He's built multiple $1M+ funnels, Here's What Works In 2025

04/21/25 • 33 min

2 Listeners

Join me as I chat with Niels Klement, CMO of Perspective, we discuss how agencies are building highly profitable productized services using AI. He explains that the most successful approach involves focusing on a specific industry niche, creating a repeatable funnel template that delivers consistent results, and using AI to automate fulfillment. The discussion covers funnel optimization techniques, the importance of mobile-first design, and how interactive elements like quizzes significantly improve conversion rates.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:44 - Overview of productized services and funnel building
03:21 - How to build a niche-focused service
07:59 - Implementation of funnel templates and ads
11:10 - Funnel Strategies in 2025
14:43 - How to make a great VSL
18:54 - Funnel Strategies in 2025 pt2
21:05 - Where to use funnels
23:51 - Demonstration of Perspective funnel building
29:48 - Using funnels to validate startup ideas

Build your next sales funnel: https://try.perspective.co/4i8i3dkviavy

Key Points:

• Agencies are building highly profitable productized services ($10K-100K/month) by focusing on specific niches and using AI and funnel tools like Perspective
• The most successful agencies target industries that aren't tech-savvy and focus on business-critical services like recruiting and lead generation
• High-converting funnels use interactive elements, personalization, and quiz formats to achieve 26-28% conversion rates on cold traffic
• AI can automate much of the service delivery, allowing small teams or solo founders to scale to significant revenue

1) The Productized Service Revolution

Agencies are shifting from service-heavy to product-heavy models using AI + automation.

Some are scaling to $1M/MONTH with 80% profit margins by:
• Targeting specific niches (bakeries, lawyers, etc)
• Delivering business-critical results
• Using ONE killer funnel template

The best part? You can run this with just 1-2 freelancers + AI agents.

2) The Two Most Profitable Service Models

Across thousands of agencies using Perspective, two business models consistently outperform:

A) RECRUITING FUNNELS
Help businesses find talent through automated systems

B) LEAD GENERATION FUNNELS
Deliver qualified prospects to businesses

3) The "One Funnel, Sell Twice" Strategy

The most successful agencies:

• Pick ONE industry (preferably not tech-savvy)
• Create ONE funnel template that delivers results
• Use AI to customize it for each client
• Automate fulfillment with AI agents

Top agencies in Perspective convert at 26-28% on COLD traffic!

4) What Makes High-Converting Funnels Work?

The best performing funnels focus on:

• SPEED: Pages loading less than 1 second convert 2.5X better
• INTERACTIVITY: Quiz elements that create engagement
• PERSONALIZATION: Tailoring content based on responses
• CONSISTENCY: Matching ad messaging to landing page

These elements create a "dopamine hit" similar to social feeds.

5) The VSL (Video Sales Letter) Framework

For creating high-converting video content:

• Focus intensely on the HOOK (first 5 seconds)
• Provide genuine EDUCATION and value
• Show PROOF that builds credibility
• Create a natural progression to the OFFER

6) How To Build Your First Funnel

The process is simpler than you think:

1. Start with a mobile-first approach (95% of paid social traffic is mobile)
2. Use quiz elements to qualify leads
3. Personalize follow-up based on responses
4. A/B test continuously (Perspective makes this easy)

7) The Startup Validation Strategy

1. Build an audience on social
2. Create a funnel to test messaging
3. Send organic traffic to validate
4. Collect quiz data to understand pain points
5. THEN build your product

KEY TAKEAWAY:

The future of services is PRODUCTIZED.

With tools like Perspective + AI, you can build a highly profitable, low-overhead business by:
• Focusing on one niche
• Delivering one critical result
• Using one killer funnel
• Automating with AI

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND NIELS ON SOCIAL

Instagram: http...

Build your next sales funnel: https://try.perspective.co/4i8i3dkviavy

Key Points:

1) The Productized Service Revolution

Agencies are shifting from service-heavy to product-heavy models using AI + automation.

Some are scaling to $1M/MONTH with 80% profit margins by:
• Targeting specific niches (bakeries, lawyers, etc)
• Delivering business-critical results
• Using ONE killer funnel template

The best part? You can run this with just 1-2 freelancers + AI agents.

