The Startup Ideas Podcast

Join me as I chat with Omar Choudhry, a serial entrepreneur, as we dive deep into how to build and scale directories. Omar shares his strategies and frameworks for how to use AI and SEO to build and scale cash flowing directories.Episode Timestamps00:00 Intro04:26 Overview of GuiltyChef.com06:56 The Power of Schema in SEO14:04 Traffic 18:07 Monetization Potential24:34 Overview of bestdubai.com32:09 Live Cooking Session: Building a Directory35:47 Using Apify for Data Scraping39:54 Using Claude for organizing information and data44:01 Setting Up Zapier for Automation55:26 Formatting data on Claude 1:06:42 Building a Comprehensive Directory1) First directory: GuilteyChef.com- AI-generated recipes from top restaurants- Went from 0 to 100k monthly visitors in 7 months- Built in ONE week as a side project- Already monetizing with $2.99 recipe packsKey insight: People want to recreate restaurant dishes at home2) Second directory: BestDubai.com- Bought domain for $1.2k (incredible deal)- Competing with TripAdvisor in just 30 days- AI-generated reviews & scores- Automated everythingSmart move: Added referral tags to outbound links = restaurants see traffic source3) The Tech Stack - Webflow for website- Zapier for automation- Claude AI for content- Apify for data scraping- Google Sheets as input- Python snippets for formattingNo coding experience needed!4) The Secret Sauce: Schema markupOmar uses AI to generate perfect schema for each pageWhy it matters:- Helps Google understand content- Gets rich snippets in search- Ranks above established sites- Most competitors do this wrong5) The Process:1. Get place ID from Google Maps2. Scrape data using Appify3. Format data for Claude4. Generate content with AI5. Push to Webflow CMS6. Auto-generate everythingOne place ID = complete page with images, content & SEO6) Monetization strategies:- Premium recipe packs- Restaurant partnerships- Ingredient affiliate links- Sponsored listings- Brand partnerships- Custom AI toolsPro tip: Let restaurants find YOU through analytics7) Key Learning:You can now compete with giants like TripAdvisor using:- Smart AI automation- Proper schema markup- Geographic targeting- Language optimization- Clean UX designBudget needed: Under $2k The future of directories is here. Time to build!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 OMAR ON SOCIAL5 Day Sprint - Build with AI: https://www.skool.com/5-day-sprint/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/omarchoudhry/X/Twitter: https://x.com/OmarChoudhryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarchoudhry/?originalSubdomain=uk

Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into Black Friday Campaign strategy. Jonathan shares his strategies and frameworks for leveraging Black Friday regardless of what type of business you run. Episode Timestamps00:00 - Intro01:15 - The Importance of Black Friday for Businesses04:21 - Types of Black Friday Sales05:01 - Case Study: Endel's Renewal Strategy08:49 - Comparing Strategies: MagicMind and AG112:48 - Apple's Unique Approach to Black Friday14:25 - Creative E-commerce Strategies20:12 - Bundling Products for Black Friday22:51 - Startup Idea 1:  Black Friday Agency27:55 - Gamifying Promo Codes29:59 - Our Black Friday Buys31:41 - Live Streaming as a Sales Strategy1) The Store Credit HackInstead of basic "20% off" - tell customers they have $21.63 in store credit expiring soonWhy it works:• Feels like "their money"• Specific numbers boost authenticity• Creates urgency2) The Premium PlayHow luxury brands do Black Friday:• No discounts• Give gift cards with purchase• Example: Apple gives $200 creditKeeps brand prestige while driving sales 3) The Bundle BuilderFour Sigmatic's genius approach:• Interactive bundle builder• Unlocks bigger discounts at $59/$99• Shows real-time savings• Makes shopping funSteal this for your store 4) The Bonus StackMagicMind's approach:• Start with core discount• Add digital product access• Include physical gifts• Stack more bonuses as week progressesPsychology: Value over Discount5) The Subscription PushSaaS playbook:• Offer renewal discounts• Add exclusive bonuses• Example: Endel does 50% off + premium gifts• Works for any subscription business6) The QVC StrategyModern twist:• Run 12-hour livestream sales• Show limited quantities• Create FOMO• Add exclusive bundles• Perfect for influencer brands7) The Campaign TimelineSmart businesses:• Plan 6 months ahead• Start ads 3 days before• Build waiting lists• Layer in bonuses• Peak on Friday8) The Profit RealityTruth bomb:• Could make 1-2 months revenue in 1 week• Some brands make yearly revenue• Even "bad" years saved by Black Friday• Ignoring it = leaving millions on tableRemember: Black Friday isn't just a discount day.It's a strategic revenue event that can make your entire year.Don't flub itWant 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 JONATHAN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/JicecreamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

