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...
Perplexity vs ChatGPT "Deep Research" For Startup Ideas Shocked Me
Get Greg’s Deep research research notes: https://www.gregisenberg.com/deep-research-ideasI compare in real-time ChatGPT's and Perplexity's deep research capabilities for developing startup ideas. Both platforms were prompted to generate AI agent business ideas with specific revenue targets ($1M Y1, $3M Y2, $5M Y3). The results showed that Perplexity provided faster, more concise responses, while ChatGPT offered more detailed, comprehensive analysis but took longer to generate responses.Key Points:• Comparison between ChatGPT Pro ($200/month) and Perplexity Deep Research (free/~$20/month) for startup ideation• Both platforms were tested with identical prompts for creating AI-based startup ideas• Comparison of response speed, depth, and quality between the two platforms• Practical demonstration of how to use AI tools for business planning and market researchTimestamps:00:00 - Intro01:33 - Defining the Startup Prompt02:29 - Initiating Research with ChatGPT05:05 - Initiating Research with Perplexity09:13 - Perplexity results (Legal Contract AI)15:44 - ChatGPT results (AI Sales Outreach Assistant)26:10 - Comparing Perplexity and ChatGPT Outputs27:55 - Follow-Up Prompts and Further Exploration31:55 - Perplexity's Follow-Up results34:43 - ChatGPT's Follow-Up results 37:07 - Where to get Greg’s Deep research research notes37:31 - Conclusion: Choosing Between Tools1) THE SETUP:• Testing ChatGPT Pro ($200/mo) vs Perplexity Deep Research ($20/mo)• Same prompt: Build a defensible AI agent startup• Target: $5M ARR in 3 years• MVP budget: $5K2) PERPLEXITY AI WINS ON SPEED • Completed research in ~2 mins• Analyzed 34+ sources• More concise, actionable insights• Free tier available!3) CHATGPT WINS ON DEPTH • Longer, more detailed analysis• Comprehensive playbooks• Better market context• More examples & case studies4) BEST STARTUP IDEAS GENERATED:Legal Contract AI (Perplexity):• $2.4B market opportunity• Auto-redline contracts• Defensible through learning• Clear path to $5.4M ARRAI Sales Assistant (ChatGPT):• Virtual SDR automation• Network effect moat• Product-led growth strategy• $100M+ potential5) MVP INSIGHTS:For $5K budget:• Use existing APIs (OpenAI/GPT-4)• Start with Chrome extension• Focus on single workflow• Manual fallback for quality• Self-serve freemium model6) KEY TAKEAWAYS:Both tools are INSANELY good• Perplexity = Fast, concise, free tier• ChatGPT = Deeper analysis, more context• Both provide actionable insights• Worth integrating into workflow7) PROTIP:For best results:• Be specific with constraints• Ask follow-up questions• Double-click on interesting areas• Cross-reference competitor insightsBottom line: These AI research tools are an unfair advantage for founders right now.Notable Quotes:"Distribution is the new moat" - Greg"This is an unfair advantage right now" - Greg regarding AI research toolsConclusion: Both platforms demonstrated valuable capabilities, with Perplexity offering speed and efficiency while ChatGPT provided more comprehensive analysis. The video suggests both tools can be effective for startup planning, with the choice depending on user preferences for depth versus speed.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/
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39:08
7 validated startup ideas that will make $100K/month (and how to grow them)
Join us for an engaging conversation with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder and CEO of Swell AI, as we explore a wide range of AI startup ideas and business opportunities with detailed analysis of market opportunities, implementation strategies, and potential revenue models.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and technical setup01:31 - Startup Idea 1: Lightroom Preset SaaS04:41 - Startup Idea 2: Domain Portfolio for Lead Gen10:56 -Startup Idea 3: E-commerce newsletter AI tools15:19 -Startup Idea 4: High-LTV SaaS Services20:08 - Startup Idea 5: Productized Service Agency28:11 - Startup Idea 6: Dog park bar concept32:53 - Startup Idea 7: Micro app StudioKey Points:• Detailed discussion of an AI-powered Lightroom preset subscription business opportunity• Analysis of e-commerce newsletter AI tools and market potential• Exploration of physical business concept: Dog park combined with bar• Discussion of micro-apps trend and opportunity in riding viral waves1) Lightroom Preset SaaSPhotographers spend $$$ on presets. Time to disrupt.• Build AI tool to generate Lightroom presets from sample photos• Convert XML packets at scale• $29/month subscription model• Target Adobe users on FB adsInfinite margins. Just code.2) Domain Portfolio for Lead GenLaw firms do it. Now apply it everywhere.• Buy 1000+ exact-match domains for niche keywords• Rank organically (still works!)• Bundle leads to specific industries• Sell entire portfolio to PE firms40k+ per lead in some niches 3) AI for Ecomm NewslettersPeople hate coding email templates.• AI chat interface for newsletter design• Product storytelling automation• Holiday campaign generation• Template modification without codeKlaviyo users desperate for this.4) Lalo Agency PlayNew CRM taking music industry by storm.• Help artists build fan lists• Run targeted merch giveaways• Geographic targeting for tours• Less than $1 cost per signupAll major labels switching over 5) Dog Park Bar ConceptThe millennial country club is here.• Combine dog park + bar• Add app for daily dog updates• Target high-income dog owners• Members-only model potential4pm is packed every day 6) Micro AI Apps StudioText-behind-image went viral. More coming.