How to Make Money with AI: How I Earned $11,417/mo in (2024)

Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by John Cirelly

If you’re like me, you’re probably sick of hearing about AI. However, AI is opening up some huge opportunities you don’t want to miss out on.

Below, I’ll share exactly how to make money with AI, and share how I personally use AI to earn thousands per month.

How I Use AI To Make Money (9k-12k/mo)

Personally, I make money with AI by drafting blog content and consulting other businesses on AI matters. I’ve followed AI advancements since GPT-3, and have some business experience, which definitely helps.

Most of my AI-driven income comes from my portfolio of blogs, where AI tools help me find topics, manage affiliate links, and create drafts.

I also run a small drop-servicing business that leverages AI to help content creators create and edit videos.

While that might sound intimidating, it’s something you can learn and build over time. Each of my businesses started small as an AI side hustle in the beginning.

How To Make Money With AI in 2024

1. Offer Freelance Writing Using AI Tools

Starting as a freelance writer in the AI space, I quickly realized that tools like Anyword and Jasper were game changers. These tools allowed me to capture the unique tone and style of different clients, significantly broadening my clientele base.

My journey began on Upwork, where I landed my first few clients. The platform was instrumental in helping me showcase my skills and connect with people looking for my expertise. By actively networking on LinkedIn, I was able to expand my connections and secure even more projects.

This blend of leveraging powerful AI writing tools and strategic networking catapulted my freelance writing career, enabling me to work with a diverse range of clients.

Getting Started

To start your freelance writing career, it’s essential to establish a presence on platforms such as Upwork and LinkedIn, emphasizing your proficiency with AI writing tools. Initiating with smaller projects can help build a solid portfolio and improve your visibility.

Networking plays a pivotal role; fostering connections with potential clients and fellow freelancers can elevate your profile within the industry. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can significantly amplify your exposure.

What You’ll Earn

Earnings can vary widely based on your experience, the complexity of projects, and the clients you work with. Initially, you might find projects paying around $50 to $100 per piece. As you gain experience and showcase your ability to deliver high-quality content efficiently with AI tools, your rates can increase significantly.

Experienced freelance writers in niches like tech or health can often earn $500 or more per article.

2. Start an AI-Powered Blog

I’ve personally used AI to help me grow various blogs over the years. AI writers like Koala Writer and ContentAtScale have transformed how we produce content, allowing for the creation of high-quality material in bulk. This revolution in content generation means you can cover more topics, in-depth, without spending countless hours writing.

Note: It’s important to always review and edit your content. Having a human element in your writing is essential to creating helpful, profitable content.

Tools like Outranking.io have been a game-changer for optimizing blog posts to maximize views. They analyze what’s working and help tweak your content to rank higher on search engines. This synergy between AI writing and SEO tools means your blog can stand out in a crowded digital space, attracting more readers with less effort.

Getting Started

To kick off an AI-powered blog, the first step is selecting a niche that resonates with you and has a potential audience. Invest in reliable AI writing and optimization tools to streamline content creation and SEO practices.

Consistency is key; set a realistic publishing schedule and use these tools to maintain it. Engaging with your audience through comments and social media will also help in growing your blog’s reach and understanding what content performs best.

What You’ll Earn

The potential earnings from an AI-powered blog vary significantly based on factors like niche, audience engagement, and monetization strategies. Initially, income might be modest as you build your audience. However, as your blog gains traction, you can explore various revenue streams such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and ad revenue.

Successful blogs can generate anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, with top earners substantially surpassing these figures through diversified income sources and high traffic volumes.

3. Start an AI-Powered Print on Demand Store

Launching an AI-powered print-on-demand store streamlines the process of creating and selling custom merchandise online. Tools like Midjourney simplify the design phase, enabling users to produce stunning visuals for a variety of products with minimal effort.

Additionally, platforms such as Vexels offer an extensive library of templates, reducing the need to start designs from scratch and catering to a wide range of tastes and trends. This approach not only accelerates the design process but also allows for a broader product range, enhancing the store’s appeal to potential customers.

