It’s Time We Had an Honest Conversation About Monetizing AI

Let’s be real—everywhere you look, someone is shouting about how to make money with AI.

Over the past months, I’ve asked myself same question repeatedly: “How do I make money with AI?”

And honestly? Most of the advice out there isn’t worth your time. You’ve seen the flashy YouTube videos promising instant riches. You know the ones—“Make $10k overnight with this one AI tool!” But let’s cut through the noise:

Those strategies are rarely sustainable.

Now, I’m not saying AI isn’t amazing. It absolutely is. Tools like ChatGPT and MidJourney have changed the way I work—they’ve boosted my productivity, saved me time, and allowed me to get more done without relying on others.

But here’s the thing: knowing how to extract value from AI is where the real opportunity lies. And that’s where most people get stuck.

Chasing Short-Term Wins vs. Building Long-Term Value

A lot of people jump straight to the wrong mentality: “How do I make money with this, fast?”

The truth? Quick wins don’t last. Markets with low barriers to entry—where anyone can jump in—get oversaturated fast.

Think about it:

- Easy entry means more competition.

- More competition means lower profits.

Sure, you can make money in these markets, but you’ll either need to be exceptional or get there before everyone else.

Real value lies in high-barrier markets. These are the spaces where knowledge, skill, and effort create opportunities most people can’t touch.

Five Sustainable Ways to Monetize AI

Let’s skip the fluff and go straight into what actually works.

1. Arbitrage

This is about using AI tools like MidJourney to offer services more efficiently—think logo design or YouTube thumbnails.

While it sounds appealing, it’s not a long-term play.

Why? The market gets saturated fast, and new entrants undercut prices, making profitability tough to maintain.

2. Print-on-Demand (POD)

POD is a great entry point if you’re new to online business. AI tools can help you create stunning designs quickly.

But here’s the catch: it’s not just about the design. The real work lies in learning how to market your products and get them in front of buyers.

3. Small Agencies

Small businesses often struggle to keep up with technology. That’s where you come in. By using AI to streamline their marketing, branding, or operations, you can provide a service they need—and will gladly pay for. It’s about offering real value, not just selling a quick fix.

4. Content Creation

Creators using tools like MidJourney and Runway can produce high-quality work at a fraction of the cost. The challenge? Distribution. Even the best content needs an audience to thrive. But if you’re willing to put in the effort to build your platform, the payoff is huge.

5. Integration Consulting

This is where you combine your knowledge of AI tools and workflows to help businesses save time and resources. Becoming an integrator takes effort—you’ll need to learn, adapt, and engage with clients. But for those willing to go the extra mile, it’s one of the most lucrative opportunities out there.

So, here’s the question: Are you chasing quick wins, or are you ready to create something sustainable?

Whether it’s bringing your dream project to life, helping businesses unlock value, or building your own AI-driven brand, the opportunities are endless.

Warmly,

Paul Rose