Indie Founder - podcast cover

Indie Founder

Tiago Ferreiraredcircle.com

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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Episodes

#350 - Mastering B2B Sales: Strategies for Indie Founders

I share my journey into B2B sales, detailing the strategies that helped me land clients for my company, Podsqueeze. I discuss the differences between B2B and B2C, the importance of identifying target leads, and effective outreach methods, including using WhatsApp. I cover the demo process, follow-up negotiations, and the significance of maintaining customer relationships post-sale. I emphasize the need for patience and persistence in B2B sales, as well as the importance of setting appropriate pr...

Jul 07, 202528 min

#349 - How Indie Makers Can Leverage Press Releases & Niche Marketing to Boost Visibility

I share a recent breakthrough in my entrepreneurial journey with Podsqueeze. After experimenting with various marketing strategies, I discovered the power of targeted press releases. Initially, I struggled with traditional PR methods, but I found success by reaching out to niche podcasting newsletters. This approach not only increased our visibility but also connected us directly with our target audience. I emphasize the importance of finding your niche and leveraging industry-specific channels ...

Jun 26, 202523 min

#348 - What Defines a Good Entrepreneur? The Power of Value Creation, Continuous Learning & Building a Self-Sustainable Business

I discuss the definition of a successful entrepreneur and what constitutes a company. I share my perspective on profitability and value creation, emphasizing that a true business should be self-sustainable. I explore the role of luck in entrepreneurship and reflect on my journey with Podsqueeze, including the challenges of replicating success. I conclude that a great entrepreneur can build multiple successful businesses or maintain one over time. I also touch on the importance of continuous lear...

Jun 15, 202525 min

#347 - The Market Doesn’t Care: Realities of Entrepreneurship

I share my journey with Podsqueeze, reflecting on two years of entrepreneurship. I discuss the impact of seasonality on our business and the brutal nature of the market. I explore the challenges of balancing investment and salary, leading to a decision to scale down operations. I highlight our shift towards B2B clients and the lessons learned from targeting larger companies. I also address the differing motivations between my co-founder and me, and my thoughts on potentially selling the company....

May 26, 202525 min

#346 - Reflections on 2024: Achievements, Challenges, and the Power of Sustainable Marketing

I share a wrap-up of 2024, discussing both successes and challenges with Podsqueeze. I reflect on our disappointing growth compared to 2023 and the importance of sustainable marketing, particularly through SEO, which significantly increased our traffic. I analyze our MRR growth of 18% and the ongoing issue of churn, which remains a focus for 2025. I also touch on personal insights regarding my relationship with my co-founder and the need for confidence in our journey. Lastly, I outline goals for...

Dec 31, 202431 min

#345 - Navigating Residential Building Management: Overcoming Challenges and Cultural Clashes

I dive into my journey of managing a residential building after buying our first apartment. I share the ups and downs of dealing with a crumbling building, a lackluster management company, and a diverse group of neighbors from different cultural backgrounds. I talk about how I took charge, rallied the residents, and navigated through conflicts to improve the living conditions. I offer insights on community building, conflict resolution, and the challenges of property management. Perfect for indi...

Dec 23, 202435 min

#344 - Cracking the Productivity Code: Balancing Work Satisfaction and Personal Time for Indie Makers

I dive into the tricky balance between work and rest that many indie makers face. I share my personal journey and talk about the constant pressure to work long hours and the feelings of dissatisfaction that can arise in both 9-to-5 jobs and startups. I emphasize the importance of finding fulfillment and suggest that entrepreneurs should delegate tasks and hire help to free up personal time. I share stories, including one about my friend Alex, to highlight the common struggles and offer practical...

Dec 02, 202427 min

#343 - Network Used To Be Awkward... Lets Talk About Websummit

I dive into the art of networking at conferences, focusing on my experiences at the Web Summit in Lisbon. Having attended for three years, I share tips on navigating the event, securing a media ticket, and making meaningful connections. I emphasize the importance of networking over attending talks, recounting my interactions with various companies, especially in the AI sector. I offer practical advice for improving networking skills and highlight the long-term benefits of building relationships....

