In 2023, while working a 9-5 job, Alex Rivera launched an AI-powered resume optimization tool—and hit $10,000/month in just 90 days. No venture capital. No tech team. Just smart execution.
Today, we’re breaking down exactly how he did it, including:
✔ The low-cost AI tools he used (no coding required)
✔ His 3-step customer acquisition system
✔ The biggest mistakes he fixed to scale faster
If you’ve ever thought about starting an AI business, this is your blueprint.
The Idea: Solving a Pain Point With AI
How He Spotted the Opportunity
-
Noticed friends struggling to get interviews despite great experience
-
Resumes weren’t passing ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
-
Existing tools were expensive or outdated
The Solution
Built ResumeGenius AI—a tool that:
-
Analyzes job descriptions to tailor resumes
-
Optimizes for ATS with keyword matching
-
Generates cover letters in 30 seconds
Key Insight: He didn’t build the AI himself. He used:
-
ChatGPT API (for content generation)
-
Hemingway Editor (for readability scoring)
-
Stripe (for payments)
Step 1: Validating the Idea for $0
The “Fake Door” Test
-
Created a landing page (using Carrd) with a “Get Started” button
-
Ran $50 in Facebook ads to target job seekers
-
Measured sign-ups (even though the tool wasn’t built yet)
Result: 200+ sign-ups in 3 days → proof of demand.
Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in 72 Hours
-
Used no-code tools: Bubble (frontend) + OpenAI API (backend)
-
Offered 3 free optimizations to beta testers
-
Collected feedback to improve
Step 2: The Launch That Generated $3,000 in Week 1
Pricing Strategy
-
$9 one-time for a basic resume edit
-
$29/month for unlimited optimizations + cover letters
-
$99 “Done For You” premium package
Traffic Hacks That Worked
-
Reddit & Facebook Groups
-
Posted in r/resumes and “Job Seekers” groups
-
Offered free critiques (then upsold the tool)
-
-
TikTok Organic Growth
-
Posted before/after resume examples
-
Gained 50K+ views in 2 weeks
-
-
Affiliate Partnerships
-
Recruited career coaches to promote for 30% commissions
-
Step 3: Scaling to $10K/Month
The “Big 3” Automation Upgrades
-
AI Chatbot (ManyChat) – Handled 80% of customer questions
-
Self-Serve Dashboard – Let users edit resumes without support
-
Email Drip Campaigns – Nurtured free users into paid
Key Metrics That Drove Growth
-
Conversion Rate: 12% (free to paid)
-
LTV (Lifetime Value): $89 per customer
-
Churn Rate: 8% (low due to job-search urgency)
The Biggest Lessons Learned
What Worked
-
Niche focus (only resumes, not all AI writing)
-
Freemium model (hook with free, upsell premium)
-
Community trust-building (Reddit, TikTok)
Mistakes to Avoid
-
Underpricing at first (raised prices 3x with no drop in sales)
-
Ignoring SEO (later ranked for “AI resume writer”)
-
Manual processes (delayed automation cost time)
How You Can Replicate This (Even Without Experience)
5 AI Business Ideas You Can Start Now
-
AI-Powered Cover Letter Generator (Same model, different angle)
-
LinkedIn Bio Optimizer (Huge demand for professionals)
-
AI Dating Profile Writer (Growing niche)
-
Custom ChatGPT for Local Businesses (e.g., realtors, dentists)
-
AI Video Script Generator (For YouTubers & agencies)
Starter Tools You Need
-
No-Code Builder: Bubble, Softr
-
AI Backend: OpenAI, Jasper API
-
Payments: Stripe, PayPal
-
Marketing: Carrd (landing pages), ManyChat (automation)
FAQs
Do I need to know AI to start?
No—use existing APIs (like OpenAI) and focus on solving a problem.
How much does it cost to start?
As little as $100 (domain, hosting, API credits).
What’s the biggest challenge?
Getting first customers—solve this with free offers + communities.
Can this work outside the U.S.?
Yes! Remote job seekers globally need resume help.
How long until profitability?
Alex hit **3,000/monthin30days∗∗,10K in 90 days.
Conclusion
You don’t need a tech background or big budget to build an AI business. You need:
✔ A real problem to solve
✔ The right no-code tools
✔ A lean marketing strategy
Your Move: Pick one niche from the ideas above and launch a MVP this week.
Free Resources to Start:
