Rogue Startups

In this discussion, Reddit marketing expert Paul Xue shares his insights on engaging one of the internet’s most skeptical communities. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity over sales in content creation and highlights strategies for thriving in Reddit’s competitive landscape. Paul also explores how user-generated reviews can build brand credibility and the evolving role of AI in online marketing. With practical tips and predictions on future trends, he provides listeners with a roadmap for leveraging Reddit effectively.

Startup marketing can feel like a maze, right? In this episode of Rogue Startups, Craig chats with  Brendan Hufford of Growth Sprints about how to cut through the noise and actually connect with your audience. They dig into everything from creating raw, authentic content to dialing in your SEO strategies and uncovering your brand’s real voice. If you’ve ever felt a little lost with your marketing (or just want some fresh ideas to make your plan actually work), this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Highlights from Craig and Brendan Hufford’s conversation: AI in SEO: how artificial intelligence is reshaping the digital marketing landscape Why old methods don’t work anymore—and the mindset shift needed to move forward Building new skill sets: why continuous learning is essential for marketers and founders Staying ahead of the curve with new tech, trends, and tools How entrepreneurs can use AI to market their businesses more effectively Content atomization and distribution: breaking big ideas into bite-sized content across multiple channels Maximizing social platforms like Instagram, Twitter (X), and more “Zero-click content”: how to thrive on platforms that discourage external links Optimizing for virtual retargeting and platform-native algorithms Overcoming the “trust recession” and rebuilding credibility with your audience Turning one-star reviews into marketing gold Creating a gravitational pull that draws customers toward your brand and story The power of self-perpetuating content that continues to work for you over time Why founders shouldn’t try to do everything alone—and how to delegate effectively Finding your authentic founder’s voice and building trust through genuine content Resources and Links from This Episode Brendan Hufford on LinkedIn: com/in/brendanhufford Growth Sprints: https://growthsprints.co/ Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you, and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes. Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt Email: podcast@roguestartups.com  

In this discussion, Devesh Khanal, co-founder of Grow and Convert and expert in conversion optimization, shares insights on navigating the evolving landscape of SEO with large language models like ChatGPT. He debunks myths about LLMs and offers actionable strategies for improving brand visibility in AI-driven searches. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding customer pain points, contrasts bottom-of-funnel and top-of-funnel SEO strategies, and debates the effectiveness of community platforms like Reddit for marketing.

Lars Lofgren, an AI-SEO expert who has collaborated with brands like Ramit Sethi, dives into the ever-changing landscape of SEO shaped by artificial intelligence. He reveals how Google’s algorithms are evolving and discusses the vital shift from traditional SEO to embracing AI-driven strategies. The conversation highlights the importance of engaging content on platforms like Reddit and LinkedIn, while questioning the relevance of classic tactics like link building. Lars offers practical tips on balancing authentic storytelling with effective marketing in this new era.

Craig welcomes Mike Buckbee, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Knowatoa, who dives into the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on brand visibility. They discuss innovative strategies for creating brand-specific content that captures attention in an AI-driven world. Mike highlights the significance of personalized AI search results and the relevance of platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Reddit for content distribution. The duo also explores the importance of adapting SEO strategies to align with shifts in user behavior and the challenges of AI-generated content.

In this episode of the podcast, Craig sits down with longtime entrepreneur Colin Bartlett, cofounder of StatusGator, to explore what it really takes to build, and sustain, a SaaS business over the long haul. With more than a decade at the helm of a company that helps users monitor service outages, Colin shares hard-won insights from 12 years of entrepreneurship and 11 years of running StatusGator. The conversation dives into how founders’ perspectives evolve, especially in today’s turbulent tech landscape, and how to stay grounded and successful through all of that craziness. Highlights from Craig and Colin’s conversation: How Colin and StatusGator did when Google Cloud went down for a few hours The factors that can determine whether or not free trials can work for your business The difference between the company in the beginning versus 10+ years down the road How their businesses fit into the current markets (alongside AI and other tech advances) Appreciation and respect for the businesses in such uncertainty Plans, trajectories, and what the future holds for them Views on profit in the SaaS industry Their team structures and how to hire and maintain a team in the AI era Staying fresh in the market after you’ve been in the business for a while The benefits of having a cofounder SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) compliance and privacy standards How many hours does your team have to work to be a value to your company?   Resources and Links from This Episode Colin Bartlett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinabartlett/ StatusGator: https://statusgator.com/ If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you, and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes. Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt Email: podcast@roguestartups.com  