- Build simple, focused AI tools• Ride viral trends• Credit pack monetization• $7/week pricing psychologyAdobe does this. Why not you?7) High-LTV SaaS ServicesFind tools people pay for but barely use.• Target Klaviyo, HubSpot, Sage• Build productized service• Create digital assets/templates• Add custom plugins25k+ customer LTV Notable Quotes:"Labels are like a bank. That's all they turned into." - Cody Schneider"Find trends. That's a very hard thing, I think, for the average person to do. But I think to that point, I think it's gonna get easier and easier to see these trends that are occurring." - Cody SchneiderWant 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 CODY ON SOCIALCody’s startup: https://www.swellai.com/X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r
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45:09
The Actual Process Behind a $10.5K/Month Directory Website
Get the exact system used to build profitable local directories: https://www.gregisenberg.com/directoryThe episode features Frey Chu explaining his methodology for building profitable directory websites, using dog parks as a case study. He demonstrates how to identify opportunities through keyword research, validate ideas through social proof, and implement a basic yet effective directory structure. The discussion emphasizes that even simple directory websites can generate significant passive income through various monetization methods, while also serving as a foundation for larger business opportunities.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro03:40 - Examples of Profitable Directories and their traffic10:35 - Why Build Directories12:23 - Finding and validating directory ideas26:44 - Data collection and enrichment42:21 - WordPress implementation46:36 - Monetization strategiesKey Points:• How to identify profitable directory website opportunities using keyword research and competition analysis• Step-by-step process for validating directory ideas using Reddit and social listening• Data collection and enrichment techniques for building comprehensive directories• Simple implementation strategy using WordPress or other CMS platforms• Monetization strategies including AdSense, affiliate marketing, and potential SaaS opportunities1) First, find your niche:• Use Ahrefs "near me" searches• Look for 30-100K monthly searches• Target keyword difficulty under 20• Avoid seasonal/branded keywords• Find niches with fragmented search intent2) Validate your idea:• Check competition on Google• Look for basic/outdated directories• Browse Reddit discussions• Confirm real user pain points• Set a "bounty" on weak competitors3) Data Collection Strategy:• Use Google Maps scraping tools (like Outscraper)• Focus on exact category matches• Collect key data points:- Name, address, phone- Reviews & ratings- Hours & location links- Street view images4) Data Enrichment • Add unique features competitors lack• Include amenity details (shade, benches, etc)• Use AI tools to automate enrichment• Focus on solving specific user problems• Make data actually USEFUL5) Building The Directory:• Start with simple "static pillar pages"• Target city-specific keywords• Include:- Table of contents- Location details- Embedded maps- Reviews- Internal linking structure6) Monetization Options • Display ads (most passive)• Affiliate partnerships• Lead generation• Data collection/email lists• Potential SaaS upsellNotable Quotes"AdSense has been the closest thing that I've ever experienced to passive income." - Frey Chu"People are monetizing directories wrong. They're just putting AdSense... The opportunity is actually to build software on top of these directories." - Greg IsenbergLCA 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 FREY ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/freychuYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreyChuFrey’s Newsletter: https://shipyourdirectory.kit.com
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54:24
The Step-by-Step Plan to Go From $3M to $10M+
In this episode, Ayman Al-Abdullah, former CEO of AppSumo, shares his framework for scaling businesses from seven to nine figures. The conversation focuses on the importance of customer retention, strategic hiring, and proper incentive structures. Ayman shares insights from his experience scaling AppSumo from $3M to $84M in revenue, emphasizing the transition from founder to CEO mindset.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and background02:47 - Discussion of the Nine Steps framework08:13 - Team building and executive compensation10:35 - The Reality of Startup Valuations14:36 - The importance of setting a strong foundation15:59 - Focus on Retention Before Growth22:26 - Evaluating Opportunities and Thinking Big29:47 - Examples of Successful Founders that Ayman admires31:35 - The Importance of Focus in Business33:26 - Build Skyscrapers, Not Strip-malls 36:01 - The importance of being the best in the market37:54 - Where to double down in your business40:22 - Testing and Investing in Business Strategies42:05 - Identifying Bottlenecks in Your Business44:39 - Finding Your Zone of GeniusKey Points:• The "Nine Steps to Nine Figures" framework divides business growth into three phases: startup, scale-up, and grow-up• Focus on retention and customer loyalty before aggressive growth• Use the "Test Then Invest" framework with 80% resources on core business and 20% on experiments• Structure executive compensation with a 50-50 split between top-line and bottom-line