Company case study · 25 podcast episodes

Gusto

Gusto is an online payroll and benefits software designed for small businesses, offering services such as automatic payroll tax filing, direct deposits, health benefits, and more. It came up on 25 podcast episodes (The Side Hustle Show, Koerner Office) between October 23, 2025 and November 5, 2026.

At a glance

Gusto at a glance
Discussed on25 episodes: The Side Hustle Show, Koerner Office
First and latestOctober 23, 2025 to November 5, 2026
Revenue and tractionMore than half a million small businesses use Gusto, and it is ranked number one for satisfaction on G2.
CategorySaaS

Figures and claims are as told on the episodes, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.

What The Side Hustle Show said

769: This Mom Built a 7-Figure Brand From Her Apartment · aired November 5, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

It's easy to use and remote-friendly, allowing business owners to automate payroll and manage benefits seamlessly.

Revenue and traction

More than half a million small businesses use Gusto, and it is ranked number one for satisfaction on G2.

The playbook

Automates payroll tax filing and provides options for various budgets, making it accessible to many small businesses.

Also mentioned

Offers three months of free payroll when users run their first payroll.

What The Side Hustle Show said

766: We Found Reddit’s Weirdest Side Hustles · aired October 22, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

It simplifies payroll processing, tax filing, and employee management, allowing business owners to focus on growth.

The playbook

Automates administrative tasks, making it easier for small business owners to manage payroll remotely.

Also mentioned

Offers a free trial to attract new customers and demonstrate value.

What The Side Hustle Show said

763: He Makes $3,000 a Year Every Time He Gives a Restaurant a Free Chalkboard (And He’s Done it 200+ Times) · aired October 5, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

It simplifies payroll processing, tax filing, and employee benefits management, making it easy for small business owners to manage their administrative tasks remotely.

The playbook

Gusto provides an all-in-one solution that automates payroll tasks and offers seamless onboarding for new employees, which is particularly valuable for small businesses.

Also mentioned

Gusto offers three months free when users run their first payroll.

What The Side Hustle Show said

762: Buy Buttons, 10 Years Later · aired October 1, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

It simplifies payroll and administrative tasks, allowing business owners to focus on core operations rather than getting bogged down in paperwork.

The playbook

Automating payroll processes, direct deposit, and offering benefits management through a user-friendly platform.

Also mentioned

Gusto offers three months of free payroll when users run their first payroll.

What The Side Hustle Show said

$1000 a Week Tutoring on the Side (Greatest Hits) · aired September 24, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto simplifies complex payroll tasks, making it easier for small business owners to manage their teams without getting bogged down in administrative tasks.

The playbook

Focuses on providing an all-in-one solution that is remote-friendly and user-friendly, appealing to small businesses that need efficient payroll management.

Also mentioned

Offers a free trial for new users, which can attract small business owners looking for cost-effective solutions.

What The Side Hustle Show said

759: Zero to $20k/mo with the Amazon Influencer Program · aired September 10, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto simplifies payroll and HR tasks for small businesses, making it easier to manage employee compensation and benefits remotely.

The playbook

Provides automatic payroll tax filing and simple direct deposit setups, making it user-friendly for business owners.

Also mentioned

Trusted by half a million small businesses, Gusto is designed to be affordable with no hidden fees.

What The Side Hustle Show said

756: Your 15-Minute-a-Day Marketing Plan · aired August 24, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto's all-in-one platform is user-friendly and remote-friendly, making it easy for small businesses to manage their payroll and benefits without getting bogged down by administrative tasks.

Revenue and traction

More than half a million small businesses trust Gusto, indicating a strong market presence and user satisfaction.

The playbook

Focus on providing a comprehensive and easy-to-use payroll solution that integrates various aspects of employee management.

Also mentioned

Gusto offers benefits like 401k and health insurance, which adds value for small businesses looking to attract and retain talent.

What The Side Hustle Show said

749: $150/hr from Home: Upskilling to Work Less and Earn More · aired July 13, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto's model of simplifying and automating payroll processes helps businesses save time and reduce errors, making it an attractive option for many companies.

Revenue and traction

They offer three months of free payroll services when users run their first payroll, incentivizing businesses to try their service.

The playbook

Gusto focuses on a user-friendly interface and quick setup to attract new customers, along with offering free trials to encourage sign-ups.

Also mentioned

Gusto's approach to payroll is particularly beneficial for small businesses that may not have dedicated HR departments.

