The Lazy Person’s Guide to Make Money With AI

Let’s get one thing straight: you don’t need to be a computer genius, a tech wizard, or the next Elon Musk to make money with AI. In fact, AI is like that helpful neighbour who always shows up with the right tool at the right time — except this neighbour doesn’t “forget” to return your lawnmower.

The truth is, artificial intelligence isn’t some futuristic, out-of-reach thing anymore. It’s here. It’s available to you. And the best part? You can use it to make money without needing a PhD, without learning to code, and without burning the midnight oil.

Let’s talk about 5 smart, simple, practical ways you can start putting AI to work for your wallet with real examples to show you how.

1. Create and Sell Digital Products

AI can turn you into a mini publishing house. Want to make coloring books, journals, or activity sheets? Tools like ChatGPT can help generate prompts, and MidJourney or Canva’s AI image tools can create the illustrations.

Example:

• Type into ChatGPT: “Give me 50 creative prompts for a kids’ coloring book about space.”
• Drop those into Canva, generate fun line-art images with an AI image tool, and format them into a PDF.
• Upload that PDF to Etsy or Amazon KDP as a digital download.

People are making a steady side income with simple products like gratitude journals, wedding planners, or even “funny adult colouring books.” And once it’s uploaded, it can keep selling forever, that’s passive income.

2. Offer AI-Powered Services

You don’t need years of experience to start offering creative services. AI is your silent partner.

Example:

• A small café down the street needs Instagram posts. You fire up ChatGPT and ask: “Write 10 fun Instagram captions for a coffee shop promoting fall lattes.” Boom — instant content.
• Use Canva’s AI design tools to create matching graphics.
• Offer this as a “social media content package” on Fiverr or Upwork for $50–$100 per client.

AI does the heavy lifting; you just package and present it. Businesses care about results, not how you got there.

3. Start a Faceless YouTube Channel

Hate being on camera? Don’t worry. AI has you covered.

Example:

• Use ChatGPT to generate a script: “Write a 5-minute script about the top 10 richest athletes in history.”
• Convert the script into voiceover with a tool like Murf.ai or ElevenLabs.
• Add visuals using free stock videos (Pexels, Pixabay) or AI-generated art.
• Stitch everything together in a free editor like CapCut or DaVinci Resolve.

Upload it to YouTube. Channels like this earn through ad revenue, affiliate links, and sponsorships. And no, you don’t need to act, dance, or do pranks on camera. Just publish consistently, and the algorithm becomes your friend.

4. Sell AI-Generated Art or Merch

No design skills? No problem. AI art tools like MidJourney or DALL·E can create stunning graphics in seconds.

Example:

• Prompt MidJourney: “Create a vintage-style cat wearing sunglasses with the words ‘Cool Cat Energy.’”
• Upload the image to Merch by Amazon or Redbubble.
• Someone buys a hoodie with your design? The platform prints, ships, and handles the customer service. You just collect the royalty.

There are people making thousands per month with unique, quirky designs that catch buyers’ eyes. The key is to create around trending themes, funny quotes, motivational messages, or niche hobbies.

5. Teach Others How to Use AI (Even While You’re Learning)

You don’t need to be the expert; you just need to share what you discover.

Example:

• Say you figure out how to make coloring books with AI. Record a 2-minute TikTok or YouTube Short showing the steps.
• Caption it: “How I made my first AI coloring book in 10 minutes.”
• Post it. People will love the “learn with me” vibe.

As your following grows, you can monetize through ads, affiliate links (promoting AI tools you use), or even by creating a beginner-friendly course later on. Remember: people often prefer relatable guides over gurus.

Wrapping It Up

AI isn’t some intimidating force reserved for Silicon Valley. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it’s only valuable when you pick it up and use it.

Creating digital products, offering AI-powered services, starting a YouTube channel, selling AI-generated art, or teaching others, these aren’t far-off dreams. These are practical, doable ways to turn AI into extra cash, no matter where you are starting from.

The world is shifting fast. You can sit on the sidelines and watch it happen, or you can step in and let AI help you create new income streams. The choice is yours.

So, what’s your move? Will you make a digital product, start a channel, or sell some “Cool Cat Energy” hoodies first?

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AI Starter Toolkit (Beginner-Friendly)

I’ve pulled together my favorite beginner-friendly tools — if you want to try them, I’ve linked each one below. These are the exact platforms that can help you go from “just curious” to “actually making money.”

1. For Digital Products:

• ChatGPT – For brainstorming, outlines, and content ideas.
• Canva – Easy design tool with AI text-to-image built in.
• MidJourney – For creative illustrations and coloring book images.
• Amazon KDP / Etsy – Platforms where you can sell your creations.

2. For AI-Powered Services:

• ChatGPT / Jasper – For social media posts, blogs, and copywriting.
• Canva – For graphics and templates businesses love.
• Fiverr / Upwork – Places to list your services and get clients.

3. For Faceless YouTube Channels:

• ChatGPT – For video scripts.
• Murf.ai / ElevenLabs – For natural-sounding AI voiceovers.
• Pexels / Pixabay – Free stock footage to match your voiceover.
• CapCut / DaVinci Resolve – Simple video editing tools.
• YouTube Studio – Where you upload, optimize, and track growth.

4. For AI-Generated Art or Merch:

• MidJourney / DALL·E – For original designs and illustrations.
• Canva – Great for text + graphic combos.
• Merch by Amazon / Redbubble / Teespring – Print-on-demand platforms to sell your designs.

5. For Teaching Others AI (and Growing an Audience):

• TikTok / YouTube Shorts – Fast, free platforms to share tutorials.
• ScreenPal / Loom – Easy tools for recording your screen.
• ConvertKit / Gumroad – To eventually sell beginner courses or eBooks.

I hope you found this post valuable. If you did, please share it and leave a comment below. Let me know which of the 5 AI side hustle/businesses you are going to start.

Keith

P.S, if you want more of The Legacy Code philosophy, check out my latest book. It’s available at all Amazon stores, and it’s now on Audible.

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