Tiago is the founder of Podsqueeze, an AI Assistant that creates show notes, timestamps, newsletters, tweets, and much more with just one click.
Hey Tiago, Tell us more about what you are working on.
Podsqueeze is designed specifically for podcasters who are looking to save time and effort when it comes to generating different types of content for their episodes. Whether you’re a solopreneur running your own show or part of a podcasting agency managing multiple podcasts, Podsqueeze has got you covered.
With Podsqueeze, you can create show notes, timestamps, newsletters, tweets, and so much more with just one click. Imagine the hours you’ll save by automating these tasks! But what makes Podsqueeze truly special is the innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. These algorithms ensure that the generated content is accurate, comprehensive, and tailored to the unique needs of each podcaster.
Now, you might be wondering what sets Podsqueeze apart from other similar tools in the market. Well, it’s not just about the convenience and time-saving capabilities. Podsqueeze goes the extra mile by providing an intuitive user interface, a seamless experience, and exceptional customer support. I believe in empowering podcasters to focus on what they do best—creating amazing content—while Podsqueeze handles the rest.
Whether you’re an independent podcaster looking to grow your listenership or a podcasting agency aiming to streamline your operations and save costs, Podsqueeze is here to make your life easier. It’s been built with love and attention to detail, keeping the needs and pain points of podcasters in mind every step of the way.
Tell us More about your background, and how you came up with the idea of Podsqueeze.
I have a background in software engineering, having worked in the field for several years. However, two years ago, I made the bold decision to step away from my job as a software engineer and dive into the world of entrepreneurship as an Indie Maker. It was a leap of faith, but I was driven by a deep desire to create something of my own and make a meaningful impact.
During my journey as an Indie Maker, I embarked on various projects, experimenting with different ideas and technologies. Each project brought its own lessons and experiences, shaping my skills and honing my entrepreneurial spirit. I had the opportunity to work on diverse projects, collaborating with talented individuals and discovering the joy of bringing ideas to life.
The idea for Podsqueeze emerged from a personal pain point I encountered while working on my own podcast. As a podcaster myself, I understood the challenges of creating valuable content and managing the associated tasks that come with each episode. From writing show notes to creating engaging social media posts, the amount of time and effort required was overwhelming.
I realized that I wasn’t alone in facing these challenges. Many podcasters, whether independent or part of podcasting agencies, struggled with time constraints and the need to juggle multiple responsibilities. That’s when the spark of inspiration struck.
I teamed up with my co-founder João, and together, we embarked on the journey of creating Podsqueeze. We wanted to create a solution that would empower podcasters, allowing them to focus on their core strengths—creating engaging and meaningful content. By leveraging the power of AI algorithms, we could automate the process of generating various types of content, making the podcasting experience smoother and more efficient.
How did you get your first customers for Podsqueeze?
When it came to acquiring our first customers for Podsqueeze, we relied on a combination of marketing strategies and personal outreach to build initial traction. Our goal was to create awareness and generate interest among podcasters who could benefit from our tool.
To kickstart our marketing efforts, we adopted a multi-channel approach. We utilized social media platforms such as Twitter and Reddit to engage with the podcasting community and share information about Podsqueeze. We leveraged the power of content marketing by writing blog posts and guest articles on relevant platforms, positioning ourselves as thought leaders in the industry.
In addition to these strategies, we also engaged in direct outreach. We reached out to podcasters individually via email or social media, offering them the opportunity to try Podsqueeze for free and providing them with personalized demonstrations of how our tool could streamline their workflow and save them time. This personal touch allowed us to establish a connection with potential customers and showcase the value of our product.
Building trust and credibility was crucial during this early stage. We ensured that our customer service was exceptional, promptly addressing any inquiries or concerns.
To encourage people to try Podsqueeze, we offered a 30% discount for our early bird users. This helped potential customers see the tangible benefits firsthand and build confidence in our product.
Throughout the process, we actively collected feedback from our early customers and used their testimonials to showcase the effectiveness of Podsqueeze. Their positive experiences and recommendations played a crucial role in building credibility and attracting new customers.
What Marketing Channels are working for you now?
Currently, the most effective marketing channels for Podsqueeze are Reddit, AI newsletters, and cold email outreach. These channels have played a crucial role in acquiring our initial customers and generating interest in our product.
Submitting our app to AI directories such as TheresAnAIForThat.com has provided us with a valuable platform to showcase Podsqueeze and reach podcasters who are actively seeking innovative solutions.
Cold email outreach has been another effective channel for us. By reaching out to potential customers directly, we have been able to personalize our approach and demonstrate the value that Podsqueeze can bring to their podcasting workflow. This direct communication has allowed us to establish connections and build relationships with podcasters who have a genuine interest in our product.
How is your business doing now?
As of now, Podsqueeze has been operating for 5 months since its launch in late February. In terms of how the business is doing, we are pleased with our progress and the growth we have experienced thus far.
Our key metrics for measuring success include revenue and the number of users. Since our launch, we have acquired a total of 320 users, resulting in $9K in monthly recurring revenue (MRR). We also value qualitative feedback from our users, as it helps us improve our product and better serve our customers’ needs.
Since the inception of Podsqueeze, we have seen positive growth and have gained momentum in the market. We started with a small user base, but through targeted marketing efforts, word-of-mouth referrals, and positive customer experiences, we have steadily expanded our reach and acquired new customers. Building trust and credibility within the podcasting community has been a significant driver of our growth.