metrics1) The "Nine Steps to Nine Figures" Framework:Breaks down into 3 phases:• Startup (Product Market Fit)• Scale-up (Company Creation)• Grow-up (Legacy Protection)Most founders get this wrong from day 1...2) RETENTION over GROWTH "Building a business without focusing on retention is like building a skyscraper on sand"Every 3% increase in net revenue retention = DOUBLES company valuationStop chasing growth before you nail retention!3) The 80/20 Marketing Rule:• 80% of resources on proven channels• 20% on experimental channelsReal example: AppSumo tested switching from credits to cash payments for referrals → Became 8-figure revenue channel4) The Shield vs Sword Framework for Decision Making:Rate every opportunity 1-5 on:• Impact (Sword)• Effort (Shield)Only pursue 8+/10 total score opportunitiesIgnore the rest - they're distractions5) On Building Your Executive Team:Two core functions:• Sales (CRO)• Delivery (COO)Pro tip: Hire first in YOUR zone of geniusWhy? You'll know what excellence looks like6) The Triple, Triple, Double, Double Path to $100M:Year 1: $3M → $9MYear 2: $9M → $27MYear 3: $27M → $54MYear 4: $54M → $108MThis is how you hit 9-figures in 5 years 7) REVOLUTIONARY Compensation Framework:Forget traditional equity!Instead:• Set total comp package• Let employees choose cash vs equity split• Makes equity REAL by forcing skin in the game8) CEO Evolution:"The founder is the hardest working personThe CEO should be the laziest"Your job: Think 3-5 quarters ahead while your team executes Key Takeaway:Focus on retention firstBuild processes before hiringThink in 5-year blocksExecute with intentionNotable Quotes:"Product market fit is when it feels like you're wearing a meat suit in a dog park - you just have more leads than you know what to do with." - Ayman"Every 3% increase in net revenue retention doubles a company's valuation." - AymanLCA 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 AYMAN ON SOCIALAyman’s Website: https://aymanalabdullah.comX/Twitter: https://x.com/aymanalabdulLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aalab003/
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51:30
I built an AI startup in 65 minutes (using ChatGPT, Leonardo AI, Kling AI, ElevenLabs)
Greg's step-by-step guide to building a startup using AI workflows: https://www.gregisenberg.com/ai-startupIn this episode, Omar Choudhry, a serial entrepreneur, shares the exact prompting sequences he uses to combine multiple AI tools to create products people actually want to buy. Watch us build a custom avatar business live. You'll learn the exact process: from crafting the perfect prompts in ChatGPT, to generating images in Leonardo AI, to animating with Kling AI, all the way to automated fulfillment with Printful. This isn't theory - it's a complete blueprint you can copy today.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and overview04:22 - Technical, Audience, and Cultural Shifts10:12 - Explanation of sequential prompting14:15 - How to create an AI Avatar using ChatGPT and Leonardo AI26:18 - Startup Idea 1: Custom AI Greeting Cards36:43 - Teenie Tales MVP showcase43:10 - How to animate AI Avatar’s using Kling AI 52:50 - Startup Idea 2: Personalized AI Sticker’sKey Points:• Detailed walkthrough of creating AI avatars using sequential prompting across multiple AI tools• Exploration of business opportunities in personalized greeting cards and educational materials• Discussion of automated workflows combining ChatGPT, Leonardo AI, and Kling AI• Integration strategies with print-on-demand services like Printful for physical products1) The Big Shift in Business Models:Traditional path:• Raising VC $$$• Years to launch• Large teams• Office space neededNew AI-First path:• Build instantly• Low cost• Zero employees• Remote-first2) The Sequential Prompting Framework Omar's genius method:• Use ChatGPT to create prompts• Feed prompts to specialized AI tools• Chain outputs together• Build user-friendly frontendExample flow:ChatGPT → Leonardo AI → Kling AI → 11Labs3) Business Idea #1: AI-First Greeting Cards The $400M Moonpig-killer:• Upload photos → Get AI avatars• Generate personalized scenes• Add animation & voice• Print physical cardsMonetization:• $7-10 per card• $10-15 monthly subs• Gift upsells4) Business Idea #2: Educational AI Stickers Target market: Schools & TeachersThe product:• Custom teacher avatars• Personalized student stickers• Achievement celebrations• Classroom decorationsDistribution:• Direct mail to principals• School district partnerships5) The Technical Stack Tools needed:• ChatGPT for prompts• Leonardo AI for images• Remove.bg for backgrounds• Printful API for fulfillment• Zapier/Make for automationCAC potential: $15/customer6) Marketing Strategy Guerrilla tactics:• Find faculty directories• Create custom samples• Direct mail campaigns• Social media DM outreach• Leverage virality in schoolsPro Tip: Start manual, perfect the process, then automate!7) BONUS INSIGHT The real opportunity isn't just in the tools - it's in the UX layer on top.Build specific solutions for specific problems.Create branded experiences.Make it dead simple to use.The tools are commodities. The experience is the moat.Notable Quotes:"We're building full workflows today using AI avatars. I'm going to have a ton of business ideas that you can start immediately with zero employees." - Omar"By the end of this episode, you'll be able to assemble an AI SaaS product that can literally print you cash." - OmarLCA 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
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