The AI Agency Opportunity
Here's something wild: AI agencies are the fastest-growing agency model right now.
Why? Because every business needs AI. But most business owners don't know how to use it.
That gap? That's your opportunity.
I've helped hundreds of people start AI agencies through AIpreneurs Mastermind. Here's exactly how we do it.
Step 1: Choose Your AI Agency Model
Not all AI agencies are the same. Here are your options:
Done-For-You (DFY)
You do everything. Build AI systems, manage them, deliver results.
- Pros: Highest margins, full control
- Cons: Hardest to scale, most time-intensive
Done-With-You (DWY)
You guide clients through AI implementation. They do some work.
- Pros: Scalable, builds client capability
- Cons: Results depend on client effort
White Label
You resell AI services from providers like AIpreneurs.
- Pros: No technical skills needed, instant inventory
- Cons: Lower margins, dependent on provider
My recommendation? Start with white label or DWY. Build case studies. Then move to DFY if you want.
Step 2: Pick Your Niche
"AI agency" is too broad. You need a niche.
Good niches for AI agencies:
- Real estate: Lead gen, listing descriptions, market analysis
- E-commerce: Product descriptions, customer service bots, ad copy
- Professional services: Law firms, accountants, consultants
- Healthcare: Patient communication, appointment scheduling
- Local businesses: Reviews, social media, local SEO
The riches are in the niches. Pick one. Own it.
Step 3: Build Your Service Stack
What exactly will you offer? Here's a proven stack:
Core Services (High Demand)
- AI chatbots for customer service
- AI-powered lead generation
- Content creation and automation
- AI workflow automation
Premium Services (Higher Margins)
- Custom AI solutions
- AI strategy consulting
- Team training on AI tools
- Ongoing AI management
Start with 2-3 core services. Add more as you grow.
Step 4: Set Your Pricing
AI agency pricing varies wildly. Here's what works:
Project-Based
- Chatbot setup: $2,000-$10,000
- Automation system: $3,000-$15,000
- AI audit: $1,500-$5,000
Monthly Retainer
- Basic management: $1,000-$3,000/month
- Full-service: $3,000-$10,000/month
- Enterprise: $10,000+/month
Performance-Based
- Per lead generated: $20-$100/lead
- Revenue share: 10-20% of attributed sales
Pro tip: Start higher than you think. You can always discount for early clients building case studies.
Step 5: Get Your First Clients
The question everyone asks: "How do I get clients?"
Here's what actually works:
1. Your Existing Network
Tell everyone what you do. Seriously. Friends, family, LinkedIn connections. Some of them know someone who needs AI help.
2. Cold Outreach (But Smart)
Don't spam. Instead:
- Identify businesses that could benefit
- Send a personalized video showing ONE thing AI could fix
- Offer a free audit
3. Content Marketing
Share AI wins on social. Show before/after. Teach what you know. Clients come to you.
4. Partnerships
Partner with existing agencies who need AI capabilities. They have clients. You have skills.
Step 6: Deliver Results
This is where most agencies fail. They sell but don't deliver.
Keys to delivery:
- Set clear expectations upfront
- Document everything (processes, results, learnings)
- Communicate proactively (clients hate surprises)
- Focus on outcomes not activities
The Tech Stack You Actually Need
Don't overcomplicate this. Here's what you need to start:
Essential:
- AIpreneurs Lab (or similar AI platform)
- Project management tool (ClickUp, Notion)
- Communication tool (Slack, email)
- Payment processing (Stripe)
Nice to Have:
- CRM (HubSpot, GoHighLevel)
- Proposal software (PandaDoc)
- Video recording (Loom)
You don't need fancy tools. You need to deliver results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I've seen these kill AI agencies:
- Trying to do everything - Pick a niche and services
- Underpricing - You're solving expensive problems
- Overselling AI - It's powerful but not magic
- Ignoring delivery - Sales mean nothing if clients leave
- Going alone - Find a community (shameless plug: AIpreneurs Mastermind)
Your 30-Day Launch Plan
Week 1:
- Choose your model and niche
- Define 2-3 core services
- Set your pricing
Week 2:
- Build simple landing page
- Create service descriptions
- Set up basic operations
Week 3:
- Reach out to 50 potential clients
- Post daily about AI on LinkedIn
- Schedule 10 discovery calls
Week 4:
- Close 1-3 clients
- Start delivering
- Document everything for case studies
Ready to Go Deeper?
Starting an AI agency is one of the best decisions I've made. The market is huge. The demand is real. The opportunity is now.
If you want step-by-step guidance, proven frameworks, and a community of AI agency owners:
Join the AIpreneurs Mastermind. We've helped hundreds of people build successful AI agencies. You could be next.
Let's go.