AI tools have become more accessible than ever, and consumer confidence in AI-driven services is soaring. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for those savvy enough to leverage AI to make money on the side.

Many bloggers and podcasters, for example, are quickly adopting artificial intelligence as a critical tool to help them produce content faster. But how do you go from using ChatGPT as a fun party trick to actually making money using AI? 

Good news! It’s not about replacing your artistic vision—it’s about expanding it with a bit of digital wizardry. In this list, we explore 11 ideas for using AI tools, from content creation to automating tasks to save you time. 

1. AI in Freelance Writing

Freelance writers provide clients with advertising copy, blog articles, ghostwriting projects, technical writing and more. Writers can use AI for research to find the most relevant articles, journals, and data. 

You can also use AI to quickly create outlines, break through writer’s block, or figure out clear ways to communicate complex ideas. AI-powered tools like Grammarly can also help improve writing skills and catch those sneaky spelling and grammar errors. 

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2. AI in Bookkeeping

Tools like Quickbooks and Xero help you save time in your bookkeeping side gig. These powerful applications offer comprehensive features powered by AI, including expense tracking, invoicing, and financial reporting. 

Their automation features learn from your behavior to streamline tasks. AI can also produce reports that analyze spending habits and recommend ways to save money, and you can offer this as an additional service to your clients.

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Learn the skills and strategies necessary to start making money as a bookkeeper today. 

3. AI in Proofreading

With everyone from influencers to massive corporations churning out tons of content daily, the demand for sharp-eyed proofreaders is sky-high, which makes it a great side business. As a proofreader, you can have an AI tool spot misplaced apostrophes and missing Oxford commas incredibly fast. 

AI editing tools like Hemingway Editor highlight not just the obvious typos, but also point out passive voice, complex sentences that could be simplified, and even suggest more vibrant synonyms to spice up your prose.

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4. AI in E-Commerce

If you run an online store, you can use AI to provide customers with a chatbot that’s always available, and ready to answer their questions. It’s the kind of round-the-clock service that customers expect of well-established stores and can elevate your store’s professionalism.

AI also gets to know what your customers like and what they’re likely to want next, offering suggestions that feel tailor-made. This isn’t just about boosting sales—it’s about creating an experience that feels personal and thoughtful, something every shopper loves.

AI can also manage your inventory, predict trends, and help you stock up on what’s going to be hot and scale back on what’s not. This way, you’re not just reacting to the market; you’re staying a step ahead.

5. AI in YouTube Videos

AI can help YouTubers cut down on production time. By analyzing your past videos and the ones trending in your niche, AI can suggest content ideas or even generate scripts. This means you’re always on the pulse of what’s hot, without having to spend all day scrolling through YouTube.

AI-powered video editing tools can trim the fluff from your videos, ensuring tight, engaging content that keeps viewers hooked. They can also add effects or transitions and even match the video pace with the mood of the music. 

Launching a new YouTube channel is not a get-rich-quick business even with AI. Consider offering your editing or scripting services to an established channel as an entry point into the business, or check out our article on how to create a YouTube channel and make money.

6. AI in Social Media Management

Did you know AI can automate repetitive tasks like scheduling posts or tracking engagement? This can be a huge time-saver for social media managers and content creators who must deliver consistently. 

AI can also help identify the best times to post, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement. Plus, with sentiment analysis, you can quickly gauge the mood of your followers toward your content, allowing for rapid adjustments to keep your audience resonating and engaged. 

7. AI in Tutoring

If you’re a teacher, you probably already know that online tutoring can be a flexible side gig you can fit around your schedule. With AI-driven tools that personalize learning paths and give real-time feedback to students, you can create an educational experience that’s highly effective and in high demand.

Platforms like Coursera use chatbots to assist students in self-paced learning, while others like Grammarly use AI to provide real-time feedback on writing assignments. Embracing AI in your tutoring sessions can help you offer a personalized and interactive learning experience for your students.

