At the moment, I’m excited to share an article from Pete McPherson. Pete has constructed and offered AI-built apps, incomes over $350,000 with out expertise. On this put up, he explains precisely how he did it and how one can get began, too. This may be an fascinating technique to make further earnings! Three years in the past, I used to be a…
At the moment, I’m excited to share an article from Pete McPherson. Pete has constructed and offered AI-built apps, incomes over $350,000 with out expertise. On this put up, he explains precisely how he did it and how one can get began, too. This may be an fascinating technique to make further earnings!
Three years in the past, I used to be a burnt-out creator debating whether or not to return to a “actual job.”
Since then, I’ve…
- “Coded” 8 apps
- Bought 2 software program corporations
- Earned over $350k+ (simply from these).
Whereas working lower than 20 hours every week…
With no developer expertise(!)…
And no huge viewers…
The key?
You guessed it: A.I.
This put up is the “how I did it” story–the errors, technique, and “vibe coding” blueprint.
No fluff. Simply worth.
Let’s roll 👇
What this put up offers you…
This put up explores “vibe-coding.”
- What it’s
- Why it issues
- How one can begin
And whenever you shut this browser tab, I need you to have 3 issues:
- Inspiration 👉 PROOF that these wild alternatives exist
- Data 👉 There’s plenty of TEACHING right here.
- Confidence 👉 My purpose is to make this as NON-TECHY as doable, and I hope you’ve gotten a couple of “a-ha!” moments.
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“Woah Pete. Code? AI? Saas? Sounds techy and overwhelming…”
- Excellent news = You do NOT have to be tremendous techy to “use” this weblog put up
- Dangerous information = There’ll at all times be new phrases & tech to study
I imply, heck…
I’m NOT a skilled developer. I’m a full-time content material creator.
If you happen to’ve discovered WordPress or video enhancing software program, you are able to do this, too.
I’m going to point out you learn how to let AI do all of the laborious stuff for you.
Your job?
- Provide you with concepts
- Chat with AI
- Information the method
This put up will preserve issues lifeless easy.
Beneficial studying: 10 Finest Methods To Use ChatGPT To Make Cash
How I discovered how to do that stuff…
Right here’s my timeline:
October 2016
I stop my accounting job (after 2 years of worry). I take a part-time gig at a small startup so I can spend extra time SIDE-HUSTLING. Get laid off after one paycheck (ruh roh).
June 2017
I launch Do You Even Weblog by accident by recording interviews with money-making bloggers (Thanks, Michelle 🙏). I LOVE THIS WORK SO MUCH!
2017 – 2021
I ran the podcast, YouTube channel, weblog, programs, and a membership! Made sufficient $$$ to outlive. Nonetheless cherished it.
Summer time 2021
Burnout. Boredom. Began OTHER companies (12+ web sites, 3 YouTube channels, 2 podcasts). Selection is sweet. Cash is sweet.
December 2022
My media empire is rockin! I made an in depth plan for 2023. Then ChatGPT releases.
January 2023
Panic. I really feel like AI is the following ‘factor,’ however I’m afraid to drop my whole plan. After a month, I pivot all the pieces to AI.
March 2023
I see a YouTube video the place ChatGPT codes. Thoughts blown. I begin “coding” my first app.
June 2023
I spend LITERALLY 3 MONTHS on this app, and it was some of the troublesome & irritating issues I’ve ever completed, and I solely acquired about 10 paying customers. However I shipped it and I’m proud.
August 2023
I strive once more. This app solely takes 3 WEEKS (what?!) and it instantly grows to $1,000/month in recurring income.
October 2023
FABB AI (stands for Totally Autonomous Weblog Bot) is making about $3k/month, however I’ve a well being emergency and pause ALL my work.
March 2024
I construct Topical Map AI in about 3 DAYS(!) to resolve my very own ache level. Made a couple of grand, then went passive.
April – November 2024
Constructed extra small apps with AI. Took companions for Topical Map AI who promoted it. Income grew to $7-8k/month and it’s principally passive for me.
December 2024
Listed FABB AI for $45,000 “simply to see what occurs” and it sells inside 10 days. Um. What. Didn’t know I may do this.
January 2025 – At the moment
Following the “blueprint” full-time (it’s under!) Created Code Playbook to show others how to do that stuff. Bought Topical Map AI after 10 months of ignoring it (whoops, however yay!). Now I ship apps part-time-ish, make cash, and I’m having the time of my life.
Let’s transfer into “educating mode” for a second 👇
My precise “blueprint” for getting cash:
Listed below are my vibe-coding philosophies (constructed from the previous 2 12 months of craziness):
1 – Construct in Public
All the time develop your private model outdoors of particular companies! Methods go stale and initiatives go away, nevertheless it’s important to have an viewers that follows you within the long-term.
