AI副業

How to Start an AI Agent Side Business [2025 Guide] Earning Money with Autonomous AI

January 2025

"I've heard about AI agents, but how can I use them for a side business?" - a question many people have.

From late 2024 into 2025, AI agents have been gaining rapid attention. Unlike conversational AI like ChatGPT or Claude, AI agents execute tasks autonomously on your behalf.

This article explains the types of AI agent side businesses and how to get started. We cover everything from methods that don't require programming skills to higher-paying technical projects.

*AI agent technology is evolving rapidly, so please check each service's official website for the latest information.

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What Are AI Agents? How They Differ from Traditional AI

AI agents are fundamentally different from traditional chatbots. Their key feature is that when given a goal, they create their own plan and execute multiple steps independently.

Traditional AI vs AI Agents

Feature Traditional AI (ChatGPT, etc.) AI Agents
Operation Mode Single question-answer exchange Goal-Plan-Execute-Verify loop
Autonomy Waits for instructions Makes decisions and acts independently
Tool Integration Limited Web search, APIs, file operations, and more
Complex Tasks Requires step-by-step instructions Can complete with a single instruction

Popular AI Agent Tools

Claude (Anthropic)

The Computer Use feature enables PC operation automation. Designed with safety in mind, making it suitable for business applications.

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Create custom agents with the GPTs feature. Combine plugins to automate various tasks.

AutoGPT / AgentGPT

Open-source autonomous AI agents. Highly customizable but requires technical knowledge.

Microsoft Copilot

Integrates with Microsoft 365 to automate Office tasks. Widely adopted in enterprise environments.

5 Types of AI Agent Side Businesses

AI agent side businesses can be broadly categorized into 5 types. Choose based on the balance of difficulty and compensation.
*Compensation figures are general estimates and individual results may vary.

1. Business Automation Services

Difficulty: Low-Medium

Automate routine tasks for businesses and entrepreneurs using AI agents. No programming required to get started.

Earnings Potential

$200-700/month per client

Recurring contracts lead to stable income

Services You Can Offer

  • - Email automation (standard replies, sorting)
  • - Social media post generation and scheduling
  • - Data entry and organization automation
  • - Invoice and quote generation
  • - Customer support chatbot setup

Tools to Use

Zapier + ChatGPT Make (formerly Integromat) Microsoft Power Automate

Tip: Start by reaching out to friends who run small businesses. Propose ideas like "I can automate this monthly task with AI."

2. Custom GPTs Creation and Sales

Difficulty: Medium

Create specialized custom GPTs for specific purposes and sell or provide them to businesses and individuals.

Earnings Potential

$350-2,000 per project

Varies by complexity and specialization

Popular GPT Examples

  • - Industry-specific sales email creator
  • - Legal/contract review GPT
  • - Interview question generator
  • - E-commerce product description writer
  • - Meeting minutes summarizer with action items

Note: OpenAI's GPT Store offers monetization opportunities for popular GPTs. However, competition is fierce, so specializing in niche areas is key to success.

3. AI Agent Development (Technical)

Difficulty: High

Build custom AI agent systems for enterprises. These are advanced projects requiring programming skills.

Earnings Potential

$2,000-7,000+ per project

Varies significantly by scope and requirements

Required Skills

Python LangChain API Integration Prompt Engineering

Note: High-paying but high responsibility. Knowledge of security and data privacy is also essential.

4. AI Agent Implementation Consulting

Difficulty: Medium

Serve as an advisor for companies implementing AI agents. Focus on business analysis and recommendations rather than technical implementation.

Earnings Potential

$35-140/hour

Varies by expertise and track record

Main Services

  • - Workflow analysis and automation opportunity identification
  • - Optimal AI agent tool selection
  • - Implementation planning
  • - Employee training sessions

5. AI Agent Education and Content Creation

Difficulty: Medium

Teach others how to use AI agents or create tutorial content.

Earnings Potential

$70-350 per video, $700-3,500 per course

Varies by platform and following

Monetization Methods

  • - Online courses on Udemy, Skillshare
  • - YouTube tutorials (ad revenue)
  • - Corporate training sessions
  • - E-books and paid newsletter content

How to Start an AI Agent Side Business [5 Steps]

Here are the concrete steps to start an AI agent side business from scratch.

1

Start by Automating Your Own Tasks

Before offering services to others, automate your own daily tasks with AI agents. Start with familiar activities like drafting emails, schedule management, and information gathering.

Sign up for ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) and try the GPTs feature

2

Master No-Code Tools

Learn no-code automation tools like Zapier and Make. Combining these with AI allows you to build powerful automation systems without programming.

Learn the basics from YouTube tutorials (free is sufficient)

3

Build Your Portfolio (Free or Low-Cost)

Start by offering free or low-cost services to acquaintances or small businesses to build your track record and case studies. Specific results like "Automated X task and saved 10 hours monthly" are crucial.

Reach out to entrepreneur friends or list services on Fiverr at low prices

4

Build Your Portfolio

Compile your automation system case studies on Notion or a website. Clearly document "what problem," "how you solved it," and "what results were achieved."

5

Start Acquiring Real Clients

Find projects on Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, or build direct client relationships through LinkedIn and X (Twitter) outreach.

Skills Needed for AI Agent Side Businesses

Essential Skills

  • - Prompt Design: Ability to give precise instructions to AI
  • - Business Analysis: Eye for identifying automation opportunities
  • - Communication: Ability to understand client challenges
  • - No-Code Tool Proficiency: Basic Zapier, Make operations

Beneficial Skills

  • + Python Programming: Needed for advanced customization
  • + API Integration Knowledge: Connecting various services
  • + Industry Expertise: Healthcare, legal, finance specializations
  • + Security Knowledge: Important for enterprise clients

Risks and Considerations for AI Agent Side Businesses

Be Careful with Data Privacy

When inputting client confidential data into AI, handle it with extreme care. Sign NDAs and clearly define data storage and deletion policies.

Always Verify AI Output

AI agents are not perfect. Delivering results without human review risks including incorrect information or inappropriate content.

Technology Evolves Rapidly

AI agent technology is advancing quickly. What you learn today might be outdated in six months. Continuous learning is essential.

Check Terms of Service

Verify that commercial use is permitted under each AI service's terms of service. Violating terms risks account suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start without programming skills?

Yes, you can provide AI agent automation services using no-code tools like Zapier and Make without programming. However, having Python knowledge is advantageous for taking on more advanced projects.

What are the startup costs?

At minimum, just ChatGPT Plus ($20/month). For serious work, you'll also need paid plans for Zapier ($20+/month) and Make ($10+/month). Budget around $35-70/month total.

Which industries have the most demand?

Industries with high demand include real estate, recruitment, e-commerce, and consulting. Industries with many routine tasks and slower IT adoption have the greatest automation potential.

What's the future outlook for this side business?

The AI agent market is growing rapidly, with predictions of reaching trillions by 2030. Early entry offers significant advantages, but continuous learning is essential due to rapid technological change.

Summary: Start Your AI Agent Side Business

AI agents are one of the most exciting areas of AI adoption from 2025 onwards.

Even without programming skills, you can get started using no-code tools. Begin by automating your own tasks, then gradually develop your service offerings.

3 Things to Do Today

  1. 1. Sign up for ChatGPT Plus and try GPTs
  2. 2. Learn automation basics with Zapier's free plan
  3. 3. List daily tasks that could be automated

The AI agent side business field is just beginning. Getting in now gives you the opportunity to gain first-mover advantage.

Start Your AI Agent Side Business

Begin by learning the basics of AI tools

ChatGPT Side Business Guide How to Start an AI Side Business