Rogue Startups

Epizode

• 
  RS362: Hidden Multipliers with Jason Cohen 11.08.2026 50min

  What happens when AI changes the rules of building a software company? According to Jason Cohen, the answer isn't to predict the future. It's to build around things that remain valuable no matter how technology changes. In this episode of Rogue Startups, Craig Hewitt talks with Jason Cohen, founder of WP Engine and SmartBear and author of Hidden Multipliers, about growth, strategy, positioning, and building durable businesses in an age of AI. Jason explains why founders should focus on the transformation customers actually want instead of simply adding AI to their products, why repositioning a product can dramatically increase its value, and how to identify the special combination of strengths, customers, and opportunities where your business can win. Craig and Jason also dig into what kinds of jobs AI is likely to replace, why human creativity and personality remain incredibly valuable, how Jason develops the ideas behind his writing, and why copying someone else's successful framework rarely works without adapting it to your own company culture. Whether you're building a bootstrapped SaaS company, leading a growing startup, or trying to figure out where your business fits in an AI-driven world, this conversation is full of practical ways to think more clearly about strategy, growth, and competitive advantage. Highlights from Craig and Jason’s conversation: How to make strategic decisions in an uncertain market What customers will still value in the age of AI Why AI should solve customer problems rather than simply be added to products How positioning can dramatically increase a product's value Why senior developers benefit more from AI than junior developers What chess teaches us about AI and human creativity Why human personalities still matter in content and marketing How Jason Cohen developed the ideas behind Hidden Multipliers Why copying successful business frameworks often fails How founders can find their own strategic advantage The right and wrong ways to use metrics What AI means for the future of SaaS Resources and Links from This Episode: AI Skills which facilitate ideas from the book and Jason’s articles https://longform.asmartbear.com/ Jason on X: https://x.com/asmartbear hiddenmultipliers.com  Castos Free Tools: castos.com/tools Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com  Find me on X: https://twitter.com/TheCraigHewitt Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-hewitt-78386a66/  
• 
  RS361: Lessons Learned Selling A Business 04.08.2026 46min

  Selling a business isn't just about timing the market. It's about knowing yourself. In this episode of Rogue Startups, Craig Hewitt sits down with Colin Gray, founder of Alitu and The Podcast Host, to discuss what it's really like to sell a SaaS company after 15 years. Colin shares why he decided to exit, how founders should think about timing a sale, the emotional side of letting go of a business, and why "stair-stepping" through multiple businesses may be a smarter path than chasing a single life-changing exit. They also explore how AI is reshaping SaaS, content marketing, and YouTube, as well as what comes next after selling a company you've spent years building. Whether you're thinking about selling a business someday or simply trying to build one that lasts, this conversation is packed with honest advice from two experienced bootstrapped founders. Highlights from Craig and Colin’s conversation: How to know when it's time to sell your business The stair-step approach to building wealth Founder burnout and losing passion for your company The realities of SaaS valuations today Why building an audience before software matters AI's impact on SaaS and content marketing Why YouTube is still one of the best marketing platforms Life after selling a startup Bootstrapping vs. venture-backed growth Lessons from two experienced SaaS founders Resources and Links from This Episode The Podcast Host: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/  Colin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colinmcgray?originalSubdomain=uk  Castos Free Tools: castos.com/tools Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt  Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt  LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt  Email: podcast@roguestartups.com
• 
  RS360: Kill the Hippo 29.07.2026 43min