“Construct in public” = share behind-the-scenes. What you’re engaged on, classes discovered, ideas & tips, and so on. This builds your authority and not directly builds curiosity to your subsequent product.
2 – The “Viewers-First” Rule
I don’t construct something until I can clearly see the place my first 10-100 prospects will come from.
Sure, I’ve my Do You Even Weblog viewers (an enormous asset), however I additionally search for methods to achieve new folks. I wish to know this BEFORE I begin work on a product.
3 – The “Concept Abundance” System
Cease ready for “huge concepts” and begin capturing “tiny concepts” DAILY. I preserve an “concept inbox” for simple brain-dumping.
(On the finish of this put up, I’ll share my 3 tips for shortly producing app concepts should you’re caught).
4 – Construct it to Promote
I get bored simply and I don’t get pleasure from advertising and marketing. 2 issues that make “scaling” actually troublesome.
So I begin each challenge asking, “Can I promote this in 12 months?” or “Can I make this 90% passive?” If the reply is not any, I don’t even begin!
I discovered this the laborious manner. I might’ve made more cash if I hadn’t PAUSED each corporations I offered.
5 – The large image for every new challenge
My present course of:
- Month 1 👉 Sloppy MVP and alpha testers
- Month 2 👉 Clear it up and launch the beta at a reduced worth
- Month 3 👉 “Kill or preserve” the challenge. It will get apparent quick.
- Month 4 👉 Create documentation and onboarding.
Every part after that needs to be advertising and marketing.
6 – Leverage companions
I hate advertising and marketing, so I discover companions who’ve the viewers I want!
Associates are good, however fairness companions are SO a lot better. They supply extra vitality, viewers, and even concepts. It’s a surprisingly straightforward pitch!
7 – Construct to promote, half 2
I’ve discovered so much about what consumers search for:
- STABLE income
- A simple transition
- An fascinating model
I construct with these issues in thoughts, in the beginning!
P.S. If you happen to’d relatively watch my blueprint for these steps, I put it on YouTube.
What’s “vibe-coding?”
Vibe-coding = utilizing AI to code.
It’s not about programming languages, frameworks, syntax, and extremely technical stuff…
It’s about…
- Having an concept
- Chatting with an AI about it (therefore the ‘vibe’)
- Letting the AI do all of the HARD work (i.e. the precise coding)
- Going backwards and forwards till it really works 💪
You’ve concepts and handle. AI writes code.
You vibe code backwards and forwards till it WORKS.
No engineering levels. No bootcamps. Simply chatting, testing, tweaking, and SHIPPING.
The instruments I exploit & suggest
First, an essential level: the instruments matter lower than MOMENTUM.
There are new AI coding instruments launched daily, and you must ignore 99% of that.
You’ll actually solely want 3 issues:
- A laptop computer
- An AI code editor
- A bunch
I’ll skip the pc suggestions and get to the enjoyable stuff (additionally, under is a YouTube video the place I dive deeper into my instruments).
An AI code editor
You would possibly see these known as “IDEs,” by the way in which.
All the massive choices have AI baked proper in!
I’ve tried all of them, and I like to recommend utilizing Cursor.
If you happen to’re going to pay for ANY instrument to vibe-code, it’s Cursor, however you may also begin on the free plan!
What about Bolt & Lovable and all these “does all the pieces for you” instruments?
I do NOT suggest them.
It would possibly be simpler to get began, however you get much less management, extra bugs, and extra headache within the long-term. Skip them!
A bunch
Similar to you want a number to your WordPress web site, you want a number to your app web site.
Use Vercel.
One of the best free tier, straightforward GitHub join, quick deploys, and so on. Executed.
VIBE-CODING PRO TIP:
The “finest instrument” is the one you’ll really open and USE. Cut back friction. Use Cursor or Windsurf. Construct stuff each day.
“Pete, what about programming languages? Frameworks? Databases?!”
Who cares?
Let the extra techy builders argue about Python vs Javascript vs Deno vs Bun vs PostgreSQL.
Your prospects don’t care, so long as your app works.
Ask ChatGPT to suggest a “easy, beginner-friendly stack,” after you describe what you need (see under).
Or–you can use my pre-made “package.”
It’s like shopping for a cake combine as an alternative of baking from scratch 🎂
That is the “tech stack” I exploit for each single challenge:
- SvelteKit – Internet-app framework. Makes use of Svelte + JavaScript (AI is aware of it nicely).
- Firebase – Your “backend as a service” aka your database
- Tailwind CSS – The way you fashion your app. AI is aware of this nicely!
- Stripe – For getting that cash 💸
AI can set 95% of this up FOR you!
And for the 5% it might probably’t, it might probably stroll you thru it.
