My name is Tiago and I am a full time Indie Maker.I build startups without any external investment and my goal is to perfect my entrepreneurial craft and reach $1M ARR (Annual Recurrent Revenue)Join me as I narrate my story and interview other entrepreneurs.

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After a long absence, I&#39;m back with a packed episode. I reflect on why I&#39;ve been away and what&#39;s changed—both in my life and in how I think about entrepreneurship. I challenge the unicorn fairy tales we&#39;ve been sold as founders, the idea that we need to change the world or go big or go home, and share why I now believe the real game is about distribution and conversion metrics. I talk about how we&#39;ve shifted our mindset from being a single-product company to building a cluster of products under our umbrella company, User Quest, all powered by SEO as our core distribution channel. I dive deep into how we&#39;ve transformed into an AI-first company, automating everything from product development to weekly performance analysis to inbox management with our own internal AI agent, Svetlana. And finally, I share the one small but powerful change we made to Podsqueeze&#39;s trial flow that actually reversed our growth and has us trending upward again for the first time in years. Links and mentions:Twitter: https://x.com/wbetiagoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/Podsqueeze: https://podsqueeze.comFlarecut: https://flarecut.comHalston from Tiny Acquisitions: https://x.com/haltouny Timestamps:00:00 Welcome back &amp; what happened01:10 Why I stopped sharing (and why I&#39;m back)02:58 Debunking the unicorn myth08:41 What actually makes a product work: distribution and conversions09:58 Myth two: you don&#39;t have to go all in on one thing11:18 Building a cluster of companies under User Quest13:43 Turning into an AI-first company16:16 The three phases of a product launch20:58 How we use AI to build products faster22:01 Automating weekly performance analysis with AI24:27 Meet Svetlana, our internal AI agent25:36 The one thing that changed Podsqueeze&#39;s growth27:58 The lesson: remove friction from your user flow29:04 Closing thoughts &amp; how to reach me

#375 - AI First Company & How One Small Tweak Turned Podsqueeze's Growth Around

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In this episode, I catch you up on the latest life and business updates. I reflect on the privilege and challenges of being an indie entrepreneur, especially as my co-founder João becomes a new father and takes parental leave. I discuss how we’re managing business operations at Podsqueeze with just one active founder, and share thoughts about the perks and compromises of the indie hacker lifestyle. Links and mentions:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/Twitter: https://x.com/wbetiagoPodsqueeze – https://podsqueeze.com  WeTransfer – https://wetransfer.com  Meetup – https://www.meetup.com  Evernote – https://evernote.com  Bending Spoons – https://bendingspoons.com  AppSumo – https://appsumo.com  HubSpot – https://hubspot.com  G2G (Reddit accounts) – https://www.g2g.com  Startup Stories (Pat Walls) – [YouTube channel reference]  Audio Announcer, Flarecut (other projects mentioned)   Timestamps:01:10 Catching up, recording in Lisbon, and life updates  05:30 Joel’s parental leave and how we manage as a small team  07:50 Indie perks: flexibility, travel, and lifestyle challenges when kids arrive  10:55 Handling business solo and what changes when you’re down a founder  14:10 Methods and “cookbooks” for indie founders; audience-first, SEO, content, etc.  15:40 My “three phases” framework: launch, growth, plateau  18:20 Bending Spoons and the idea of managing multiple products  20:40 How AI changes indie hacking and lean bootstrapping  21:30 The grind of phase one, community tools, and growth difficulties  23:55 Automations, AI processes, and where human attention is still crucial  26:35 Where marketing and distribution bottlenecks are for us now  28:25 Content creation as a missing skillset and finding the right partners  30:50 Final thoughts: building indie businesses, inviting feedback, and a call to action