In this episode, I am joined by Shahed Khan, co-founder of Loom, as we explore innovative startup ideas, and his frameworks for finding and building startupsEpisode Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:50 Startup Idea 1: The Modern Travel Guide 19:25 Startup Idea 2: The anti-social social network34:06 Startup Idea 3: Time Capsules of Shared Memories1) The Anti-TripAdvisor Traveler Problem: Millennials & Gen Z hate cookie-cutter travel experiencesSolution: TikTok-inspired travel app with curated, local gemsKey features:• City-specific guides (coffee shops, bookstores, etc.)• Video carousels showing vibes• Monetize by unlocking full guides ($0.99)How to build MVP:1. Use TikTok API to pull trending local videos2. Transcribe with Descript or Google Speech-to-Text3. Clean up with ChatGPT4. Auto-post to WordPress via ZapierPro tip: Start hyper-niche (e.g., coffeesnobs.xyz) then expand2) The New "Path" - Dunbar's Social Network Problem: We've lost connection with our REAL friendsSolution: Reinvent Path for 2024 - ultra-private social networkKey features:• Max 150 connections (Dunbar's number)• Location-based updates• Simple, minimalist designWhy it could work:• People crave intimate, ad-free spaces• AI makes building faster & cheaper• Charge $20-30/year subscriptionMarketing angle: "The anti-social social network"3) Time Capsules of Shared MemoriesProblem: "Shared albums are where memories go to die"Solution: Physical, ephemeral time capsules of shared experiencesKey features:• Pull from connected social accounts• Curate personalized memory boxes• Make it EASY to send as giftsMonetization:• Subscription for curation• Charge per physical time capsule sentInspiration: Remember Klout? Leverage nostalgia!Bonus insight: People don't change. Our needs stay the same.Products evolve, but human nature is constant. Study the past!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 SHAHED ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/_shahedkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahedkhan/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shahedk/

In this episode, I am joined by Michael Girdley, Chairman and CEO of Girdley Enterprises, as we discuss how to build a HoldCo. Michael shares his frameworks and best practices for structuring HoldCo’s.Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro02:25 What is HoldCo07:22 Types of HoldCo09:45 Why go HoldCo12:56 Types of HoldCo Pt 215:27 Frameworks for structuring your HoldCo19:16 7 steps of starting a HoldCo23:47 Why HoldCo’s are awesome36:12 HoldCo’s are antifragile 43:16 Make sure HoldCo’s are right for you45:16 HoldCo Conference1) What's a Holdco?It's owning multiple businesses but not running any of them day-to-day.Think Warren Buffett lite - you're the maestro orchestrating a portfolio of companies.2) Why go Holdco?• Diversify risk• Create asymmetric bets• Design your ideal lifestyle• Leverage your passionsGirdley: "I tap dance to work every day, even when things are sucky."3) Types of Holdcos:• Roll-up (same biz, diff locations)• Platform (related businesses)• Pure Holdco (unrelated businesses)• Conglomerate (big daddy version)Pick your flavor based on your interests & expertise!4) How to start your Holdco journey:1. Have a plan2. Define your goals3. Design your org structure4. Consult lawyers & tax pros5. Build your all-star advisory team6. Execute & iterate7. Optimize for happiness!5) The secret sauce? 🤫• Low-cost tech makes it easier than ever to incubate new businesses.• Girdley: "You can do that same business they built off the ground for a few $1000"• Asymmetric bets FTW!6) Centralize or nah?• Depends on your asset types & personal strengths.• Girdley keeps it "radically decentralized" - know thyself!• "Don't try to do things that I know I suck at."7) Who's it for?Not everyone! But if you:• Love variety• Hate micromanaging• Want to build long-term wealth• Crave a custom-designed career...Holdco life might be your jam!8) Ready to dive in?Start with ONE successful biz, then expand.And if you're serious, check out Girdley's Holdco conference in Utah next spring!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 MICHAEL ON SOCIALMichael Girdley’s Website: https://www.girdley.com/X/Twitter: https://x.com/girdleyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgirdley/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Michael-Girdley