Easy methods to vibe-code your first app, step-by-step
Right here’s the 30,000-foot overview of the method I exploit for each app I construct.
1 – Arrange your laptop
There’s one guide factor to do earlier than you vibe code–organising your laptop!
It’s like connecting your Tremendous Nintendo console to your TV earlier than you’ll be able to play.
You solely have to do that as soon as.
AND…AI can stroll you thru it step-by-step
- Discover the “terminal” in your laptop (Google can present you ways!)
- Set up Cursor
- Set up each Node.js and npm (AI can do that)
- Join a free GitHub account
2 – Ask AI to arrange your app (with a starter template)
First, I like to recommend chatting with ChatGPT/Claude about your challenge…
- Clarify the concept
- Clarify any options you need
- Clarify–all the pieces
Ask it for suggestions–in addition to what “framework” or “tech stack” you must use.
You then’ll immediate AI (in Cursor) to set it up!
- (Non-obligatory) Find the documentation to your app framework (SvelteKit is right here, for instance) Copy/Paste the URL for the documentation to your AI
- Immediate AI to arrange a brand new challenge (give it your particulars, just like the title, and so on.)
- Troubleshoot errors with AI
- Get your challenge working “regionally” (in your laptop) and take a look at it with the humorous URL that your AI offers you.
This proves your native setup is working!
VIBE-CODING PRO TIP:
Even seasoned builders get errors CONSTANTLY! That’s the job. Construct, fail, repair, repeat. Don’t be discouraged whenever you get errors. It occurs on a regular basis within the coding world! Plus, AI is nice at fixing errors.
Technically, you constructed an app! Congrats!
Now let’s deploy it to the web.
3 – Deploy it to the web
“Deploy” simply means “hook up with a number, who serves your app to web site guests.”
- Create a free Vercel account
- “Commit” your code in git (AI can do that for you)
- Create a “distant repository” in your GitHub dashboard, then copy/paste the code snippet again in your terminal–this can add your code to GitHub
- In Vercel, create a brand new challenge and “join” it to your new GitHub repo
- (Non-obligatory) Add a customized area title within the Vercel challenge settings!
If all goes nicely–your app is now stay on the web!!
If it doesn’t go nicely, chat with AI about it 🤷♂️
4 – Construct options with the “AI Coding Loop”
Now you’re able to construct YOUR factor.
Under is my strategy of coding something.
Begin with the boring options first (header, footer, login and logout) OR begin with no matter you’re enthusiastic about constructing (to maintain momentum)!
The “AI Coding Loop,” defined
That is the core vibe coding course of:
1 – Plan
Chat together with your AI (no code but!) about what you wish to construct.
Brainstorm. Go nuts. Dream up cool stuff.
- What’s the concept?
- What would you like it to seem like?
- What 2-3 options must you begin with?
Give AI as a lot context & element as doable, then ask it to create a plan for implementation.
Commute with AI till you’re glad with the plan.
2 – Implement
Ask AI to construct it.
Seize espresso whilst you wait.
3 – Take a look at it
Mainly, use your app.
TRY to interrupt it.
You will get errors. Feed them again to AI instantly, then once more, then once more…till it really works.
If AI is actually failing, you’ll be able to Google the error, get assist in any vibe-coding communities, or delete all the pieces the AI simply did and begin over.
4 – Repeat
A characteristic is working with no errors?
You probably did it!
- Save your work (utilizing Git. You’ll wish to watch 15 minutes of YouTube movies. Or AI can do it for you 🤪)
- Perform a little dance
- Transfer on to the following factor
Growth!
The advertising and marketing methods I’ve discovered handiest
Truthfully, this might be its personal article (or three)…
On one hand, you’ll be able to market a Saas like every digital or bodily product.
However, there are a few methods which can be uniquely efficient for apps.
1 – Private viewers (duh)
Okay, this isn’t distinctive, nevertheless it’s SO essential.
Construct a private model that may comply with you for the long-term!
- If you have already got an viewers, improbable!
- If not, begin at the moment together with your current social media channels and an e-mail checklist.
Share behind-the-scenes. Classes discovered. Even a small following can kickstart early traction.
2 – Companions (Fairness and all the pieces)
I hate advertising and marketing, so this has been my go-to technique.
Discover anyone who has your audience, and persuade them to companion with you.
This “pitch” is tough for many digital merchandise, however surprisingly simpler for Saas:
- I construct the app, present help, and run all the pieces (i.e. 97% of the work)
- YOU advertise every time the chance arises
- We cut up month-to-month income 50/50, and after we ultimately promote the app!
I’ve completed this twice, and it’s an exquisite association!
Simply do not forget that partnerships actually are like marriage. It helps if the individual(s) already, and get all the pieces in writing! (your position, their position, obligations, and so on!)