What Koerner Office said

Simple $30K/Month Online Business You Can Start for $200 - Ep. #313 · aired June 30, 2026 · hosted by Chris Koerner

Why it works

Gusto's success stems from its comprehensive approach to payroll, integrating HR functionalities that cater to the needs of small to medium-sized businesses.

The playbook

The platform is recommended as an alternative to Thera, indicating its strong reputation in the market.

Also mentioned

Gusto is commonly used by businesses seeking an all-in-one solution for payroll and HR management.

What The Side Hustle Show said

741: $1500/mo With His ATM Side Hustle · aired May 28, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto's model works by offering a user-friendly platform that simplifies payroll processes, making it attractive to small businesses that may not have extensive HR resources.

The playbook

Gusto has been recognized for its high customer satisfaction and has built trust with over 400,000 small businesses.

Also mentioned

Gusto is ranked number one on G2's highest satisfaction products list for 2026.

What The Side Hustle Show said

738: How to Build and Train Your 24/7 AI COO · aired May 14, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

It simplifies the payroll process, making it accessible and manageable for small business owners, which is crucial for operational efficiency.

Revenue and traction

Trusted by over 400,000 small businesses and ranked number one on G2's highest satisfaction products list for 2026.

The playbook

Focuses on user-friendly design and direct access to HR experts for support.

Also mentioned

Gusto provides options for nearly every budget, appealing to a wide range of small business needs.

What The Side Hustle Show said

Rank and Rent: $1000 a Month From Simple Local Websites · aired April 16, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

It simplifies complex tasks like payroll and benefits administration, making it more efficient for small businesses.

The playbook

Gusto focuses on providing an easy-to-use platform with excellent customer support.

Also mentioned

The speaker highlights Gusto as a recommended service for small businesses, particularly for payroll processing.

What The Side Hustle Show said

732: 24 Years of Side Hustle Advice · aired April 6, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

It simplifies complex tasks like payroll tax filing, direct deposit, and onboarding, making it a valuable tool for small business owners.

The playbook

Gusto's effectiveness lies in its user-friendly interface and comprehensive service offerings that cater specifically to the needs of small businesses.

Also mentioned

Gusto is highly recommended by numerous side hustle show guests and is known for its excellent customer support.

What The Side Hustle Show said

How to Start a Billboard Business: $30k a Month Part-Time (Greatest Hits) · aired February 19, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto simplifies the complexities of payroll and benefits administration, allowing small business owners to focus more on their core operations.

Revenue and traction

Offers various pricing options for nearly every budget with no hidden fees.

The playbook

Gusto provides an all-in-one solution that is remote-friendly and easy to use, streamlining payroll and HR tasks.

Also mentioned

Gusto offers a promotion of three months free when users run their first payroll.

What The Side Hustle Show said

716: Your Best Year Yet: Goal Setting and Action Planning that Gets Results · aired January 1, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto provides a comprehensive, user-friendly platform that integrates various payroll and HR functions, making it easier for small business owners to manage these critical tasks. Its remote-friendly features cater to the evolving nature of work environments.

Revenue and traction

Gusto offers unlimited payroll runs for one monthly price and is trusted by over 400,000 small businesses. Specific revenue figures are not mentioned in the transcript.

The playbook

Key strategies include offering a simplified user experience, providing various benefits options, and focusing on customer support to help businesses navigate payroll complexities.

Also mentioned

Gusto was rated the number one payroll software according to G2 in the fall of 2025.

What The Side Hustle Show said

711: 8 Online Businesses You Can Start With (Almost) No Money · aired December 4, 2025 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto simplifies complex payroll and HR processes, making it user-friendly and accessible for small business owners, allowing them to focus on core business activities.

The playbook

Gusto offers automatic payroll tax filing, direct deposits, and a range of benefits without hidden fees, supported by a team of certified HR experts.

Also mentioned

Over 400,000 small businesses trust Gusto, and it has been rated as the number one payroll software for fall 2025.

What The Side Hustle Show said

710: 15 Things You Can Buy on Amazon to Make Money · aired December 1, 2025 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto simplifies payroll processes and HR management, making it easier for small businesses to manage their employees efficiently without worrying about tax calculations or hidden fees.

The playbook

Gusto's success is attributed to its all-in-one platform that is remote-friendly, easy to use, and backed by a team of certified HR experts.