  If you're building a SaaS company, one of the hardest questions you'll face isn't how to build a product. It's what to build next. In this episode of Rogue Startups, Craig Hewitt talks with Steve McLeod, founder of Feature Upvote and author of Kill the Hippo, about product strategy, customer research, and why the loudest customer isn't always the one you should listen to. Steve shares lessons from interviewing successful bootstrapped SaaS founders, explains why talking directly with customers beats relying on surveys and feature voting alone, and discusses how companies can avoid building the wrong features. Craig and Steve also explore Steve's journey writing Kill the Hippo, Feature Upvote's successful pivot into the gaming industry, the realities of running a mature SaaS business, and how AI is changing product development and customer acquisition. They close with an honest conversation about the future of bootstrapped SaaS and why today's founders face a very different landscape than they did just a decade ago. Whether you're launching your first startup or leading an established software company, this episode is full of practical advice on product management, customer feedback, ideal customer profiles (ICP), founder decision-making, and sustainable SaaS growth. In this episode:  00:00 Why Building the Right Product Matters 01:43 Why Steve Wrote Kill the Hippo 03:09 The Pivot That Changed Feature Upvote 04:36 Why the Most Popular Feature Is Usually Wrong 06:26 Talk to Customers, Not Just Surveys 08:19 Finding Your Real Ideal Customer 13:05 How Kill the Hippo Came Together 16:59 Why Steve Wanted to Write a Book 19:04 The Reality of Being a Solo Founder 21:06 Are Product Prioritization Frameworks Worth It? 23:54 Hiring People Who Think Like Your Customers 27:45 Building for Future Customers Without Losing Today's 29:24 Product Strategy for Mature SaaS Companies 31:26 Avoiding the "Abandoned Product" Trap 34:00 How Mature SaaS Teams Ship New Features 36:19 Build Features That Make Customers Say "Wow" 38:20 Is SaaS Really Dead? 42:35 The Golden Age of Bootstrapped SaaS Resources and Links: - Feature Upvote: https://featureupvote.com/   - Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mcleod-fuv/  - Castos Free Tools: castos.com/tools - Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com  - Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt - Craig on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/craig-hewitt-78386a66   If you feel Rogue Startups has benefited you and might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes. 
• 
  Huge Work (and life) Updates 21.07.2026 14min

  After an almost 5 month break from the podcast, I'm Back! In this episode I talk through updates with me, Castos, my coaching business, and where the podcast is headed into the future. Spoiler alert...i'm getting a new cohost. Connect on the socials: x.com/thecraighewitt instagram.com/thecraighewitt https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-hewitt-78386a66/
• 
  RS358: Your Design Sucks 18.03.2026 54min

  In this episode, Craig sits down with Francois Brill, Head of Product at Castos and longtime design collaborator, for an honest and entertaining conversation about what it really takes to build great-looking products in the age of AI. Using Outlier as a live case study, Francois walks through the marketing site and product UX in real time, calling out the small but costly design mistakes that make AI-built tools look generic. From embarrassing mismatched button styles to cognitive overload on ideation pages, this episode is a must-listen for anyone vibe-coding their next SaaS app and wondering why it just does not feel polished. Highlights from Craig and Francois’ conversation: AI-generated design is the new "tell" that your product was built without a designer Picking one mode, light or dark, is almost always better than trying to do both Rounded inputs paired with square buttons is one of the most common and fixable design mistakes Color should guide user action, not decorate the interface UX is how something works; UI is what it looks like, and they require different thinking Cognitive overload kills conversion, especially on feature-rich pages like ideation tools A Design MD file can teach AI your brand system so every output stays consistent Code is cheap now, so the value has shifted to vision, taste, and design thinking Building fast and iterating beats trying to get it perfect the first time If everyone can prompt the same thing, standing out requires taste and a real system Resources and Links from This Episode: Clearly Design: https://www.clearly.design/  Francois on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fbrill/  Outlier: https://outlier.so/  Castos Free Tools: castos.com/tools Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com  Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you, and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes.  Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt Email: podcast@roguestartups.com 
• 
  RS357: I Got Hacked 11.03.2026 44min