Nov 18, 202424 min

#342 - Currency Fluctuations and Trump's Victory: Impacts on Indie Maker's Businesses

I dive into the potential impacts of Donald Trump's election victory on indie businesses, especially in the SaaS sector. I discuss the differences between the U.S. and European business environments, noting how higher purchasing power in the U.S. can benefit indie makers. I also touch on corporate tax rates, tariffs, and currency fluctuations. While I acknowledge some possible economic benefits, I raise concerns about the oversimplification of complex political issues and the potential negative ...

Nov 11, 202427 min

#341 - How Your Ego Is Killing Your Business!

I dive into the importance of setting aside ego in both entrepreneurship and personal life. I share personal stories and lessons learned, emphasizing that being an entrepreneur is a lifestyle that shapes one's worldview. I talk about how different professions influence perspectives and highlight the value of self-belief and adaptability. I encourage focusing on problem-solving, staying calm in conflicts, and trusting instincts. The episode blends philosophical insights with practical advice to h...

Nov 04, 202432 min

#340 - Navigating Scaling Challenges and User Feedback: Elston's Indie Journey with Tiny Host

I chat with Elston, founder of Tiny Host. We dive into his journey as an indie maker, his early interest in web design, and the founding of Tiny Host. We discuss validating business ideas, building Tiny Host from an MVP to a user-friendly tool, and the importance of user feedback and market research. We also touch on scaling challenges and the differences between startups and indie making. It's an insightful conversation for any aspiring indie entrepreneur! Tools and Websites Tiny Host: (00:06:3...

Oct 28, 20241 hr 21 min

#339 - From Stagnation to Success: Reviving User Engagement with Podsqueeze

I share the rollercoaster journey of my startup, Podsqueeze. I talk about our initial success, hitting a growth plateau, and the strategies we used to bounce back, like investing in SEO and launching new features. I dive into the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of teamwork, and the challenges of maintaining motivation. I speak about the impact that ProductHunt and Backlinks had on our growth. Mentions Tools and Websites - "Podsqueeze" (00:24:13) - https://podsqueeze....

Oct 21, 202438 min

#338 - New Name! New Product! New Season!

I discuss the evolution of my podcast and why It went from "The Wannabe Entrepreneur" to "Indie Founder." I introduce Flarecut, my new AI tool that helps create short videos. I reflect on its market reception so far and why it might be failing. Mentions Podsqueeze (00:06:41) - https://podsqueeze.com Flarecut (00:12:52) - https://flarecut.com Auto Shorts (00:16:16) - https://autoshorts.com Indie Maker Merch (00:24:57) - https://indiemakermerch.com Timestamps Introduction to Season Two (00:00:00) ...

Oct 14, 202426 min

#337 - Unveiling the Myth: Overworking and Work Performance in the Path to Wealth

In this episode, I dive into my latest thoughts on entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and productivity. I share exciting updates about my project, Podsqueeze, and my collaboration with João on a new product. I discuss the struggle of balancing work with personal life and question traditional metrics of productivity. We also touch on the culture of overworking and the importance of networking. Links Indie Maker Merch Support This Podcast Tiago's Twitter Try Podsqueeze Timestamps (by podsqueeze)...

Jul 10, 202434 min

#336 -Why Business Size Matters: Navigating a Bootstrapped Company and New Projects

I talk about the importance of prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively. I also discuss my main goal: becoming a better entrepreneur through continuous learning. You'll hear about my marketing strategies, especially focusing on Google SEO, and the challenges of growing a bootstrapped company. Plus, I reflect on the slow growth of Podsqueeze and the tough decisions around investing and potentially starting new projects. Links Support This Podcast Tiago's Twitter Try Podsqueeze Timestamps ...

