$100k through AI-Driven Applications - Side Hustle Nation

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      In the past, you needed technical expertise (or had to hire someone with it) to create any type of software. Nowadays, thanks to the rise of AI tools, that's not the case anymore. Pete McPherson from doyouevenblog.com is making $100k by leveraging AI tools to develop a series of smaller web apps, typically designed to address specific problems for particular customers. He’s here to explain how he accomplished this... without being a developer.

      Listen to Episode 659 of the Side Hustle Show to discover:

      - How AI tools streamline software development, making it quicker and more accessible even for non-developers,

      - Why partnerships and recurring revenue are essential for scaling and selling SaaS products,

      - The key technology stack that enables you to launch applications swiftly and with minimal expenses.

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      The Major Change

      The significant change is the advent of AI. Tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models can now handle much of the coding workload. Building software has never been simpler or quicker — even for those who have never written code. You can create something once and monetize it repeatedly.

      It's not only large corporations achieving this; individual creators are also generating substantial income. Pete has developed tools such as Aff Tracker (for affiliate link tracking), Topical Map (for SEO keywords), and Fabb.ai (an autonomous blog builder he later sold). These are small, targeted web applications that solve very specific issues and they are profitable.

      Just address one small problem. For instance, it could be formatting text from Google Docs before pasting it into WordPress (a challenge I’d love to see resolved) or automating flight price notifications so you know when to book your tickets again. You might find some surprising capabilities when combining AI coding tools with a bit of imagination.

      Generating SaaS Ideas: Pete’s 3 Effective Methods

      How do you conceptualize a software idea that people genuinely want? Here are Pete’s approaches:

      1. Solve Your Own Problem

      Start with a challenge you encounter in your daily life. For Pete, it was the need for quick math calculations while gaming, prompting him to create a Chrome extension using AI. A straightforward issue, a straightforward solution. It saved time and performed flawlessly.

      2. Extract Small Features from Favorite Tools

      Examine tools you currently use (like Ahrefs for SEO) and pinpoint a feature you particularly appreciate. Rather than aiming to create a full competitor, focus on that single feature. If you only require a specific functionality from a software, think about providing a mini tool that does just that, and at a significantly reduced cost. That’s what Pete did with Ahrefs’ site explorer.

      3. Develop a More Affordable Version of Popular Software

      Consider tools that are too costly for most users — like Zapier, Make, or various affiliate tracking solutions. Pete created Podpromo because he wanted an affordable alternative for podcasting tools. It wasn’t elaborate, but it sufficed for his needs. Marketplaces like AppSumo have demonstrated that users appreciate affordable options with just basic necessary features.

      Selecting the Right Tools and Focus

      When creating your app, concentrate on a single focus and commit to it. Pete selected web applications, utilizing JavaScript and SveltKit. However, you could focus on Mac apps, Chrome extensions, WordPress plugins, Shopify apps, or Wix extensions. Each niche has its audience and market potential, offering substantial opportunities.

      Being a coder is not a requirement. With AI tools like ChatGPT, you can simply state your needs and receive a functional app in seconds. If something malfunctions, you can also ask AI to assist you in fixing it. Additionally, platforms like Firebase simplify adding user logins and data storage without requiring a developer.

      Competitive Analysis and Audience Development

      Research existing solutions and evaluate your idea with a small audience. If people are already paying for a similar tool, that’s a positive indication. “I have an existing email list that I’ve nurtured over the years, and I usually share my first version within a couple of weeks of conceptualizing it, saying, ‘I built this MVP,’” Pete mentioned.

      Even a modest audience, like Pete’s 5,500 subscribers, is sufficient to gauge interest. For initial versions, keep it