"I built the app... now what?"

The #1 question I get after someone builds their first AI app.

(And the brutal truth most "build with AI" courses won't tell you...)

You've just spent hours with Claude creating something amazing. Your app works. It looks professional. You're excited.

But then reality hits: How do I actually make money from this?

Most people get stuck here. They built the product but have zero idea how to sell it.

Here's what they don't teach you:

Building the app is only 20% of the equation. Selling it is 80%.

But here's the thing... selling AI-built apps is actually EASIER than selling traditional software.

Why? Because you can move faster, customise quicker, and price more aggressively than any traditional dev shop.

Today, I'm showing you the exact playbook that's helping complete beginners land $5K-$15K projects in their first month.

Also, if you have missed the 4 powerful ways to use Claude AI to build productivity apps without any coding knowledge, check out my previous newsletter.

🚨 The Hidden Gold Mine Everyone's Missing

While everyone's obsessing over which AI tool builds apps faster, smart entrepreneurs discovered something bigger:

Small businesses are desperate for custom software they can actually afford.

The math that changes everything:

• Traditional custom app: $50K-$500K, 3-8 months

• Your AI-built app: $5K-$15K, delivered in days

The gap? Massive.

The opportunity? Even bigger.

Here's what's actually happening right now:

• Local restaurants need booking systems

• Service businesses want client portals

• Agencies require lead generation tools

• Freelancers need project dashboards

They all have the same problem: They can't afford expensive solutions, but they desperately need something better than spreadsheets.

Translation: You're not competing with traditional developers. You're competing with... nothing.

The window is wide open. But it's closing as more people figure this out.

Forget what you think you know about selling software. This isn't about building the next Facebook.

The AI App Selling Playbook:

Stream 1: Custom Solutions

• Build bespoke apps for specific business needs

• Price based on value delivered, not hours worked

• Perfect for: Event platforms, booking systems, internal dashboards

Stream 2: Template Clones

• Create one great app, sell customised versions

• Change branding, fields, and workflows for each client

• Perfect for: Restaurant booking apps, service business portals

Stream 3: Recurring Services

• Maintenance, updates, hosting, support

• The real money-maker: predictable income

• Perfect for: Long-term client relationships

Real Numbers: One person following this system landed 3 clients in their first month:

• Local gym: Custom member portal

• Marketing agency: Lead tracking system

• Restaurant: Reservation system

Total: $26K in month one.

🎯 The "Zero Social Media" Client Acquisition Method

Here's where everyone gets it wrong: They think they need 10K followers to sell apps.

The truth: Your best clients aren't scrolling Instagram. They're running businesses.

The Direct Approach (What Actually Works):

Step 1: Build Your Demo Arsenal 

Create 3-4 working apps in different niches:

• Service booking system

• Event management platform

• Lead capture dashboard

• Client portal template

Step 2: Identify Your Targets

• Local businesses in your area

• Online entrepreneurs you can reach directly

• Companies posting "we need help with..." in business groups

Step 3: The Conversation Starter "I noticed you're still using [manual process/outdated system]. I built a custom app that could automate this for businesses like yours. Can I show you a quick 5-minute demo of how it works?"

Step 4: Demo, Don't Pitch

• Show the working app

• Let them interact with it

• Focus on their specific pain points

• Ask: "What would something like this be worth to your business?"

Why This Works:

• No competition (most people are afraid to reach out)

• High trust (they can see the working solution)

• Clear value (solves their actual problems)

🧠 The Psychology of Selling AI-Built Apps

Secret #1: Never Lead With "I Built This With AI"

Wrong approach: "I used Claude to build this app..." Right approach: "I built a custom solution that..."

They don't care how you built it. They care what it does for them.

Secret #2: Sell Transformation, Not Technology

Wrong: "This app has user authentication and database integration..." Right: "This will save you 10 hours per week and eliminate those spreadsheet errors..."

Secret #3: Price on Value, Not Time

Wrong: "This took me 3 days to build, so..." Right: "Based on what this will save/make you, the investment is..."

Secret #4: Use The "Speed Advantage"

"What used to take companies 6 months and $50K, I can deliver in 2 weeks for a fraction of the cost."

This isn't about being cheap. It's about being FAST and EFFICIENT.

🛠️ Real Client Acquisition Scripts That Work

The LinkedIn Message: "Hi [Name], I noticed [specific observation about their business]. I recently built a custom app for a similar [industry] that automated their [specific process] and saved them [specific outcome]. Would you be interested in a quick 10-minute call to see if something similar could work for your business?"

The Email Follow-Up: "Following up on my message about automating [their process]. I've attached a quick video showing how the system works for [similar business]. If you're interested in seeing how this could work for [their company], I'm happy to set up a brief demo call."

The In-Person Approach: "I help businesses like yours automate [specific process] with custom apps. Most of my clients see [specific benefit] within the first month. Would you be open to a quick demo to see if this could work for your business?"

The Key: Always be specific. Always focus on their outcome.

📈 Advanced Monetisation Strategies

The Portfolio Effect: Build your first app for a local restaurant. Now you have:

• Screenshots for your website

• A case study to reference

• A template to sell to other restaurants

• Proof you can deliver results

The Referral System: "If you know another [type of business] that could benefit from something like this, I'm happy to build them a solution and give you an X referral fee."

The Maintenance Upsell: "For $300/month, I'll handle all updates, hosting, and add any new features you need."

The Industry Specialisation: Become THE person who builds apps for:

• Fitness studios

• Marketing agencies

• Service professionals

• Local restaurants

Pro Tip: One specialised solution beats ten general ones every time.

BEFORE YOU GO

Your AI-built app is worthless sitting on your computer.

But in the hands of the right client? It's worth $5K-$15K.

The difference between those two outcomes isn't your coding skills.

It's your selling skills.

Get my free Claude Dev Toolkit Cheat Sheet to code smarter, not harder.

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