  This week on the Rogue Startups, Craig gets roasted. He brought in experienced software engineer Brandon Hancock after building the AI-powered SaaS app Outlier largely through “vibe coding,” so Brandon could audit the entire codebase live during the episode. The result? An honest but useful breakdown of what happens when non-technical founders ship fast with AI tools.  Brandon digs into real security risks, common architecture mistakes, and the best practices every founder should follow when building AI-driven products. If you’re launching SaaS with tools like Next.js, Supabase, and Claude, or simply adding AI features to your existing product, this episode offers practical lessons on building faster without accidentally breaking everything. Check the episode out on YouTube to see Brandon dig through Craig’s code onscreen. Highlights from Craig and Brandon’s conversation: What “vibe coding” looks like when building a real production startup How a single exposed Supabase key can create major security risks Why row-level security is critical for protecting user data Using AI to audit code and uncover vulnerabilities in minutes Simple fixes that dramatically improve SaaS security Why many AI code review tools miss critical issues The danger of exposing backend clients in frontend code How server actions can replace many API endpoints Best practices for managing database migrations with Drizzle ORM Why staging environments save founders from catastrophic production mistakes The difference between moving fast and building responsibly How to structure AI documentation for better development workflows Using task templates to teach AI your coding standards Practical lessons for founders building SaaS products with AI tools Resources and Links from This Episode Shipkit.ai: https://www.shipkit.ai/  Brandon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-hancock-ai  Brandon’s website: https://brandonhancock.io/  Brandon on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aiwithbrandon  Rogue Startups on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@roguestartups  Castos Free Tools: castos.com/tools Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com  Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you, and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes.  Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: T...
• 
  RS356: When to Pivot, When to Push w/ Jesse Hanley 04.03.2026 1h 2min

  In this episode of Rogue Startups, Craig sits down with Jesse Hanley, founder of Bento, for a wide-ranging conversation about building and growing SaaS businesses in the age of AI. From vibe coding and AI-assisted development workflows to product strategy, business ceilings, and the existential shifts happening across the tech landscape, Jesse and Sandy share candid insights from their own experiences as founders navigating a rapidly changing environment. If you're a bootstrapped founder, indie hacker, or SaaS entrepreneur trying to figure out how to stay relevant and move fast, this one's for you. Highlights from Craig and Jesse’s conversation: Testing and QA are still the unglamorous bottleneck nobody talks about enough The founders who stay close to the code sleep better at night Opus 4.5 in Cursor is the closest thing to having a full dev team on speed dial Build your foundation like a brick house, and everything else can be Play-Doh™ AI is making founders fall back in love with parts of their business they used to dread Shopify can now build custom apps on demand, and that should make plugin developers nervous If your whole product is basically one feature, it might be time to rethink things Sometimes the ceiling you're hitting is the category, not your effort The best side projects either pay for themselves immediately or swing for the fences Building through AI disruption takes the same stubborn optimism it took to survive COVID Resources and Links from This Episode Jesse Hanley: https://jessehanley.com/  Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessehanley/  Bento:  https://bentonow.com/  Castos Free Tools: castos.com/tools Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com  Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you, and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes.  Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt Email: podcast@roguestartups.com 
• 
  RS355: Code Velocity and the Future of SaaS 25.02.2026 58min

  What does it mean to be a SaaS founder in a world where AI can build features faster than we ever could?  In this conversation, Craig sits down with Arvid Kahl to unpack the shifting reality of software, competition, and the craft of SaaS in 2026. They talk about code velocity, discernment, marketing in an AI-saturated world, and why SaaS is not dead, even as the software part becomes commoditized. Listen in to find out what actually matters these days, if you want to build something that lasts. Highlights from Craig and Arvid’s conversation: AI is shifting the founder’s role from building to judging quality and making decisions Code velocity now matters more than perfect architecture for most SaaS products Replacing junior developers entirely with AI risks creating a future talent gap Your real competition increasingly includes general AI tools, not just other SaaS companies AI has leveled the marketing baseline, making differentiation and brand more important than ever Standing out requires taste, point of view, and clear positioning, not just tactics Acquiring legacy SaaS and refactoring with AI could be a major opportunity The service part of SaaS still matters most, because AI generates products but not businesses Resources and Links from This Episode Podscan: https://podscan.fm/  Castos Free Tools: castos.com/tools Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com  Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes.  Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt Email: podcast@roguestartups.com 
• 
  RS354: The State Of Podcasting Heading Into 2026 26.11.2025 41min

