Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses operate, and in 2025, one of the fastest-growing opportunities is building an AI agency. If you’ve been hearing the term but aren’t sure what it means or how to profit from it, this guide will break it down step by step.
What is an AI Agency?
An AI agency is a business that helps clients use AI tools to save time, cut costs, and grow revenue. Instead of building AI software from scratch, you offer services powered by AI tools that already exist.
Examples include:
- Building chatbots to handle customer support
- Automating emails and marketing campaigns
- Creating content like blogs, product descriptions, or ad copy
- Analyzing data to give clients insights for better decisions
- Helping businesses integrate AI into their workflows
Think of it like a digital marketing agency, but with AI as the main focus.
Why AI Agencies Are in Demand
Businesses know AI is powerful but don’t always know how to use it. Many owners don’t have time to learn dozens of tools or set up workflows. That’s where AI agencies come in. You become the expert who makes AI simple, practical, and profitable for them.
The demand is growing because:
- Companies want to cut costs by automating repetitive tasks.
- Customers expect faster, more personalized experiences.
- AI tools are becoming cheaper and easier to use, lowering barriers for agencies.
How AI Agencies Make Money
Here are the main ways you can monetize an AI agency:
1. Monthly Retainers
Offer ongoing services like content creation, ad management, or chatbot support. Clients pay a fixed monthly fee, giving you a predictable income.
2. Project-Based Work
Charge for one-time projects like setting up an AI chatbot, building an automation system, or creating a content library.
3. Consulting Packages
Some clients only want training or guidance. You can charge hourly or create packages to teach them how to use AI tools in their own business.
4. Reselling AI Tools
Partner with AI platforms and earn commissions by reselling subscriptions or offering white-labeled solutions.
5. Performance-Based Deals
Tie your pricing to results for example, a percentage of revenue from email campaigns you automate.
Services You Can Offer as an AI Agency
If you’re not sure where to start, here are high-demand services in 2025:
- AI Chatbots: Build bots for customer support, sales, and FAQs.
- Email Automation: Set up campaigns with tools like ActiveCampaign or Mailbutler to send the right messages at the right time.
Advanced email marketing automation Provides powerful automation features allowing businesses to create personalized customer journeys, nurture leads, and drive conversions
Starting at $15/mo
14 day trial
CRM and sales automation tools
Detailed reporting and analytics
Provides email, SMS, and cross-channel tools to power relevant experience
- Content Creation: Use Canva to create branded visuals, social media posts, or marketing materials powered by AI design features.
Starting from $15/month
Start a free trial with Canva!
Key Features
Extensive library of design templates and elements
Easy drag-and-drop interface
Collaboration tools for teams
Why We Recommend It
Allows for quick and professional designs with minimal effort
Facilitates teamwork on design projects with real-time collaboration
Suitable for users of all skill levels
Pros & Cons
- Highly user-friendly
- Wide range of templates and design options
- Free tier available with extensive features.
- Advanced features require a paid subscription
- Limited customization compared to professional design tools
- Ad Management: Run smarter campaigns by combining AI with TikTok Ads, optimizing targeting and creatives for ecommerce brands.
- Data Insights: Help clients understand customer data with AI dashboards that simplify complex reports.
- AI Video Editing: Repurpose content for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels with tools like Submagic or Opus.
Starting from $15/mo
Save up to 50% with annual billing
Key Features
AI-Powered Video Clipping: OpusClip’s AI analyzes long-form videos to identify and extract the most engaging moments, transforming them into short, shareable clips optimized for platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels
Virality Score: Each generated clip is assigned a Virality Score, predicting its potential success based on analysis of thousands of viral videos, helping creators focus on content with the highest likelihood of driving engagement
Social Media Optimization: OpusClip automatically adjusts video formats to suit various social media platforms, ensuring content is presented in the most effective aspect ratios and styles for each channel
Why We Recommend It
OpusClip streamlines the video editing process, enabling creators to efficiently repurpose long-form content into multiple short-form videos tailored for social media. Its AI-driven features save time and enhance content reach, making it a valuable tool for marketers, influencers, and content creators aiming to maximize their online presence.
Pros & Cons
- Automates video editing, reducing manual workload
- Improves content visibility across multiple platforms
- Provides predictive analytics to guide content strategy
- Advanced features may require a paid subscription
- Limited customization options for manual editing
- AI-generated captions may occasionally require manual correction
The key is picking one or two services first, then expanding once you gain clients.
How to Start an AI Agency
1. Pick a Niche
Decide who you’ll serve, local businesses, ecommerce brands, coaches, or real estate agents. Niching down makes marketing easier.
2. Learn the Tools
Get familiar with popular AI platforms like ChatGPT, ManyChat, or Omnisend. You don’t need to know every tool, just master the ones that fit your niche.
Starting from $15/month
Get 10% off my first order
Key Features
AI-powered chatbot for automating Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp messages
Drag-and-drop builder for creating automated conversations
Integrates with CRMs, eCommerce platforms, and email marketing tools
Why We Recommend It
ManyChat helps businesses automate conversations, capture leads, and drive sales through chat. It’s perfect for scaling customer interactions without needing a huge support team.
Pros & Cons
- Saves time by automating customer messages
- Easy-to-use chatbot builder
- Works across multiple messaging platforms
- Free plan has limited features
- Can take time to set up advanced automation
Starting from $16/month
Get 30% off for the first 3 months with code CHARLIECHANG30
Key Features
Multichannel Marketing Automation: Engage customers through email, SMS, and push notifications within a single platform
Pre-built Automation Workflows: Utilize ready-made workflows like welcome series and cart abandonment to streamline customer engagement
Advanced Segmentation: Target specific customer groups based on behavior, preferences, and purchase history for personalized campaigns
Why We Recommend It
Omnisend is tailored for e-commerce businesses seeking to automate and personalize their marketing efforts across multiple channels. Its user-friendly interface and robust features help enhance customer engagement and drive sales
Pros & Cons
- E-commerce Integration: Seamlessly connects with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce
- Comprehensive Free Plan: Offers a robust free plan with access to most features, suitable for small businesses
- 24/7 Customer Support: Provides round-the-clock assistance, even on the free plan
- Learning Curve: Some users may experience a learning curve when setting up advanced features
- Template Limitations: Limited customization options in sign-up forms and templates
- Occasional Bugs: Some users have reported occasional bugs and challenges with customer support responsiveness
3. Build a Portfolio
Create examples of your work. For example, set up a demo chatbot or write a few sample AI-generated blog posts.
4. Find Clients
Reach out to businesses through LinkedIn, cold email, or local networking. Offer free audits or short trials to prove your value.
5. Set Pricing and Packages
Start simple offer one-time projects or low-cost retainers. As you gain experience and results, raise your rates.
Pros and Cons of an AI Agency
Pros:
- Low startup costs
- High demand in 2025
- Scalable with remote teams and automation
- Works across many industries
Cons:
- A competitive market as more people catch on
- Requires constant learning as AI evolves
- Clients may be skeptical if they don’t understand AI
Final Thoughts
An AI agency is one of the most promising side hustles and business models in 2025. Businesses want automation, speed, and results and AI delivers all three. By offering services powered by AI tools, you can build a profitable agency without coding or massive upfront costs.
Start small, pick a niche, and focus on solving real problems for clients. The money follows when you deliver results.