Indie Founder

Have you ever wondered how technology and communication have evolved over the years? In this episode of "WBE Entrepreneur," I reflect on this topic and share my insights on the effectiveness of cold emailing. I discuss how my cold email strategy has contributed to the success of my current venture, Podsqueeze, and share my recipe for a successful cold email. Additionally, I explain how email providers determine whether a message is spam or not and the process of warming up a new email server to gain trust from potential recipients. Tune in to learn more about the power of cold emailing in today's digital age.LinksTry PodSqueezeJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBut WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterTimestampsThe days before the internet [00:01:21]Tiago reflects on the times before the internet and computers, and how he used encyclopedias and attended a computer course during his childhood.The rise of email [00:04:34]Tiago discusses the introduction of email and how it changed the world, allowing people to send letters in seconds.Email as a crucial tool for Pod Squeeze [00:09:45]Tiago talks about how email marketing is the main source for new customers for his current venture, Pod Squeeze, and how cold emailing can be effective with the right product.Evolution of Cold Emailing [00:10:44]Tiago discusses the success of cold emailing and how he filtered a list of 5 million emails to 500,000. He also explains the recipe for a successful cold email.Email Marketing and Spam [00:17:16]Tiago explains how email marketing works and how SMTP servers communicate with each other. He also discusses how email providers use public and internal lists to filter spam.Reputation and Deliverability [00:20:34]Tiago explains how email providers use reputation to determine whether a message is spam or not. He also discusses how difficult it is to get off an internal list once you're on it.How email servers determine spam [00:21:23]Tiago explains the technical indicators that email servers use to determine if a message is spam or not.Options for sending cold emails [00:29:35]Tiago discusses three options for sending cold emails: lying to email service providers, creating multiple domains and email accounts, or creating your own server.Creating your own email server [00:30:42]Tiago shares his experience creating his own email server using a virtual machine and Mail Cow.Warmup process [00:31:39]Tiago explains the warmup process, which involves sending a small number of messages to other email accounts to gain trust and avoid being marked as spam.Mail Reach service [00:32:38]Tiago mentions Mail Reach, a service that helps warm up email servers and provides information on how many emails went to spam.Impact of GPT on education [00:35:25]Tiago shares his experience introducing GPT to English teachers and discusses how it could change education, including the idea of using it to recreate a student's room.Links & MentionsEmails and Email Services:List of emails of people that have podcasts: 00:10:44Gmail: 00:19:26Yahoo: 00:19:26Zoho: 00:19:26SendGrid (email or transaction email service): 00:26:42Amazon SES: 00:26:42Mailgun: 00:26:42Gmail: 00:28:39Outlook: 00:30:42Zoho: 00:30:42Yahoo: 00:30:42Mailcow (service that uses Docker to install): 00:31:56Mail Reach (website): 00:32:38Podcasting Tools and Services:AI tool to help podcasters repurpose their audio content and generate titles, show notes, timestamps, posts, mentions with just one click: 00:13:50PodSqueeze: 00:13:50Mailchimp: 00:28:39Woodpecker: 00:28:39Spam Emails:Public lists for spam emails: 00:20:34Internal lists for spam emails: 00:20:34Other Mentions:"The Warmup" (process): 00:31:39GPT (tool): 00:35:25Mid Journey (website): 00:36:17Tiago's Twitter handle (@wbe_tiago): 00:37:25Tiago's email (tiago@podsqueeze.com): 00:37:25

Have you ever started something from scratch and worked your way up? As someone who practices Muay Thai, I can attest to the importance of gradual improvement in both martial arts and entrepreneurship. In this episode, I'll be sharing my personal experience and how it relates to building a business. I'll also be discussing my financial goals for PodSqueeze and how I plan to balance creating a product that is both enjoyable and useful for podcasters while also generating revenue. Additionally, I'll be diving into the two main focuses of my business: marketing and product improvement.LinksTry PodSqueezeJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBut WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterConsistent Release Schedule [00:00:12]Tiago apologizes for not sticking to a consistent release schedule for his podcast and pledges to release new episodes every Wednesday.Martial Arts Journey [00:02:11]Tiago talks about his experience practicing Muay Thai, a martial art, for the past year and how it has humbled him.Entrepreneurial Journey [00:07:49]Tiago relates his journey as an entrepreneur to his experience in martial arts, acknowledging that he still has much to learn and that he is now in uncharted territory with a business that is actually paying the bills.Reaching financial goals [00:09:52]Tiago discusses his financial goals for his business and how he plans to achieve them.Selling the company [00:13:08]Tiago talks about the possibility of selling his company and the factors that go into valuing a company.Balancing work and enjoyment [00:17:03]Tiago discusses his desire to build and grow his business while also enjoying life and pursuing other projects that bring value to the community.Marketing and CRM [00:19:29]Tiago discusses the two sides of their business, marketing and product improvement, and how they are focusing on creating their own CRM to improve B2B sales.Cold emailing and potential SEO strategies [00:21:40]Tiago talks about how cold emailing has been successful for their business and potential SEO strategies they can implement, such as using user-generated content for their podcast.Attending a conference [00:26:35]Tiago and Joan discuss the pros and cons of attending a conference as exhibitors or visitors, and how it can help them make connections with big companies in the podcasting world.Tiago's conference plans [00:29:39]Tiago talks about his plans to attend a conference and how it will provide great content for his podcast.Tiago's Spanish live stream [00:31:12]Tiago mentions that he and his team will be doing a live stream in Spanish, despite not speaking the language, which he finds interesting.

