Default Alive

Corey and Chris are bringing the podcast to an end. They discuss why, where things are at today, and what to look out for in the future.Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey shares some learnings on startup taxes. Chris shares how the recent growth of the Jetboost team is going and what he's learning from that. They also discuss SaaS team account architecture, user onboarding email sequences, churn trends in 2023, and of course, they have to talk about ChatGPT.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Andrew from FlowPhantom Pieter Levels tweet on Google fumbling AI Derrick's blog: Ship Small, Ship Fast MusicLM More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey and Chris talk about their goals, themes, and big projects for the new year.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: SwipeWell Product Hunt launch More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey and Chris look back on the past year's highlights, lowlights, and learnings.Ask us a question →Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey is working on co-marketing campaigns for SwipeWell. Chris is back from Webflow Conf and shares everything that happened at the event! They also discuss some of the unique aspects of the Calm Fund SEAL agreement.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Webflow Conf Announcements Webflow Apps Reilly Chase's tweet Tyler Tringas's tweet More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey recaps the SaaS Marketing Summit and State of SaaS Marketing report. Chris is wrapping up his final prep before Webflow Conf next week. They also talk about AI, newsletter sponsorships, and SwipeWell mobile apps.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Webflow Conf Agenda Corey's AI generated profile pictures SaaS Marketing Summit recording State of SaaS Marketing 2022 Report More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey hits a big newsletter subscriber milestone. Chris gets back from vacation and officially launches the Jetboost blog. They also talk about playing the waiting game with SEO, Webflow Conf, and SwipeWell's public roadmap.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: SwipeWell Public Roadmap SaaS Marketing Summit on October 12th Jetboost Blog More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey and Chris answer listener questions live on the podcast to celebrate the 2-year anniversary of publishing. They cover how they spend their time, favorite tools, what success looks like, the highs and lows of the journey, and more.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Grain Mailman ZipMessage Manifest Destiny blog post More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey integrates a new newsletter growth tool for Swipe Files and ships a new landing page for SwipeWell. Chris is still celebrating recent wins while pondering the future of Jetboost. They also talk about Chrome web store SEO, “Two Way Write Ups,” and product evolution.Next week is a Q&A episode to celebrate the 2-year anniversary of the podcast. AMA!Ask us a question →Notable mentions: SwipeWell Chrome Store listing State of SaaS Marketing Survey Tweet about Jetboost benefits Two Way Write Ups Great Bootstrapped Web episode SparkLoop Partner Network More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey prepares to roll out waitlist invites for SwipeWell. Chris shares what he learned while setting Jetboost up to hire full-time employees instead of contractors. They also discuss Google's upcoming search update, programmatic SEO, and useful SEO tools.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Above Board podcast Startup to Last podcast PageFactory Splitbee More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey launches a programmatic content experiment on Product Hunt and starts planning the Swipe Files Summit. Chris moved to Chicago and made two new hires! They also talk about a new SaaS project and Webflow Conf.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Retext More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey builds a mobile app MVP using the no-code tool Adalo. Chris is continuing to push out small UX updates for Jetboost while preparing for his big move across the country. They also talk about new onboarding flows for SwipeWell and Swipe Files.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Adalo Crash Course YouTube Video More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey celebrates getting the first SwipeWell customers. Chris ships a helpful update to Jetboost and brainstorms some content ideas. They also discuss product analytics and being a power user of your own app.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: PostHog More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey launches CopywritingPrompts.com and experiments with programmatic SEO for SwipeWell. Chris is getting back in the groove, talking to customers, exploring partnerships, and working on new features for Jetboost. They also provide an update on Default Alive Ventures and discuss the opportunity cost of buying a SaaS.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: CopywritingPrompts.com Relume Rails SaaS Conf Framework Friends More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Default Alive Ventures Swipe Files Jetboost SwipeWell Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey works on a new side project as marketing for SwipeWell. Chris ships an important update to handle subscription changes and works on turning content briefs into articles. They also introduce Default Alive Ventures and talk about SaaS acquisition multiples based on ARR vs SDE.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Default Alive Ventures Tweet Hunter Maker Grant Pieter Levels tweet More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey and Chris were about to close on a deal to acquire a micro SaaS business together until it suddenly fell apart. Listen in to hear what happened and what they'd do differently next time.Know a SaaS business we might want to acquire? →Notable mentions: MicroAcquisitions course Boopos More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey experiments with a $500 MRR Challenge to gain new members. Chris has had to put work on the backburner for a bit while overcoming some challenges at home. They also talk about Elon buying Twitter, NFT launches, and meetups.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Milk Road City Clash More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey onboards the first SwipeWell users on calls and publishes some new blog posts. Chris is only working half-time right now but managed to ship a key stability update for Jetboost. They also how sleep affects productivity and a new indie hacker podcast, Framework Friends.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Framework Friends More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey builds a waitlist for SwipeWell and shares the outline for Founding Marketing. Chris gives a short update on how paternity leave is going. They also talk about the woes of tax season, meeting online friends in person, and the discipline to focus on what you work on.