#374 - Managing a Business While In Parental Leave

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In this episode, I speak about the importance of saying no—not just to others, but also to myself and my own ideas. I reflect on feeling overwhelmed by work and the many projects that compete for my attention, and I realize the need to prioritize tasks that directly contribute to my business’s financial success. I question the role of this podcast in that equation and consider whether I should continue it, make it more sustainable, or shift focus. I share honest thoughts on burnout, the pursuit of financial freedom, and the risk of becoming a slave to my own ambitions. I also reach out to you for feedback on supporting the show, perhaps with a Buy Me a Coffee page, or whether you’d like to hear more interviews and guest episodes. Let me know what resonates with you and how you deal with these challenges as an entrepreneur! Links and mentions:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/  Twitter: https://x.com/wbetiago  Email: tiago@podsqueeze.com  Podsqueeze: https://podsqueeze.com Timestamps:  01:10 – The power of saying no: to others and myself  03:45 – Feeling overwhelmed and the hidden cost of too many side projects  05:20 – Connecting tasks to revenue and questioning the podcast’s sustainability  07:55 – Burnout, financial pressure, and being a slave to my own ambitions  10:30 – New strategies: stricter prioritization and potential podcast changes  12:10 – Call for feedback: Would you support the podcast or enjoy more interviews?

#373 - Saying No, Even to Yourself: Avoiding Founder Burnout

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I speak about our strategy for 2026 and why distribution is key for our bootstrapped products. I share how SEO is working better for us than social media, and how we’re building a universe of interconnected products using SEO, newsletters, and YouTube. I explain how my co-founder and I split roles, mix personal touch with AI, and how caring about users improves both product and SEO. I discuss scaling this approach and future plans to create more content. Let me know your feedback or questions!My linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/My twitter: https://x.com/wbetiago Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Episode Agenda (00:00:01)  Engagement and Podcast Growth (00:01:22)  Distribution is Key: Initial Social Media Bias (00:02:41)  Alternative Distribution Channels (00:04:07)  SEO Success and Product Longevity (00:05:13)  Building a Product Universe with SEO (00:06:26)  Balancing Distribution and Product Quality (00:07:50)  User Connection and Brand Building (00:09:12)  Splitting Founder Roles for Growth (00:10:17)  Content Creation Workflow (00:11:37)  Core Content Pillars and Product Interlinking (00:12:39)  Scalable Strategy and Future Vision (00:14:01)  Content Expansion and Community Engagement (00:15:12)  Closing and Listener Feedback (00:16:22)

#372 - Growing a Bootstrapped Empire Without Social Media

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I answer a listener question on product validation and the best way to launch new projects. I share why I prefer building a simple MVP over just creating landing pages, and why I believe organic traffic beats paid ads unless you’re an expert. I break down the role of distribution and audience in finding traction. I also discuss recent Twitter drama about the “shotgun to sniper” approach, and why I think distribution often matters more than just launching many products. Twitter: https://x.com/wbetiagoLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/ My products:<ul><li>https://podsqueeze.com/</li><li>https://videoqualityenhancer.com/</li><li>https://audioenhancer.com/</li></ul> Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Listener Appreciation (00:00:00)  Listener Question: Product Validation Strategies (00:02:20)  Tiago’s Take: MVP vs. Landing Pages (00:03:19)  Landing Pages and Their Limitations (00:07:22)  Getting Traffic: Paid Ads vs. Organic Launches (00:08:36)  How to Launch Without an Audience (00:10:08)  Building Recurring Traffic and Scaling (00:13:49)  Twitter Drama: Shotgun to Sniper Strategy (00:15:05)  Tiago’s Response: The Importance of Distribution (00:16:09)  Social Media Algorithms and Polarization (00:18:39)  Distribution vs. Catching the Wave (00:21:06)  Audience as an Unfair Advantage (00:24:54)  Audience-First Approach and Examples (00:25:53)  Conclusion and Call for Feedback (00:26:59)