What should you consider when negotiating a deal? In this podcast episode, I share my experience playing football in Portugal and how owning a ball made me popular among my friends. I then dive into my business, PodSqueeze, and the process of finding the right transcription service. João and I tested various services and found a partner that reduced our costs significantly. I also talk about my decision not to go for a deal with AppSumo for PodSqueeze. My partner and I considered whether we had enough information about our business to ensure a good deal. Tune in to learn more about my journey as an entrepreneur.LinksTry PodSqueezeJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBut WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterTimestampsPlaying Football in Portugal [00:00:12]Growing up in Portugal, I loved playing football with my friends. Having the ball made me popular among my peers, and we would spend hours playing and practicing our skills.Negotiating API Prices for PodSqueeze [00:07:00]As the founder of PodSqueeze, I faced the challenge of negotiating prices for APIs for my business. Finding the right provider was crucial, and I had to carefully consider the costs and benefits of each option.Interviewing API Providers [00:08:54]During my search for the right API provider for PodSqueeze, I interviewed with different companies. It was important to me that they made me feel wanted as a client and understood the unique needs of my business.Transcription Accuracy [00:10:53]One of the challenges I faced when transcribing an interview was accurately identifying speakers and removing filler words. It was crucial to ensure the accuracy of the transcription to avoid any misunderstandings.Negotiating with AppSumo [00:15:18]When negotiating with AppSumo, a lifetime deal marketplace, I had to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of offering a one-time payment deal for PodSqueeze. It was a tough decision, but ultimately, we decided to go for it.Crunching the Numbers [00:17:31]To predict the potential profits and risks of the AppSumo deal, I crunched the numbers and analyzed the data. Negotiating better pricing could make the deal more profitable, so I had to carefully consider all the options.Negotiating with API Sales Representative [00:21:17]As the founder of PodSqueeze, I had to negotiate with an API sales representative to ensure that we were getting the best deal for our business. It was a challenging process, but we were able to come to an agreement that worked for both parties.Benefits and Downsides of Having a Bootstrap Company [00:22:11]As the founder of a bootstrap company, I have experienced both the benefits and downsides of investing our own money and not having to justify our decisions to investors. It's a unique experience, but one that I wouldn't trade for anything.Growing a Bootstrap Business [00:24:00]To grow our bootstrap business, we are doubling down on our marketing efforts and exploring new opportunities. It's a challenging process, but one that we are excited to take on.

Have you ever felt lost in your career journey, unsure of what job you truly love? In this episode, I share my personal journey through different jobs and how it led me to my current project, Podsqueeze. I reflect on my experiences working at Trivago and Weekend, and how they shaped my perspective on entrepreneurship.As I continue to grow and develop Podsqueeze, I am exploring new avenues to reach a wider audience. One possibility is launching Podsqueeze on AppSumo, a platform that helps entrepreneurs promote and sell their products.I discuss the excitement of reaching product-market fit with Podsqueeze, and the challenges of running a bootstrapped company. Despite the difficulties, I am passionate about my indie projects and the potential they hold.LinksTry PodSqueezeJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBut WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on Twitter

