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

As we speak, I’m excited to share an article from Pete McPherson. Pete has constructed and offered AI-built apps, incomes over $350,000 with out expertise. On this put up, he explains precisely how he did it and how one can get began, too. This may be an fascinating option to make further 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 firms
• Earned over $350k+ (simply from these).

Whereas working lower than 20 hours per week…

With no developer expertise(!)…

And no huge viewers…

The key?

You guessed it: A.I.

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

No fluff. Simply worth.

Let’s roll

What this put up gives you…

This put up 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 plenty of TEACHING right here.
3. Confidence My purpose is to make this as NON-TECHY as doable, and I hope you’ve got a number of “a-ha!” moments.

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

• Excellent news = You do NOT must be tremendous techy to “use” this weblog put up
• Unhealthy 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.

Should 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 laborious stuff for you.

Your job?

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

This put up will preserve issues lifeless easy.

Beneficial studying: 10 Finest 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 – 2021

I ran the podcast, YouTube channel, weblog, programs, and a membership! Made sufficient $$$ to outlive. Nonetheless beloved 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 following ‘factor,’ however I’m afraid to drop my total plan. After a month, I pivot every part 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 executed, and I solely obtained about 10 paying customers. However I shipped it and I’m proud.

August 2023

I strive 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 unravel my very own ache level. Made a number 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 – As we speak

Following the “blueprint” full-time (it’s beneath!) 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, earn money, and I’m having the time of my life.

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

My precise “blueprint” for being profitable:

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

1 – Construct in Public

All the time develop your private model exterior of particular companies! Methods go stale and initiatives go away, however it’s very 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 so on. This builds your authority and not directly builds curiosity to your subsequent product.

2 – The “Viewers-First” Rule

I don’t construct something except 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 wish 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 preserve an “concept inbox” for straightforward brain-dumping.

(On the finish of this put up, 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 method. I’d’ve made more cash if I hadn’t PAUSED each firms I offered.

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 preserve” the venture. It will get apparent quick.
4. Month 4 Create documentation and onboarding.

The whole lot 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 vitality, viewers, and even concepts. It’s a surprisingly straightforward pitch!

7 – Construct to promote, half 2

I’ve realized loads about what consumers search for:

• STABLE income
• A simple transition
• An fascinating model

I construct with these issues in thoughts, firstly!

P.S. Should you’d somewhat 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 have 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 take advantage of & advocate

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

There are new AI coding instruments launched each day, and you must 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 would possibly see these known 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. 

Should you’re going to pay for ANY device to vibe-code, it’s Cursor, however you can too begin on the free plan!

What about Bolt & Lovable and all these “does every part 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 number

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

Use Vercel.

The very best free tier, straightforward GitHub join, quick deploys, and so on. Finished.

VIBE-CODING PRO TIP:

The “finest device” 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 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 beneath).

Or–you can use my pre-made “package.”

It’s like shopping for a cake combine as a substitute 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 properly).
• Firebase – Your “backend as a service” aka your database
• Tailwind CSS – The way you type 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 could actually’t, it could actually 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 take advantage of for each app I construct.

1 – Arrange your pc

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

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 pc (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 must use.

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

1. (Non-compulsory) Find the documentation to 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 title, and so on.)
3. Troubleshoot errors with AI
4. Get your venture working “domestically” (in your pc) 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 “connect with a number, 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 title within the Vercel venture settings!

If all goes properly–your app is now stay 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.

Beneath is my strategy 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 along 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 appear to be?
• What 2-3 options must you begin with?

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

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

2 – Implement

Ask AI to construct it.

Seize espresso when you wait.

3 – Take a look at it 

Mainly, 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 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 only

Truthfully, this might be its personal article (or three)…

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

However, there are a few methods which might be uniquely efficient for apps.

1 – Private viewers (duh)

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

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 this time along 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 every part)

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

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

This “pitch” is difficult 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 advertise each time the chance arises
3. We cut up month-to-month income 50/50, and once we ultimately promote the app!

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

Simply do not forget that partnerships really are like marriage. It helps if you recognize the individual(s) already, and get every part in writing! (your function, their function, obligations, and so on!)

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 can have a better time saying “sure.”

4 – Chilly Outreach

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

The marketplace for programs, podcast company, and so on, 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 known as Listing Gadget…” looks as if an even 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?”

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

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

Deal with discovering your target market immediately (and dealing with individuals who have already got them)!

3 Methods to “provide you with app concepts”

Should you’re sitting all the way down to “consider a enterprise concept,” you’re doing it fallacious.

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

Hold an “concept inbox” in your notes the place you possibly can rapidly braindump random concepts. Do that DAILY, if you happen to can.

That mentioned…

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

1 – Scratch your personal itch

The simplest technique 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 all over the place.

2 – “Unbundle” Large Apps

Massive 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 “Website Explorer” function in Ahrefs, and I discovered myself wishing it was a standalone app.

Within the instruments you utilize, 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 loads to run, i.e. they’re very scalable.

8 Assets 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 possibly can study in a weblog put up, so listed below are a number of free & paid assets to go deeper:

1. Vibe-Coding for Full Newcomers: 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 group the place you will get assist
3. Code Playbook YouTube: I additionally launch free movies on that YouTube channel. Go subscribe
4. “Make” guide: That is an internet guide (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 e-newsletter: It’s informal, however I share every part I’m doing!
6. Different individuals to comply with: Marc Lou, Ian Nuttall, Web Ninja on YouTube for excellent free coding programs (probably not vibe-coding, however nonetheless)
7. The documentation for no matter AI agent you utilize! Instance: the Claude Code documentation is SO HELPFUL. Select your device, 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 along with your questions–or simply say hey! 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 put up

Ciao!

~Pete

Creator 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 offered. Through the years, his work has reached thousands and thousands of individuals by way of YouTube, podcasts, and blogs, amassing over 4,000,000 YouTube views and 3,000,000 podcast downloads. As we speak, Pete teaches creators and entrepreneurs by way of 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 device or downside would you need to create one for?

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