Currently, some of the biggest challenges we face revolve around the need to grow faster and tap into new markets. We are actively exploring opportunities to enter markets like German, Portuguese, and French. Additionally, we see potential in targeting larger podcasting agencies that manage multiple podcasts. These challenges also present opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and attending relevant conferences and events to expand our network and reach.
Looking to the future, we have exciting plans for Podsqueeze. We aim to continue expanding our user base and solidify our position as a go-to solution for podcasters. New product developments, such as introducing video snippets and more content, are also in the pipeline. Additionally, we see potential for partnerships with podcast hosting platforms and other podcasting tools to enhance our offering and reach a broader audience.
In the next few years, we envision Podsqueeze evolving into a comprehensive platform that offers an array of innovative tools and solutions to support podcasters throughout their entire workflow.
What has been your biggest achievement in business thus far?
One of the biggest achievements for Podsqueeze thus far has been reaching $100K in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR). This milestone signifies significant growth and validates the value we are providing to podcasters. It aligns perfectly with our business values and mission of helping podcasters save time and effort in their workflow.
Additionally, the stroke of luck in gaining exposure and recognition, such as reaching the number 2 position on Product Hunt, provided us with a valuable platform to showcase Podsqueeze and attract a wider audience.
And thirdly, the positive feedback from our users not only reaffirms our mission but also serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of our tool. It has helped us attract new customers, build trust, and establish Podsqueeze as a reliable and innovative solution.
What were the worst mistakes you’ve made since launching?
Since launching Podsqueeze, I believe that we have been fortunate not to have made any significant or detrimental mistakes. However, looking back, there are a few areas where we could have acted sooner to further improve our business.
One of these areas is the implementation of annual plans. Offering annual subscription options could have provided additional value to our customers and potentially boosted our revenue. It’s a lesson learned in terms of exploring different pricing models and providing more flexibility for our users.
On a more personal level, as co-founders, João and I have been learning to work together and navigate our respective areas of expertise. In hindsight, I realize that I could have placed more trust in João’s expertise and allowed him to take the lead in certain aspects of the business. This would have streamlined decision-making processes and leveraged our individual strengths more effectively.
While these may not be colossal mistakes, they serve as valuable lessons for improvement. We have used this knowledge to refine our strategy and decision-making processes. We actively assess opportunities to implement annual plans and other enhancements to our pricing structure. Additionally, we have strengthened our communication and collaboration as co-founders, recognizing the importance of leveraging each other’s strengths and expertise.
The journey of entrepreneurship is about constant learning and growth. We embrace these experiences as opportunities to refine our approach and make smarter decisions as we continue to evolve and improve Podsqueeze.
What Tech Stack are you currently using for Podsqueeze?
Our current tech stack for Podsqueeze consists of several key components that enable us to deliver a reliable and efficient product to our users.
On the backend, we utilize Python as our primary programming language. Python provides a robust and versatile foundation for developing the core functionalities of Podsqueeze. It allows us to work efficiently and leverage various libraries and frameworks to enhance our development process.
For the front end, we use a combination of JavaScript and React. JavaScript enables us to create dynamic and interactive user interfaces, while React, a popular JavaScript library, helps us build reusable UI components and manage the state of our application effectively.
In terms of infrastructure and deployment, we rely on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) services. GCP offers scalable and reliable solutions that allow us to handle the demands of our growing user base. It provides us with the necessary infrastructure, storage, and computing power to ensure a seamless user experience.
When choosing our current tech stack, we considered factors such as reliability, scalability, developer familiarity, and the availability of resources and support. Python, JavaScript, and React are widely adopted and have active communities, making it easier to find resources, documentation, and potential team members with relevant expertise.
As with any tech stack, there are strengths and weaknesses. Python offers excellent readability and ease of use, making development more efficient. JavaScript and React enable us to create responsive and interactive user interfaces. GCP provides reliable infrastructure and scalability. However, one potential weakness is the learning curve associated with certain components of the stack, which may require additional time and effort for new team members to get up to speed.
What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs?
One key piece of advice I would give to new entrepreneurs is to embrace the concept of flexible persistence. This means maintaining an open mind, continuously learning, and adapting to new circumstances. Entrepreneurship often requires making tough decisions, such as letting go of projects that may not be generating revenue or pivoting when necessary. It’s essential to learn from mistakes, actively listen to user feedback, and seek advice from other entrepreneurs in your community.
Additionally, it’s crucial to view entrepreneurship as a marathon rather than a sprint. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is vital for long-term success. Just like in skateboarding, where great skaters know how to fall without sustaining major injuries, entrepreneurs should embrace resilience and learn from setbacks. Building a sustainable business takes time, effort, and perseverance.
It’s also important to stay adaptable in an ever-changing business landscape. Being open to new ideas, technologies, and market trends can help you stay ahead of the curve and identify opportunities for growth. Don’t be afraid to pivot or iterate on your ideas if it aligns with the needs and preferences of your target audience.
Finally, surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and like-minded individuals. Building relationships within the entrepreneurial community can provide valuable insights, support, and encouragement along your journey.
In summary, my advice to new entrepreneurs is to embrace flexible persistence, learn from mistakes, take care of your well-being, stay adaptable, and cultivate a supportive network. With these principles in mind, you can navigate the challenges and enjoy the rewards that come with entrepreneurship.
What resources do you recommend for entrepreneurs?
I learned a lot from podcasts, so here are a few:
- My own podcast where I have interviewed a lot of makers.
- Indie Hackers Podcast
- The Bootstrapped Founder Podcast
- and Tony Dinh’s newsletter
Lastly, Where can we learn more about you?
You can find me on Twitter @wbetiago