#371 - Twitter Fights and Product Launches

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I predict what will happen in 2026 with AI, politics, and the economy, comparing my answers with ChatGPT. I answer Tony’s question on reconciling living off unemployment benefits while now facing high taxes as an entrepreneur. I explain why I’m not anti-taxes but believe the system needs to change, especially for small businesses. I share key predictions: AI growth slows but adoption surges, tech jobs shift, SaaS competition increases, open source grows, and distribution is crucial. I finish with rapid-fire yes/no predictions for the year ahead. Timestamps by PodsqueezeIntroduction &amp; Episode Overview (00:00:00)  Listener Question: Unemployment Benefits &amp; Taxes (00:01:20)  Personal Background &amp; German Unemployment System (00:02:37)  Views on Taxes, State, and Public Services (00:03:49)  Critique of Bureaucracy and Tax System (00:08:54)  Fairness, Bureaucracy, and Indie Makers (00:10:04)  2026 Predictions: AI Progress &amp; Adoption (00:14:10)  White Collar Job Displacement by AI (00:15:11)  Tech Output &amp; Indie Maker Opportunities (00:16:17)  Build Costs Drop &amp; SaaS Market Changes (00:17:41)  SaaS Consolidation &amp; Distribution Importance (00:19:11)  Open Source Growth &amp; Google/SEO Shifts (00:21:52)  Discovery Shifts &amp; AI Bubble Outlook (00:22:59)  Human-Centric Products &amp; AI Transition Support (00:25:51)  Yes/No Prediction Questions with ChatGPT (00:27:09)  Reflection on Prediction Alignment (00:33:30)  Closing &amp; Listener Engagement (00:34:42)

#370 - My 2026 Predictions: AI Disruption, Jobs Lost & The Future of SaaS

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Welcome to the Indie Founder Podcast—a show where I (Tiago) share my journey from software engineer to full-time indie maker. In this podcast, I talk about building bootstrap businesses like Podsqueeze—ventures grown without outside funding—and my dream of creating an “indie empire.” I’ll be documenting my experiences, offering practical tips, and featuring interviews with other indie founders. If you’re curious about life beyond the 9-to-5 and want real, honest insights into indie entrepreneurship, this podcast is for you!

Indie Founder Podcast Trailer

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In a conversation with my co-founder we speak about why we’re not selling Podsqueeze in 2026, our MRR numbers, tackling churn, and the challenges of B2B vs. B2C. I explain our SEO strategy and why we invested $1,500 in a domain. I share new learnings about automating with N8N and the impact of AI on SaaS. Distribution—not just building products—is key. My prediction for 2026: focus on what works, cut what doesn’t, double down on SEO and automation, and leverage all our assets for growth. Timestamps by PodSqueezeDecision Not to Sell PodSqueeze (00:00:03)  PodSqueeze Growth Metrics &amp; Churn Reduction (00:01:19)  Retention Strategies: Pricing &amp; Rollover Minutes (00:03:52)  Challenges of Bootstrapped vs. VC Startups (00:05:02)  Selling Triggers &amp; Maintenance Mode (00:06:18)  Valuation: Lifestyle Business vs. VC Business (00:08:21)  B2B Strategy &amp; Enterprise Sales Attempts (00:11:12)  Enterprise Pricing Challenges &amp; Negotiation (00:14:40)  B2B vs. B2C Pricing Dilemmas (00:17:19)  Media Companies’ Financial Struggles (00:19:55)  Wrap Up: PodSqueeze Status &amp; Passion vs. Business (00:21:54)  Buying a $1,500 Domain for SEO (00:23:47)  Exact Match Domains &amp; SEO Insights (00:24:47)  Pivoting Landing Pages &amp; Product Alignment (00:28:55)  Step-by-Step SEO Strategy for New Domains (00:31:37)  Backlink Building &amp; Press Releases (00:34:07)  AI’s Impact on SaaS &amp; Automation Tools (00:37:14)  Integrations &amp; The Future of SaaS (00:40:11)  Distribution as the Key to Success (00:41:59)  Distribution vs. Shipping Fast (00:44:43)  Final Lessons &amp; 2026 Predictions (00:48:14)  Conclusion &amp; Podcast Future Plans (00:53:28)

#369 - Selling Podsqueeze? What Happened in 2025 Changes Everything!

