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The Startup Ideas Podcast

Podcast The Startup Ideas Podcast
Greg Isenberg
Get your creative juices flowing with The Startup Ideas Podcast. Published twice a week, we bring you free startup ideas to inspire your next venture. Hosted by...

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  • ChatGPT 4o Image Generation replaces your $10,000 Ad Agency (Expert Demo)
    Join me as I chat with Jacob Posel where he explains his viral method for creating professional ads using ChatGPT 4o and reference images. Jacob demonstrates that effective ad creation with AI relies more on providing quality inspiration images than complex prompting. The episode includes four example ads and two live demonstrations, showcasing how marketers can experiment with different audiences and styles at scale to improve conversion rates.Timestamps:• 00:00 - Intro• 02:01 - Best practices and the importance of inspiration images• 05:52 - Using Reference Images vs. No Reference • 09:07 - Exploring Sora for Prompt Inspiration• 13:33 - Another example of reference image + product image• 16:20 - More Ad Examples (Ridge Wallet)• 18:14 - More Ad Examples (Replit)• 19:12 - Where to find Ad inspiration• 20:00 - Live Ad Creation for LCA• 33:37 - Ad Concept Development for LCA• 37:37 - Finalizing the Ad and Next StepsKey Points:• Jacob Posel demonstrates how to create high-quality ads in minutes using ChatGPT, focusing on using reference images rather than complex prompts• The process involves providing inspiration ads and product images to ChatGPT, which can then generate customized, conversion-ready advertisements• Using well-known brands requires less specific prompting as the AI already understands them, while lesser-known products need more reference images• The speakers demonstrate live ad creation for Late Checkout Agency (LCA), showing the iterative process and prompt refinement techniques1) The Secret to Great AI-Generated AdsForget complex prompting - the REAL magic is in your reference images!Jacob revealed: "The important thing in creating good ads are the inspiration images and product images that you provide."ChatGPT understands intent better than other AI image tools.2) The Simple FrameworkHere's the basic formula Jacob uses:• Find an inspiration ad you like• Add your product image• Give simple instructions• Let ChatGPT work its magicThe model is SMART enough to understand what you want without elaborate prompts.3) When to Use Reference Images vs. When Not ToKEY INSIGHT: ChatGPT already knows popular brands!"It knows Nike, Adidas, Ridge wallets really well," Jacob explains.For well-known brands: Simple prompts work fineFor newer/smaller brands: ALWAYS provide reference imagesThis saves you tons of time!4) Pro Tip: Where to Find Ad InspirationJacob's go-to sources for ad inspiration:• Creative OS• Foreplay• IconThese tools pull from Meta's ad library and make it searchable.Finding the right reference ad is HALF the battle!5) The Hidden Goldmine Nobody's Talking AboutALPHA ALERT: Check out Sora's explore page!"This is a piece of alpha that people do not know about right now," Jacob revealed.It shows you the EXACT prompts people used for successful images.Perfect for learning how to prompt effectively!6) Crucial Prompting TipsIf your first attempt isn't perfect:• DON'T continue in the same chat• Start a fresh conversation• Make adjustments to your prompt there"You generally get through a cycle of worse and worse rather than improving" if you keep going in the same chat.7) Real-World Example: The LCA AdWe created a luxury-style ad for Greg’s innovation agency in real-time!Process:1. Screenshot website elements2. Find vintage Rolex ad as inspiration3. Simple prompt explaining the brand vibe4. Iterate in a NEW chat for improvementsTook less than 10 minutes! 8) The Future of AdvertisingThis technology enables:• Personalized ads at scale• Rapid response to trending moments• Testing different audiences/demographics• Experimenting with creative directionsAs Jacob puts it: "The ad is the targeting" - and now you can do it at SCALE.Notable Quotes:"Marketers have this saying nowadays that the ad is the targeting and this is just a way that you can actually do it at scale." - Jacob Posel"The important thing I found in creating good ads are actually the inspiration images and the product images that you provide." - Jacob PoselLCA 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.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND JACOB ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/jacob_posel
