How to Make Money From AI Automations (Even If You’re Not a Developer)

I started learning AI automations while on maternity leave with my second child. Even though I had been a software developer years ago, I’d spent several years working in product management far removed from daily coding or automation work. But during those quiet moments between feedings, naps, and trying to juggle everything else, I began experimenting with simple AI workflows. I wasn’t trying to build a business or reinvent my entire career. I just wanted to save time.

What surprised me was how quickly those “little experiments” turned into something much bigger.

If there’s one shift happening quietly but consistently this year, it’s this:

AI automation is becoming one of the easiest and most flexible ways to make money online but most people are still sleeping on it.

Not because the tech is hard. But because most people overthink it.

The truth is, you don’t need to build a full SaaS product, train your own model, or be a developer. Many people making real income right now are doing it with simple automations that solve repetitive problems for businesses.

And because of that simplicity, AI automation opens multiple income paths not just one.

Let’s break them down.

Why AI Automation Pays So Well
Businesses lose countless hours each week doing repetitive tasks ie. responding to emails, updating spreadsheets, scheduling reminders, processing leads, managing content, and handling endless admin work. They know these tasks drain their time, but most don’t have the skill, energy, or interest to automate anything themselves.

So when you show them an automation that saves time, cuts costs, and runs 24/7 without human error, the value becomes obvious. They’re not paying for “AI.” They’re paying for relief, consistency, and their time back. That’s why automation builders quickly find themselves with repeat clients and steady recurring income.

And the demand is growing faster every day.

6 Ways You Can Start Making Money With AI Automations
1. Build Micro-Automations for Businesses ($150–$500 per setup)
One of the easiest places to start is by building small automations that solve a single problem. These may only take an hour or two to create, but they can save a business many hours every week.

Think email follow-up agents, weekly summary bots, automated invoicing reminders, lead qualification workflows, or TikTok/YouTube repurposing automations. Simple to build high value delivered.

I break down examples of these on my YouTube channel: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@ThisAIToolDoesThat

2. Sell Pre-Built Automation Templates ($20–$200 each)
If you want passive income, templates are a great way to go. You build once and sell over and over again.

Popular templates include CRM onboarding flows, customer FAQ agents, content repurposing systems, email triage assistants, and real estate lead routing automations. Creators and small business owners love templates because they’re easy to install and save hours of setup.

Browse template inspiration here: 👉 https://ko-fi.com/lennyintech/shop

Download free templates inside my free Skool community: 👉 https://www.skool.com/thisaitooldoesthat-8281

3. Offer “AI Automation as a Service” ($300–$2,000/month)
This is where you start seeing consistent, predictable income.

In this model, you act as a business’s “AI Ops partner.” You maintain their automations, improve prompts, fix issues, add new workflows, and ensure everything runs reliably. Instead of one-off projects, this becomes ongoing monthly revenue.

For many businesses, it’s far more affordable than hiring a full-time automation employee.

4. Start an AI Automation Agency
If you want to scale beyond freelancing, an agency is the next step.

You can specialize in a niche real estate, e-commerce, healthcare practices, local businesses, coaches, or content creators and offer complete automation packages. These may include voice agents, lead management systems, content-generation workflows, and internal business automations.

You control the pricing, the services, and the level of support. Many agencies start with one person and grow naturally as demand increases.

5. Freelance as an AI Automation Specialist
Freelancing is perfect if you prefer flexibility or want to get started quickly.

Businesses are actively hiring automation specialists who understand tools like N8N , Make.com, OpenAI Agents, Copilot Studio, Vapi, Retell AI, and other workflow platforms. They’re searching for people who can build fast, effective automations that provide real value and they’re looking on Upwork, Fiverr, Contra, and LinkedIn every day.

And if you happen to be looking for someone to build automations for you or your business, I’m your girl. You can learn more about my work and services here: 👉 https://thisaitooldoesthat.com/

Freelancing lets you grow at your own pace while building your portfolio and income.

6. Use AI Automation to Accelerate Your Career Growth
This path is often overlooked but incredibly powerful.

Inside companies, people who understand automation quickly become more valuable and more visible. They become the “problem solvers” the ones who eliminate inefficiencies, streamline workflows, and introduce new capabilities that help the entire team operate better. This often leads to promotions and leadership opportunities.

If you want a structured introduction to building your first AI agent, my LinkedIn Learning course is a great place to start: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/build-your-first-ai-assistant-with-openai-agent-builder-no-code-required/automate-your-9-to-5-with-openai-agent-builder?u=0

What Tools Should You Start With?
You don’t need to learn everything. Start with one or two tools that feel intuitive to you. Popular options include:

N8N
Make.com
OpenAI Agent Builder
The Copilot Studio
Vapi / Retell AI
ElevenLabs
Consistency is more important than mastering every platform.

Where to Learn, Build, and Get Support
Join My Free Skool Community
Access free templates, workflow examples, discussions, and support: https://www.skool.com/thisaitooldoesthat-8281

Join the Waitlist for My High-Impact AI Automation Membership
Advanced workflows, expert workshops, deep dives, and accountability: https://tinyurl.com/thisaitoolsdoesthat

Final Thought
AI isn’t replacing people. People who use AI are replacing people who don’t.

And if I was able to learn AI automation while juggling mummy duties, newborn sleep schedules, and everything that comes with raising two little ones, then you absolutely can too. You don’t need perfect timing, a tech background, or hours of free time. You just need to start even in small moments.

Automation gives you options:

Start a business
Freelance
Sell templates
Earn recurring income
Grow your career
Develop in-demand skills
Work from anywhere
And the best part?

You are still early.