Getting Started

Begin by selecting a niche or theme for your store that aligns with your interests and market demand. Utilize AI design tools to create your initial product line, focusing on unique and appealing designs that stand out in the market.

Setting up your store on a print-on-demand platform simplifies inventory and shipping management, allowing you to focus on design and marketing. Promote your products through social media and other online channels to attract your target audience and drive sales.

What You’ll Earn

Earnings from a print-on-demand store can vary widely based on factors like product pricing, design uniqueness, and marketing effectiveness. Initially, profits might be modest as you build your brand and customer base.

However, with strategic marketing and a growing catalog of designs, store owners can see a significant increase in monthly revenue. Successful stores can earn from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, with the potential for more as you expand your product range and optimize your marketing strategies.

4. Create Etsy Printables

Etsy has become a prominent platform for selling printables, offering creators a vast audience looking for unique, digital designs that range from planners and art prints to educational materials and organizational templates. Leveraging tools like Repper facilitates the creation of captivating patterns and designs, which can significantly enhance the attractiveness of printable products.

While establishing a successful Etsy store for printables requires time and effort, the platform’s extensive reach can significantly increase visibility to potential buyers, making it a lucrative venture for those willing to invest in creating high-quality, appealing content.

Getting Started

The first step is to identify a niche within the printables market that aligns with your interests and has a demand among Etsy shoppers. Use design tools to create your initial set of products, ensuring they are both appealing and serve a practical purpose for your target audience.

Opening a shop on Etsy is straightforward, but standing out requires attention to detail in your listings, including high-quality images and clear, descriptive titles and descriptions. Engaging with the Etsy community and utilizing social media for promotion can also drive traffic to your shop.

What You’ll Earn

The income from selling Etsy printables can vary widely. Factors such as the competitiveness of your niche, the quality of your products, and your marketing strategies all play a role. Initially, you might earn a few hundred dollars per month as you work to establish your shop and attract customers.

Over time, as you expand your product range and build your brand, monthly earnings can increase significantly. Dedicated sellers in popular niches have the potential to earn between $1,000 and $5,000 per month, with top sellers surpassing these figures by continuously innovating and effectively marketing their products.

5. Sell AI-Generated Music

The advent of AI-generated music opens up new avenues for musicians and creators to explore innovative compositions and soundscapes. With AI music generation tools, users can create unique pieces of music that cater to various genres and styles, without the need for extensive musical training.

My favorite AI music generation tool is Soundraw, which makes it super simple for someone like me to make unique, catchy tunes.

This technology not only democratizes music production but also offers endless possibilities for customization and creativity, making it an exciting frontier for those looking to enter the music industry or expand their portfolio.

Getting Started

To begin, familiarize yourself with AI music generation platforms and experiment with different sounds and genres to find your niche. Consider your target audience and the type of music that might resonate with them.

Create a portfolio of your AI-generated tracks and consider various channels for distribution, including streaming platforms, social media, and music libraries. Licensing your music for commercials, video games, or film can also be a lucrative revenue stream.

What You’ll Earn

Earnings from AI-generated music can vary based on the distribution channels, licensing deals, and the demand for the genre you specialize in. Initially, income may be modest as you establish your presence and portfolio.

However, with strategic marketing and networking, it’s possible to generate a steady income. Creators can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, with successful licensing deals or popular tracks significantly increasing potential earnings.

6. Become an AI Voice Actor

The rise of AI in voice acting has created unique opportunities for voice talents to monetize their skills in novel ways. Platforms like ElevenLabs offer a program where voice actors can upload a sample of their voice, allowing their vocal likeness to be used by customers across various projects.

This not only opens up a new revenue stream but also positions voice actors at the forefront of technological innovation in the industry. Setting your rates carefully is crucial, as it affects how often your voice model is used and, consequently, your earnings.