Have you ever wondered what it takes to launch a successful product on Product Hunt? Well, let me tell you about my experience with launching my own product, Podsqueeze. As the founder, I understand the importance of optimizing processes and conversion rates before launching on ProductHunt. In this podcast episode, I share my journey of scaling up my product and turning it into a proper company. Running a business comes with its own set of challenges, such as high costs for services. However, I am determined to expand into non-English speaking markets and have already developed a new feature for Podsqueeze.LinksTry PodSqueezeJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBut WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterTimestampsProduct Hunt Launch [00:02:34]I remember when we launched our product on Product Hunt. It was a nerve-wracking experience, but it ended up being a game-changer for us. The audience on Product Hunt is incredibly engaged and passionate, and we saw a significant increase in traffic and sales after our launch. Timing is also crucial, and we made sure to launch at a time when our target audience was most active.Soft Launch [00:07:29]Before launching on Product Hunt, we did a soft launch to test our product and optimize conversion rates. It was essential to get feedback from early adopters and make any necessary changes before the big launch. This helped us ensure that we were putting our best foot forward and presenting our product in the best possible light.Launching on Product Hunt [00:09:21]When we launched on Product Hunt, we saw firsthand the impact it can have on a product. Being in the top five versus the top two can make a significant difference in terms of exposure and sales. It's essential to have a solid strategy in place and to engage with the Product Hunt community to maximize your chances of success.Scaling up Bot Squeeze [00:15:52]As we worked to scale up our product, Bot Squeeze, we focused heavily on customer feedback and support. We knew that our customers were our biggest advocates, and we wanted to make sure they were happy with our product. By listening to their feedback and addressing their concerns, we were able to improve our product and build a loyal customer base.Connecting with Customers [00:16:57]One thing that sets us apart from our competitors is our approach to customer support. We strive to create a personal connection with our customers and make them feel valued. By doing so, we've been able to build a strong community around our product and establish ourselves as a trusted brand.Product prioritization [00:17:55]Prioritizing features based on user feedback has been crucial to our success. We want our customers to feel heard and valued, and we believe that by addressing their needs, we can build a better product. Being approachable and transparent with our customers has helped us gain their trust and loyalty.Reducing costs [00:18:54]We've faced challenges with the high costs of our product, but we're always looking for ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Finding providers with better pricing has been one way we've been able to do this, and we're constantly exploring new options to make our product more affordable for our customers.Expanding sales team [00:20:46]Our goal is to expand to non-English speaking markets, and we're exploring different options for doing so. Translating our website and using affiliates are just a few of the strategies we're considering. We know that expanding our sales team will be crucial to our success in these markets, and we're excited about the opportunities ahead.Engaging affiliates [00:23:39]Keeping affiliates engaged is essential to our success, and we're considering creating a community for podcasters and affiliates. By doing so, we can build stronger relationships with our affiliates and provide them with the support they need to be successful.New features [00:26:26]We're always working on new features to improve our product, and we're excited about a new feature we're developing to apply tuning prompts automatically to new episodes. We believe this will be a game-changer for our customers and help them save time and improve the quality of their podcasts.Developing a new feature [00:27:13]Developing a new feature for Podsqueeze was a challenging experience, and it caused a lot of anxiety. But we knew that it was essential to keep innovating and improving our product. We're excited about the new feature and can't wait to see how our customers respond to it.Community and podcast updates [00:29:34]We're heavily involved in the WBE community and are always looking for ways to support our podcast. We believe that building a strong community around our product is essential to our success, and we're excited about the opportunities ahead.Creating a plugin for Twitter [00:31:07]Creating a plugin that replaces the Doge logo on Twitter was a fun project, and we were thrilled to launch it on Product Hunt. It was a great way to showcase our creativity and engage with the Product Hunt community. We're always looking for new ways to innovate and stand out from the crowd.Background MusicMusic: https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ 

