs B2B strategy: B2C has higher potential but higher risk, B2B offers more predictable outcomes
• Product development approach: focus on solving genuine pain points and building with meaning

1) On picking AI startup ideas:

Look for repetitive, time-consuming tasks that:
• Have clear actions
• Provide instant feedback
• Make bounded decisions
• Create zero friction

Examples: Flight booking, restaurant reservations, scheduling

2) The most promising AI companies right now:

• Green Lite - Automating financial compliance
• Granola - AI-powered collaborative note-taking
• GradientLabs - Next-gen customer service
• Domu - AI debt collection with empathy

All solving specific, manual problems with tight feedback loops.

3) Framework for choosing what to build:

Run a "regret minimization" exercise:
• Imagine yourself 5-10 years in the future
• Consider all possible outcomes
• Pick something meaningful you'd be proud to work on
• Must be excited to wake up for it every day

4) On B2B vs B2C products:

B2B:
• Easier to validate
• Clear path to revenue
• Lower failure rate
• Smaller outcomes

B2C:
• Bigger potential upside
• Harder to get right
• Need to catch lightning
• More glory (if it works)

5) On pricing AI products:

Formula:
(Human labor cost saved + Emotional damage prevented) × (20-50% discount) = Your price

Pro tip: You CAN raise prices later if you build something people truly love.

6) Go-to-market strategy for AI products:

• Build in public
• Create early waitlists
• Find your core believers
• Let them help shape the product
• Focus on native content for your audience's platform

7) On competition:

Don't be afraid to copy primitives (basic features everyone needs)

BUT:
• Stay true to your vision
• Keep a mental tab on competitors
• Don't get sucked into being reactive
• Maintain consistent narrative

Most important lesson: Build something YOU deeply care about. The most successful products come from genuine passion, not just market opportunity.

Notable Quotes:
"We don't make services to make money, we make money to make better services." - Mike Hudack (citing Walt Disney/Facebook)
"If you build a thing which is beautiful and people love and has a place in their lives, you can charge more for it later." - Mike Hudack

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co/

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

FIND MIKE ON SOCIAL

Mike’s Website: https://hudack.com/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/mhudack
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhudack/
Sling Money: https://sling.money/

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into various lead generation strategies. Jonathan shares his strategies and frameworks for building a client pipeline without having a large online following. 

00:00 - Intro
03:13 - The Dream 100 Strategy
11:01 - The Canvas Strategy (for reaching out)
18:12 - Go Where Your Audience Lives
27:21 - The Power of Strategic Gifting
36:33 - Content Creation (if you choose to)
40:47 - Key Mindset Shift around Content Creation

1) The Dream 100 Strategy:
• Make a list of 100 people/orgs who already talk to your target audience
• Research their platforms, reach, content
• Focus on building relationships with them
• Can start with just 10-20 names

Example: Web design agency targeting founders? Start with podcast hosts, community leaders

2) The Canvas Strategy (for reaching out):
• Don't just ask for favors
• Focus on providing extreme value first
• Make thoughtful, detailed pitches
• Show you've done your homework
• Be patient and play the long game

3) Go Where Your Audience Lives:
• Join paid communities ($149/mo is nothing if you land 1 client)
• Lurk in Reddit threads
• Answer Quora questions in detail
• Participate in Discord servers
• Be the MOST valuable member

No promotion, just pure value.

4) The Power of Strategic Gifting:
• Doesn't need to be expensive ($5-50 can work)
• Make it personal and meaningful
• Think long-term relationship building
• One mentor landed a huge deal with a $50k guitar gift
• Small gestures = big memories

5) Content Creation (if you choose to):
• Focus on MASSIVE value over production quality
• Create 5+ hour detailed tutorials
• Answer common questions exhaustively
• "Low quality, high effort" is the new formula
• Example: mastering . com's 11-hour tutorials

6) Key Mindset Shift:

Stop obsessing over:
• Social media metrics
• Personal branding
• Complex marketing funnels

Start focusing on:
• High-leverage relationships
• Direct value creation
• Being present where your audience is

7) The ROI is INSANE:
• Single partnerships can generate millions
• One webinar can outperform months of ads
• Relationship-based leads convert better
• More sustainable than viral marketing
• Less stressful than being an "influencer"

Pro Tip: Review your Dream 100 list every quarter. Most businesses forget this and focus on low-leverage tasks instead.

Links Mentioned: 

The Dream 100 Google Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1a7d1GSZoJq_pT2Ptbvc9HsZWPxNsQDhRcUvT6d1V2Jw/edit?gid=0#gid=0

The Canvas Strategy Ep: https://youtu.be/fr5xG_bTV44

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

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

00:00 - Intro
01:40 - Concept Behind Dr. AI and App Feature Overview
05:37 - Designing the User Experience
08:42 - Inspiration and Primitives in App Design
11:10 - User Experience and Simplicity
16:05 - Gamification and User Engagement
17:26 - Shareability and Marketing Potential
20:07 - History Feature and User Retention
21:14 - Symptoms Quiz Design
23:58 - Incorporating Sources and References
24:39 - Chatbot Functionality
25:33 - Marketing Strategy and Influencer Outreach
28:34 - Prompting for AI Responses
33:15 - Go-to-Market Strategy Discussion
37:14 - Identifying Target Influencers
41:04 - Pricing Structure and Revenue Models

1) The Core App Features:

• Skin scan for diagnosis
• Symptoms quiz
• Medical chatbot
• History tracking

Key insight: Keep it SIMPLE. Basic features done well better than complex features done poorly.