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I share why I bought my most expensive domain ever for $1,500 and break down the strategy behind it. I talk about the shift from product development to mastering distribution, especially through SEO. I discuss the difference between active and passive distribution and why owning the right keyword domains can give a huge advantage. I reveal our plan to turn keyword research into a SaaS factory, scaling by ranking for high-traffic, low-competition keywords. Plus, quick updates on Podsqueeze and our ongoing experiments with new products and domains. Timestamps by PodSqueezePodcast Introduction &amp; Christmas Special (00:00:00)Tiago welcomes listeners, reflects on the podcast’s four-year journey, and introduces the episode’s main topic. The Most Expensive Domain Purchase (00:01:18)Tiago reveals he bought a domain for $1,500, much more than any previous purchase, and sets up the story. Distribution as the Key to Success (00:03:19)Discussion on why distribution, not development, is now the main challenge for digital products. Active vs. Passive Distribution Strategies (00:04:39)Comparison between content-heavy active distribution (social media) and more evergreen passive distribution (SEO). SEO and Its Predictability (00:05:59)Explains the team’s focus on SEO, its predictability, and how it drives traffic for their products. Learning from SEO Mistakes (00:07:16)Shares a past mistake of deleting high-traffic pages and how they pivoted to monetize that traffic. Keyword Research and Domain Strategy (00:08:28)Describes their approach to keyword research and the importance of finding high-search, low-competition keywords. The Power of Exact-Match Domains (00:09:50)Examples of how owning the right domain (e.g., podcastshownotes.com, whispertranscribe.com, nanobanana.com) can dominate search rankings. The New Recipe: Find Keyword, Buy Domain, Build Product (00:11:15)Outlines their new strategy: identify keywords, secure the domain, create a product, and repeat. Case Study: VideoQualityEnhancer.com (00:12:41)Details their recent $10 domain purchase for a high-volume keyword and plans to build and rank a product. The $1,500 Domain Negotiation (00:14:02)Story of negotiating and purchasing the audioenhancer.com domain for $1,500, their most expensive domain yet. Reflections on the Investment and Future Plans (00:15:23)Tiago reflects on the investment, the excitement, and the hope that this strategy will pay off. Vision for a SaaS Factory (00:16:38)Shares the vision of building a repeatable process and teams to create, grow, and maintain multiple SaaS products. Closing &amp; Holiday Wishes (00:17:59)Wraps up the episode, invites questions, and wishes listeners a Merry Christmas and relaxing holidays.

#368 - Why I Spent $1,500 on a Domain for My SaaS

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I share the story behind getting our first dedicated Podsqueeze office in Portugal. I talk about the challenges of moving from a co-working space, hunting for a budget-friendly place, and doing DIY renovations with my co-founder. I explain how we furnished the space cheaply, set up a gym and podcast studio, and optimized for productivity. I cover office design debates, internet installation struggles, and plans for future meetups and collaborations. If you want a tour or have ideas, let me know!My twitter: <a href="https://x.com/wbetiago" rel="nofollow">https://x.com/wbetiago</a>My Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/</a> Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Episode Context (00:00:05)  Why Leave Home and Move to a Co-working Space (00:01:28)  Choosing the Right Co-working Space (00:02:39)  Benefits and Challenges of Co-working (00:03:53)  Deciding to Get Their Own Office (00:04:54)  Finding and Securing the New Office (00:05:56)  Planning the Office Layout and Functions (00:07:07)  Solving the Echo Problem and DIY Acoustic Panels (00:08:22)  Designing and Furnishing the Office (00:09:25)  Buying Second-hand Furniture and Equipment (00:11:54)  Setting Up the Gym and Office Desks (00:12:54)  Decorating and Balancing Design vs. Function (00:15:08)  Setting Up Utilities: Internet, Water, Electricity (00:16:11)  Internet Installation Issues and Going Viral (00:17:32)  Settling In and Realizing Office Needs (00:19:28)  Future Plans for the Office Space (00:20:30)  Community, Meetups, and Inauguration Plans (00:21:27)  Reflections on Bootstrapping and SaaS Benefits (00:23:39)  Conclusion and Call for Feedback (00:24:30)

