How I Used AI to Automate My Side Hustle (and Still Make Money Every Day)

Summary:

You don’t need to hustle harder—you need to automate smarter. There are many ways AI can take care of repetitive tasks like creating content plans, create the content, help with email marketing and social media engagement. It won't replace you but it can save you hours of time every week.

In this article, I’ll show you how to use AI to build your online business without losing the personal touch that makes it work. Whether you’re creating content, building email funnels, or answering customer messages, automation can save you hours each week (and help you earn more).

🎁 Want a shortcut? Use my free AI tool: Marie Grove's Passive Income Kickstart GPT to build your own side hustle system step-by-step → https://simpleonlineprofit.com/passive-income-planner

Why I Turned to AI to Scale My Side Hustle

Like a lot of solopreneurs, I started my online business while working full-time, raising kids, and juggling life.

I loved the freedom—but the workload? Not so much.

Between writing blog posts, creating pins, managing emails, and planning content… I hit a wall. Then a few years ago, I discovered how to use AI to build my online business more efficiently.

That shift changed everything.

I went from scattered and stressed to focused and profitable—without hiring a team.

Here’s how I did it—and how you can, too.

5 Things You Can Automate in Your Side Hustle Today

1. Content Creation

Use tools like ChatGPT or KoalaWriter to draft blog posts, YouTube scripts, or product reviews in minutes. You don’t need to write everything from scratch anymore.

It's a massive time saver. But, a word of warning. Don't just copy and paste the article from AI into your blog. AI is great at creating an article outline and even doing the research, but it isn't you.

To be effective online you need to build rapport and loyalty. You cant do that with AI. Always edit your content to make it yours!

2. Email Marketing

AI can create curiosity filled email subject lines and the email itself. I'm honestly not very good at that so I really appreciate the help!

Quickly create welcome sequences, promotional campaigns, and weekly newsletters with tools like AWeber or Systeme.io.

Let AI handle the writing and scheduling while you focus on conversions.

3. Graphic Design

Need blog graphics, Pinterest pins, or social posts?

Tools like Canva AI or Kittl make design fast—even if you're not a designer.

4. Video Scripts & Edits

Faceless YouTube channel? Use Pictory or InVideo to turn blog content into engaging videos in minutes.

Again, don't be afraid to add your own ideas. AI isn't always good at nuance and some of the AI video services, I've used both Pictory and InVideo, can really miss the mark in terms of the images they choose.

5. Customer Messages

Use AI chatbots like Tidio or ManyChat to automatically answer FAQs and collect leads while you sleep. Talk about passive income!

How I Built My Automation System (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the exact 3-step process I used to automate key parts of my side hustle:

🔹 Step 1: Start with a Simple Win

I picked one task I hated doing—writing social media captions.

I used ChatGPT to generate 30 days of content ideas and captions within a few minutes.

That alone saved me hours every month.

🔹 Step 2: Layer in a Workflow

Next, I mapped out a basic weekly system:

• Monday: Use GPT to generate a blog post
• Tuesday: Turn it into a video script
• Wednesday: Design social graphics
• Thursday: Schedule emails
• Friday: Analyze what worked

I now had a content machine—powered by AI.

🔹 Step 3: Add a Personal Touch

This is key. I always tweak the AI output. I inject my voice, rephrase awkward parts, and add my own personal stories.

Remember: AI takes care of about 80%. You finish the final 20%.

TL;DR — Here’s What You Can Automate with AI

• Blog posts and product reviews
• Email sequences and newsletters
• Social media graphics and Pinterest pins
• Video content for YouTube or reels
• Customer support chatbots

AI helps you stay visible, scale your reach, and save tons of time—that means you can actually have a life while running your online business!

FAQs About AI & Online Business Automation

Q1: Is AI just for techies?

Not anymore. Most tools are drag-and-drop, copy-paste simple. If you can Google, you can use AI.

Q2: Will my audience notice if I use AI?

Only if you don’t edit. Always personalize and fact-check AI-generated content. By doing that, you are creating content that reflects your brand and voice.

Q3: Can I automate everything?

Not everything, but you can automate about 80% of your workflow. It's up to you to personalize your content and strategy. That’s still your magic.

Q4: What if I don’t know where to start?

Use my free AI tool: Marie Grove's Affiliate Niche Finder to find your perfect, evergreen niche with the highest paying products and programs. This is where you should start!