2) The Two Most Profitable Service Models

Across thousands of agencies using Perspective, two business models consistently outperform:

A) RECRUITING FUNNELS
Help businesses find talent through automated systems

B) LEAD GENERATION FUNNELS
Deliver qualified prospects to businesses

3) The "One Funnel, Sell Twice" Strategy

The most successful agencies:

• Pick ONE industry (preferably not tech-savvy)
• Create ONE funnel template that delivers results
• Use AI to customize it for each client
• Automate fulfillment with AI agents

Top agencies in Perspective convert at 26-28% on COLD traffic!

4) What Makes High-Converting Funnels Work?

The best performing funnels focus on:

These elements create a "dopamine hit" similar to social feeds.

5) The VSL (Video Sales Letter) Framework

For creating high-converting video content:

• Focus intensely on the HOOK (first 5 seconds)
• Provide genuine EDUCATION and value
• Show PROOF that builds credibility
• Create a natural progression to the OFFER

6) How To Build Your First Funnel

The process is simpler than you think:

7) The Startup Validation Strategy

1. Build an audience on social
2. Create a funnel to test messaging
3. Send organic traffic to validate
4. Collect quiz data to understand pain points
5. THEN build your product

KEY TAKEAWAY:

The future of services is PRODUCTIZED.

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND NIELS ON SOCIAL

Instagram: http...

Previous Episode

The $1,000/Day boring business anyone can start tomorrow (Sweaty Startup Playbook)

Join me as I chat with Nick Huber to discusses how "boring" businesses like storage, lawn care, and service companies often create more reliable paths to wealth than tech startups. He shares his personal journey from a college storage business that sold for $1.75 million to purchasing and improving self-storage facilities worth millions. The conversation explores various low-tech business opportunities with high profit potential and minimal competition.

00:00 - Intro
02:08 - Nick's Sweaty Startup journey
05:20 - Self-storage facility investments and returns
07:31 - Examples of profitable service businesses
13:13 - Sweaty Startup Idea: Night Nurse Marketplace
18:49 - Value of a Good Domain Names
22:25 - The AI + Sweaty Startups Opportunity

Key Points

• Nick Huber shares his journey building "boring" but profitable businesses, including Storage Squad and self-storage facilities
• Sweaty startups (service-based local businesses) often have less competition and higher success rates than tech startups
• Simple marketing tactics like sidewalk chalk, bandit signs, and local networking can be highly effective for service businesses
• Domain names are valuable digital real estate worth investing in for business credibility and growth

1) The WEALTHY people in your town aren't tech founders

They own boring businesses:
• Underground utilities
• Surveying companies
• HVAC businesses
• Real estate development

While everyone's dreaming of being the next Elon, these folks are quietly building wealth.

2) Nick's first million came from... college student storage!

He built Storage Squad with:
• $1500 Craigslist cargo van
• $2200 box truck
• SIDEWALK CHALK as his only marketing

Grew to $2.2M in revenue, sold for $1.75M in 2020.

No tech, no VC money, just hustle.

3) Self-storage facilities = GOLD MINES

Nick bought a neglected facility for $625K with:
• 40,000+ square feet
• 180+ units
• Only making $4K/month

Another facility they bought for $1.5M now generates $40K/month and is worth $4.5M!

4) "Sweaty startups" are EVERYWHERE making serious money:

• Lawn care: $100K+ working 9 months/year
• Mobile detailing: $17K revenue/$10K profit PER MONTH
• High-end transportation: Consistent 6-figure income
• Tree removal: $3K for 4 hours of work (2 people)

All with minimal startup costs!

5) The DOMAIN NAME lesson that most miss:

Nick paid $450K for [Somewhere.com](http://somewhere.com/) and says it's already delivered MORE value than that.

"People will spend millions on physical real estate but balk at a few thousand for digital real estate - the home of your business."

6) The COMPETITION ADVANTAGE of sweaty startups:

Would you rather compete against:
• Stanford CS grad with $20M in VC funding
OR
• Local business owner who doesn't answer phones on Monday afternoons?

Choose your competition wisely!

7) BEST BUSINESS IDEA from the pod: Night Nurse Marketplace

• Domain available for $13K (or $1,100/month lease-to-own)
• Target new parents needing overnight baby care
• Build directory + blog with AI
• Charge $1K finder's fee to match families with nurses

$20K+ monthly potential!

8) The AI + SWEATY STARTUP opportunity:

The best AI companies might start as sweaty startups first.

Build the customer base and trust with a service business, THEN layer in tech and AI solutions.

This is how you build something valuable without competing with 1000 other AI startups.