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  • Build $1000/day cash-flowing startup on beehiiv (here's how)
    Build your business with beehiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com/greg-isenberg?utm_campaign=Q22025-greg-isenberg-partnership&utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=podcast&utm_source_platform=podcast&via=greg-isenberg-Q22025&utm_marketing_tactic=awareness&utm_creative_format=podcast&utm_content=greg-isenberg&utm_term=greg-isenbergJoin me as I chat with Tyler Denk, co-founder of Beehiiv, to discuss how to grow a newsletter to 100,000 subscribers. He demonstrates Beehiiv’s platform features including customizable websites, subscriber data collection, automated welcome sequences, and multiple monetization options. Tyler emphasizes there's no "silver bullet" for growth—success comes from combining multiple strategies that each contribute incrementally to building a valuable audience asset.Get the 5-step guide to 100K subscribers: www.gregisenberg.com/beehiiv-businessTimestamps• 00:00 - Intro• 02:58 - Overview of newsletter growth potential• 04:03 - Website building and email capture features• 15:00 - Subscriber data collection and welcome automations• 25:00 - Cross-promotion and "Boost" network for growth• 38:06 - Lead magnets and referral programs• 55:00 - Customized email collection based on content  • 1:08:35 - Monetization strategies (sponsorships, paid subscriptions)• 1:10:55 - Final thoughts on consistency and getting startedKey Points• Beehiiv’s all-in-one platform includes website building, email capture, subscriber data collection, referral programs, and monetization tools• Multiple growth channels work together: lead magnets, email gating, referral programs, and cross-promotion with other newsletters• Monetization comes through direct sponsorships, Beehiiv’s ad network, and the "Boost" feature where newsletters pay each other for subscriber referrals1) Website & Email Capture StrategyBeehiiv gives you a full website builder where you can create:• Custom landing pages• Email capture forms• Pop-ups targeted by traffic source• Different signup flowsThe key? Create MULTIPLE entry points that convert 15-20% of visitors to subscribers.Tyler's Windows 98-themed site stands out because it's INTENTIONALLY different!2) The Subscribe Flow MagicThis is GENIUS:After someone subscribes, Tyler shows:• Sponsored newsletter recommendations• A quick survey collecting demographic data• A welcome page with popular contentThis data helps him:• Sell premium sponsorships• Create targeted content• Understand his audience (60% founders!)3) Network Effects & Passive GrowthTyler gets 200-300 FREE subscribers weekly through Beehiiv’s recommendation network!How it works:• Other newsletters recommend his in their subscribe flow• He recommends others in his flow"It's like getting $400-600 of value weekly just for existing on the platform" 4) The Boost Network (Paid Acquisition)Tyler spends $2-3K monthly buying subscribers through Beehiiv’s Boost marketplace.• He pays $2.50 per subscriber• Only pays for subscribers who ACTUALLY ENGAGE• Has autopause features to cut off low-quality sources• Manages 155+ acquisition sources in one dashboardIt's like a vending machine: put in $2.50, get $4 back!5) Lead Magnets That ConvertTyler shared his seed deck on Twitter (100K views) with a simple signup form.The magic:• Created a custom landing page in Beehiiv• Set up a different signup flow (no recommendations)• Built an automation to deliver the deck instantly• Added new subscribers to his newsletterPro tip: Get sponsors for your lead magnets to fund MORE promotion!6) The Referral Program (1% of growth)Tyler built Morning Brew's referral program (led to 1M+ subscribers) and implemented a simpler version:- 1 referral = Access to Series B deck (digital, zero cost)• 3 referrals = $10 off merch (dropshipped, zero cost)7) Monetization (The Engine)Tyler makes $20-30K monthly through:- Direct sponsorships ($7K per placement)• Boost network referrals ($2-4 per subscriber)• No paid subscription (though many make $100K+/year this way)Beehiiv’s sponsorship storefront lets advertisers book directly with just a $10 transaction fee!Notable Quotes:"Writing weekly and sharing my thoughts online has probably been the highest leverage thing that I've done in my entire career. It's opened so many doors to angel investing, meeting other founders, meeting people who are doing really cool shit." - TylerLCA 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.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND TYLER ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/denk_tweetsBig Desk Energy: https://www.bigdeskenergy.com