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Founding Marketing Table of Contents Jetboost Compare Products More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey announces a new SaaS project. Chris makes a marketing hire and shares some product updates. They also talk about platform risk, outcome oriented communities, and hiring outside of your area of expertise.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Bootstrapping an outcome oriented community The Elephant in the room: The myth of exponential hypergrowth Jason Cohen talk: Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise (#2 on the page) SwipeWell (Corey's new SaaS project) More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey is focused on newsletter content and gives an update on the Swipe Files Job Board. Thanks to a situation with a competitor, Chris' fire has been re-lit. They also talk about competition and celebrating customer wins.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Founding Marketing Swipe Files Job Board More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey explores a new cohort-based course partnership and reveals a book concept. Chris is working on major product improvements for Jetboost and a brand new booster. They also talk about community engagement and pricing dynamics.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Founding Marketing More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey reacquires Hey Marketers and rebrands it to the Swipe Files Job Board. Chris shares his current struggles with productivity and setting direction for Jetboost. They also talk about burnout, launching on Product Hunt, and Alexis Ohanian's approach to customer support.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Corey's tweet announcing Hey Marketers Adam Wathan on burnout More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey finishes Marketing Like A Media Company and prepares for launch. Chris is getting ready to roll out the Jetboost affiliate program in January. They also talk about goal-setting, 2022 plans, and recording biweekly moving forward.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Corey's holiday side project: How To Beat Your Friends At Poker Ruben Gamez tweet on marketing Sahil Bloom's thread on goal setting More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey and Chris chat about the last year — highlights, wins, losses, learnings, and everything in between.Ask us a question →Notable mentions:More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey and Chris bring on Brian Casel to talk about growing ZipMessage, what he'd do differently today if he was starting from scratch, and recent experiments including freemium.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: @CasJam on Twitter ZipMessage Bootstrapped Web More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey gets another premium sponsor commitment and shares Black Friday results. Chris recaps No-Code Conf and has an epiphany when it comes to testing software. They also discuss code rewrites, throwing away your MVP, and of course, end with Corey's Crypto Corner.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Working Effectively With Legacy Code ConstitutionDAO More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey records the first module for Marketing Like A Media Company and gets airdropped free crypto. Chris contemplates expanding the customer support team. They also talk about the new Calm Fund scout program, Black Friday / Cyber Monday preparation, and free competitors.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: ENS Report "@swipefiles" for impersonation to help Corey More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey feels the pressure to create new course content and pitch premium sponsorships before the holidays. Chris launches a new search feature and Webflow template along with it. They also talk about YNAB's pricing update snafu, emailing Seth Godin, and a tweet by Jon Yongfook about SaaS marketing.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Jetboost Search Highlighting New FAQ cloneable Jetboost's new changelog Jon Yongfook's tweet More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey hosts the first Swipe Files Office Hours session. Chris turns off MRR notifications as he works to make Jetboost more of a calm company. They also talk about "skeuomorphism", digital information paradigms, and the merits of keeping a changelog.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Startups For The Rest Of Us #572 Andrew Wilkinson on the My First Million podcast PageFlows.com Chris Dixon and Naval Ravikant — The Wonders of Web3, How to Pick the Right Hill to Climb, Finding the Right Amount of Crypto Regulation, Friends with Benefits, and the Untapped Potential of NFTs (#542) More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey notices low new member signups for Swipe Files and thinks about how to introduce ways to give people a taste of the membership. Chris deals with some of the not-so-fun realities of running a business. They also talk about platform risk and playing the part of an independent recruiter.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Apply to the Swipe Files Talent Collective More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey shares how the membership pricing has resulted in the best month to date. Chris realizes Jetboost has been lacking direction and puts together a roadmap with the team. They also talk about the grind to default alive, strategies when making pricing changes, and dopamine's effect on our ability to work.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Pat Walls tweet about startup journey Andrew Wilkinson's tweet Andrew Huberman on dopamine Bubble update post Swipe Files pricing update email More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey finally follows the "charge more" advice and rolls out a pricing update for Swipe Files. Chris celebrates the latest Jetboost demo reaching the front page of the Webflow Showcase. They also discuss hiring lawyers and other professional services, giving raises to employees, and how scary DNS is.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Webflow Showcase Instatus Swipe Files pricing update More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey works on a new membership landing page and plans on rolling out pricing updates. Chris officially releases Jetboost's Dynamic Sorting Booster and a new free Webflow template along with it. They also talk about Webflow's No-Code Conf and managing email list unsubscribes with Smart Subscriber.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Jetboost Dynamic Sorting Free Jetboost template for Webflow Smart Subscriber More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey gets ready to ship the Tiny Marketing Ideas newsletter and record his talk for Ad World. Chris rants about chargebacks and other frustrations with operating a SaaS business. They also reminisce about recording the podcast for a year and how things have changed since the first episode.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: 1 year anniversary of Default Alive Tiny Marketing Ideas Ad World Conference More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey is heads-down creating newsletter content and begins niching down to SaaS marketing. Chris and the Jetboost team kick off September on a shipping spree. They also talk about energy ebbs and flows and Intuit acquiring Mailchimp for $12B.