8. AI in Fitness Coaching 

Life coaching, fitness training, or goal setting can all benefit from AI’s analytical power. By using AI to track progress and recommend tailored plans to clients, you can increase the efficiency and success rates of your coaching services.

Plus, with the growing popularity of virtual coaching, AI can help you connect and engage with clients from the comfort of home. CoachAccountable allows for seamless client management, offering features like progress tracking and automated reminders, all backed by data analytics for better insight into your clients’ journeys. 

9. AI in Graphic Design

AI design platforms can effectively aid graphic designers and artists with tasks ranging from logo-making to pattern generation. By marrying your creative eye with AI’s visual effects, you can provide your clients with high-caliber work in record time.

Tools like Adobe Sensei and CorelDRAW Graphics Suite use AI to assist with tasks such as image restoration, automatic colorization, and even font recognition.

10. AI in Website Design

AI is amping up the website design industry by making the creation of beautiful, user-friendly sites faster and more accessible. When you’re trying to deliver a site on a tight deadline, AI tools can suggest layouts based on the content you input, optimize images for faster load times, and even make color scheme suggestions that pop. 

These tools even learn from your choices, becoming more aligned with your design style over time.

11. AI in Photography

AI-powered editing tools can transform a photographer’s post-processing workflow. Imagine tweaking your images to perfection with just a few clicks, from adjusting lighting to smoothing out imperfections. 

AI is also like a magical assistant who can sort and organize your massive photo library. Instead of spending hours tagging and filing, AI can automate the whole process, recognizing faces, scenery, and even emotions to categorize your shots.

6 Steps to Help You Make Money With AI

While these AI-powered hustles sound exciting, you still need a clear plan to use them to your advantage. Here are 6 steps to help you incorporate AI in a way that saves you time and money.

  1. Determine your AI skill set. Think of AI as an extension of your talents that you use to enhance your current skills or services. If you consider yourself to be a lousy writer, AI won’t turn you into Stephen King. But if you’re already a decent artist or photographer, then using AI to make your visual creations better might feel natural.
  2. Research your niche. Understand the market for your chosen side hustle. How are your competitors using AI? What AI tools could you integrate to create a unique selling point
  3. Choose the right AI tools. Select the AI tools that best align with your goals and skill set. Consider tools that are user-friendly, with ample support and resources.
  4. Learn and experiment. Invest time in learning how to effectively use the AI tools. Experiment with different features to understand their full potential.
  5. Market your AI expertise. Don’t hide your AI skills. Highlight your AI proficiency in your marketing materials. Discuss the benefits of AI in your field with potential clients to demonstrate your expertise. 
  6. Maintain your AI knowledge. AI is rapidly evolving, and your hustles should too. Stay updated with the latest AI trends to remain competitive and relevant.

Final Words on How To Make Money With AI

Artificial intelligence is no longer a dream concept from a futuristic sci-fi movie; it’s available right here and now to help entrepreneurs boost their income. By weaving AI into the fabric of your side hustles, you’ll not only multiply your revenue streams but also future-proof your entrepreneur endeavors against an increasingly automated world. Jobs like Proofreading and Bookkeeping are here to stay for the long run, and AI can help you succeed in these fields.

The opportunities are endless, but the key to success lies in understanding the tools at your disposal and using them to complement – not replace – your human touch. Think of AI tools as a partner in your innovation, not a substitute for originality and hard work.

FAQs

Do I need to be a tech whiz to use AI in my side hustle?

Not at all. Many AI tools available today are designed to be user-friendly and require minimal technical know-how to operate.

Is it expensive to integrate AI into a side hustle?

Not necessarily. Many AI tools offer free or low-cost entry-level plans, and the return on investment can be substantial.

Is it ethical to use AI in a side hustle?

Ethical consideration is crucial. Always ensure that the AI tools you use respect privacy, adhere to laws, and offer value without bias. Be transparent with your customers about your use of AI.