How to Monetize Apps Built With AI Prompts and Builders

Building an app is easier than ever in the age of vibe coding, where you can build software using prompts in your own language.

But for small business owners and entrepreneurs, the harder question is how to make money from it.

“Building an app and growing a business are two different things,” Rebecca Tomasis, head of organic growth and AI visibility at Wix and AI app builder Base44, said. “But growth is a system, not a button you press on launch day. Pick one channel, measure it and keep improving it before you add another.”

Knowing your audience ensures you build something people will actually want to download, use and pay for.

Founders can sell products, offer paid subscriptions for premium content, charge a one-time download fee, run in-app ads, or use a freemium model.

Under the freemium structure, users download the app for free while specific advanced features stay behind a paywall. Other models include in-app advertising, recurring subscriptions, in-app purchases like virtual currency, affiliate marketing, and brand sponsorships.

AI app builders have significantly reduced development costs. “Whenever I was working with a development firm for 2 years, I spent over $125,000 trying to build that. And now for $400 a month, I can build a better product that is more appealing to customers,” Zak Wright, founder of Grapevine Workplace, said.

Publishing the app involves setting up accounts on the Apple App Store for $99 per year or Google Play Store for a one-time $25 fee. Creators must optimize listings with targeted search keywords, compelling descriptions, and clear screenshots.

Marketing efforts rely on app store optimization, search engine optimization, content marketing, and active social media use on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. “We generated an ad on ChatGPT, put $100 ad spend on Meta, then we woke up to a purchase. That blew my friend’s mind when it happened,” Yoav Hornung, founder of Gift My Book, said.

Retention matters more than raw downloads, with creators advised to aim for a day-7 retention rate above 20%. Automated administrative workflows help founders maintain consistent sales and marketing efforts.

“December is our first real profitable month,” Hornung said. “We’re pretty close to annualized revenue of $1 million dollars. It took like three months.”