How I’ve Made $350,000 From AI-Built Apps

Right this moment, I’m excited to share an article from Pete McPherson. Pete has constructed and bought AI-built apps, incomes over $350,000 with out expertise. On this publish, he explains precisely how he did it and how one can get began, too. This may be an fascinating technique to make additional revenue!

Three years in the past, I used to be a burnt-out creator debating whether or not to return to a “actual job.”

Since then, I’ve…

• “Coded” 8 apps
• Offered 2 software program corporations
• Earned over $350k+ (simply from these).

Whereas working lower than 20 hours per week…

With no developer expertise(!)…

And no large viewers…

The key?

You guessed it: A.I.

This publish is the “how I did it” story–the errors, technique, and “vibe coding” blueprint.

No fluff. Simply worth.

Let’s roll 👇

What this publish provides you with…

This publish explores “vibe-coding.”

• What it’s
• Why it issues
• How one can begin

And once you shut this browser tab, I would like you to have 3 issues:

1. Inspiration 👉 PROOF that these wild alternatives exist
2. Information 👉 There’s a variety of TEACHING right here.
3. Confidence 👉 My aim is to make this as NON-TECHY as attainable, and I hope you’ve got a couple of “a-ha!” moments.

Really useful studying: 12 Stunning Work From Dwelling Jobs You’ve In all probability By no means Heard Of

“Woah Pete. Code? AI? Saas? Sounds techy and overwhelming…”

• Excellent news = You do NOT should be tremendous techy to “use” this weblog publish
• Unhealthy information = There’ll at all times be new phrases & tech to be taught

I imply, heck…

I’m NOT a skilled developer. I’m a full-time content material creator.

In case you’ve realized WordPress or video enhancing software program, you are able to do this, too.

I’m going to indicate you learn how to let AI do all of the arduous stuff for you.

Your job?

1. Give you concepts
2. Chat with AI
3. Information the method

This publish will hold issues useless easy.

Really useful studying: 10 Greatest Methods To Use ChatGPT To Make Cash

How I realized how to do that stuff…

Right here’s my timeline:

October 2016

I give up my accounting job (after 2 years of concern). I take a part-time gig at a small startup so I can spend extra time SIDE-HUSTLING. Get laid off after one paycheck (ruh roh).

June 2017

I launch Do You Even Weblog by chance by recording interviews with money-making bloggers (Thanks, Michelle 🙏). I LOVE THIS WORK SO MUCH!

2017 – 2021

I ran the podcast, YouTube channel, weblog, programs, and a membership! Made sufficient $$$ to outlive. Nonetheless cherished it.

Summer time 2021

Burnout. Boredom. Began OTHER companies (12+ web sites, 3 YouTube channels, 2 podcasts). Selection is good. Cash is good.

December 2022

My media empire is rockin! I made an in depth plan for 2023. Then ChatGPT releases.

January 2023

Panic. I really feel like AI is the subsequent ‘factor,’ however I’m afraid to drop my total plan. After a month, I pivot the whole lot to AI.

March 2023

I see a YouTube video the place ChatGPT codes. Thoughts blown. I begin “coding” my first app.

June 2023

I spend LITERALLY 3 MONTHS on this app, and it was one of the vital tough & irritating issues I’ve ever completed, and I solely received about 10 paying customers. However I shipped it and I’m proud.

August 2023

I attempt once more. This app solely takes 3 WEEKS (what?!) and it instantly grows to $1,000/month in recurring income.

October 2023

FABB AI (stands for Totally Autonomous Weblog Bot) is making about $3k/month, however I’ve a well being emergency and pause ALL my work.

March 2024

I construct Topical Map AI in about 3 DAYS(!) to resolve my very own ache level. Made a couple of grand, then went passive.

April – November 2024

Constructed extra small apps with AI. Took companions for Topical Map AI who promoted it. Income grew to $7-8k/month and it’s principally passive for me.

December 2024

Listed FABB AI for $45,000 “simply to see what occurs” and it sells inside 10 days. Um. What. Didn’t know I might do this.

January 2025 – Right this moment

Following the “blueprint” full-time (it’s under!) Created Code Playbook to show others how to do that stuff. Offered Topical Map AI after 10 months of ignoring it (whoops, however yay!). Now I ship apps part-time-ish, generate profits, and I’m having the time of my life.

Let’s transfer into “instructing mode” for a second 👇

My precise “blueprint” for earning money:

Listed here are my vibe-coding philosophies (constructed from the previous 2 12 months of craziness):

1 – Construct in Public

At all times develop your private model exterior of particular companies! Methods go stale and tasks go away, however it’s important to have an viewers that follows you within the long-term.

