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...
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 ConclusionLink Mentioned: Matt’s full article: https://www.newsletteroperator.com/p/10-newsletter-business-ideasMatt’s Twitter/X: https://x.com/JMatthewMcGarryKey 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 listings2) Digital marketing news3) Marketing tutorialsMonetization 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 audience3) Local Real Estate Investor Newsletter The math:• 5-10k subs• $2 CPA• $7.5k/mo in ad revenue• $50k from seminars• $50k from premium subsTotal: $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 access5) Visual News & AI Newsletters Two massive opportunities:A) Meme-based news• 2-4 stories/day• Prosumer focus (tech/finance)• Visual over Text in 2024B) Industry-specific AI tips• Target specific verticals• Focus on time/money saving• $200/year subscription model6) Local Community Newsletter The playbook:• Focus on positive news• Thursday "Weekend Plans" format• $0.50 CPA possible• Target high-LTV local sponsorsReal 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• CommunitiesStart 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 secondPick 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/30startupideasLCA 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/
--------
39:29
"Y Combinator Is Overrated" - Inside the brain of this 20-Year-Old Who Built Multiple Viral Products
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 ServiceKey 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 methodology1) 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 products2) On building in existing categories:The real advantage of startups?• Fresh slate in people's minds• Ability to define new categories• Instant category leadership3) MINDSHARE is the only true moat Example:• Claude is better than ChatGPT in quality• But ChatGPT owns mindshare• Google trends: ChatGPT = 100, Claude = ~0Lesson: Better product ≠ Winning product4) 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 adviceHow 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 places7) 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/30startupideasLCA 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 AVI ON SOCIALFriend: https://friend.comX/Twitter: https://x.com/AviSchiffmann
--------
49:14
My 2024 Year in Review
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 - Intro01:38 Biggest wins05:54 Biggest losses and lessons11:47 - Q&A from social media18:00 - Growth across social platforms25:00 - Wealth breakdown and investments33:03 - Business updates48:16 - Productivity gains50:48 - New insights and learningsKey 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 milestone2) Portfolio breakdown (fascinating):• 75% stocks• 16% private equity• 7% real estate• 2% cryptoTop holdings:• 10% Berkshire• 10% SPY• 8% Apple• 7% Amazon3) 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 company5) 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 focus6) Platform Growth 2024:YouTube: 11K → 146K subsX: 361K → 420K followersLinkedIn: 82K → 149KNewsletter: 72K → 120K subsPodcast: 360K → 575K downloads7) 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 choices8/ 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 behavior9/ 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 profits10) 2025 Focus:• Finding long-term business partners• Building more proprietary tech• Simplifying business structure• Going harder on current opportunities• Scaling what worksNotable 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/30startupideasLCA 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 SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg
--------
55:39
pov: brainstorming $1M+ startup ideas with Daniel Dalen
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 - Intro01:39 - Startup Idea 1: Best Product Plaques for Credibility09:00 - Startup Idea 2: Embeddable Businesses31:49 - Startup Idea 3: Shopify ecosystem opportunities45:53 - Building sustainable businesses59:47 - Content creation strategy discussionKey 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 products1) 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 credibility2) 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 embedding3) Fascinating insight on software categories:Luxury Software is DEADAesthetic 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 features5) 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 public6) Hot Take from Greg:"The wealthiest people have the least amount of recurring meetings"True wealth = control of your timeAutomation over MeetingsClear calendar = Clear mind7) Key lesson on content:Stop asking for likes/subsStart asking for genuine feedbackLet quality speak for itselfFocus on documenting the journeyReal value drives real engagementNotable 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 IsenbergWant 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/30startupideasLCA 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 DANIEL ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/danielvandalenYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@danieldalen/videosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/danieldalen/
--------
1:05:13
How to get 145k followers on LinkedIn in 1 year
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 conferenceLearn more about IP3Andrew's Newsletter: https://neverenoughnewsletter.kit.com/signupAndrew's Twitter/X: https://x.com/awilkinsonAndrew's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeverEnough2024Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro02:05 - The ACP Funnel Explained02:50 - Case Study: BoringMarketing.com04:42 - Tactical Tips for Going Viral on LinkedIn06:10 - Leveraging Video Content on LinkedIn08:10 - Crafting Compelling Stories for Engagement09:46 - Using Infographics to Boost Engagement10:31 - Monetizing Your LinkedIn Audience12:16 - Creating Effective Lead MagnetsKey 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 growth1) The ACP Framework:• Audience first• Convert to Community• Build Product for themExample: Boring Marketer → Free community → $8M ARR SEO tool business2) 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 yourselfPro tip: Videos are getting INSANE reach right now4) 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 frameworks5) LINKEDIN HACK #3: Viral Infographics• Find previously viral infographics• Repost with credit• Add universally agreeable caption• Example: "This year's gonna be great" → 151K likes6) THE MONETIZATION STRATEGYDon'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 it7) 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 later8) 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." - 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/
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
Ireland