7 DIY AI Projects That Can Actually Make You Money

Summary

You have skills, hobbies and experiences. Why not use DIY AI to monetize them and make some money? AI can make the process faster and less overwhelming. Use AI tools to brainstorm product ideas, help create the best products, and find your perfect audience. All in an afternoon. You don’t need to be a tech wizard or marketing expert to start making money online.

In this post, I’ll share 7 simple, beginner-friendly DIY AI projects that are working right now. These ideas are perfect for anyone who wants to create extra income from home, even with zero tech experience.

💡 Want help picking the right income idea for you? Try my free AI tool here → Marie Grove’s Passive Income Planner GPT

The Power of DIY AI (And Why It Works)

When most people think of starting an online business, they imagine websites, copywriting, design, funnels, tech headaches…

That used to be true. But not so much anymore.

Today, AI tools can do much of the work for you—from writing content and emails to designing digital products and even building your sales funnel.

You just need an idea, a little direction, and a few clicks to get started.

And the best part? You can launch any of the ideas below with free tools or a very small budget.

7 DIY AI Projects You Can Start Right Now

These are real, working strategies being used by digital creators, affiliate marketers, and side hustlers in 2025. Pick one and start small. You don’t need a perfect plan—just action.

1. Build a GPT That Solves a Niche Problem

You don’t need to code to build a custom GPT using OpenAI’s tools. Think: “How do I choose a side hustle?” or “What’s the best workout for busy moms?” Now imagine a GPT that answers those questions for people—automatically.

💡 Monetize it by linking to affiliate offers, lead magnets, or low-ticket products.

2. Start a Niche Blog with AI-Generated Content

Use ChatGPT to write helpful blog posts around topics you already know—like budgeting, health tips, or affiliate marketing.

💡 Post on Vocal.Media, Medium, or your own site, then add affiliate links, GPT CTAs, or email sign-up boxes.

3. Design Pinterest Pins That Drive Sales

Pair ChatGPT and Canva to create high-converting pins that link to your product, opt-in, or funnel. AI can even write the description, hashtags, and SEO title for you.

💡 Pinterest traffic is evergreen and perfect for passive sales funnels.

4. Use AI to Script and Produce YouTube Videos

You don’t need to show your face. Let AI write your video scripts, generate captions, and create voiceovers. Use a tool like InVideo to turn it into a full video.

💡 Promote your affiliate links or drive viewers to your free GPT.

5. Sell AI-Generated eBooks, Prompt Packs, or Printables

Write recipe books, journaling prompts, wellness guides, or “fun fact” packs using ChatGPT. Format with Canva and sell on Gumroad, Etsy, or Payhip.

💡 This is perfect for building a low-ticket income stream or email list.

6. Create a Free Resource Library Using GPTs

Bundle your best tools, prompt packs, and cheat sheets into one place (Notion or a landing page). Add a few GPTs to the mix.

💡 Gate it behind an email opt-in and include affiliate links throughout.

7. Automate an Email Funnel with AI

Let ChatGPT write your full 3–7-day welcome or sales sequence. You can educate, warm up leads, and pitch your offers—all on autopilot.

💡 Perfect for beginners who want to sell without “selling.”

Bonus Strategy: Stack These Projects for Maximum Growth

Each of these ideas works alone, but they’re even more powerful when stacked.

Here’s how:

• Use Pinterest to drive traffic to your blog
• Use your blog to offer a free GPT
• Let the GPT funnel users to your course or affiliate offer
• Use AI to write the emails that close the sale

That’s the real power of using AI to build an online business—you can mix and match, automate, and scale without hiring anyone.

TL;DR — What You Can Do Today

✅ Build your own niche GPT

✅ Start a blog with AI-generated content

✅ Promote your offers with Pinterest pins

✅ Script faceless YouTube videos with AI

✅ Sell eBooks, prompt packs, or digital downloads

✅ Create a free resource hub

✅ Let AI handle your email funnel

FAQ

Q: What if I don’t know where to start?

Start with what you already know. Then use my free AI tool to help you choose a direction.

Q: Do I need to spend money on tools?

Many tools have free versions. I started with just ChatGPT and Canva - free version for both.

Q: Can I do this part-time?

Yes! These projects are designed to be flexible and beginner friendly.

Q: Do these work for affiliate marketing?

Absolutely. I’ve used all of them to drive affiliate sales and grow my funnel.

Final Thoughts

This is one of the best times in history to start a digital business—especially if you leverage the right tools. With AI by your side, the barriers are lower, the speed is faster, and the possibilities are endless.

Make sure that whatever content you use AI to create that you make it your own. Add your voice, make edits and include your ideas and experiences. Make it personal and human. AI still saves you tons of time, but ultimately it's you that makes your content special!