“Construct in public” = share behind-the-scenes. What you’re engaged on, classes realized, suggestions & tips, and so forth. This builds your authority and not directly builds curiosity to your subsequent product.

2 – The “Viewers-First” Rule

I don’t construct something until I can clearly see the place my first 10-100 clients will come from.

Sure, I’ve my Do You Even Weblog viewers (an enormous asset), however I additionally search for methods to achieve new individuals. I prefer to know this BEFORE I begin work on a product.

3 – The “Thought Abundance” System

Cease ready for “huge concepts” and begin capturing “tiny concepts” DAILY. I hold an “concept inbox” for straightforward brain-dumping.

(On the finish of this publish, I’ll share my 3 tips for rapidly producing app concepts for those who’re caught).

4 – Construct it to Promote

I get bored simply and I don’t take pleasure in advertising. 2 issues that make “scaling” actually tough.

So I begin each venture asking, “Can I promote this in 12 months?” or “Can I make this 90% passive?” If the reply is not any, I don’t even begin!

I realized this the arduous approach. I’d’ve made more cash if I hadn’t PAUSED each corporations I bought.

5 – The massive image for every new venture

My present course of:

1. Month 1 👉 Sloppy MVP and alpha testers
2. Month 2 👉 Clear it up and launch the beta at a reduced value
3. Month 3 👉 “Kill or hold” the venture. It will get apparent quick.
4. Month 4 👉 Create documentation and onboarding.

Every little thing after that ought to be advertising.

6 – Leverage companions

I hate advertising, so I discover companions who’ve the viewers I want!

Associates are good, however fairness companions are SO a lot better. They supply extra power, viewers, and even concepts. It’s a surprisingly simple pitch!

7 – Construct to promote, half 2

I’ve realized loads about what patrons search for:

• STABLE income
• A straightforward transition
• An fascinating model

I construct with these issues in thoughts, before everything!

P.S. In case you’d quite watch my blueprint for these steps, I put it on YouTube.

What’s “vibe-coding?”

Vibe-coding = utilizing AI to code.

It’s not about programming languages, frameworks, syntax, and extremely technical stuff…

It’s about…

• Having an concept
• Chatting with an AI about it (therefore the ‘vibe’)
• Letting the AI do all of the HARD work (i.e. the precise coding)
• Going forwards and backwards till it really works 💪

You’ve got concepts and handle. AI writes code.

You vibe code forwards and backwards till it WORKS.

No engineering levels. No bootcamps. Simply chatting, testing, tweaking, and SHIPPING.

The instruments I exploit & advocate

First, an vital level: the instruments matter lower than MOMENTUM.

There are new AI coding instruments launched day by day, and you need to ignore 99% of that.

You’ll actually solely want 3 issues:

1. A laptop computer
2. An AI code editor
3. A bunch

I’ll skip the pc suggestions and get to the enjoyable stuff (additionally, under is a YouTube video the place I dive deeper into my instruments).

An AI code editor

You would possibly see these referred to as “IDEs,” by the best way.

All the large choices have AI baked proper in!

I’ve tried all of them, and I like to recommend utilizing Cursor. 

In case you’re going to pay for ANY instrument to vibe-code, it’s Cursor, however it’s also possible to begin on the free plan!

What about Bolt & Lovable and all these “does the whole lot for you” instruments? 

I do NOT advocate them.

It would possibly be simpler to get began, however you get much less management, extra bugs, and extra headache within the long-term. Skip them!

A bunch

Similar to you want a bunch to your WordPress web site, you want a bunch to your app web site.

Use Vercel.

The perfect free tier, simple GitHub join, quick deploys, and so forth. Achieved.

VIBE-CODING PRO TIP:

The “finest instrument” is the one you’ll truly open and USE. Scale back friction. Use Cursor or Windsurf. Construct stuff day by day.

“Pete, what about programming languages? Frameworks? Databases?!”

Who cares? 

Let the extra techy builders argue about Python vs Javascript vs Deno vs Bun vs PostgreSQL.

Your clients don’t care, so long as your app works.

Ask ChatGPT to advocate a “easy, beginner-friendly stack,” after you describe what you need (see under).

Or–you could possibly use my pre-made “equipment.”

It’s like shopping for a cake combine as a substitute of baking from scratch 🎂

That is the “tech stack” I exploit for each single venture:

• SvelteKit – Internet-app framework. Makes use of Svelte + JavaScript (AI is aware of it properly).
• Firebase – Your “backend as a service” aka your database
• Tailwind CSS – The way you fashion your app. AI is aware of this properly!
• Stripe – For getting that cash 💸

AI can set 95% of this up FOR you!

And for the 5% it might probably’t, it might probably stroll you thru it.

The best way to vibe-code your first app, step-by-step

Right here’s the 30,000-foot overview of the method I exploit for each app I construct.

