How to Build and Sell Apps with AI Tools

AI tools now write most of the code for small apps. One person can build a working web or mobile app in days. The hard part is no longer building. It is choosing the right problem and getting paying users.

Build what people will pay for, not what is fun to build.

• A task people do often and dislike
• A problem that costs them money or time
• A group you understand or belong to
• Proof that people already pay for a worse solution

• Talk to ten potential users
• Make a simple landing page with a waitlist
• Ask people to pre-order or join a paid beta
• Look at competitors’ reviews for complaints you can fix

Lovable or Bolt

Build web apps by chatting, no coding needed

Replit

Build and host apps in the browser with an AI agent

Claude Code or OpenAI Codex

Coding agents for more control and bigger apps

Cursor

An AI code editor for people who want to see the code

Expo with a coding agent

For mobile apps on iPhone and Android

I am building [app] for [users] to solve [problem]. List the smallest set of features for a paid first version, the screens, the data we store, and what to leave out. Keep it to one core feature.

• Start with the one core feature
• Add sign-in only if you need accounts
• Test each step before adding the next
• Use git or version history so you can undo mistakes
• Ask the AI to explain anything you do not understand

Web apps

Stripe, Paddle, or Lemon Squeezy for subscriptions and one-off payments

Mobile apps

Apple and Google in-app purchases, often managed with RevenueCat or Superwall

Test payments in test mode before going live.

• Never put API keys in front-end code
• Check sign-in, data access, and permissions
• Back up your database
• Ask an AI agent to review the code for security issues, then check its findings
• Test on real devices and browsers

• Charge from day one, even a small amount
• Offer monthly and yearly plans
• Use a free trial or a free plan with clear limits
• Raise prices as the app improves

• Launch on Product Hunt, communities, and directories
• Post build-in-public updates on social media
• Write helpful content around the problem you solve
• Ask early users for reviews and referrals
• Use app store search optimization for mobile apps

• Publish a privacy policy and terms of service
• Follow Apple and Google rules for mobile apps
• Respect copyright and trademarks
• Handle refunds and cancellations clearly

• Fix bugs quickly
• Talk to users every week
• Track revenue, churn, and costs
• Watch your AI and hosting bills
• Add features only when users ask for them