  Craig is back! Today, he welcomes fellow podcaster Colin Gray back to the podcast. They dive into the ever-evolving world of podcasting, reflecting on how much the landscape has shifted over the last decade and what people are craving now more than ever: genuine human connection. From the tug-of-war between YouTube and podcast growth, to what it really means to build an AI-first product, they explore the trends shaping creators, customers, and the platforms that connect them. Highlights from Craig and Colin’s conversation: How podcasting has changed over the last 10 years  The more we’re pulled toward AI, the more we crave genuine connection Is it easier to grow a YouTube channel or a podcast? Content integration and becoming a centralized hub Spotify’s role in the evolution of podcasting Monetization: ads, donations, subscriptions, and more Balancing and prioritizing feature requests How AI is shaping customer expectations How to make your product AI-first Resources and Links from This Episode: The Podcast Host: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/  Colin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colinmcgray?originalSubdomain=uk  beehiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com/  Kit: https://kit.com/ Creator Hooks: https://creatorhooks.com/  Castos Free Tools: castos.com/tools Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you, and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes.  Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt Email: podcast@roguestartups.com 
• 
  RS353: Is This the Last Organic Marketing Channel 01.10.2025 50min

  In today’s episode, Craig sits down with SaaS founder and entrepreneur Brian Casel to talk about the future of software and AI. With years of experience building and growing SaaS companies, Brian shares his perspective on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the industry, from launching in niche markets and creating content that resonates to the challenges SaaS businesses will face in the next few years. They also dive into YouTube growth strategies, monetizing AI tools, and whether today’s AI boom is a lasting shift or just another bubble. Highlights from Craig and Brian’s conversation: Craig’s 100 Days of AI Challenge Growing with content: from weekly AI newsletters to scaling YouTube channels Brian’s current projects – Agent OS, Builder Methods, and the difference between live workshops and online courses How to monetize AI tools and content in today’s market The power of the B2B super niche and what it takes to launch a new SaaS business in 2025 AI challenges for SaaS companies over the next few years Behind the scenes of Craig and Brian’s YouTube workflows How to choose the right content for your audience (and avoid wasting time creating the wrong stuff) Where is AI headed? Is this just a bubble, or real long-term change? Will artificial intelligence replace artists, musicians, painters, and writers? Resources and Links from This Episode: Brian Casel: https://briancasel.com/ Builder Methods: https://buildermethods.com/    Brian on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@briancasel    Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes.  Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt
• 
  RS352: AI Killed Traditional Marketing – Here's What's Next 24.09.2025 49min

  Ross Simmonds, founder of Foundation Marketing, has built a reputation for helping ambitious SaaS and B2B brands stand out online with data-driven growth strategies. In this episode, Craig sits down with Ross to dive into the future of marketing, SaaS growth, and social media in the age of AI. Marketing has transformed dramatically over the past decade, and with the rise of AI-powered marketing methods, it feels like the Wild Wild West. But within all that chaos are opportunities that we shouldn’t miss out on.. Ross and Craig explore how founders and marketers can leverage AI to create content, reach the right audience, and scale profitably in today’s fast-changing landscape. Highlights from Craig and Ross’s conversation: Why traditional B2B marketing tactics are failing and what actually drives SaaS growth in 2025 Create exclusive, high-value content that your target market can't find anywhere else AI marketing parallels the mobile revolution  We're only at the beginning of the AI marketing cycle, and why the long game matters  Which social media platforms actually work for B2B in today's landscape Every platform has your audience, but no one's cracked the code Monetize your existing high-performing pages and don't abandon what's already working Search behavior has evolved beyond Google  Stop ignoring Reddit for B2B marketing Elevenlabs and Manus case studies. Plus, why Google will dominate long-term AI marketing Resources and Links from This Episode: Ross Simmonds on X (Twitter): https://x.com/TheCoolestCool  Ross Simmonds on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosssimmonds/  Foundation Marketing: https://foundationinc.co/  Ross Simmonds online: https://rosssimmonds.com/  Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com  Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt
• 
  RS351: Why Brands Fail on Reddit 17.09.2025 45min