Also mentioned

Over 400,000 small businesses trust Gusto, and it is rated as the number one payroll software for fall 2025 on the review site G2.

What The Side Hustle Show said

709: 10 Creative Side Hustles That Make Real Money - Part 9 · aired November 27, 2025 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto simplifies complex payroll and HR tasks, allowing small business owners to focus on their core operations without the stress of managing payroll intricacies.

Revenue and traction

Over 400,000 small businesses trust Gusto, but specific revenue details are not mentioned.

The playbook

Gusto's success comes from providing an all-in-one solution that is easy to use and remote-friendly, along with excellent customer support.

Also mentioned

Gusto is recognized as the number one rated payroll software for fall 2025 according to review site G2.

What The Side Hustle Show said

708: How I Turned Public Domain Radio into a 6-Figure Business · aired November 20, 2025 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto simplifies complex payroll processes and offers a comprehensive suite of services that are easily accessible and user-friendly, appealing to small business owners who want to focus on their core operations.

Revenue and traction

Trusted by over 400,000 small businesses, Gusto is recognized as the number one rated payroll software for 2025.

The playbook

Gusto's approach includes automatic payroll tax filing and a support team of certified HR experts, creating a seamless experience for users.

Also mentioned

Gusto offers a promotional deal of three months free payroll when signing up through a referral link.

What The Side Hustle Show said

The Ladders of Wealth Creation: A Step-by-Step System to Up Your Earning Power (Greatest Hits) · aired November 17, 2025 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto simplifies complex payroll and HR processes, making it accessible for small businesses to manage their teams efficiently without hidden fees.

The playbook

Focus on user-friendliness and providing robust customer support through certified HR experts.

Also mentioned

Over 400,000 small businesses trust Gusto, making it the number one rated payroll software for fall 2025.

What The Side Hustle Show said

707: $70k on the Side in 6 Months with Aura Photography · aired November 13, 2025 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto simplifies complex payroll and HR tasks for small businesses, allowing owners to focus on their core business activities without getting bogged down by administrative burdens.

Revenue and traction

Over 400,000 small businesses use Gusto, making it the number one rated payroll software for fall 2025 on review site G2.

The playbook

Gusto's playbook includes providing comprehensive HR services, offering great customer support, and ensuring transparency with no hidden fees.

Also mentioned

Gusto offers a free three-month trial for new users when they run their first payroll.

What The Side Hustle Show said

706: $1,000 a Day Posting on Facebook · aired November 6, 2025 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto simplifies payroll and HR processes for small businesses, allowing them to focus on their core activities without the stress of managing payroll complexities.

The playbook

Gusto's straightforward user interface and comprehensive support from HR experts contribute to its success and high customer satisfaction.

Also mentioned

Over 400,000 small businesses trust Gusto, which is rated as the number one payroll software for fall 2025 according to G2.

What The Side Hustle Show said

705: 17 Marketing Tips from Side Hustle Show Listeners: What’s Working Now? · aired November 3, 2025 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto simplifies payroll management for small business owners, enabling them to focus on their core business activities without the stress of handling complex payroll tasks.

Revenue and traction

Serves over 400,000 small businesses and is rated as the number one payroll software for fall 2025.

The playbook

Key features include automatic payroll tax filing and a team of certified HR experts available for assistance.

Also mentioned

Gusto has no hidden fees and offers a free trial for new users.

What The Side Hustle Show said

704: $500k in Sales in 6 Months: A Dropshipping Case Study · aired October 30, 2025 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto simplifies the payroll and HR processes for small businesses, allowing them to focus on their core operations without the stress of managing payroll complexities.

The playbook

Gusto's playbook includes providing an all-in-one remote-friendly platform with no hidden fees, certified HR support, and a user-friendly interface.

Also mentioned

Over 400,000 small businesses trust Gusto, and it is rated as the number one payroll software for Fall 2025 on G2.

What The Side Hustle Show said

Growing an Online Business to $100k a Month (Greatest Hits) · aired October 23, 2025 · hosted by Nick Loper

Why it works

Gusto simplifies payroll and HR processes for small business owners, allowing them to focus on their core business operations rather than administrative tasks.

The playbook

Gusto's playbook includes providing a user-friendly platform that integrates various HR functions and offering reliable customer support with certified HR experts.

Also mentioned

Over 400,000 small businesses trust Gusto, and it is rated as the number one payroll software for fall 2025.

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