The Startup Ideas Podcast

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!

Spots are limited.

https://www.communityempire.co/

📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free:

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70,000+ people are already subscribed.

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FIND ME ON SOCIAL

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

FIND ROMAIN ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/rom1trs 
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/

In this episode, we dive deep into my process for naming my startups and businesses. I share my 4-step guide for coming up with memorable names for startups and how you can apply these principles to come up with your own scroll stopping name. 

Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:09 types of names
01:53  Naming Strategy 1: Descriptive 
03:11 Naming Strategy 2: Phrases 
05:39  Naming Strategy 3: Funny
08:17 Bad Name Examples
12:19 Good Name Examples
16:53 Tofu Name Examples
18:10 Hack your way to a novel name
20:25 Use AI for brainstorming
22:22 Greg's personal name list

1) 3 types of names:
• Bad names
• Good names
• "Tofu" names (bland, forgettable)

2) 3 winning name strategies:
• Descriptive (e.g. @somewhereilive)
• Phrases (e.g. Boss Babe)
• Funny (e.g. You Probably Need a Haircut)

3) Bad name examples:
• WhatsApp (fails telephone test)
• GameStop (negative connotation)
• Google Bard (sounds like barf) 

4) Good name examples:
• Perplexity (matches brand promise)
• Bump (action-oriented)
• Autopilot (clear value prop)

5) Hack your way to a novel name:
• Create "Name Game" note on your phone
• Jot down catchy words/phrases
• Check handle availability bi-weekly
• Test with friends/family
• Create logo mockups

6) Use AI for brainstorming:
• Prompt Claude: "I'm brainstorming names around [your topic]. What are some interesting, clear, direct names that speak to this community?"

7) Greg's personal name list sneak peek:
• AfterParty
• PrettyPerfect
• InvitationOnly
• InCred

8) Pro tip: It's okay to have bad names on your list. Keep refining!

9) Remember: A great name can be the difference between viral growth and crickets.

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

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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 Chris Josephs, Co-Founder of Autopilot, as we discuss his frameworks and strategies for growth hacking startups. Learn his step-by-step formula to building and converting attention, affinity, and authority into brand loyalty and startup growth. 

Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
03:20 Chris’s Viral Formula Overview
08:13  Step 1: Build Niche Meme account with Authority 
14:36 Step 2: Find Creative ways to build loyalty and vitality
19:18  Step 3: Getting free press
23:54 UFC Sponsorship Retrospective
28:23 How Chris would build a meme account
40:49 Startup Idea: Twitch for Online Shopping
46:52 SIP success stories 

1) Chris doesn't see himself as a marketer or growth guy. He's a SOCIAL ENGINEER.
•  His focus? Reverse engineering virality and creating formulas for content that EXPLODE on social media. 

2) The Pelosi Tracker origin story:
• Built meme pages with millions of followers
• Focused on politician stock trades
• Translated virality into a real product (Autopilot app)
Key insight: Memes + Authority = Powerful combo 

3) Chris's framework for building viral meme pages:
a) Create an account with a clear, catchy name
b) Engage as a "reply guy" on relevant topics
c) Do deep, investigative journalism to build credibility
• Marry memes with authority to become THE go-to account in your niche. 

4) The UFC sponsorship case study:
• Sponsored the event (base layer of credibility)
• Sent a fake Nancy Pelosi to the fight
• Drove a Cybertruck with "Pelosi 2024" around Vegas
•  Goal: Maximize surface area for virality and build brand loyalty

5) Chris's viral formula:
• Each additional stunt increases chances of going viral:
a) UFC sponsorship alone = 10% chance
b) +Fake Pelosi = 15% chance
c) +Cybertruck stunt = 20% chance
•  Keep adding elements to boost your odds! 

6) Key to monetizing meme pages:
• Don't just post funny content. Mix in authority-building posts to be taken seriously.
• High engagement does not mean High monetization
• Authority + Engagement = winning formula

7) Startup idea alert: Live shopping streams for Gen Z women 
• Imagine: The Twitch of online shopping, where influencers livestream their browsing & purchasing decisions.
• Huge potential here. Who's gonna build it? 

8) Growth hack: Build relationships with journalists
• Create an email list of reporters in your niche
• Regularly send them high-quality, relevant info (no selling!)
• Become their go-to source for stories
• Free press = Priceless marketing 

9) Remember: Consistency is key in building your brand.
• Find your angle (like Autopilot's "Pelosi 2024 - Invest like a politician") and double down on it.
• Create moments, build loyalty, make people LOVE your brand. 

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 CHRIS ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/Chrisjjosephs
Autopilot: https://www.joinautopilot.com/
Pelosi Tracker: https://x.com/PelosiTracker_

Join me as I chat with Luke Sophinos, Founder & CEO of CourseKey, as we discuss the frameworks and strategies for building a successful vertical SaaS business. Learn how to find, validate, and launch SaaS opportunities!

Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
01:51 Why Vertical SaaS?
05:46  How to pick your vertical
11:05 Understand the industry inside-out
19:11 Analyze existing solutions
22:02 Automating the ideation and validation process with AI
35:04 Go-to-market strategy is CRITICAL
40:19 The power of the wedge product
49:35 Pricing framework

1) Why Vertical SaaS?
• Market often overlooked by VCs chasing unicorns
• Opportunity to build enduring businesses with strong retention
• Still massive potential in 2024, even in "boring" industries

2) How to pick your vertical:
• Focus on industry, not idea
• Look for:
a) Large market size ($1B+)
b) Fragmented (many SMBs)
c) Mix of small, mid-market, enterprise

3) Understand the industry inside-out:
• Map end-to-end operations
• Get hands on P&Ls
• Follow the money - where are they spending?
• Identify areas still using pen & paper

4) Analyze existing solutions:
• Look for legacy providers
• Identify where they're using horizontal solutions
• Find gaps where AI/FinTech could add value

5) The power of the wedge product:
• Your "get in the door" offering
• Should be:
a) Easy to implement
b) Solves a critical problem
c) Ideally free or low-cost
• Example: Roofer․com's proposal tool

6) Go-to-market strategy is CRITICAL:
• Many industries require relationship-based sales
• Product-led growth is ideal (but rare)
• Get creative: Industry newsletters, memes, etc.

7) The payments opportunity:
• Owning the transaction can 10x your market size
• Build before/after transaction, then capture it
• Example: Toast in restaurants

8) Pricing framework:
• Understand current spend on problem you're solving
• Price based on ROI you deliver
• Aim for 20-50% of value created

9) Keys to success:
• Only build products that:
• Increase revenue
• Decrease costs
• Prevent churn
• Maintain compliance

10) Validating ideas:
• Don't just Google search
• Talk to actual businesses
• Offer to buy lunch and shadow operations

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 NICK ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/lukesophinos
Luke’s Newsletter: https://www.newsletter.lukesophinos.com
Luke’s vSaaS Bible: https://verticalsaasbible.com

Join me as I chat with Nick Huber, a serial entrepreneur and real estate investor, as we dive into the art of going viral on social media. Nick reveals his proven formula for creating engaging content that’s reached millions and helped him grow a massive following. If you're looking to boost your social media game and learn strategies that truly work, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

Timestamps: 

00:00 Intro
01:36 The mindset
02:39 The structure of a viral tweet / Example 1
08:42 Example 2
11:38 Example 3
15:51 Example 4 (video content) 
16:59 Example 5
17:35 The importance of priming the algorithm
19:28 Example 6
22:37 Example 7

1) The mindset:
• Don't try to make everyone like you
• Be willing to look silly sometimes
• Have thick skin - you can't please everyone

2) The structure:
• Start with a "wow" statement that sounds unique
• Take a hard line on one side - no nuance
• Back it up with strongly written copy

3) The hook:
• You have 1/8 of a second to grab attention
• Make people laugh, strike emotion, or teach something
• Use numbers and specific details for added humor

4) The controversy:
• Say something different than what most people hear
• Take an un-nuanced stance on a debatable topic
• Trigger people who disagree (respectfully)

5) The follow-up:
• Double down in your second tweet
• Add more context or examples
• Don't backpedal or soften your stance

6) The visuals:
• Use video when possible - algorithms favor it
• Catch attention in the first second

7) The mix:
• Blend personal content, entertainment, and value
• Prime the algorithm with high-engagement tweets
• Follow up bangers with business-related content

8) The authenticity:
• Tweet things you actually believe
• It's okay if not everyone agrees
• Spark good conversations and critical thinking

9) The strategy:
• Build a following of smart people and entrepreneurs
• Use the "jab, jab, jab, right hook" approach
• Leverage high-engagement tweets for business asks

10) The lesson: Nuance doesn't go viral. But thoughtful, controversial takes that make people think?

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

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My notes on mr beast's LEAKED 36 page leaked "how to succeed in mr. beast production" document

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:12 Initial Thoughts
02:38 Clarity of the Goal
03:27  YouTube is eating all media:
04:27 A, B, C player framework
05:15 How to go viral
08:21 Why isn’t MrBeast building the Y-Combinator of Creators? 
09:12  He defines his own language. ie: lull, reengagement 
11:26 Startup Idea 1: Audience and Engagement Insights Software for YT 
12:32 Obsession is a prerequisite 
13:13 Bias for Action
14:01 Grounds Himself
15:54 Constraint Fuels Creativity
17:39 Always have a Backup Day
18:54  Communication is key
19:37 Leverage Experts
21:55 "No does not mean no" can get toxic
22:43 Meritocracy 
23:27 His numbers are HUGE
28:02 Keep things simple
27:15 Work Life Balance Debate  
28:20  What is the goal of our “content”
29:37 Ads as Content
30:18 Does his culture scale 
31:12 His incentive structur  
32:28 Final thoughts

1) YouTube is eating all media:
• 99% of TV shows would flop on YouTube
• Platform-specific content is crucial
• MrBeast: "We are not Hollywood"

2) A-player mentality:
• Only hire obsessive, coachable people
• B-players can be trained, C-players must go
• "There's only room for A-players here"

3) Re-engagement strategy:
• Hook viewers at 3-minute mark
• Use spectacles that only MrBeast can do
• Example: Carl watching Josh in prison video

4)  Data-driven content:
• Creators are data scientists, not just entertainers
• 60M views = same as presidential debate
• Obsess over audience retention graphs

5) Constraints fuel creativity:
• Don't rely on big budgets
• Example: Year's supply of Doritos is more engaging than $20k cash
• "Creativity is the answer, not money"

6)  Communication is key:
• Define when to use in-person, email, or text
• No excuses, move on mentality
• "Late" isn't in MrBeast's dictionary

7) Consultants are cheat codes:
• Leverage expert knowledge
• Example: Call previous world record holder
• "Consultants are a gift from God"

8) Brand deal integration:
• Make ads part of the content
• Avoid boring, scripted brand mentions
• Goal: No viewer realizes it's an ad

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

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

🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership.

You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more!

Spots are limited.

https://www.communityempire.co/

📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free:

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