Getting Started

Start by recording a high-quality, 30-minute sample of your voice to submit to Elevenlabs. Ensure your recording showcases a range of emotions and tonal variations to demonstrate versatility.

After uploading your sample, set your desired rewards for the usage of your voice model, keeping in mind that setting a high rate may reduce its usage frequency. I found $0.05 to $0.10 to be the sweet spot per 1,000 words. Promote your AI voice model through social media and voice-acting networks to increase its visibility and usage.

What You’ll Earn

Earnings as an AI voice actor depend on the frequency of your voice model’s usage and the rate you set per 1,000 characters. Voice actors can set their rates up to $0.20 per 1,000 characters.

While initially, income may be on the lower side as you build your reputation and usage rates, dedicated and popular voice models can see earnings grow steadily. It’s possible to earn from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per month, depending on your voice model’s popularity and the rate you’ve set.

7. Syndicate Content For Social Media

Syndicating content across social media platforms has become an essential strategy for creators looking to maximize their reach and engagement. Tools like Repurpose.io simplify the process of adapting long-form content, such as videos or podcasts, into format-specific pieces suitable for different social media channels.

This approach not only enhances content visibility but also opens up new avenues for monetization through ads and sponsored posts. By highlighting key parts or creating engaging snippets, creators can attract a larger audience and drive traffic back to their original content.

Getting Started

Begin by identifying the core pieces of your long-form content that can offer value in a condensed form. Use content syndication tools to create platform-specific versions of these highlights, ensuring they adhere to each platform’s preferred format and length.

Develop a consistent posting schedule across your social media channels to keep your audience engaged and attract new followers. Monitor performance metrics to understand what content resonates best with your audience and refine your strategy accordingly.

What You’ll Earn

The potential earnings from content syndication for social media vary widely, depending on your audience size, engagement rates, and the monetization methods you employ. Initially, income may be generated through ads placed on your syndicated content or through sponsored content partnerships.

As your social media presence grows, so does the opportunity for increased earnings. Creators can expect to earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, with top performers potentially earning more through diversified income streams and high engagement levels.

8. Create Chatbots For Businesses

Chatbots have revolutionized customer service, making it more efficient and accessible. I’ve found tools like BotSonic incredibly helpful; they simplify the process of building bots for businesses without the need for coding expertise. Offering chatbot creation services can be a lucrative venture, providing a valuable tool for businesses to enhance customer interaction.

Whether setting up a one-time charge for creating a website chatbot or establishing a monthly retainer fee for ongoing management, there’s significant potential for income. Chatbots can handle a variety of tasks, from answering frequently asked questions to guiding users through a website, freeing up human resources for more complex issues.

Getting Started

To dive into chatbot creation, start by familiarizing yourself with no-code chatbot development platforms. Understand the common needs and questions businesses in your target market have, and design your chatbots to address these efficiently.

Offering a one-time setup fee along with optional ongoing management services can appeal to businesses of all sizes. Building a portfolio of your chatbots and showcasing their impact on customer satisfaction and business operations can help attract new clients.

What You’ll Earn

The earning potential from creating and managing chatbots varies depending on the complexity of the bot, the size of the client’s business, and the scope of services offered. Initial projects might net a few hundred dollars for simple bots, while more sophisticated projects can command thousands.

Offering monthly retainer fees for ongoing chatbot management and optimization can provide a steady income stream. Chatbot developers can expect to earn between $1,000 and $5,000 per project, with the potential for higher earnings as they gain experience and establish a reputation for quality work.

9. Create an AI-Powered YouTube Channel

Launching a YouTube channel powered by AI tools can significantly streamline content creation, making it more accessible for creators to produce engaging videos. Platforms like InVideo offer comprehensive resources, including music, stock images, and editing tools, to help creators bring their ideas to life with minimal effort.

By focusing on a specific niche and employing creativity, creators can build a loyal audience and monetize their channel through ads, sponsorships, and viewer donations.