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  • I challenged Manus AI to find $1M+ AI Startup Ideas - It Actually Delivered
    In this episode, host I test Manus AI's ability to function as an AI co-founder by asking it to develop a million-dollar business idea focused on AI. The system analyzes Y Combinator startups and Reddit trends to identify opportunities, ultimately recommending an AI-powered micro-consulting platform for small businesses. Manus delivers a comprehensive business proposal including market validation, pricing strategy, and even designs a functional landing page.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:41 - Initial Prompt: Ideas for $1M Startup in 18 Months03:24 - Manus AI Processing Prompt06:25 - Alternative Use Cases of Manus AI13:14 - Results from First Prompt15:19 - Prompt 2: Focus on Niche Startup Opportunities 17:46 -  Results from Second Prompt23:15 - Prompt 3: Validate Ideas with data and trend analysis27:00 - Prompt 4: Refining data and trend analysis29:0` - Prompt 5: Creating a Landing Page with Manus34:23 - Reviewing results from Business Proposal37:35 - Results from Fifth Prompt39:25 - Final Thoughts on Manus AI and Startup IdeasKey Points:• I explore Manus AI's multi-agent capabilities to generate a viable startup idea that could make $1 million in 18 months• Manus AI analyzes YC's latest batch, Reddit trends, and market opportunities to identify niche AI business concepts• The AI recommends "AI-powered micro-consulting for SMBs" as the most promising opportunity• Manus creates a complete business proposal including landing page design, pricing strategy, and go-to-market plan1) I challenged Manus AI (a multi-agent AI system) to develop a complete business plan for an AI startup that could make $1M in 18 months.The goal: See if AI can identify REAL market trends and opportunities better than humans can.2) What makes Manus different from ChatGPT?• Multi-agent capabilities (can browse while chatting)• Can analyze multiple sources simultaneously• Performs complex research tasks independently• Creates actual code/designs, not just concepts3) The COOLEST use cases Greg discovered while testing Manus:• Converting unstructured data into organized tables• Analyzing financial reports like a JP Morgan analyst• Contract review (saving $1500+ lawyer fees)• Creating highlight reels from podcast audio• Building websites from scratch4) The AI identified these KEY TRENDS in the AI startup landscape:• Vertical-specific AI solutions for regulated industries• AI agents for specialized workflows• Infrastructure tools helping others deploy AI• No-code/low-code AI accessibility solutions5) The WINNING IDEA Manus proposed: "Spark Console AI" - an AI-powered micro-consulting platform for small businesses.The problem it solves? SMBs need expert consulting but can't afford $150-500/hour traditional services.The solution? $49-500/month AI consulting agents.6) What impressed me most: Manus VALIDATED the idea with ACTUAL DATA:• 47% growth in r/smallbusiness subscribers• Direct quotes from Reddit showing pain points:"I'd love expert advice but can't justify $200 consultants""Generic AI tools don't understand my industry challenges"7) Manus even built a COMPLETE landing page with:• Eye-catching design• Lead generation forms• Interactive business assessment• Pricing tiersAll without Greg needing to write a single line of code! 8) The LIMITATIONS Greg found:• You still need to ask the right questions• It's more like a "junior employee" than a true co-founder• Takes 10-15 minutes for complex tasks• You need to push back on some recommendations9) My takeaway: We're entering an era where the COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE isn't coding ability - it's knowing which QUESTIONS to ask AI.The winners will be those who can identify trends and direct AI to build solutions that ride those tailwinds.Notable Quotes:"In a world where anyone could create software... figuring out what is the brand, what is the landing page, what is the product, and what is the trend... is gonna help you actually build a business, not just build a product." - GregLCA 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.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
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  • If I wanted to build $1M+ AI startup in 2025, I'd do this