1 – Arrange your laptop

There’s one handbook factor to do earlier than you vibe code–organising your laptop!

It’s like connecting your Tremendous Nintendo console to your TV earlier than you possibly can play.

You solely have to do that as soon as.

AND…AI can stroll you thru it step-by-step

1. Discover the “terminal” in your laptop (Google can present you the way!)
2. Set up Cursor
3. Set up each Node.js and npm (AI can do that)
4. Join a free GitHub account

2 – Ask AI to arrange your app (with a starter template)

First, I like to recommend chatting with ChatGPT/Claude about your venture…

• Clarify the concept
• Clarify any options you need
• Clarify–the whole lot

Ask it for suggestions–in addition to what “framework” or “tech stack” you need to use.

You then’ll immediate AI (in Cursor) to set it up!

1. (Non-compulsory) Find the documentation to your app framework (SvelteKit is here, for instance) Copy/Paste the URL for the documentation to your AI
2. Immediate AI to arrange a brand new venture (give it your particulars, just like the identify, and so forth.)
3. Troubleshoot errors with AI
4. Get your venture working “regionally” (in your laptop) and check it with the humorous URL that your AI provides you.

This proves your native setup is working!

VIBE-CODING PRO TIP:

Even seasoned builders get errors CONSTANTLY! That’s the job. Construct, fail, repair, repeat. Don’t be discouraged once you get errors. It occurs on a regular basis within the coding world! Plus, AI is nice at fixing errors.

Technically, you constructed an app! Congrats!

Now let’s deploy it to the web.

3 – Deploy it to the web

“Deploy” simply means “hook up with a bunch, who serves your app to web site guests.”

1. Create a free Vercel account
2. “Commit” your code in git (AI can do that for you)
3. Create a “distant repository” in your GitHub dashboard, then copy/paste the code snippet again in your terminal–this may add your code to GitHub

1. In Vercel, create a brand new venture and “join” it to your new GitHub repo
2. (Non-compulsory) Add a customized area identify within the Vercel venture settings!

If all goes properly–your app is now reside on the web!!

If it doesn’t go properly, chat with AI about it 🤷‍♂️

4 – Construct options with the “AI Coding Loop”

Now you’re able to construct YOUR factor.

Under is my technique of coding something.

Begin with the boring options first (header, footer, login and logout) OR begin with no matter you’re enthusiastic about constructing (to maintain momentum)!

The “AI Coding Loop,” defined

That is the core vibe coding course of:

1 – Plan

Chat together with your AI (no code but!) about what you wish to construct.

Brainstorm. Go nuts. Dream up cool stuff.

• What’s the concept?
• What would you like it to seem like?
• What 2-3 options do you have to begin with?

Give AI as a lot context & element as attainable, then ask it to create a plan for implementation.

Trip with AI till you’re glad with the plan.

2 – Implement

Ask AI to construct it.

Seize espresso whilst you wait.

3 – Check it 

Principally, use your app. 

TRY to interrupt it. 

You will get errors. Feed them again to AI instantly, then once more, then once more…till it really works.

If AI is actually failing, you possibly can Google the error, get assist in any vibe-coding communities, or delete the whole lot the AI simply did and begin over.

4 – Repeat

A characteristic is working with no errors?

You probably did it!

1. Save your work (utilizing Git. You’ll wish to watch 15 minutes of YouTube movies. Or AI can do it for you 🤪)
2. Perform a little dance
3. Transfer on to the subsequent factor

Increase!

The advertising methods I’ve discovered only

Truthfully, this may very well be its personal article (or three)…

On one hand, you possibly can market a Saas like several digital or bodily product.

Alternatively, there are a few methods which can be uniquely efficient for apps.

1 – Private viewers (duh)

Okay, this isn’t distinctive, however it’s SO vital.

Construct a private model that may observe you for the long-term!

• If you have already got an viewers, incredible!
• If not, begin right this moment together with your current social media channels and an electronic mail listing.

Share behind-the-scenes. Classes realized. Even a small following can kickstart early traction.

2 – Companions (Fairness and the whole lot)

I hate advertising, so this has been my go-to technique.

Discover anyone who has your target market, and persuade them to associate with you.

This “pitch” is tough for many digital merchandise, however surprisingly simpler for Saas:

1. I construct the app, present help, and run the whole lot (i.e. 97% of the work)
2. YOU put it up for sale each time the chance arises
3. We break up month-to-month income 50/50, and once we ultimately promote the app!

I’ve completed this twice, and it’s a stupendous association!

Simply do not forget that partnerships really are like marriage. It helps if the individual(s) already, and get the whole lot in writing! (your position, their position, obligations, and so forth!)