- LLMs.txt article: https://www.quoleady.com/llm-txt-files/ - Craig's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@thecraighewitt  

What does it really take to lead a company for over a decade—and still be growing? In this episode, Craig chats with Amar Ghose, founder and longtime CEO of ZenMaid, about the challenges, lessons, and evolution that come from running a SaaS company for 12 years. From market leadership and internal conflict to personal growth and productivity, Amar shares candid insights into the realities of long-term entrepreneurship. Whether you're scaling a startup, feeling stagnant in your leadership role, or just wondering if AI is going to eat your SaaS lunch, this conversation delivers.   Highlights from Craig and Amar's conversation: Transitioning from following trends to becoming a category leader Navigating internal disagreements and managing tough decisions Running a "benevolent dictatorship"—and why that sometimes works How to deal with boredom, complacency, and staying sharp as a CEO The productivity paradox: what being "productive" means at the top Entertainment vs. distraction: protecting your focus How coaching reveals your blind spots (and helps you evolve) Staying out of cruise control—how to keep leveling up, year after year Is AI a threat to SaaS companies, or a tool for growth? Takeaways and Vision Longevity in SaaS isn’t about coasting. It’s about evolving. Amar Ghose proves that staying in the game for 12+ years means embracing discomfort, sharpening your focus, and leading with intention. Whether you're one year in or a decade deep, this episode is a reminder: real leadership isn’t about avoiding boredom, it’s about leveling up through it. Resources and Links from This Episode ZenMaid – Amar’s SaaS for maid service businesses Follow Amar on LinkedIn Rogue Startups Podcast Archive Connect with Craig on Twitter/X: @TheCraigHewitt If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes.  Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt Email: podcast@roguestartups.com  

Hello, remember me?  Sorry that it's been 6 weeks, but I'm back. In this episode I talk through what I've been up to recently, what's going on with Castos, with myself personally, and things I'm learning growing the business.  Towards the end, I share the lessons I learned from a recent 2-day Scaling Workshop with Alex and Leila Hormozi.  The event was great, and really reframed how I am thinking about the business, and about being a business owner.   My YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@thecraighewitt - for sales, marketing, and founder-focused content like this.

In this episode of Rogue Startups, Craig chats with Jesse Hanley, marketer, self-taught developer, and founder of Bento, a powerful email marketing platform for modern teams. With today’s economy in flux and global events adding more pressure, Craig and Jesse dive into what it really means to run and grow a SaaS business in 2025. They explore how entrepreneurs can protect their businesses and families in turbulent times, why niching down is more important than ever (but only for some), and how AI is transforming both Bento and Craig’s own company, Castos. From global living experiences to making tough decisions about free tiers, this episode is packed with honest insights, practical advice, and a few spicy takes on the future of SaaS. Highlights from Craig and Jesse’s conversation: Living and working in Japan, France, Australia, and the US: cultural and business differences Bento’s vision and how they are navigating economic uncertainty Knowing when to bring in experts (and when to trust your gut) How Bento is integrating AI—and how it’s driving real results for users Behind the scenes at Castos: using AI to boost productivity and creativity Are free plans a growth hack or a trap for SaaS companies? Marketing smarter: finding your ideal customers in a crowded market To niche or not to niche? What to do if your product is a Swiss Army knife If you’re a SaaS founder, bootstrapped entrepreneur, or just love behind-the-scenes looks at real businesses navigating real challenges, this episode is for you. Resources and Links from This Episode Jesse Hanley on Twitter/X: https://x.com/jessethanley  Bento: https://bentonow.com/  If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you, and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes.  Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt Email: podcast@roguestartups.com