  Today on the podcast, Craig sits down with Reddit marketing expert Paul Xue to explore how brands can tap into one of the internet’s most engaged and skeptical communities. Reddit can be a tough nut to crack, but when approached with authenticity and a strategic approach, it can become a powerful driver of trust, visibility, and growth. Paul, founder of his own marketing company specializing in Reddit campaigns, breaks down the principles, tactics, and future trends you need to know. Whether you’re curious about launching your first campaign or wondering if Reddit should be part of your overall growth strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights, not to mention a few insightful predictions on the future. Highlights from Craig and Paul’s conversation The fundamentals of Reddit marketing: why content and value must come before sales. How authentic reviews and real conversations build credibility with both competitors and customers. Proven strategies to run successful Reddit campaigns without getting downvoted. Ways to make your brand stand out in Reddit’s crowded, skeptical landscape. The future of AI models and how they’ll shape online marketing. Big-picture insights on AI, robotics, and what a fully autonomous future could look like. Resources and Links from This Episode Paul’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pxue/ Paul on X (Twitter): https://x.com/pxue?lang=en Castos Free Tools: com/tools Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes. Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt Email: podcast@roguestartups.com #AI #marketing #reddit
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  RS350: Authenticity, Content Strategy, and the Future of Marketing with AI 10.09.2025 57min

  Startup marketing can feel like a maze, right? In this episode of Rogue Startups, Craig chats with  Brendan Hufford of Growth Sprints about how to cut through the noise and actually connect with your audience. They dig into everything from creating raw, authentic content to dialing in your SEO strategies and uncovering your brand’s real voice. If you’ve ever felt a little lost with your marketing (or just want some fresh ideas to make your plan actually work), this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Highlights from Craig and Brendan Hufford’s conversation: AI in SEO: how artificial intelligence is reshaping the digital marketing landscape Why old methods don’t work anymore—and the mindset shift needed to move forward Building new skill sets: why continuous learning is essential for marketers and founders Staying ahead of the curve with new tech, trends, and tools How entrepreneurs can use AI to market their businesses more effectively Content atomization and distribution: breaking big ideas into bite-sized content across multiple channels Maximizing social platforms like Instagram, Twitter (X), and more “Zero-click content”: how to thrive on platforms that discourage external links Optimizing for virtual retargeting and platform-native algorithms Overcoming the “trust recession” and rebuilding credibility with your audience Turning one-star reviews into marketing gold Creating a gravitational pull that draws customers toward your brand and story The power of self-perpetuating content that continues to work for you over time Why founders shouldn’t try to do everything alone—and how to delegate effectively Finding your authentic founder’s voice and building trust through genuine content Resources and Links from This Episode Brendan Hufford on LinkedIn: com/in/brendanhufford Growth Sprints: https://growthsprints.co/ Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you, and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes. Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt Email: podcast@roguestartups.com  
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  RS349: Ranking In ChatGPT with Devesh Khanal 03.09.2025 1h 3min