    Join me as I chat with Andrew Wilkinson, Co-Founder of Tiny, as we discuss investment and startup ideas in the current AI landscape. We explore how AI is simultaneously lowering barriers to entry while increasing competition, making it easier to build "million-dollar businesses" but harder to create sustainable long-term ventures. We share specific startup ideas leveraging AI, including secure data integration platforms, automated web design services, and AI-powered lending.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:25 - Business building in AI08:13 - Media Business Opportunities and AI 18:18 - The future of GPT wrappers21:20 - Automation and AI tools we use29:14 - Startup Idea 1: MCP and Financial Analysis34:49 - Startup Idea 2: AI Web Design Agency 37:06 - Startup Idea 3: Message Maxing43:43 - Startup Idea 4:  AI-Based Lending Solutions49:43 - Andrew's Stealth Startup Key Points• AI is making it easier to build businesses but harder to maintain competitive advantages as tools become widely accessible• Distribution, data advantages, and network effects are becoming the primary moats in the AI era• Media businesses with high-value niches present opportunities for entrepreneurs to build audiences before layering AI tools• Secure AI applications (particularly around financial data and personal communications) represent potential sustainable business models1) The AI Paradox: It's never been EASIER to build a $1M business, but never HARDER to build sustainable value.Why? Because anyone can "vibe code" your product in a weekend.Distribution and network effects are the new moats. Tools alone won't cut it anymore.2) Where are the ACTUAL opportunities?Andrew & Greg agree: Buy or build MEDIA businesses first, then layer AI on top.• Focus on High-value niches not mass audiences• Build community BEFORE tools• Example: Buy TechCrunch or event series like South by Southwest3) AI tools they're actually using RIGHT NOW:• Gumloop - For sales lead intelligence• Lindy - Email processing & calendar management• Manus AI - For candidate screening (saved Andrew hours!)• Vercel V0 - Rebuilt Andrew's pressure washing website in 30 SECONDS4) Startup Idea 1: "Secure MCP"Model Context Protocol (MCP) lets LLMs access your data securely.Andrew built a custom system to analyze his company finances across multiple businesses.Opportunity: Build the "1Password of MCP" - where security is the selling point.5) Startup Idea 2: "Message Maxing"An app that analyzes your text messages to identify:• Which friends exhibit toxic traits• How YOU come across in messages• Who you're neglectingPerfect for viral TikTok marketing. Could be the next CalAI!6) Startup Idea 3: AI-powered web design agency• Use V0 to auto-redesign ugly local business websites• Reach out with "I already built you a better site"• Charge $500 + $20/mo hosting• Scale with automationLow-hanging fruit for your first million!7) Startup Idea 4: "Bank of Vibe Coding"AI-powered lending platform for vibe coders:• Quick approval for developers with traction• Take % of profits instead of interest• Criteria: X followers, Stripe integration, etc.Sahil Lavingia's $100K offer proves demand!8) The BIG question: Are these Cal AI businesses (make $1M then die) or sustainable?Andrew's take: "Almost all these businesses will be zeros in 5 years."Greg's counter: "It's so hard to predict even 5 months from now!"What do YOU think? Are you building for the short or long term?The MOST VALUABLE insight: The businesses that are easiest to start are often the worst businesses to be in long-term.But that doesn't mean you shouldn't start one! Making your first million with a "Cal AI business" is still a win.Notable Quotes:"It's never been easier to build a million dollar business and it's never been easier to lose all your equity value." - Andrew"Distribution is the new moat, anyone could create anything." - GregLCA 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.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND ANDREW ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/awilkinsonNever Enough: https://www.neverenough.comTiny: https://www.tiny.com
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  • How he finds $1M+ CPG startup ideas before anyone else using Ahrefs and Manus AI