#367 - We Just Moved In To Our Own Office

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I share my journey stepping into local politics. I discuss my experience exploring a political party, why direct impact is difficult, and my thoughts on democracy, transparency, and capitalism. I reflect on how entrepreneurs can contribute outside traditional politics, the role of technology in future democracy, and ideas for making systems more transparent and accessible.twitter: <a href="https://x.com/wbetiago" rel="nofollow">https://x.com/wbetiago</a>linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/</a> Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Episode Theme (00:00:01)  Entrepreneurial Instincts and Early Experiences (00:01:15)  Building Management as a Microcosm of Society (00:04:12)  Becoming Building Administrator and Facing Challenges (00:05:29)  Lessons in Taking Initiative and Overcoming Discouragement (00:08:13)  Growing Interest in Politics and Ideologies (00:09:39)  Exploring Political Perspectives and Debates (00:10:52)  Portugal’s Housing Crisis and National Issues (00:13:20)  Considering Political Involvement and Party Membership (00:15:37)  Attending a Political Party Gathering (00:17:54)  Barriers to Impact and Political System Limitations (00:19:00)  Long Road to Political Influence (00:23:59)  Rethinking Political Engagement and Direct Democracy (00:25:09)  The Problem of Indifference and Limited Impact (00:26:14)  Entrepreneurship as a Path to Impact (00:28:30)  Transparency and Democracy (00:31:00)  Capitalism’s Merits and Flaws (00:33:19)  Imagining Capitalism 2.0 and Algorithmic Governance (00:37:01)  Conclusion and Call to Action (00:39:21)

#366 - I Took My First Step In Politics And You Should Do It Too!

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I share updates on negotiating for a new office, including the challenges with the landlord and contract terms. I reflect on changing my dress code at Web Summit, how it affected others’ perceptions and my self-confidence. I discuss Web Summit highlights—AI hype, standout startups, and networking moments. Finally, I break down my latest automations that save hours on outreach and client management, boosting productivity for my bootstrapped business.twitter: <a href="https://x.com/wbetiago" rel="nofollow">https://x.com/wbetiago</a>linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/</a> Timestamps by PodSqueezeEpisode Introduction and Delay (00:00:00)  Office Move: Motivation and Search (00:01:09)  Office Lease Negotiations (00:03:53)  Landlord Research and Decision (00:07:36)  Web Summit: Dress Code Experiment (00:09:51)  Impact of Dressing Formally (00:11:09)  Networking and Perceptions at Web Summit (00:13:19)  Self-Confidence and Professional Image (00:15:30)  Web Summit: AI Startup Trends (00:19:09)  Notable Startups and Conference Value (00:22:56)  Automations: Social Media and Outreach (00:26:12)  Automation Workflow Details (00:27:24)  Automation Impact and Closing (00:30:41)

#365 - Why Did I Wear a Suit to Web Summit? Spoiler: It Worked!

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I share my journey from working at home to trying co-working spaces, and then renting my own office. I talk about challenges like noise and limited hours that made me and my co-founder look for a better fit. Now, with our own office, we have more freedom, flexibility, and the chance to build a community of indie makers. If you’re bootstrapping your business, you’ll relate to my honest take on finding the right work environment. twitter: <a href="https://x.com/wbetiago" rel="nofollow">https://x.com/wbetiago</a>linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/</a> Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Episode Overview (00:00:00)  Podcast Promotion and Audience Engagement (00:01:32)  Early Work-from-Home Experience (00:02:56)  Searching for a Co-working Space (00:04:20)  Joining and Adjusting to the Co-working Space (00:05:33)  Benefits of the Co-working Space (00:06:46)  Community and Social Aspects (00:08:01)  Emerging Issues: Limited Access Hours (00:09:15)  Recording and Meeting Space Limitations (00:10:25)  Major Issue: Noise and Lack of Control (00:11:40)  Attempts to Resolve Noise Issue (00:12:43)  Frustration with Management and Decision to Leave (00:13:52)  Office Space Search and Comparisons (00:18:09)  Finding the Ideal Office Space (00:20:30)  Finalizing the Office Decision (00:21:46)  Advantages and Vision for the New Office (00:23:54)  Potential Downsides and Reflections (00:25:16)  Capitalism and Having Options (00:26:23)  Interaction with Co-working CEO (00:27:15)  Preparing to Leave and Final Thoughts (00:28:10)  Office Market Comparison and Future Plans (00:29:14)  Community Building and Episode Wrap-up (00:30:23)