Getting Started

Identify a niche that you’re passionate about and that has potential for growth on YouTube. Utilize AI video creation tools to generate content, focusing on quality and consistency to engage viewers.

Optimize your videos for SEO by using relevant keywords in the titles, descriptions, and tags. Engage with your audience through comments and social media to build a community around your channel. Consistency is key, so plan a content schedule that you can realistically maintain.

What You’ll Earn

Earnings from an AI-powered YouTube channel depend on the size and engagement of your audience, the number of views your videos receive, and your monetization strategies. Starting out, income may be limited as you work on growing your channel. However, as your subscriber base and view count increase, so can your earnings.

Successful YouTube channels can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month through a combination of ad revenue, sponsorships, and viewer donations. Channels that consistently produce high-quality, engaging content in popular niches have the potential to earn significantly more.

10. Create AI Art

The creation of AI art represents a fascinating blend of technology and creativity, offering artists the ability to produce unique and captivating works with the help of AI tools like Midjourney and DALL·E. These platforms facilitate the generation of both simple and complex designs, enabling creators to produce a vast array of art styles in a fraction of the time it would take manually.

Selling AI-generated art on platforms like Etsy allows artists to reach a global market, catering to consumers seeking unique, digital, and print-ready artwork.

Getting Started

To begin creating AI art, first experiment with different AI art generation platforms to find the one that best suits your creative style and needs. Develop a portfolio of your work to showcase the range and depth of your capabilities.

When setting up your online shop, pay careful attention to how you present your art, with high-quality images and detailed descriptions that capture the essence and inspiration behind each piece. Promoting your work through social media and art forums can help attract potential buyers.

What You’ll Earn

The income from selling AI-generated art can vary widely based on the uniqueness of your creations, how you market them, and the platforms you use to sell. Artists starting out might earn a few hundred dollars per month as they establish their presence and build a customer base.

However, with strategic promotion and a growing portfolio of appealing art, monthly earnings can increase substantially. Successful artists in this field can earn between $1,000 and $5,000 per month, with top sellers potentially achieving higher figures based on their reputation, marketing strategies, and the demand for their artwork.

11. Build Websites Using AI

The process of website development has been significantly streamlined with the advent of AI tools, making it easier for individuals without extensive technical expertise to create professional-looking websites. Platforms like Elegant Themes provide access to hundreds of prebuilt website templates that are highly customizable, allowing users to tailor each site according to specific client needs.

AI can further simplify design customization, enabling creators to make adjustments based on verbal or written instructions. This approach not only saves time but also opens up web design to a broader audience, offering businesses and individuals the opportunity to establish a strong online presence with minimal effort.

Getting Started

To start building websites using AI, familiarize yourself with AI-powered web design platforms and the range of templates they offer. Select a platform that aligns with your design preferences and client needs. Begin by practicing with templates to understand the extent of customization possible.

Offer your services to small businesses or individuals looking to create or refresh their websites. Building a portfolio of your work will help attract more clients and demonstrate your ability to create diverse and appealing websites.

What You’ll Earn

Earnings from building websites with AI tools depend on the complexity of the projects you undertake and your level of expertise. For basic websites, you might charge between $500 and $2,000.

More complex sites, especially those requiring extensive customization or e-commerce functionality, can command higher fees, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. As you gain experience and build your portfolio, your potential to earn higher rates for your services increases.

12. Sell AI Written/Edited Books

AI technology has revolutionized the way content is created, including the realm of book writing and editing. Tools like Sudowrite are specifically engineered to assist in crafting engaging long-form content, enabling authors to streamline the writing process or enhance their creative output.

This innovation opens up new possibilities for authors to produce novels, non-fiction, and other literary works with efficiency and a touch of AI-assisted creativity. Publishing these AI-crafted books through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) provides a direct channel to reach readers worldwide, potentially transforming writing from a passion project into a lucrative venture.

Getting Started

To embark on selling AI-written or edited books, begin by choosing a genre or topic you are passionate about. Experiment with AI writing tools to see how they can complement your writing style or help overcome writer’s block.

