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

In the present day, 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 submit, he explains precisely how he did it and how one can get began, too. This may be an fascinating method to make further earnings!

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
• Bought 2 software program firms
• Earned over $350k+ (simply from these).

Whereas working lower than 20 hours every week…

With no developer expertise(!)…

And no large viewers…

The key?

You guessed it: A.I.

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

No fluff. Simply worth.

Let’s roll 👇

What this submit offers you…

This submit 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. Data 👉 There’s lots of TEACHING right here.
3. Confidence 👉 My purpose is to make this as NON-TECHY as potential, and I hope you could have a couple of “a-ha!” moments.

Beneficial studying: 12 Stunning Work From House 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 have to be tremendous techy to “use” this weblog submit
• Dangerous information = There’ll at all times be new phrases & tech to study

I imply, heck…

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

When you’ve realized WordPress or video modifying software program, you are able to do this, too.

I’m going to indicate you the way to let AI do all of the laborious stuff for you.

Your job?

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

This submit will hold issues useless easy.

Beneficial 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 worry). 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 unintentionally by recording interviews with money-making bloggers (Thanks, Michelle 🙏). I LOVE THIS WORK SO MUCH!

2017 – 2024

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

Summer season 2024

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

December 2024

My media empire is rockin! I made an in depth plan for 2024. Then ChatGPT releases.

January 2024

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

March 2024

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

June 2024

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

August 2024

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

October 2024

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 largely 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 may do this.

January 2025 – In the present day

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

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

My precise “blueprint” for earning money:

Listed below 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 outdoors of particular companies! Methods go stale and tasks go away, but it surely’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, ideas & methods, and many others. This builds your authority and not directly builds curiosity on your subsequent product.

2 – The “Viewers-First” Rule

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

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

3 – The “Thought Abundance” System

Cease ready for “large concepts” and begin capturing “tiny concepts” DAILY. I hold an “thought inbox” for simple brain-dumping.

(On the finish of this submit, I’ll share my 3 methods for rapidly producing app concepts if you happen to’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 laborious means. I might’ve made extra money if I hadn’t PAUSED each firms 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 worth
3. Month 3 👉 “Kill or hold” the venture. It will get apparent quick.
4. Month 4 👉 Create documentation and onboarding.

Every part after that must 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 vitality, viewers, and even concepts. It’s a surprisingly simple pitch!

7 – Construct to promote, half 2

I’ve realized so much about what consumers search for:

• STABLE income
• A simple transition
• An fascinating model

I construct with these issues in thoughts, in the beginning!

P.S. When you’d slightly 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 thought
• Chatting with an AI about it (therefore the ‘vibe’)
• Letting the AI do all of the HARD work (i.e. the precise coding)
• Going backwards and forwards till it really works 💪

You might have concepts and handle. AI writes code.

You vibe code backwards and forwards till it WORKS.

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

The instruments I take advantage of & suggest

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

There are new AI coding instruments launched on daily basis, 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 number

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

An AI code editor

You may 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. 

When you’re going to pay for ANY software 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 every part for you” instruments? 

I do NOT suggest them.

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

A number

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

Use Vercel.

The perfect free tier, simple GitHub join, quick deploys, and many others. Carried out.

VIBE-CODING PRO TIP:

The “greatest software” is the one you’ll really 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 prospects don’t care, so long as your app works.

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

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

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

That is the “tech stack” I take advantage of for each single venture:

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

AI can set 95% of this up FOR you!

And for the 5% it may well’t, it may well stroll you thru it.

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

Right here’s the 30,000-foot overview of the method I take advantage of 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 may 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 ways!)
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 thought
• Clarify any options you need
• Clarify–every part

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 on your app framework (SvelteKit is right 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 many others.)
3. Troubleshoot errors with AI
4. Get your venture working “domestically” (in your laptop) and take a look at it with the humorous URL that your AI offers 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 “connect 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–it will 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 nicely–your app is now stay on the web!!

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

4 – Construct options with the “AI Coding Loop”

Now you’re able to construct YOUR factor.

Under is my means 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 need to construct.