#364 - How a Loud Neighbor Pushed Us to Get Our Own Office

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I speak about how I’m automating my indie founder workflow using N8N. I share my favorite automations: press release creation and translations, social media scheduling, and newsletter writing, all powered by AI and connected through tools like Excel and GPT. I talk about handling integrations, using Flarecut for YouTube Shorts, and the challenges with Reddit. I discuss my plans to automate B2B outreach and customer success. My focus is on maximizing distribution, saving time, and scaling my projects with automation. Twitter: https://x.com/wbetiago Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Podcast Setup (00:00:01)  Discovering and Setting Up N8N (00:01:21)  Overview of N8N Features (00:02:35)  Need for Automation in Workflow (00:04:46)  Automating Press Releases (00:05:54)  Technical Setup: MCP Server Integration (00:07:04)  Automated Social Media Posting (00:09:19)  Challenges with Social Media Integrations (00:12:28)  Automating Newsletters (00:13:31)  Reddit Automation Attempts and Issues (00:15:20)  Future Automation Plans (00:17:34)  Reflections and Closing Thoughts (00:18:33)  Outro and Call to Action (00:19:36)

#363 - How I Automated My Indie Business with AI and n8n

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My experience attending a business conference in Madrid as a bootstrapped founder. I talk about the challenges I faced pitching in Spanish, the costs involved in attending the conference, and why face-to-face meetings are so important for B2B sales. I share my own tips on networking, negotiating ticket prices, and preparing demos, and I also describe what it was like staying in a capsule hotel. I emphasize the irreplaceable value of in-person connections and engaging on social media, and I reflect on what it means to expand into new markets. I’d love to hear about your own conference experiences, so feel free to share them with me!

#362 - The Best Strategies for Bootstrapped Founders at Business Conferences

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I speak about the challenges of setting prices for B2C and B2B customers. I share why B2C is more price-sensitive and talk about Podsqueeze’s shift to bigger B2B clients. I give examples from other SaaS companies—how some only show enterprise pricing and others adjust based on value or usage. I talk about Podsqueeze’s new pricing strategy for enterprise clients and my lessons from past mistakes. If you want to connect or have questions, reach out on Twitter or LinkedIn. Twitter: <a href="https://x.com/wbetiago" rel="nofollow">https://x.com/wbetiago</a>Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/</a> Timestamps por PodSqueezeIntroduction and Episode Overview (00:00:01)  Podsqueeze’s B2C Beginnings (00:01:35)  Transition to B2B and Hitting a Growth Plateau (00:03:07)  First B2B Sales Meetings and Pricing Challenges (00:06:21)  The Challenge of Serving Both B2C and B2B (00:07:53)  Example 1: Get Vocals’ B2B-Only Flexible Pricing (00:09:20)  Example 2: Turnkey’s Value-Based Pricing (00:12:04)  Example 3: SendGrid’s Usage-Based Tiered Pricing (00:14:41)  Podsqueeze’s Pricing Adjustments and Negotiation Issues (00:17:18)  Future Plans: Unlimited Enterprise Plan and Flexibility (00:18:26)  Conference Preparation and Closing Remarks (00:20:42)

#361 - Mastering the Art of Pricing: Balancing B2C Sensitivity with B2B Value

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/9/22/11/c6ecf10b-f739-4b3e-880d-a724642c49d9_podsqueezeaudio.mp3

I reflect on my recent interview with Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos. I dive into the trade-offs between bootstrapping and raising venture capital. I share my thoughts on how AI is changing entrepreneurship and jobs. I talk about my own experiences with product pivots and tough market challenges. I explain how I use AI to boost efficiency in my startup journey. Building products is easier than ever, but getting distribution right is still the hardest part. Twitter: <a href="https://x.com/wbetiago" rel="nofollow">https://x.com/wbetiago</a>Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/</a> Timestamps by PodsqueezeIntroduction and Recap of Previous Episode (00:00:02)Raising Funds vs. Bootstrapping (00:01:20)Valuation, Market Size, and Risks of Raising (00:03:59)Analyzing Competitors and Market Potential (00:09:13)Calculating Market Size and Revenue Projections (00:10:21)How Much to Raise and Lessons from Greg Hewett (00:11:32)Benefits of Not Raising and Work-Life Balance (00:12:54)AI’s Impact on Productivity and Hiring (00:12:54)Long-Term Thinking and Consistency (00:13:59)AI’s Negative Impact on Jobs and the Economy (00:16:25)Building Resilient Businesses and Diversification (00:18:58)Turning a Landing Page into a Revenue Stream (00:20:01)Iterating the Business Model and Monetization (00:21:08)Distribution as the Key Bottleneck (00:22:15)Leveraging Distribution Channels for Growth (00:23:20)Conclusion and Call to Action (00:24:39)