3 – Associates

Associates are by no means going to be as incentivized as fairness companions–however there’s far much less competitors for selling Saas merchandise.

Get your first few clients, collect some testimonials, then associates could have a neater time saying “sure.”

4 – Chilly Outreach

I’ve NEVER prompt chilly emailing individuals as a technique, till now.

The marketplace for programs, podcast friends, and so forth, is saturated, however apps simply have a unique vibe (for now).

“Hey! I made a course…” is a extremely lame chilly electronic mail. 

“Hey! I run an app referred to as Checklist Gadget…” looks like an even bigger deal.

Chilly outreach is rarely enjoyable (for those who’re like me, that’s), however there’s a window of alternative for this technique.

QUICK NOTE: 

“Pete, what about launching on Product Hunt? Hacker Midday? Reddit?”

In case you’re already plugged into these communities, go for it. 

However for most individuals? It’s not well worth the effort. I’ve been disenchanted with each “Product Hunt launch” I’ve tried.

Concentrate on discovering your target market instantly (and dealing with individuals who have already got them)!

3 Methods to “give you app concepts”

In case you’re sitting all the way down to “consider a enterprise concept,” you’re doing it flawed.

As an alternative, develop the behavior of recognizing alternatives in on a regular basis life.

Maintain an “concept inbox” in your notes the place you possibly can rapidly braindump random concepts. Do that DAILY, for those who can.

That stated…

Listed here are three particular strategies to kickstart your mind with concepts:

1 – Scratch your individual itch

The simplest technique ever–once you domesticate the mindset of noticing once you really feel ache or frustration.

Practice your self to acknowledge these “Oh, that is annoying” moments. You’ll begin seeing app concepts in all places.

2 – “Unbundle” Big Apps

Large corporations like Hubspot, Ahrefs, or Google Office pack in 1,000 options into their apps.

What for those who took simply ONE of these options, and turned it right into a standalone app?

I solely used the “Web site Explorer” characteristic in Ahrefs, and I discovered myself wishing it was a standalone app.

Within the instruments you employ, what options are you paying for however aren’t utilizing?

Which apps are overcomplicated?

3 – Undercut Overpriced Apps

5 years in the past, paying $10/month for Calendly was completely cheap. 

Now? I might construct my very own Calendly in a day or two. Why ought to I pay?

I constructed a (free) note-taking app, Bulletfinity.com, in 10 days, as a result of I didn’t wish to spend $10/month for its rivals.

The KEY for this technique is to deal with apps that don’t price loads to run, i.e. they’re very scalable.

8 Assets to degree up and get help

Have I piqued your curiosity (and/or overwhelmed you)? I hope so 😎

There’s clearly extra to this vibe-coding enterprise than what you possibly can be taught in a weblog publish, so listed here are a number of free & paid sources to go deeper:

1. Vibe-Coding for Full Newcomers: How It All Suits Collectively: A free 5-day mini course – that is the next move!
2. Code Playbook (course): That is my vibe-coding course that’ll stroll you thru each step, and supply a non-public Discord neighborhood the place you may get assist
3. Code Playbook YouTube: I additionally launch free movies on that YouTube channel. Go subscribe 🎥
4. “Make” book: That is a web based e book (a extremely cool format btw) by “ranges.io”, the founding father of NomadList, RemoteOK, and extra–that was launched BEFORE the AI craze, however is incredible for future indie builders.
5. My weekly newsletter: It’s informal, however I share the whole lot I’m doing!
6. Different individuals to observe: Marc Lou, Ian Nuttall, Net Ninja on YouTube for excellent free coding programs (probably not vibe-coding, however nonetheless)
7. The documentation for no matter AI agent you employ! Instance: the Claude Code documentation is SO HELPFUL. Select your instrument, then bookmark their docs!
8. My electronic mail handle: I’m not a mega-influencer who will get 10,000 emails a day. E-mail me together with your questions–or simply say hi there! Pete (at) doyouevenblog (dot) com 😎

Is your mind reeling with concepts?

(or overwhelmed on the prospects? That’s completely okay, too).

I hope you loved this publish 😉

Ciao!

~Pete

Writer bio: Pete McPherson left the company world in 2017 to change into a full-time on-line entrepreneur, constructing 20+ worthwhile manufacturers, two of which he efficiently bought. Over time, his work has reached thousands and thousands of individuals via YouTube, podcasts, and blogs, amassing over 4,000,000 YouTube views and 3,000,000 podcast downloads. Right this moment, Pete teaches creators and entrepreneurs via Code Playbook, his program and YouTube channel devoted to serving to individuals construct and launch apps with AI.

Have you ever ever thought of constructing your individual app with AI? What sort of instrument or drawback would you wish to create one for?

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