Brainstorm. Go nuts. Dream up cool stuff.

• What’s the thought?
• What would you like it to seem like?
• What 2-3 options must you begin with?

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

Commute with AI till you’re happy with the plan.

2 – Implement

Ask AI to construct it.

Seize espresso when 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 may Google the error, get assist in any vibe-coding communities, or delete every part the AI simply did and begin over.

4 – Repeat

A function is working with no errors?

You probably did it!

1. Save your work (utilizing Git. You’ll need to watch 15 minutes of YouTube movies. Or AI can do it for you 🤪)
2. Do some dance
3. Transfer on to the following factor

Increase!

The advertising methods I’ve discovered handiest

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

On one hand, you may market a Saas like every 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, but it surely’s SO essential.

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

• If you have already got an viewers, incredible!
• If not, begin at the moment together with your current social media channels and an e-mail record.

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

2 – Companions (Fairness and every part)

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

Discover any person who has your target market, and persuade them to companion with you.

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

1. I construct the app, present help, and run every part (i.e. 97% of the work)
2. YOU market it at any time when the chance arises
3. We break up month-to-month income 50/50, and once we finally promote the app!

I’ve executed this twice, and it’s a gorgeous association!

Simply keep in mind that partnerships actually are like marriage. It helps if the individual(s) already, and get every part in writing! (your position, their position, tasks, and many others!)

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 prospects, collect some testimonials, then associates can have a neater time saying “sure.”

4 – Chilly Outreach

I’ve NEVER advised chilly emailing individuals as a method, till now.

The marketplace for programs, podcast friends, and many others, is saturated, however apps simply have a special vibe (for now).

“Hey! I made a course…” is a very lame chilly e-mail. 

“Hey! I run an app referred to as Checklist Gadget…” looks as if a much bigger deal.

Chilly outreach isn’t enjoyable (if you happen to’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?”

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

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

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

3 Methods to “provide you with app concepts”

When you’re sitting all the way down to “consider a enterprise thought,” you’re doing it unsuitable.

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

Preserve an “thought inbox” in your notes the place you may rapidly braindump random concepts. Do that DAILY, if you happen to can.

That stated…

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

1 – Scratch your personal itch

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

Prepare your self to acknowledge these “Oh, that is annoying” moments. You’ll begin seeing app concepts in every single place.

2 – “Unbundle” Large Apps

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

What if you happen to took simply ONE of these options, and turned it right into a standalone app?

I solely used the “Web site Explorer” function 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 affordable. 

Now? I may 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 need to spend $10/month for its opponents.

The KEY for this technique is to concentrate on apps that don’t value so much to run, i.e. they’re very scalable.

8 Sources to stage 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 may study in a weblog submit, so listed here are a number of free & paid assets to go deeper:

1. Vibe-Coding for Full Rookies: How It All Matches Collectively: A free 5-day mini course – that is the next step!
2. Code Playbook (course): That is my vibe-coding course that’ll stroll you thru each step, and supply a personal Discord neighborhood the place you will get assist
3. Code Playbook YouTube: I additionally launch free movies on that YouTube channel. Go subscribe 🎥
4. “Make” ebook: That is a web based ebook (a very 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 publication: It’s informal, however I share every part I’m doing!
6. Different individuals to comply with: Marc Lou, Ian Nuttall, Internet 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 software, then bookmark their docs!
8. My e-mail handle: I’m not a mega-influencer who will get 10,000 emails a day. Electronic mail me together with your questions–or simply say whats up! Pete (at) doyouevenblog (dot) com 😎

Is your mind reeling with concepts?

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

I hope you loved this submit 😉

Ciao!

~Pete

Writer bio: Pete McPherson left the company world in 2017 to turn out to be 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 by YouTube, podcasts, and blogs, amassing over 4,000,000 YouTube views and 3,000,000 podcast downloads. In the present day, Pete teaches creators and entrepreneurs by Code Playbook, his program and YouTube channel devoted to serving to individuals construct and launch apps with AI.

Have you ever ever considered constructing your personal app with AI? What sort of software or downside would you need to create one for?

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