#360 - Bootstrapping vs Raising Funds: How AI Is Changing the Game for Indie Founders

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/9/16/0/cf4297dc-dd45-4fd0-8cfe-bce52bf33df9_podsqueezeaudio__8_.mp3

I chat with Craig Hewitt , founder of Castos. We talk about his journey from running a podcast editing agency to building a SaaS hosting platform. We cover the challenges of bootstrapping, raising funds, and going international. Craig shares how he uses distribution channels, how AI affects small teams, and what it’s like to scale in a niche market. We end with advice for indie founders on picking business models, taking risks, and keeping up with tech changes. My twitter: <a href="https://x.com/wbetiago" rel="nofollow">https://x.com/wbetiago</a>About Craig HewittTwitter: <a href="https://x.com/TheCraigHewitt" rel="nofollow">https://x.com/TheCraigHewitt</a>Podcast: <a href="https://roguestartups.com/" rel="nofollow">https://roguestartups.com/</a> Timestamps by PodsqueezeGreg’s Background and Starting Podcast Motor (00:01:02)Getting First Clients and Sales Approach (00:06:29)US vs. Europe: Customer Acquisition Differences (00:08:25)Localization and Multi-Currency Pricing (00:13:18)Transition from Agency to SaaS: Castus (00:16:30)Distribution Channels and Product Positioning (00:19:06)Impact of AI on Team and Product Development (00:25:28)Bootstrapping vs. Raising Money: Tiny Seed Experience (00:30:25)Agency vs. SaaS: Which to Start First? (00:31:33)Tiny Seed Accelerator: Value and Learnings (00:35:55)Distribution, Churn, and Growth Challenges (00:38:56)Balancing Family, Agency, SaaS, and Accelerator (00:41:05)Using Investment to Scale and the Realities of Raising Money (00:44:05)Investor Returns and Exit Expectations (00:51:19)Podcasting Market Realities and Churn (00:54:10)Pricing, Retention, and Content Marketing Plateau (00:57:23)What to Do When Growth Plateaus (01:00:59)AI’s Impact on SaaS and the Economy (01:10:21)US vs. Europe: Entrepreneurial Mindset Differences (01:14:53)Conclusion and Where to Find Greg (01:17:58) Links and Mentions ﻿Tools and Websites&#34;Castos&#34;: &#34;00:01:02&#34;&#34;Podcast Motor&#34;: &#34;00:01:02&#34;&#34;Audacity&#34;: &#34;00:05:40&#34;&#34;Ecom from Skype&#34;: &#34;00:05:40&#34;&#34;Blueberry&#34;: &#34;00:05:50&#34;&#34;Buzzsprout&#34;: &#34;00:05:50&#34;&#34;Seriously Simple Podcasting&#34;: &#34;00:17:36&#34;&#34;HubSpot&#34;: &#34;00:19:14&#34;&#34;Cursor&#34;: &#34;00:15:11&#34;&#34;Zencastr&#34;: &#34;00:22:33&#34;&#34;Zoom&#34;: &#34;00:22:33&#34;&#34;Figma&#34;: &#34;00:24:26&#34;&#34;Cursor&#34;: &#34;00:27:41&#34;&#34;TinySeed&#34;: &#34;00:30:25&#34;&#34;11 Labs&#34;: &#34;00:26:30&#34;&#34;Claude&#34;: &#34;00:26:30&#34;&#34;Marnus&#34;: &#34;00:26:30&#34;&#34;TinySeed&#34;: &#34;00:48:33&#34;&#34;WordPress&#34;: &#34;00:51:19&#34;&#34;Podsqueeze&#34;: &#34;00:54:10&#34;&#34;Apple Podcast Connect&#34;: &#34;00:55:13&#34;&#34;Rogue Startups&#34;: &#34;01:17:58&#34;Books&#34;Steal Like an Artist&#34;: &#34;00:19:31&#34;Videos and Podcasts&#34;Nathan Barry&#39;s Podcast&#34;: &#34;01:08:40&#34;