Jun 16, 202434 min

#335 - Navigating Business Metrics and My Podcasting Conference Journey - Young Entrepreneur Mistakes

I made a mistake with my pricing, but I'm getting over it with some meditation. I'm also excited to go to a podcast conference in London to meet people and learn more. I talked about the importance of understanding business metrics to make good decisions, not just to look impressive. Also, AI is becoming a big deal in our field, and I'm watching how it affects mental health support. Links Tiago's Twitter Try Podsqueeze Support This Podcast Traveling and Excuses (00:00:12) Tiago shares his recent...

May 21, 202427 min

#334 - Rob Walling on Mastering Product Pricing for Churn Reduction and Entrepreneurial Wealth - Author of The SaaS Playbook

Here is my chat with Rob Walling, author of the SaaS Playbook. We delved into product pricing, focusing on value alignment rather than greed, and discussed strategic price increases to reduce churn and bolster marketing. Rob also shared when to start paid ads and how to create impactful content. He offered advice on assembling a team within budgetary limits and revealed that smart business structuring can lead to profit with less work. Our conversation ended on the importance of joy in entrepren...

Apr 22, 20241 hr 34 min

#333 - Thriving in Your 30s: Embracing Community Building and Entrepreneurship

I've been reflecting on the growth and changes over the past few years. We talked about the leap from a 9 to 5 to full-time entrepreneurship, the societal pressures we face, especially as we hit our 30s, and the quest for work-life balance. I also pondered the idea of renting an office space to combat the solitude of working from home and to build a community with fellow creators. Links Tiago's Twitter Try Podsqueeze Timestamps Reflecting on the Journey (00:00:05) Transitioning to Indie Entrepre...

Apr 08, 202427 min

#332 - Money, Time and Fun - You Can Have It All!

In today's podcast, I dive deep into how we juggle our time, chase wealth, and strive for that elusive work-life balance. I shared some personal stories, including the ups and downs with my own project, Podsqueeze, and how I'm tackling growth challenges head-on. We also talked about why we leave cushy jobs to strike out on our own—is it for freedom, money, or impact? Inspired by folks like Casey Neistat and Tim Ferriss, I mused on the art of delegation, automating the mundane, and setting priori...

Apr 01, 202426 min

#331 - Unlocking Organic Growth: The Hidden Tool Transforming Businesses

I'm happy to share some personal updates and entrepreneurial insights. Lately, I've discovered Apollo, a networking tool that's completely revolutionized the way I connect with others. Our Website was completely down for a complete 30 min and I have never beens this stressed XD And to continue this stressing week we decided to increase Podsqueeze prices! Get ready for a very packed episode! Links Tiago's Twitter Try Podsqueeze Timestamps Audiobooks and Entrepreneurship (00:00:11) Tiago discusses...

Mar 25, 202424 min

#330 - Unlocking Productivity: How "The 4-Hour Workweek" Revolutionizes Entrepreneurial Efficiency

I dive into the nation's burgeoning immigration scene, exploring its cultural boons and economic hurdles. As a business owner, my political perspectives are ever-shifting, particularly concerning taxes and government policies. Plus, I'll reveal my journey towards achieving a work-life balance and heightened productivity, inspired by "The 4-Hour Workweek" and the Pareto principle, and I'll share my personal tactics for managing tasks and boosting efficiency in my business. Links Tiago's Twitter T...

Mar 11, 202423 min

#329 - Strategic Investing Strategies Post-Company Sale with Daniel's $500K SaaS Portfolio

Hey fellow indie hackers, just wrapped up a super cool chat with Daniel, a 26-year-old entrepreneur who's totally killing it with a $500k SaaS portfolio. He and his brother started young, sold their first company, and now they're smartly reinvesting into more SaaS, real estate, and other assets. Daniel's all about that cautious growth and avoiding debt, which totally resonates with me as I navigate this indie maker life. We dived into his backstory, his big company sale (hello six figures!), and...

Mar 04, 20241 hr 27 min

#328 - Rob Walling's Game-Changing Book: Strategies for Makers on Reducing Churn and Embracing Long-Term Thinking

Hey fellow indie hackers! I've promised myself (and you guys!) that from now on, I'll drop a fresh episode every Monday – gotta keep that trust going, right? I also dived into my new adventure with PodSqueeze, chatting with customers on the podcast and soaking up all their amazing insights. Oh, and I had this awesome talk with Rob Walling, which led me to a game-changing book for my biz strategy. Also, I'm toying with the idea of setting up a co-working space for us indie makers. How cool would ...