Once your manuscript is ready, consider using AI for editing and proofreading to refine your work further. Amazon KDP offers a straightforward platform for publishing your book in digital and physical formats, making it accessible to a global audience. Focus on creating a compelling book cover and an engaging description to attract readers.

What You’ll Earn

The earning potential for AI-written or edited books varies widely, depending on the book’s genre, market demand, and your marketing efforts. Initially, authors might see modest earnings, but with strategic promotion and positive reader reviews, profits can grow significantly. Self-published authors on platforms like Amazon KDP can earn up to 70% royalty on the list price of their digital books.

Authors who find success and build a strong reader base can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month. High achievers in this field, particularly those who publish multiple titles or become best-sellers, can see even greater earnings.

13. Offer AI-Powered Podcast Editing

Podcasting has emerged as a lucrative medium for content creators, but the editing process can be time-consuming and technically challenging. Enter AI-powered editing tools like Descript and Podcastle, which revolutionize how podcasts are produced, offering quick and efficient editing solutions.

These tools enable podcasters to improve audio quality, remove unwanted segments, and even transcribe episodes for wider accessibility, all within a fraction of the time it would take manually. Offering podcast editing services powered by AI can be a lucrative niche, catering to the growing number of podcasters looking for professional-quality production without the traditional overhead.

Getting Started

To start offering AI-powered podcast editing services, first gain proficiency with AI editing tools, and understand their features and capabilities. Building a portfolio of your work can help showcase your skills to potential clients.

Consider starting by offering your services on freelance platforms like Upwork, where many podcasters look for editing help. Highlight your efficiency and the enhanced quality provided by AI tools in your service listings to stand out from traditional editing services.

What You’ll Earn

The earnings from AI-powered podcast editing services can vary based on the complexity of the podcasts, the length of episodes, and your expertise level. For basic editing tasks, you might charge between $50 and $200 per episode.

More comprehensive services, including transcription and enhanced audio optimization, can command higher fees, potentially exceeding $500 for extensive work on longer episodes. As you establish a reputation for quality and efficiency, your potential to command higher rates and secure repeat clients increases, potentially leading to a steady income stream from podcast editing.

14. Sell Website Widgets on CodeCanyon

Selling website widgets on platforms like CodeCanyon opens up a lucrative opportunity for developers to monetize their coding skills through AI.

Utilizing AI tools like GPT-3 for generating code, creators can design innovative calculators, forms, and other interactive widgets that enhance website functionality and user engagement. CodeCanyon serves as a vast marketplace where developers can list their widgets, reaching a global audience of website owners seeking to improve their sites with advanced, customizable tools.

Getting Started

Begin by identifying common needs or gaps in website functionality that your widgets can address. Experiment with AI coding tools to streamline the development of these widgets, focusing on versatility, user experience, and ease of integration.

Once your widget is ready, prepare comprehensive documentation and demo versions to help potential buyers understand its benefits. Listing your widget on CodeCanyon involves setting a price that reflects its value and complexity, along with providing support to purchasers to maintain a high satisfaction and review score.

What You’ll Earn

The income from selling website widgets can vary significantly based on the widget’s complexity, demand, and the pricing strategy you employ. Simple widgets might start at prices around $5 to $20, while more complex or niche widgets can sell for $50 to $100 or more.

Developers who consistently produce high-quality, in-demand widgets can generate a steady income, with potential monthly earnings ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Success in this field comes from understanding market needs, continuous innovation, and providing excellent customer support.

15. Create and Sell 3D Models Using AI

The fusion of AI with 3D modeling has created unprecedented opportunities for artists and designers. Using tools like Meshy.ai, anyone can generate detailed 3D models from simple text descriptions. This breakthrough means you can rapidly prototype designs or create intricate models for games, animations, or even physical products without extensive 3D modeling experience.