3 – Associates
Associates are by no means going to be as incentivized as fairness companions–however there’s far much less competitors for selling Saas merchandise.
Get your first few prospects, collect some testimonials, then associates may have a better time saying “sure.”
4 – Chilly Outreach
I’ve NEVER steered chilly emailing folks as a technique, till now.
The marketplace for programs, podcast visitors, and so on, is saturated, however apps simply have a special vibe (for now).
“Hey! I made a course…” is a very lame chilly e-mail.
“Hey! I run an app known as Record Gadget…” looks like an even bigger deal.
Chilly outreach isn’t enjoyable (should you’re like me, that’s), however there’s a window of alternative for this technique.
QUICK NOTE:
“Pete, what about launching on Product Hunt? Hacker Midday? Reddit?”
If you happen to’re already plugged into these communities, go for it.
However for most individuals? It’s not well worth the effort. I’ve been dissatisfied with each “Product Hunt launch” I’ve tried.
Deal with discovering your audience immediately (and dealing with individuals who have already got them)!
3 Methods to “provide you with app concepts”
If you happen to’re sitting right down to “consider a enterprise concept,” you’re doing it incorrect.
As an alternative, develop the behavior of recognizing alternatives in on a regular basis life.
Maintain an “concept inbox” in your notes the place you’ll be able to shortly braindump random concepts. Do that DAILY, should you can.
That mentioned…
Listed below are three particular strategies to kickstart your mind with concepts:
1 – Scratch your individual itch
The simplest methodology ever–whenever you domesticate the mindset of noticing whenever you really feel ache or frustration.
Practice your self to acknowledge these “Oh, that is annoying” moments. You’ll begin seeing app concepts in all places.
2 – “Unbundle” Large Apps
Large corporations like Hubspot, Ahrefs, or Google Office pack in 1,000 options into their apps.
What should you took simply ONE of these options, and turned it right into a standalone app?
I solely used the “Web site Explorer” characteristic in Ahrefs, and I discovered myself wishing it was a standalone app.
Within the instruments you employ, what options are you paying for however aren’t utilizing?
Which apps are overcomplicated?
3 – Undercut Overpriced Apps
5 years in the past, paying $10/month for Calendly was completely affordable.
Now? I may construct my very own Calendly in a day or two. Why ought to I pay?
I constructed a (free) note-taking app, Bulletfinity.com, in 10 days, as a result of I didn’t wish to spend $10/month for its rivals.
The KEY for this technique is to deal with apps that don’t price so much to run, i.e. they’re very scalable.
8 Assets to degree up and get help
Have I piqued your curiosity (and/or overwhelmed you)? I hope so 😎
There’s clearly extra to this vibe-coding enterprise than what you’ll be able to study in a weblog put up, so listed here are a number of free & paid sources to go deeper:
- Vibe-Coding for Full Freshmen: How It All Matches Collectively: A free 5-day mini course – that is the next move!
- Code Playbook (course): That is my vibe-coding course that’ll stroll you thru each step, and supply a personal Discord group the place you will get assist
- Code Playbook YouTube: I additionally launch free movies on that YouTube channel. Go subscribe 🎥
- “Make” e book: That is a web-based e book (a very cool format btw) by “ranges.io”, the founding father of NomadList, RemoteOK, and extra–that was launched BEFORE the AI craze, however is improbable for future indie builders.
- My weekly publication: It’s informal, however I share all the pieces I’m doing!
- Different folks to comply with: Marc Lou, Ian Nuttall, Internet Ninja on YouTube for excellent free coding programs (not likely vibe-coding, however nonetheless)
- The documentation for no matter AI agent you employ! Instance: the Claude Code documentation is SO HELPFUL. Select your instrument, then bookmark their docs!
- My e-mail tackle: I’m not a mega-influencer who will get 10,000 emails a day. E mail me together with your questions–or simply say howdy! Pete (at) doyouevenblog (dot) com 😎
Is your mind reeling with concepts?
(or overwhelmed on the potentialities? That’s completely okay, too).
I hope you loved this put up 😉
Ciao!
~Pete
Writer bio: Pete McPherson left the company world in 2017 to grow to be a full-time on-line entrepreneur, constructing 20+ worthwhile manufacturers, two of which he efficiently offered. Over time, his work has reached hundreds of thousands of individuals by means of YouTube, podcasts, and blogs, amassing over 4,000,000 YouTube views and 3,000,000 podcast downloads. At the moment, Pete teaches creators and entrepreneurs by means of Code Playbook, his program and YouTube channel devoted to serving to folks construct and launch apps with AI.
Have you ever ever considered constructing your individual app with AI? What sort of instrument or drawback would you wish to create one for?
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