    I’m joined by Ashwinn Krishnaswamy, an expert in launching and growing consumer brands, where we discuss how he evaluates market opportunities and creates unfair advantages. We discuss various tools for market research including Ahrefs for keyword analysis, Particl for competitor sales data, and AI tools for product design. Ashwinn emphasizes that entrepreneurs should work backward from distribution channels rather than focusing solely on product development.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro03:45 - Ahrefs tool for keyword research15:08 -  Particl for analyzing competitor sales data18:52 - Why start a CPG brand21:05 - How to stand out in crowded categories24:57- Opportunities in Branding for Older Adults28:40 - Bootstrapping Your Product Idea33:56 - Researching Your Market and Competitors36:52 - Manus AI for automating market research39:58 -  Distribution is everything.Key Points:• Ashwinn shares tools and strategies for evaluating market opportunities for physical products and brands• Tools like Ahrefs and Particle provide valuable data on search volume, competition, and sales trends• AI tools like Manis can now automate much of the market research process that previously cost thousands• Distribution strategy should come before product development, not vice versa1) First, understand that DISTRIBUTION is everything."First-time founders focus on product, second-time founders focus on distribution."The hard truth? Many subpar products CRUSH IT because they nail distribution and operational excellence.Always work BACKWARDS from how you'll acquire customers!2) Use Ahrefs to evaluate category demand and competition Type any keyword to see:• Monthly search volume (market size)• Keyword difficulty (competition level)• Seasonal trends• Geographic distributionThis helps you VALIDATE demand before building anything!3) Look for geographic OPPORTUNITIES in the data When Ashwinn checked "electrolytes" he found:• 74% of searches from English-speaking Western countries• Only 3% from India, PhilippinesThis reveals potential to build "Element for Germany" or other untapped markets where trends haven't diffused yet!4) For physical products, use Particle to spy on competitorsThis tool shows:• E-commerce sales data for brands• Best-selling SKUs• Category trendsCrucial insight: Often 90% of revenue comes from just 4 SKUs!5) The REAL opportunity in physical products?They force you to become EXCEPTIONAL at marketing."The bleeding edge of marketing happens in consumer products because it's SO HARD to get attention and convince someone to part with their dollars."It's a marketing masterclass in real-time.6) How to stand out in crowded categories:Study the competition obsessively! Ashwinn showed how most magnesium supplements look generic and medical.But brands like Moon Juice and Lemme differentiate through:• Distinctive packaging• Custom bottles• Clear positioning• Targeting specific demographics7) The BIGGEST opportunity right now?Find UNDERSERVED demographics!Most brands target coastal millennials or Gen Z because that's who creates them.But what about products for older adults with:• More disposable income• Less saturated marketing channels• Different aesthetic preferences8) AI is your UNFAIR ADVANTAGE for research• Competitor analysis• Market sizing• Customer needs• Design trends"It's putting together a report Nielsen would charge $20K for!"99% of people aren't using AI this way yet.9) Before building ANYTHING, become a "relentless researcher":• Study every competitor's positioning• Read all the 1-2 star reviews in your category• Visit stores and talk to owners• Contact potential customers directlyNotable Quotes:"First time founders focus on product, second time founders focus on distribution." - Ashwinn"Building a physical product business is very hard and by most people probably just shouldn't be done on a whim. But if you can do it in a somewhat low stakes way or low risk way... I think it is a phenomenal way to get really good at marketing." - AshwinnLCA 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.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND ASHWINN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/ShwinnabegoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shwinnabegobrandBrand Brothers Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wgTQ7mXBngdiNzcJ2cUJZ
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About The Startup Ideas Podcast

Get your creative juices flowing with The Startup Ideas Podcast. Published twice a week, we bring you free startup ideas to inspire your next venture. Hosted by Greg Isenberg, CEO of Late Checkout and former advisor to Reddit and TikTok. Subscribe so you don't miss out. For more startup ideas, we created a database of 30+ startup ideas you can take at https://gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
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