Introduction: Why I Wrote This (And Who It’s For)
If you’re here, you’re probably like I was a few years ago — tired of all the guru BS, skeptical of “passive income” promises, and maybe feeling like tech’s just passed you by.
Let me tell you something: you don’t need to be a coder, designer, or tech whiz to make money with AI.
You just need the right tools, a simple plan, and someone who’s actually done it showing you how.
So I built this guide for people like you — and me:
- Retirees, veterans, and stay-at-home parents
- People on disability or fixed income
- Hustlers who are done trading time for dollars
I’m gonna break it all down, step-by-step, using the exact tools I use myself. Let’s go.
🛠️What You Need to Get Started
No, you don’t need:
- A college degree
- A massive Instagram following
- Or even your own product (yet)
Here’s what I recommend:
✅ Free Tools:
- ChatGPT (for content, ideas, emails, reviews)
- Canva (for visuals, Reels, products)
- CapCut (for short-form videos)
- TikTok / Instagram (your traffic machines)
✅ One Clear Goal:
You’re not here to “learn about AI.”
You’re here to make money using AI.
💸 5 Beginner-Friendly Ways to Make Money with AI
Let me give you five real ways I’ve seen people start earning — fast, cheap, and without needing a damn thing but a laptop or phone.
1. Affiliate Marketing with TikTok Shop
Promote products with short videos, earn commissions when they sell.
- Pick trending products
- Use CapCut templates + ChatGPT to write the script
- Post 15-second videos
- Add your affiliate link = 💰
📘 I made a full [TikTok Shop Affiliate Guide] if you want step-by-step help.
2. Create and Sell Digital Products
eBooks, checklists, Canva templates, guides — AI does most of the work.
Use ChatGPT to:
- Write the content
- Create a cover in Canva
- Sell it on your site, Payhip, Gumroad, or Etsy
🔥 My AI eBook Generator shows you how to crank out ready-to-sell digital products in hours.
3. Content Creation with Canva + Reels
Grow an Instagram or TikTok page with AI-written quotes and simple visuals.
- Post daily motivation or money tips
- Use Canva to design it
- Add trending audio
- Link to your freebie or product
🛠️ This is exactly how I grew the Digital Income AI pages.
4. ChatGPT Prompt Selling
People are lazy (no offense). Sell pre-written prompts that solve problems.
- “50 ChatGPT Prompts for Real Estate Agents”
- “AI Prompts for Passive Income Ideas”
- “Prompts to Write a Children’s Book”
Format it in a PDF. Done. Sell it.
5. Print-on-Demand Merch with AI Art
Use AI tools like Leonardo or MidJourney to create:
- Horror art
- Vintage travel posters
- Motivational quote tees
Then upload to Etsy, Redbubble, or your own store.
🔥 You never touch a product, but you make the profit.
🚀 My Favorite Combo: The AI Starter Stack
If you want the fastest path to your first few dollars online, here’s the combo I recommend:
- Use ChatGPT to create value (ideas, content, emails)
- Use Canva to design (Reels, covers, products)
- Post content to Instagram or TikTok with links
- Collect emails with a freebie
- Offer a paid product like a guide, crash course, or affiliate product
Want to skip the setup and just start?
🎁 Download my Free AI Side Hustle Starter Pack
It includes all the tools, guides, and templates I use — plus step-by-step how to use ’em.
💬 Final Thoughts
Don’t overthink this.
You don’t need a $997 course. You don’t need perfect branding. You don’t even need to be “good at tech.”
You need action. And a plan. That’s it.
AI isn’t here to take your job — it’s here to help you make money without one.
If you’re ready to build something that actually works, stick around. We’re just getting started.
Stay dangerous,
— Mike
Founder, Digital Income AI
