I Used an AI Code Assistant to Start a $300 Side Hustle in a Week

I Used an AI Code Assistant to Start a $300 Side Hustle in a Week

If you had told me a month ago that I could earn $300 in just one week—without being a programmer—I would’ve laughed.

But that’s exactly what happened when I discovered the power of AI code assistants.

I’m not a software engineer. In fact, before last month, the most I’d done with code was mess around with a WordPress plugin. But thanks to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and Replit Ghostwriter, it’s now easier than ever to jump into the world of coding—even if you're a complete beginner.

Let me take you through how I turned this tech trend into a real side hustle that made me $300 in just seven days.

Day 1: The Lightbulb Moment

I was scrolling through YouTube and stumbled upon a video titled “Make Passive Income with AI Tools (No Experience Needed).” Skeptical but curious, I watched it.

The creator explained how AI code assistants can write simple web apps, automations, and scripts for clients—even if you’re not a developer. The key? Knowing how to prompt properly and sell to the right market.

That night, I signed up for Replit and GitHub Copilot, then watched a few basic tutorials on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Day 2–3: Testing the Waters

Using ChatGPT, I prompted:

“Write a simple HTML/JavaScript web app that calculates BMI.”

In seconds, I had a clean, functioning BMI calculator. I customized the colors and layout with some help from the AI, then posted a screenshot in a Facebook entrepreneur group with this caption:

“Just built this BMI calculator using AI—any personal trainers or fitness coaches want a custom version with their logo?”

By the end of the day, two people messaged me.

I offered $50 for a fully branded version, with colors, logos, and contact buttons. One accepted immediately.

Day 4–5: Scaling Up

Encouraged by the response, I created a small portfolio using Notion and showcased my work: BMI calculator, tip calculator, and a basic quote generator.

Then I joined Reddit communities, Discord servers, and Facebook groups where entrepreneurs hang out—especially those who need digital tools but don’t have the time or budget for a full developer.

I created a basic pricing model:

Simple branded tool: $50

Interactive landing page: $100

Custom script (like automation for spreadsheets): $75

I also added “Built with AI to save you time and money” in my pitch. That line clicked with people.

Day 6–7: $300 Earned 🎉

By Day 7, I had sold:

2 branded calculators ($100 total)

1 landing page for a fitness coach ($100)

1 Google Sheets automation script ($100)

Total: $300 in my PayPal account.

Most of the coding was handled by ChatGPT and Copilot. My job was to edit, test, and tweak things based on what the client wanted. I spent 2–3 hours a day tops.

What I Learned

AI doesn’t replace skill—it supercharges beginners.

I didn’t need to be a professional coder, just someone willing to learn and apply.

People care about solutions, not tech.

Most clients didn’t ask how I built it. They just wanted tools that worked.

Prompting is everything.

The better your AI prompts, the better your results. I learned to ask:

“Give me clean, mobile-friendly code with comments and customizable colors.”

Final Thoughts

AI code assistants aren’t just toys for developers. They’re keys to unlocking fast, practical income—especially if you’re creative, proactive, and willing to solve problems.

This week changed how I think about money, tech, and opportunity.

If you’re sitting on the sidelines, wondering if AI can actually make you money…

The answer is YES. You just need to take the first step—like I did.

“AI didn’t steal my job—it gave me one I never thought I could have.”

By [Kevin]