How is the increase in Twitter's API prices by Elon Musk affecting the indie community? In this podcast episode, I speak with Luca, the founder of Hivoe, who is currently facing the possibility of all his indie projects coming to an end due to the Twitter API price increase. I also share about Podsqueeze ProductHunt launch.Follow LucaLinksTry PodSqueezeJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBut WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterTimestampsTragedy in the Indie Community [00:00:12]Discussion of Elon Musk's increase in prices of Twitter's API and its impact on indie tools.Comparison of Lifestyles [00:03:00]Comparison of the lifestyle of the super-rich and the struggles of those in poverty.From Survival to Success [00:06:40]Comparison of the stress of working for someone else to the stress of being an indie hacker trying to survive. Discussion of the launch of Pod Squeeze and its rapid growth.Product Hunt Launch [00:09:37]Discussion of the launch of Pod Squeeze on Product Hunt and its unexpected success.Twitter API Price Increase [00:17:11]Tiago and Luca discuss the recent increase in prices of Twitter's API by Elon Musk and how it affects the indie community.Impact on Indie Projects [00:20:09]Luca shares his experience and thoughts on how the Twitter API price increase will affect indie projects and their sustainability.Understanding Twitter's API [00:22:04]Discussion on the different types of requests and endpoints on Twitter's API and the new limitations on the number of requests allowed.Twitter's API Pricing Plans [00:24:03]Explanation of the pricing plans for Twitter's API, including the basic plan and the enterprise plan, and the number of requests allowed.Big Companies Paying for Twitter's API [00:26:06]Discussion on why big companies like Buffer and Hootsuite are willing to pay for Twitter's API despite the high cost.Importance of Twitter Tools for Indie Hackers [00:28:13]Explanation of the importance of Twitter tools like Hivoe and FeedHive for indie hackers to interact with Twitter on a professional level and grow their audience.Reasons for Twitter's API Price Increase [00:30:13]Discussion on the reasons behind Elon Musk's decision to increase the prices of Twitter's API, including fighting against bots, generating more revenue, and reducing server load.Twitter API price increase [00:32:10]Discussion on the recent increase in prices of Twitter's API and its impact on the indie community.**Effects on the indie community [00:33:30]**The host shares his personal experiences as an indie hacker and the launch of his product on Product Hunt.Regulation of Twitter [00:39:13]The host and guest discuss whether the Twitter API price increase should be regulated and suggest alternative ways for Twitter to monetize its API.Next Steps for Every and Inboxes [00:43:08]Founder of Vui shares his plans after the shock of the Twitter API update, including evaluating the possibility of selling the products to bigger companies and potentially shutting down both products.Lessons Learned [00:50:37]The speaker shares his personal experience as an indie hacker and the importance of avoiding platform risk and diversifying efforts.Reflection and Action [00:58:22]The speaker encourages reflection and action to make things better for indie makers. They express gratitude towards Twitter makers and end the episode on a lower note, reflecting on the challenges faced by indie makers.Background MusicMusic: https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ 

Today I'll be sharing updates and thoughts on my startup, PodSqueeze. Inspired by a documentary on Kurt Cobain, I reflect on the idea of risking everything and how it relates to entrepreneurship. I'll also discuss the challenges we've faced with PodSqueeze and my anxiety about needing more money. But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom! I'm excited to share that we recently launched on Product Hunt and I'll be talking about the importance of testimonials and gaining agency clients. So, join me as I share my personal experiences and insights on indie hacking.Thank you to our sponsor, HivoeCheckout HivoeUse OFF10 for 10% DiscountProduct Hunt LaunchAbout The PodcastTry PodSqueezeJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBut WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterBackground MusicMusic: https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a successful startup? Well, I am excited to share with you my conversation with Tibo, the founder of TweetHunter, a startup that sold for millions. I had the pleasure of having Tibo as our guest. He shared with us the growth of TweetHunter, including a partnership with Twitter influencer JK Molina, and the challenges of setting up the partnership. Tibo also highlighted the key factors that contributed to the success of TweetHunter, such as having a great product with a strong brand, strong marketing, and good customer support. We also discussed the acquisition of TweetHunter and the challenges of building a new product after its success. Thank you to our sponsor, HivoeCheckout HivoeUse OFF10 for 10% DiscountAbout The PodcastJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBut WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterBackground MusicMusic: https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ 

How can you build a successful SaaS product? As the founder of PodSqueeze, a SaaS product for podcasters, I am facing many challenges. One key lesson I've learned is the importance of solving a problem that people are facing. Getting feedback from users and targeting the right audience are also crucial. In this episode, I'll also discuss the impact of AI on society. Thank you to our sponsor, HivoeCheckout HivoeUse OFF10 for 10% DiscountAbout The PodcastTry PodSqueezeJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBut WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterBackground MusicMusic: https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ 

Are you ready to dive into the world of indie hacking? In this episode, we'll explore the ups and downs of this exciting entrepreneurial journey. Join me as I share my personal experiences and insights, including my current project, PodSqueeze. Drawing inspiration from my casino days, I'll reveal how I use "easy bets" to keep myself afloat while pursuing different projects. We'll also discuss the importance of "killing your darlings" and focusing on projects with immediate growth potential. However, it's not always smooth sailing, and I'll share my frustrations with increasing conversions for PodSqueeze and my co-founder's level of motivation. Try PodSqueezeAbout The PodcastJoin The WBE CommunitySponsor the podcastBut WBE MerchBuy The Bootstrapper's GuideDM me on TwitterBackground MusicMusic: https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/