  Today on Rogue Startups, Craig sits with Devesh Khanal from Grow and Convert to talk about how to get your brand showing up at the top of search results in LLMs. They dive deep into the world of AI SEO—covering everything from debunking myths about large language models to sharing actionable strategies for ranking your content in both Google and AI-driven search tools. Devesh is the “convert” side of Grow and Convert. In addition to co-founding the company, he runs Growth Rock, a conversion optimization agency that helps e-commerce brands increase online sales through user research, usability testing, analytics evaluations, and A/B testing. Before launching into the marketing world, Devesh worked on financial strategy and cost modeling for a biofuels startup—and he also holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from U.C. Berkeley. Highlights from Craig and Devesh’s conversation: Bottom-of-funnel SEO vs. top-of-funnel queries How to use LLMs as a marketing tool Debunking common myths about LLMs in SEO Does community content promotion (like Reddit) actually work? The correlation between Google rankings and LLM results Identifying customer pain points and achieving product–market fit Why to avoid “fluff” writers and generic AI writing tools Resources and Links from This Episode: Devesh Khanal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deveshkhanal/  Grow and Convert: https://www.growandconvert.com/  Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com  Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you, and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes.  Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn:
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  RS348: Not Exactly White Hat AI-SEO with Lars Lofgren 16.07.2025 53min

  In today’s episode, Craig sits down with AI-SEO expert Lars Lofgren to unpack the future of AI-SEO in a world dominated by artificial intelligence. They explore how to attract and retain traffic through both on-site and off-site strategies like Reddit, YouTube, LinkedIn, and beyond. With AI rapidly reshaping the digital landscape, the traditional rules of content and inbound marketing are being rewritten. Should SEO still be your top focus? How do you build brand authority when search algorithms are changing every day? Tune in for practical tips and bold insights on what’s working now—and what’s next. Highlights from Craig and Lar’s conversation: What does SEO even mean in the age of AI? How the search landscape has shifted with AI’s rise The #1 thing to do now to thrive in AI-powered search results Top of Funnel (TOFU) vs Bottom of Funnel (BOFU) marketing Why Google prioritizes specific landing pages for specific products The companies gaming AI—and how it’s disrupting traditional SEO How to get your brand seen in AI answers and social media feeds The surprising impact of Reddit on SEO strategy Why SEO best practices feel more unclear than ever Authentic content vs high-volume output, what wins with AI? Building trust: How to make your site feel real to your visitors Ads, paid influencers, evangelists: what actually pays off? Resources and Links from This Episode Lars on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larslofgren/  Lars’ website and newsletter: https://larslofgren.com/  Lars on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/larslofgren.bsky.social  Lars on Twitter/X: https://x.com/larslofgren?lang=en  Find me on Twit...
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  RS347: How to Rank Any Brand In AI Results 09.07.2025 47min

  This week on Rogue Startups, Craig chats with Mike Buckbee from Knowatoa about how AI is changing the game for brands. With tools like ChatGPT taking over the way we search and discover businesses, Mike breaks down what you need to do to get your brand noticed in the AI world. From content strategies to getting your site in front of the right eyes, this episode’s got the lowdown on how to stay ahead in an AI-driven world. Michael is a serial entrepreneur and software developer who has founded multiple successful startups in the cybersecurity space. With over a decade of experience in marketing and technology, he previously worked as a Director of Demand Generation for a public cybersecurity company, as well as consulting for multiple YC startups. Knowatoa’s mission is to help businesses win the AI search game by ensuring they remain discoverable, relevant, and competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Highlights from Craig and Mike’s conversation: How to get your business in front of customers in the AI-driven world New strategies for success: creating brand-specific content that attracts customers What "Face vs Space" content really means Where AI is training and how it impacts businesses The role of txt: Is it still important, and what’s the best alternative? Why you should ask ChatGPT questions about your business Personalized AI search results: Are they working for or against you? Why your content should be on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Reddit The growing role of LLMs in social etiquette and advice How search, companionship, and advice are blending in the AI space What does all this mean for businesses in the future? The future of business is pay-to-play Will AI take 30% of our jobs? The "floor" may rise, but the "ceiling" will stay human   Resources and Links from This Episode Knowatoa: https://knowatoa.com/ Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbuckbee Email: Mike@knowatoa.com If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes. Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt Email: podcast@roguestartups.com
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  RS346: What 11 Years in SaaS Really Looks Like 02.07.2025 48min