Tip: Meshy.ai is free, but if you choose a paid plan, you can save 20% with our promo code: JOHN69

Selling these models as digital downloads on platforms like the Epic Games Marketplace offers a lucrative avenue. Alternatively, turning them into physical printouts, especially for popular games and shows, can capture a dedicated fan base quickly. The appeal of custom, on-demand 3D models in various communities, from gaming to education, is immense.

Getting Started

To start creating and selling 3D models with AI, familiarize yourself with AI-based 3D modeling tools and explore their capabilities. Identify niches or themes that are in demand, focusing on areas you’re passionate about, like video games, movies, or abstract art.

Create a portfolio of your models to showcase your range and skills. When listing your models for sale, include detailed descriptions and high-quality images or renderings to attract buyers. Consider offering both digital and physical versions to appeal to a wider market.

What You’ll Earn

Earnings from selling 3D models vary greatly depending on the complexity of the models, their appeal, and how you market them. Simple models might sell for $10 to $50, while more complex or custom models can command prices of $100 to $500 or more.

Physical prints can also vary in price, depending on the size and material costs. Successful sellers can make anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, with those who tap into popular trends or offer bespoke customization options seeing higher earnings.

16. Offer AI Consulting

AI consulting is a burgeoning field that caters to businesses seeking to integrate AI solutions into their operations to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and customer service. This role involves understanding a client’s business needs, identifying areas where AI can bring value, and designing and implementing AI strategies.

Consultants must stay abreast of the latest AI developments and possess a blend of technical knowledge and business acumen to recommend solutions that are both practical and innovative.

Getting Started

To begin offering AI consulting services, deepen your understanding of AI technologies and their application in various industries. Build a portfolio showcasing successful projects or case studies where you’ve implemented AI solutions to solve business problems.

Networking with businesses and professionals in sectors ripe for AI integration, such as retail, healthcare, and finance, can open up consulting opportunities. Establishing a strong online presence through a professional website or LinkedIn can also help attract potential clients.

What You’ll Earn

The earning potential in AI consulting varies widely depending on the complexity of projects, the consultant’s experience, and the client’s industry. For entry-level consultants, project fees might range from $3,000 to $10,000. Experienced consultants working on more complex, high-impact projects can command fees of $10,000 to $50,000 or more.

Additionally, consultants may offer retainer services for ongoing advice and support, providing a steady income stream. As consultants establish their reputation and expand their client base, their potential earnings can grow significantly, with top consultants earning six figures annually.

17. Use AI For Passive Income

Leveraging AI for passive income offers an innovative approach to earning money with minimal ongoing effort. Many of the strategies discussed previously, such as creating AI-generated art, music, or writing and selling digital products, can be set up to generate income long after the initial work is done.

The key is to create valuable, high-quality content or products that meet a specific need or interest, making them desirable to a wide audience. Once these products are created and made available on the right platforms, they can continue to sell without much additional input, providing a steady stream of passive income.

Getting Started

To get started, choose one or more passive income streams that align with your skills and interests. Use AI tools to streamline the creation process, whether you’re developing art, writing books, or coding widgets.

Select platforms that match your products and offer a good balance of visibility and profitability, such as Amazon for books, Spotify for music, or Etsy for art. Implementing effective marketing strategies, such as social media promotion or search engine optimization, can increase your products’ visibility and sales potential.

What You’ll Earn

The potential earnings from AI-generated passive income streams vary widely, depending on the product’s market demand, how it’s priced, and how effectively it’s marketed. Initial earnings might be modest, but as your products gain traction and you optimize your strategies, income can grow significantly.

Creators can earn anywhere from a few dollars to several thousand dollars per month from each passive income stream. Over time, by diversifying their income sources and continuously refining their offerings, individuals can build a substantial, sustainable income that supports them long-term.

My Final Thoughts

There are tons of ways AI can be harnessed to create income streams, highlighting the transformative potential of AI across different industries and professions. Whether it’s creating content, products, or offering services, AI opens up a myriad of opportunities for both creators and professionals to innovate, excel, and earn.