AI automation builds for small businesses
| Startup cost | $0–$100 |
|---|---|
| Hours / week | ~10 |
| Skill level | Intermediate |
| Tools | Zapier/Make or n8n, ChatGPT/Claude API |
| First step to first customer | Fix one broken lead flow for a business you know; charge a build fee + monthly retainer. |
| Real proof | Reddit: $75K selling AI automations to 18 clients, 8 on retainers ↗ Figures are self-reported by the linked source unless noted. |