The Startup Ideas Podcast

Join James, known as The Boring Marketer and the mastermind behind Vibe Marketing, as he unveils the secrets to capitalizing on often overlooked local business opportunities. He explains how to leverage AI and Google Maps to identify underserved niches in smaller cities, utilizing data like reviews and sentiment for validation. James suggests creating targeted content and local media assets, such as newsletters and directories, to attract leads. Discover how to tap into these goldmine markets without competing in crowded spaces!

In this talk, Cody Schneider, a creator-marketing expert, reveals the power of short-form content for marketing. He explains how brands can achieve better ROI by leveraging micro-creators rather than traditional influencers, citing a cost difference in partnerships. Cody highlights the impact of the for-you-page algorithm, allowing creators with zero followers to reach vast audiences. He shares insights on working with creators for mobile apps and quick purchases, emphasizing effective tools for managing campaigns and the importance of content quality over follower counts.

Cody Schneider, founder of graphed.com, shares insights on leveraging YouTube creators for influencer marketing. He outlines a step-by-step playbook for acquiring customers through strategic partnerships, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to over 100 creators. Cody discusses identifying underpriced creators and providing them with affiliate commissions to drive conversions. He also highlights automating outreach processes and explains how to track ROI effectively, making it easier for SaaS startups to scale and thrive in a competitive market.

Cody Schneider, the founder of graphed.com and an expert in AI search, dives deep into the world of GEO—AI-driven search technology. He discusses how GEO, while generating buzz, still represents a small slice of overall searches compared to traditional engines. Cody emphasizes that conversion rates from AI search can be impressive, ranging from 10-40%. He outlines strategies for businesses to optimize their presence on AI-referenced URLs, stressing the importance of getting brand visibility on high-ranking pages for better search outcomes.

Rowan Cheung, the founder of The Rundown AI, talks about innovating with AI to boost productivity in his small media company. He reveals how AI avatars transform content creation, making engaging short-form videos. Rowan shares tools for automating tasks like scheduling meetings and managing emails, enabling his team to operate efficiently. He even discusses using AI for new hire onboarding, ensuring all essential information is easily accessible. This conversation is packed with actionable insights anyone can implement to enhance their own business workflows.

Ben Benkhin, the mastermind behind WOMBO, shares his journey of creating apps that racked up over 250 million downloads. He discusses how he leverages emerging AI technologies to create user-friendly apps like Wombo and Dream, which animate selfies and generate art, respectively. Ben emphasizes the significance of studying viral content and developing apps that encourage user engagement. He highlights the monetization strategies through ads and subscriptions, revealing the power of viral loops in boosting user acquisition. Tune in for his expert tips on building viral mobile apps!

In this chat with Lee Robinson, VP of Developer Experience at Cursor, listeners gain insights into productivity-boosting AI coding tools. Lee shares practical tips on structuring prompts and creating custom commands to enhance code reviews. Discover how AI agents can tackle bug fixes and streamline workflows, making coding more accessible and efficient. From CLI options to innovative software examples, Lee highlights how developers can leverage Cursor to build higher quality products with less effort.

Cody Schneider, founder of graphed.com, shares his expertise in marketing and growth strategies tailored for startup founders. He details actionable insights on setting up Google Ads campaigns with effective keyword targeting and conversion tracking. The discussion further explores creating engaging Facebook and Instagram ads using AI-generated content. Schneider emphasizes the importance of testing multiple creatives and optimizing for conversions, proving that a vibe-coded approach can translate into real profits for startups.

Logan Kilpatrick, a senior member of Google's AI team, showcases the innovative Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model, affectionately dubbed 'Nano Banana.' He highlights its power in rapid image generation, enabling developers to create marketing materials and interactive experiences effortlessly. The model's low cost (about 4 cents per image) and accessibility through AI Studio make it an essential tool for marketers. Logan also dives into practical applications, including AI-generated ads and best practices for image editing with prompts, encouraging immediate adoption for a competitive edge.

The discussion dives into the heated debate over the existence of an AI bubble. It highlights the excessive hype and inflated startup valuations, contrasting that with the real utility and growing adoption of AI technologies. Founders receive practical strategies based on their bubble perspective. Notably, historical insights show that valuable companies can emerge even in bubble conditions. The ever-changing AI landscape poses both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs.