In this episode, I chat with Dmytro, the founder of ScreenshotOne.com, about his journey bootstrapping a SaaS tool that automates website screenshots. We dive into real-life use cases, how he grew to $20K MRR without investors, and the challenges he faced early on. Dmytro shares his SEO strategies, how he found his ideal customers, and what motivates him now that money isn’t the main driver. It’s a candid look at building, growing, and finding meaning as an indie founder.

Twitter

Dmytro: https://x.com/DmytroKrasun

Tiago: https://x.com/wbetiago

Timestamps by PodSqueeze

Introduction and Product Overview (00:00:01)

Real-World Use Cases (00:00:43)

Growth Milestone and Bootstrapping (00:03:25)

Early Expectations and First Customers (00:04:17)

Previous Projects and Choosing ScreenshotOne (00:05:42)

Competition and Market Validation (00:08:01)

Slow Early Growth and Customer Profile (00:10:41)

Understanding and Targeting ICP (00:13:32)

Marketing Channels and SEO Strategy (00:17:40)

Content Strategy and Backlinks (00:20:19)

Traffic and Conversion Sources (00:29:12)

Growth Acceleration After ICP Focus (00:31:52)

Churn: Customer vs. Revenue (00:32:15)

Churn Reduction Tactics (00:36:59)

Solo Founder and Task Prioritization (00:39:04)

Metrics and Daily Operations (00:43:07)

Reaching Financial Goals and Motivation (00:45:07)

Future Plans and Personal Fulfillment (00:48:13)

Closing and Where to Find Dmytro (00:53:23)

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 pricing. Finally, I reflect on my experiences in Portugal and the challenges of expanding into other markets.

Timestamps by PodSqueeze

Introduction and Podcast Consistency (00:00:08)

B2B vs. B2C Sales Overview (00:02:05)

Podsqueeze’s Client Types and Initial Focus (00:03:11)

Shifting to B2B and Sales Process Stages (00:04:23)

Finding Leads and Identifying Champions (00:05:30)

Making First Contact: What Works and What Doesn’t (00:07:45)

Crafting Effective Outreach Messages (00:10:51)

Scheduling and Conducting Product Demos (00:12:53)

Demo Best Practices and Collecting Feedback (00:14:52)

Follow-Up and Negotiations (00:15:48)

Role of Conferences and Building Relationships (00:16:50)

Navigating Internal Company Processes (00:20:51)

Free Trials, Deadlines, and Closing the Sale (00:22:43)

Post-Sale: Customer Success and Retention (00:24:27)

Reflections and Future Plans (00:26:17)

Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement (00:27:18)

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 for effective outreach. Tune in to learn how to apply these insights to your own projects!

Timestamps by PodSqueeze

Introduction and Podcast Promotion (00:00:07)

Early Perceptions of Entrepreneurship (00:01:12)

First Tech Job and Startup Culture (00:02:25)

Discovering Bootstrapping vs. VC Startups (00:04:48)

Growth Plateau and Entrepreneurial Skills (00:05:57)

Defining Startups vs. Businesses (00:07:00)

Learning Marketing Channels (00:08:02)

Initial Attempts at PR and Press Releases (00:09:16)

Press Release Agencies and Fiverr Experience (00:11:31)

Understanding Press Release Feeds (00:13:48)

Breakthrough with Niche Newsletters (00:16:53)

Success with Newsletter Outreach (00:18:57)

Key Lesson: Go Niche for PR (00:21:16)

Closing and Call to Action (00:22:18)

Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:

Tools and Websites

"Twitter": "00:00:07"

"Fiverr": "00:11:31"

"Reddit": "00:17:57"

"Yahoo": "00:14:54"

"MSN": "00:14:54"

"Google": "00:08:02"

Concepts and Terms

"Press Releases": "00:09:16"

"SEO (Search Engine Optimization)": "00:08:02"

"Backlinks": "00:09:16"

"Cold Emails": "00:08:02"

"Niche Marketing": "00:21:16"

Notable Mentions

"Podsqueeze": "00:05:57"

"ChatGPT": "00:16:53"

"Peter Levels": "00:04:48"

Summary of Key Points

"The importance of finding niche newsletters for press releases": "00:21:16"

"The difference between startups and bootstrapping businesses": "00:07:00"

"The realization of using press releases effectively within the podcasting community": "00:18:57"

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 learning and the potential of diversifying ventures.

Timestamps by PodSqueeze

Introduction and Listener Appreciation (00:00:08)

Defining a Company and Profitability (00:01:27)

The Reality of Unprofitable Startups (00:02:32)

Tiago’s Definition of a Business (00:03:47)

Value Creation and Self-Sustainability (00:05:00)

What Makes a Great Business (00:06:02)

Entrepreneurial Spirit vs. Entrepreneurial Success (00:07:17)

The Role of Luck in Entrepreneurship (00:08:31)

Podsqueeze: Luck or Skill? (00:10:44)

Trying to Replicate Success (00:11:52)

Redefining a Great Entrepreneur (00:12:46)

The McDonald’s and Amazon Example (00:13:54)

Longevity and Sustaining Success (00:16:15)

The Challenge of Competition (00:18:32)

Continuous Learning and Growth (00:19:47)

Future Goals and Diversification (00:22:00)

Finding Good Advice and Building a Network (00:23:05)

Delegation and Serial Entrepreneurship (00:23:45)

Conclusion and Farewell (00:24:11)

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. Lastly, I invite listeners to reach out with questions or for support.

Tools and Websites

- "Podsqueeze": "00:01:35"

- "Google Services": "00:09:22"

- "GPT (likely referring to OpenAI's GPT)": "00:07:14"

- "Twitter": "00:24:18"

- "LinkedIn": "00:24:18"

- "Email": "00:24:18"

Books

- "\"How to Exit\" by Rob Walling": "00:22:16"

- "Book on Selling a Company": "00:23:19"

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:08)

The speaker welcomes listeners back after a long hiatus and shares personal reflections on entrepreneurship.

Realizations and Learnings (00:01:35)

The speaker discusses significant realizations and lessons learned during their entrepreneurial journey.

Seasonality in Business (00:02:49)

Insights on how Podsqueeze experiences seasonal fluctuations in customer engagement and business performance.

Market Realities (00:04:58)

The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics and how they impact business success.

Understanding Market Size (00:06:04)

Discussion on measuring market size and the challenges of identifying potential customers for Podsqueeze.

Investment and Expenses (00:08:18)

Overview of the financial structure of the company and the investments made to support growth.

Challenges in Entrepreneurship (00:10:25)

The speaker reflects on the harsh realities of entrepreneurship and the market's indifference to hard work.

Co-founder Dynamics (00:12:25)

The speaker shares their experiences and challenges in the relationship with their co-founder.

Decision to Scale Down (00:14:15)

Discussion on the decision to reduce costs and scale down operations instead of seeking external funding.

B2B Targeting Strategy (00:18:09)

The speaker explores the transition towards targeting larger companies and the challenges faced in this approach.

Cultural Differences in Sales (00:20:19)

Insights on the difficulties of expanding sales efforts outside Portugal and the importance of cultural understanding.

Future Considerations (00:21:19)

The speaker contemplates the future of Podsqueeze and the differing motivations between them and their co-founder.

Preparation for Selling (00:23:19)

The speaker discusses the importance of preparation for selling their company, Podsqueeze.

Reflection on Business Journey (00:24:18)

The speaker shares thoughts on their entrepreneurial journey and invites listeners to reach out for questions.

Conclusion of Episode (00:24:33)

The episode wraps up with a farewell and a promise to see listeners next time.

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 2025, including reducing churn and exploring new monetization avenues.

Contact Information

Twitter: https://x.com/wbetiago

Tools and Websites

"Podsqueeze": "00:01:14"

"SEO": "00:03:42"

"Flarecut": "00:18:30"

"Auto Shorts": "00:21:37"

Metrics and Concepts

"Domain Authority": "00:04:56"

"Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)": "00:08:30"

"Churn Rate": "00:10:35"

"Keyword Research": "00:04:56"

"Backlinks": "00:04:56"

"Conversion Rate": "00:15:02"

Timestamps by PodSqueezePodcast Introduction (00:00:08)

Tiago introduces the episode, reflecting on the year 2024 and sharing lessons learned.

Disappointment in Growth (00:01:14)

Tiago discusses feelings of disappointment regarding Podsqueeze's growth compared to the previous year.

Sustainable Marketing Focus (00:03:42)

The realization of needing a sustainable marketing strategy leads to a focus on SEO starting in late 2023.

SEO Success (00:04:56)

Tiago shares the achievements in SEO, including significant traffic growth and improved domain authority.

Monthly Recurring Revenue Growth (00:07:16)

The company's MRR grew by 18%, which Tiago considers a decent achievement in a competitive market.

Churn Rate Challenges (00:10:35)

Tiago addresses the ongoing challenge of customer churn, which remains a focus for improvement in 2025.

Marketing Experimentation (00:12:52)

The team experimented with various marketing channels, including YouTube and TikTok, yielding mixed results.

Conversion Rates Insights (00:15:02)

Tiago explains the importance of conversion rates and how they vary by marketing source.

Co-founder Relationship Dynamics (00:17:21)

Tiago reflects on the close relationship with his co-founder and the challenges faced during tough times.

Seasonality Effects (00:18:30)

The impact of seasonality on business performance becomes evident, particularly during the summer months.

Lessons from New Product Attempts (00:19:23)

Attempts to replicate success with new products prove difficult, highlighting the unpredictability of entrepreneurship.

Market Timing Realizations (00:20:28)

Tiago discusses the significance of market timing and how competition affects new product launches.

Mindset and Perspective (00:22:47)

Tiago emphasizes the importance of mindset in evaluating business performance and overcoming feelings of inadequacy.

Podcast Timestamps

Confidence and Mindset (00:24:54)

Tiago discusses the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and confidence in the company's growth.

Time as an Asset (00:25:53)

He emphasizes that time is the most valuable asset for entrepreneurs, more than money.

Delegation and Investment (00:26:57)

Tiago reflects on the importance of delegating tasks to expedite growth and improve quality.

Future Goals for 2025 (00:28:04)

He shares his aspirations for 2025, including salary goals and reducing customer churn.

Self-Reflection and Learning (00:29:07)

Tiago expresses his growth as an entrepreneur and the lessons learned throughout the year.

Excitement for the Future (00:30:17)

He concludes with enthusiasm for the upcoming year and invites listeners to engage with the podcast.

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 advice for achieving a healthier work-life balance.

Mentions

"Tiago's Twitter (X)": "00:01:41"

"Podsqueeze.com": "00:14:10"

"RankChase.com": "00:17:26"

"ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)": "00:23:28"

"SEO Audits": "00:25:53"

"Email Automation": "00:25:53"

Timestamps by PodSqueeze

Introduction to the Dilemma (00:00:10)

Tiago introduces the episode's main topic: the entrepreneur's dilemma of balancing work and rest.

Personal Journey as an Entrepreneur (00:02:57)

Tiago reflects on his fulfilling experience as a full-time entrepreneur over the past few years.

Conversations with Friends (00:04:20)

He shares insights from a conversation with his friend Alex about work fulfillment and dissatisfaction.

Struggles with Work-Life Balance (00:05:23)

Tiago discusses the ongoing struggle between work satisfaction and the need for personal life.

Optimizing Time for Productivity (00:09:51)

He compares entrepreneurship to being a top athlete, emphasizing the need to optimize time and routines.

Realization of Duality in Work (00:11:59)

Tiago reflects on his desire for personal time versus the pressure to keep working.

Phases of Entrepreneurship (00:15:17)

He outlines the two phases of entrepreneurship: exploration and augmentation, and their significance.

The Importance of Delegation (00:19:49)

Tiago suggests raising money to delegate tasks, allowing more time for strategic work.

Wealth Inequality Insights (00:20:50)

He discusses wealth inequality and how it relates to work hours versus productivity.

Conclusion on Time and Investment (00:24:41)

Tiago concludes that investing money in delegation is key, rather than sacrificing personal time for work.

The Importance of Delegation (00:25:53)

Tiago discusses the value of delegating tasks to save time for personal pursuits.

Reflection on Hiring Professionals (00:26:20)

He shares his experience of hiring a professional for SEO audits, which significantly improved efficiency.

Conclusion on Work-Life Balance (00:27:01)

Tiago concludes that delegating tasks allows him to rest and manage his business effectively.

Future Plans and Closing Remarks (00:27:30)

He plans to test his delegation theory and invites listeners to follow his journey.