  In this episode of the podcast, Craig sits down with longtime entrepreneur Colin Bartlett, cofounder of StatusGator, to explore what it really takes to build, and sustain, a SaaS business over the long haul. With more than a decade at the helm of a company that helps users monitor service outages, Colin shares hard-won insights from 12 years of entrepreneurship and 11 years of running StatusGator. The conversation dives into how founders’ perspectives evolve, especially in today’s turbulent tech landscape, and how to stay grounded and successful through all of that craziness. Highlights from Craig and Colin’s conversation: How Colin and StatusGator did when Google Cloud went down for a few hours The factors that can determine whether or not free trials can work for your business The difference between the company in the beginning versus 10+ years down the road How their businesses fit into the current markets (alongside AI and other tech advances) Appreciation and respect for the businesses in such uncertainty Plans, trajectories, and what the future holds for them Views on profit in the SaaS industry Their team structures and how to hire and maintain a team in the AI era Staying fresh in the market after you’ve been in the business for a while The benefits of having a cofounder SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) compliance and privacy standards How many hours does your team have to work to be a value to your company?   Resources and Links from This Episode Colin Bartlett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinabartlett/ StatusGator: https://statusgator.com/ If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you, and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes. Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me: Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt Email: podcast@roguestartups.com  
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  RS345: The State Of Search 2025 11.06.2025 18min

  - LLMs.txt article: https://www.quoleady.com/llm-txt-files/ - Craig's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@thecraighewitt  
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  RS344: 12 Years to Overnight Success with Amar Ghose 04.06.2025 47min

  What does it really take to lead a company for over a decade—and still be growing? In this episode, Craig chats with Amar Ghose, founder and longtime CEO of ZenMaid, about the challenges, lessons, and evolution that come from running a SaaS company for 12 years. From market leadership and internal conflict to personal growth and productivity, Amar shares candid insights into the realities of long-term entrepreneurship. Whether you're scaling a startup, feeling stagnant in your leadership role, or just wondering if AI is going to eat your SaaS lunch, this conversation delivers.   Highlights from Craig and Amar's conversation: Transitioning from following trends to becoming a category leader Navigating internal disagreements and managing tough decisions Running a "benevolent dictatorship"—and why that sometimes works How to deal with boredom, complacency, and staying sharp as a CEO The productivity paradox: what being "productive" means at the top Entertainment vs. distraction: protecting your focus How coaching reveals your blind spots (and helps you evolve) Staying out of cruise control—how to keep leveling up, year after year Is AI a threat to SaaS companies, or a tool for growth? Takeaways and Vision Longevity in SaaS isn’t about coasting. It’s about evolving. Amar Ghose proves that staying in the game for 12+ years means embracing discomfort, sharpening your focus, and leading with intention. Whether you're one year in or a decade deep, this episode is a reminder: real leadership isn’t about avoiding boredom, it’s about leveling up through it. Resources and Links from This Episode ZenMaid – Amar’s SaaS for maid service businesses Follow Amar on LinkedIn Rogue Startups Podcast Archive Connect with Craig on Twitter/X: @TheCraigHewitt If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes.  Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me:
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  A Caffeine Infused Diatribe 28.05.2025 46min

  Hello, remember me?  Sorry that it's been 6 weeks, but I'm back. In this episode I talk through what I've been up to recently, what's going on with Castos, with myself personally, and things I'm learning growing the business.  Towards the end, I share the lessons I learned from a recent 2-day Scaling Workshop with Alex and Leila Hormozi.  The event was great, and really reframed how I am thinking about the business, and about being a business owner.   My YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@thecraighewitt - for sales, marketing, and founder-focused content like this.