2) UX Design Strategy:

- Start with basic wireframes
• Copy "primitives" from successful apps
• Design for influencer marketing
• Put app name on key screens
• Make results instantly digestible

Pro tip: Design screens thinking about how influencers will showcase them in content.

3) Growth Strategy:

Target audience = concerned parents
Best channels:
• Mom influencers
• Family content creators
• Parenting communities

Look for creators with 250k+ views/video
Budget: $4-5k per 1M views

4)Monetization Structure:

Weekly pricing model works best:
• $4-7/week
• No free trial initially
• A/B test different prices
• Optimize for repeat users

Strategy: People will delete/resubscribe when needed

5) Technical Implementation:

- Use ChatGPT API with custom prompts
• Bypass medical disclaimers creatively
• Build clear diagnosis displays
• Include danger levels (1-5)
• Add sources for credibility

6) Marketing Angles:

- Target anxious parents
• Focus on peace of mind
• Show quick diagnosis stories
• Emphasize "should I see a doctor?" use case
• Leverage influencer storytelling

7) Key Success Factors:

• Heavy disclaimers
• Accurate diagnostics
• Simple UX
• Clear value prop
• Strong retention hooks

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

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

FIND ZACH ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/zach_yadegari

In this episode, I am joined by Dan Shipper, co-Founder and CEO of Every, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro
01:12 - Startup Idea 1: Advanced Voice Notes 
08:59 - Startup Idea 2: N of 1: Personalized Data Science Marketplace 
16:12 - Startup Idea 3: Great Books Reimagined
28:28 - Trend to Watch: Voice-First Products 
34:33 - Distribution Strategy for AI Apps

1) Advanced Voice Notes 

Imagine voice notes you can actually talk to!
- Record your thoughts while walking
• AI creates smart summaries
• Team members can "interview" the recording
• Get deeper context without endless follow-up questions

The future of media might be media you can talk to.

2) N of 1: Personalized Data Science Marketplace 

Remember Netflix's $1M algorithm challenge?
Now ANYONE can be a data scientist with GPT-4.
- Post personal/business datasets
• Set bounties for predictions
• Perfect for health tracking
• New way to do personalized science

Market size: Think Kaggle but for everyone.

3) Great Books Reimagined 

Classic literature is valuable but hard to digest.

The opportunity:
• AI-powered modern translations
• Format classics for specific audiences
• Create multimedia versions
• Add interactive elements

Two markets:
- Students (massive TAM)
- Business intellectuals (high willingness to pay)

4) The Luxury AI Paradox 

Key insight: As AI makes things cheaper, human-made becomes luxury.

Examples:
• Broadway shows
• Handmade clothing
• Mechanical watches

Opportunity: Look for what AI is making cheap, then create premium human-made alternatives.

5) Voice-First Products 

Huge trend: Kids growing up with voice interfaces (Apple Watch + Siri)

Opportunities:
• Voice-first travel booking
• Conversational commerce
• Voice-native discovery engines

TAM: Could capture 1-5% of existing markets just by being voice-first.

6) Distribution Strategy for AI Apps 

Dan's approach:
• Build media presence first
• Target like-minded audience
• Use early adopters for feedback
• Start with YouTube → funnel to email
• Product-led growth after initial traction

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

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X/Twitter: https://x.com/danshipper
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danshipper/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EveryInc/videos
Every: https://every.to
Spiral: https://spiral.computer/
Sparkle: https://makeitsparkle.co

Join me as I chat with Jacky Chou, a serial entrepreneur, as we dive deep into growth hacking opportunities. Jacky shares his strategies and frameworks for how to growth hack businesses using SEO and keyword research.

Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:46 Most AI companies are leaving money on the table
11:04 Paid Ads for InteriorAI
15:04 Jacky's million dollar SEO plan with Reddit
21:13 Other Neglected Platforms to beat VC-funded startups
24:57 Startup Idea 1: NSFW AI O.F. 
35:31 Community Building in 2024

1) Most AI companies are leaving money on the table

Case study: InteriorAI (by Pieter Levels)

- Missing out on ~50K/month
- Could monetize through affiliate content
- Should create blog targeting high-value keywords
- Opportunity for "retail rank & rent" ($1-2K/month per placement)

2) Jacky's million dollar SEO plan with Reddit:

- Find keywords where Reddit ranks #2 (tons right now!)
- Share your product as a "user" (no links!)
- Target all related long-tail keywords
- Look at AI-related terms (massive growth)
- Replicate across Quora, Medium, LinkedIn

3) Keyword Research Gold:

"AI video generator" trends:

- Search volume is exploding
- Reddit ranking #2 consistently
- CBC around $1.50
- Huge opportunity for indie hackers
- Most big players ignoring UGC platforms

4) Dark Horse Opportunity: Adult AI Market

- Extremely low keyword difficulty (KD: 2)
- High search volume
- Most competitors doing poor execution
- AI chat + OF management tools needed
- Mid 6-7 figures/month potential
(Not for everyone, but opportunity exists)

5) Community Building in 2024:

- @JackieChou hitting $80K/month
- Built from 15K YouTube subs
- Key: Sell transformation, not just community
- Focus on membership benefits
- Bundle partnerships/tools

Key Takeaway:

To win in 2024: Do what VC-funded startups won't:

- Target neglected platforms
- Create authentic content
- Build real communities
- Ignore "brand concerns" early
- Focus on actual user value

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

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

FIND JACKY ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/indexsy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacky-chou/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@indexsy/videos
Advise: https://advise.so/apply/