Notable Quotes:

"The wealthy people that I know, the ones with giant beach houses in the outer banks and private jets at the local airport, almost all of them did something boring." - Nick Huber

"Do you want to compete against LeBron James or a fifth grade girl in basketball? I play against the fifth grade girl every time because my odds of having a win and making money are higher." - Nick Huber

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND NICK ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/sweatystartup
Nick’s New book: https://www.sweatystartupbook.com
Sweaty Startup Ideas: http://Sweatystartup.com/ideas
Bolt Storage: http://boltstorage.com

Next Episode

He shares his 5-Step Framework to build $1M/Month Mobile App

Join me as I chat with Hunter Isaacson, a successful mobile app builder who has created apps with hundreds of millions of downloads. Hunter shares his playbook for building million-dollar mobile apps, emphasizing the importance of simple experiences, strong branding, and creating effective growth loops. He discusses how to identify opportunities by adapting existing ideas to new channels and technologies.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:56 - Examples of Viral Consumer Apps
04:35 - Hallow Deep dive
10:14 - Locket Deep dive
13:51 - NGL’s Deep Dive
15:08 - Don’t reinvent the wheel
17:27 - Hunter’s $1M/Month App Playbook
21:28 - Building a Brand People Love
24:44 - Creating a simple experience
25:26 - The importance of core action and North Star Metric
26:33 - How to create growth loops
31:28 - Additional Good Practices
33:13 - Opportunities in AI-enhanced app experiences
36:38 - Future technology trends Hunter is excited about

Key Points:

• Hunter Isaacson shares his framework for building successful mobile apps, including NGL (250M downloads) and Bags
• The importance of creating simple experiences with strong branding that people can understand and resonate with
• How to identify core metrics and growth loops that drive user engagement and viral sharing
• Leveraging new platform features (like widgets, live activities) to create innovative app experiences

1) Hunter's framework for building viral, profitable apps is SURPRISINGLY simple:

• Build a brand people love
• Create a simple experience
• Get users on quickly (even just 100)
• Select ONE core action
• Maximize % of users completing that action

Let's dive deeper...

2) On building a BRAND PEOPLE LOVE:

"Keep it short and find a slang term" - Hunter's secret sauce for naming apps.

NGL = "not gonna lie" (obvious to Gen Z)
BAGS = crypto slang for holdings

The best names are OBVIOUS, resonate with your audience, and set the right vibe.

3) Creating a SIMPLE EXPERIENCE is crucial!

Hunter designs ALL his apps himself (started with PowerPoint, now Figma)

His approach: "What's the bare bones MVP that solves the problem?"

Don't overcomplicate. ONE user flow is better than branching journeys.

4) The NORTH STAR METRIC changes everything.

For each app, Hunter picks ONE metric that matters above all:

• Wink: % of users getting a match on day 1
• NGL: % sharing link + replies
• BAGS: % funding account + making first trade

Aim for 90%+ completion!

5) GROWTH HACK: Build sharing into your core experience!

"If you drop in 1000 people and 50% share, that's 500 people who've now shared your app"

Hunter spent less than $10K marketing NGL to get 250M downloads!

The key? Seed it just enough to activate the viral loop.

6) You DON'T need to reinvent the wheel!

Hunter on NGL: "Anonymous messaging apps have been around forever"

The innovation? Using Instagram's new link feature as a growth channel.

Look for EXISTING IDEAS that could work in NEW CHANNELS.

7) On SEEDING your app:

• Test content formats before launch
• Work with creators in different niches
• Pay small amounts ($50-100) to influencers
• Look for that ONE viral video to ignite growth
• Build an authentic voice on social

8) TRENDS to watch according to Hunter:

• Live Activities on iPhone (underutilized)
• Lock screen widgets (not fully explored)
• AI + consumer apps (CalAI's approach)
• Crypto going mainstream
• AR glasses (future)

Massive opportunities in each!

9) For YOUNG FOUNDERS, Hunter recommends:

"Take a lot of swings. Have a lot of at-bats."

Consumer mobile apps over B2B/SaaS when starting out:
• More fun
• Reach global audience
• Better psychology understanding
• Tools getting better every day

Notable Quotes:

"I think that it's more about looking for frameworks than it is for looking for ideas. The framework, I feel like, is more important because now it's really easy to just framework X with audience Y." - Hunter Isaacson

"You don't really need to reinvent the wheel... it's a new channel, right? If anonymous messaging has worked on the internet, it's worked on apps, it's worked on different platforms, why wouldn't it work with Instagram as the growth lever?" - Hunter Isaacson

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://ww...