How I Used ChatGPT and Midjourney to Build a $1M AI Business from Scratch
The AI revolution isn’t coming — it’s already here. In 2023, I started with zero capital, no technical co-founder, and just two tools: ChatGPT and Midjourney.
By 2025, that tiny idea evolved into a $1M AI-powered business with customers across the US and Europe. Here’s exactly how I did it — and how you can make money with ChatGPT and launch your own AI business.
Why AI Businesses Are Booming in 2025
With tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney getting better every month, entrepreneurs can:
- Create content at scale
- Automate customer communication
- Design visuals in seconds
- Build and test product ideas 10x faster
💡 The barrier to entry has never been lower. Your imagination is now your greatest asset.
Step 1: Idea Validation with ChatGPT
I used ChatGPT to:
- Brainstorm product ideas in underserved markets.
- Research pain points via real-time prompts.
- Write landing page copy and Facebook ads.
Within 72 hours, I had:
✅ A validated product
✅ A working landing page
✅ Ad creatives ready to test
Tools Used:
- ChatGPT Plus
- Typeform for lead capture
- Framer for landing page design
Step 2: Branding with Midjourney
Instead of hiring a designer, I used Midjourney to create:
- Logos
- Hero banners
- Ad creatives
- Product mockups
These assets looked premium — the kind you’d pay $500+ for on Fiverr.
Result: My brand looked polished from day one, even on a shoestring budget.
Step 3: Monetization Strategy
I chose a SaaS + community hybrid model:
- $29/month for the AI tool
- $99/year for access to exclusive prompts, templates, and training
- Upsell: 1-on-1 consulting for $499+
In month 4, I broke even. Month 6, I hit $10K MRR. Year 2, I crossed $1M in revenue.
Bonus Channels:
- YouTube automation using Pictory
- Twitter threads ghostwritten with ChatGPT
- Email sequences crafted in minutes with AI
The Tech Stack
| Function | Tool |
|---|---|
| Content Creation | ChatGPT |
| Image Design | Midjourney |
| Video Creation | Pictory |
| Website Builder | Framer / Webflow |
| Payments | Stripe |
| Community | Circle.so |
Lessons Learned
- Speed matters — AI tools let you outpace traditional startups.
- You don't need a team — I scaled to $1M with one part-time VA.
- Focus on distribution — Product is 20%, traffic is 80%.
Want to Make Money with ChatGPT Too?
Here’s what I recommend for 2025:
- Start with a problem, not a tool.
- Use ChatGPT to explore ideas and validate fast.
- Use Midjourney to create beautiful assets from day one.
- Build simple, monetize early.
Ready to launch your own AI business?