Feb 26, 202425 min

#327 - Unlocking Product Growth: The Role of Early Adopters and Marketing Tactics

Why do some products grow more than others? In today's episode of "The Wannabe Entrepreneur," I ponder over the growth trajectory of my product, the inevitable plateau, and the significance of early adopters and the early majority. I confess to overlooking long-term marketing tactics initially and discuss strategies to break into fresh markets, like YouTube and non-English speaking segments, aiming to maintain momentum and captivate early innovators. Links Support This Podcast DM me on Twitter J...

Feb 10, 202421 min

#326 - Growing Together: Mastering Customer Retention for Financial Success

I'll talk about the crucial skill shifts, strategies to keep customers, the art of delegation, and the power of SEO and email marketing. Learning from fellow entrepreneurs has been key, and I'm eager to show that bootstrapping can lead to serious financial wins. Links Support This Podcast DM me on Twitter Join The WBE Community Try PodSqueeze Timestamps Skills required to scale a product (00:01:18) Understanding churn and its impact (00:03:39) Delegating tasks and reclaiming time (00:06:57) Inve...

Feb 02, 202423 min

#325 - Transform Your Entrepreneurial Journey: Invest in Marketing Expertise!

Ever wondered how a developer turns into an entrepreneur? In this episode of "The Wannabe Entrepreneur," I, Tiago, dive into my own transformation, revealing the ins and outs of my entrepreneurial journey. I'll walk you through the crucial role of passive user acquisition strategies, such as SEO and content creation, and explain why it's essential to engage different customer segments through multiple touchpoints. I'll share my experience in recognizing the power of expertise, detailing how brin...

Jan 14, 202426 min

#324 - Guerrilla Marketing and Podcast Creation: Launch Your Show in 24 Hours!

Are you ready to dive into the world of guerrilla marketing and podcasting? I'm Tiago, the host of "The Wannabe Entrepreneur" and co-founder of PodSqueeze. In this episode, I'm excited to share our marketing focus for early 2024 and the behind-the-scenes of our rapid-fire podcast creation, "Lessons from a Podcaster." I'll walk you through our launch strategies, the innovative use of AI in our production, and how our podcast has skyrocketed PodSqueeze's marketing efforts. But it's not all work—I'...

Jan 07, 202429 min

#323 - From $0 to $100K in One Year: Our Rapid Prototyping and Product Launch Journey

In this episode, together with my co-founder João, we dive into our entrepreneurial rollercoaster with Pod Squeeze. From the ashes of a failed project to the thriving business we run today, we're peeling back the curtain on our journey. We'll chat about the crucial role of user feedback, the exhilarating boost from financial wins, and the gritty details of negotiations and taxes. Plus, we're getting real about the future—do we sell or keep growing? Join us as we share the lessons learned and the...

Dec 30, 202356 min

#322 - Overcoming Startup Plateau: Growth Strategies for Reaching the Early Majority

Are you an entrepreneur facing challenges and feeling frustrated with the stagnation of your company? In this episode, I, Tiago, the host and co-founder of Podsqueeze, share my own experiences and insights. Despite the difficulties, I realize that our achievements are impressive. I discuss a conversation I had with a Portuguese entrepreneur and investor, where we delve into marketing strategies and the struggle to reach the early majority. As the year comes to an end, I reflect positively on my ...

Dec 22, 202319 min

#321 - My Entrepreneurial Journey: From $100K Milestone to $1M Success

In this episode of "The Wannabe Entrepreneur," we will be exploring a range of topics. I will start by discussing the challenges of buying a new home and the art of gift-giving, sharing my personal experiences. Then, I will delve into the world of influencer marketing and compare working cultures in Portugal and Germany. I will express my frustrations with the bureaucratic process in Portugal and reflect on my entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, I will reveal how my company reached a major mi...

Dec 12, 202329 min
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