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Axios: Intuit Acquires Mailchimp for $12B How I Built This: Mailchimp CELSIUS energy drink More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey explores niching down to focus on SaaS marketing and increasing pricing for Swipe Files. Chris shares how Jetboost is growing up. They also talk about MicroAcquires financing partnerships to make acquisitions more accessible.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Jetboost's big update 1,000 True Fans? Try 100 Bootstrappers.com Andrew Gazdecki's tweet about acquisition financing through MicroAcquire More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey makes progress on the Swipe Files "evergreen newsletter" content and considers a way to drip out course content instead of dropping all at once. Chris is taking a break from marketing and working to wrap up a few product updates. They also talk about the first Indie Hackers of San Diego meetup since covid, the advantage of shipping small and shipping fast, and why it's ok to not have a singular, dominant growth channel.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Jetboost Dynamic Sorting Early Access Meeps.app MegaMaker Podcast Michele Hansen's book, Deploy Empathy San Diego Indie Hackers group Corey's tweet about not having a single, dominant growth channel More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey publishes a blog post about his public goals and his time offline at a summer camp. Chris is finding more balance between work and his personal life. They also talk about meeting SavvyCal founder Derrick Reimer in person and the surprising benefits of scheduled team calls.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Manifest Destiny blog post Startup Funding Options For SaaS blog post More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey shares what he's learned from doing 25 personalized landing page teardowns for clients. Chris announces Dynamic Sorting for Jetboost (coming soon!) and describes the journey he took to get there. They also discuss positioning service businesses vs SaaS products, building a personal brand vs company brand, and a clever marketing hack for free products.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Jetboost Dynamic Sorting Early Access Announcement More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey is off this week, so Chris is joined by Derrick Reimer, founder of SavvyCal. They chat about building and scaling SaaS products, making early hires, onboarding developers, and indulge in a bit of tech stack discussion.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: SavvyCal Art of Product Podcast Derrick's Twitter More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey trades notes with another community manager and creates a timeline for course updates. Chris wrestles over how to handle an extremely large potential customer. They also talk about shipping speed, Twitter threads, and building a more calm company.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Email Chris about the future of Jetboost: chris@jetboost.io Max Haining of 100 Days of No Code Justin Jackson's Product People podcast Typefully More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey deals with some dog issues and offers landing page audits. Chris makes a key new hire and is excited to push Jetboost forward faster. They also talk about founder archetypes, handling chaos in the early days, and how to get big customers to let you use their logo.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Corey's landing page audit offer There Are Four Types Of Founders…Which One Are You? April Dunford's tweet about using customer logos Potion Noah Bragg More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey writes his first angel checks and talks about how high the bar is these days for content creation. Chris puts work on the back burner for a week to resolve some personal issues. They also talk about what they do for fun and the dynamics of being an investor with an audience.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Outseta Chris Cantino's tweet More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey struggles with his own community activity and gives an update on a cohort-based course. Chris successfully ships a major Jetboost update and levels up his Google Analytics skills. They also discuss bootstrapper funding and not feeling all that motivated for work as Covid restrictions end and summer begins.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Jetboost now 2-3x faster! SureSwift Capital Collab Capital Justin Jackson interviews Jason Calacanis (2013): Part 1, Part 2 More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey contemplates spending longer, focused time on big projects instead of juggling multiple projects at once. Chris feels like he's currently floundering a bit while jumping from one thing to the next. They also talk about competition, angel investing, and Berkshire Hathaway.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: MegaMaker podcast Acquired podcast Patrick Campbell tweeting that Corey is "underrated" More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey shares the (candidly disappointing) results of opening enrollment for Swipe Files courses. Chris has a mostly heads down week while working on a big infrastructure update. They also talk about some potential pivots for Swipe Files and paying for SaaS products.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Cold Turkey Blocker Noah Bragg on Nathan Latka podcast More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey reaches a Twitter following milestone and opens up enrollment for his courses. Chris celebrates a milestone and ramps up hiring for Jetboost. They also discuss burnout, launching on Product Hunt, and hiring VAs.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Mental Models For Marketing Refactoring Growth https://share.swipefiles.com Squared Away Missive Help Doc Hero More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey tests the waters with a "marketing bootcamp" cohort-based course and begins onboarding a virtual assistant. Chris has a surprisingly calm week. They also answer a listener question about how to evaluate new product ideas.Ask us a question →Notable mentions: Marketing Bootcamp cohort-based course ORB Framework Content Remix 10 Questions for Teasing Out Market Opportunities 30x500 More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey accidentally starts a Twitter growth challenge with 100+ people. Chris ships off the Modkit update and has to send a difficult email to customers. They also talk about the hedonic treadmill of revenue growth and the myth of passive income.Ask us a question on Zip Message →Notable mentions: ZipMessage Be the first to join the waitlist for Corey's Marketing Bootcamp Modkit for Webflow update More podcasts for bootstrappers Learn more about their businesses: Swipe Files Jetboost Follow them on Twitter: @coreyhainesco @c_spags

Corey celebrates a year since launching Swipe Files and getting renewal revenue for the first time. Chris shares some struggles he's been facing as Jetboost continues to evolve. They also talk about Basecamp's recent changes regarding company policies and practices.