#359 - Interviewing Craig Hewitt on International Expansion, AI and Raising Funds While Building Castos

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/9/8/1/6064c8aa-26c1-4387-8ddf-005b135ac6a5_podsqueezeaudio__5_.mp3

I speak about how mindset is shaped by culture and how it impacts business and self-confidence, comparing Portugal, Germany, and the US. I share lessons learned from interacting with entrepreneurs, especially around valuing your work and selling yourself. I talk about my new advertising project, Oliver Media, the challenges of B2B sales, and differences in how people approach business across countries. I reflect on how surrounding yourself with a strong entrepreneurial mindset can change what you believe is possible, and why understanding culture is key for B2B success. Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Episode Overview 00:00:00  How to Support the Podcast &amp; Contact Info 00:01:29  Coworking Space Story &amp; Cultural Observations 00:02:52  Salary Expectations: Portugal vs. Germany 00:03:53  Cultural Mindset and Its Impact 00:05:24  Business Mindset: Portugal vs. US 00:06:47  US Clients and Investment in Projects 00:08:12  Case Study: Portuguese-American Entrepreneur 00:10:38  American Attitude Toward Business and Monetization 00:11:50  Introducing Oliver Media Project 00:12:57  Building a Podcast Advertising Network 00:14:14  Challenges in Portuguese Podcast Advertising 00:15:27  Learning to Sell Advertising as a Product 00:16:35  B2B Sales Focus and Strategy 00:19:49  Cultural Nuances in B2B Sales 00:20:57  Mindset Differences Across Countries and Continents 00:22:02  Learning from American Business Culture 00:23:21  Conclusion and Call for Listener Interaction 00:24:34

#358 - How Does Mindset Shape Your Business Success Across Cultures?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/9/4/1/27186d75-9a7a-4246-a798-abe1f1bdee01_podsqueezeaudio__4_.mp3

I reflect on changes in the indie hacking community, especially how Twitter’s algorithm elevated a few “stars” and reduced sharing of useful lessons. I discuss how AI is transforming bootstrapping and SaaS, making coding accessible and raising anxiety about job security. I explore how software is becoming a commodity, what this means for developers and founders, and why owning distribution and marketing will matter most. I share thoughts on diversifying businesses beyond SaaS as AI rapidly evolves, and invite feedback from listeners about their own experiences with AI and entrepreneurship. Twitter: <a href="https://x.com/wbetiago" rel="nofollow">https://x.com/wbetiago</a>Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/</a> Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Episode Overview (00:00:00)  Podcast Housekeeping and Call for Reviews (00:01:37)  Tiago’s Indie Hacking Beginnings (00:03:06)  Golden Days of Indie Hacking Community (00:04:27)  Rise of Indie Hacking Stars and Algorithm Shift (00:05:45)  Vanity Metrics and Decline of Knowledge Sharing (00:07:17)  Personal Impact and Disconnection from Community (00:10:12)  Platform Comparison: Twitter vs. LinkedIn (00:12:47)  Transition to AI and Future of SaaS (00:14:13)  Personal Story: Co-founder’s Journey with AI Coding Tools (00:14:13)  AI’s Impact on Coding and Productivity (00:15:56)  AI in Daily Work and Expanding Use Cases (00:17:09)  Anxiety Over AI Replacing Computer-Based Jobs (00:20:08)  Threat of Big Tech and Commoditization of Software (00:21:31)  Changing Developer Job Market and Skills Gap (00:22:56)  Importance of Distribution and Marketing (00:25:56)  Existential Questions: AI Replacing Human Intelligence (00:27:16)  Human Value in a Post-AI World (00:31:48)  Diversification as a Survival Strategy (00:34:25)  Uncertain Future and Final Reflections (00:35:39)

#357 - Is Indie Hacking Dead Or Will It Be Killed By AI?

A podcast about what is really like to bootstrap a company

My name is Tiago and I am a full time Indie Maker. 

I build startups without any external investment and my goal is to perfect my entrepreneurial craft and reach $100K ARR (Annual Recurrent Revenue)

Join me as I narrate my story and interview other entrepreneurs.

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