How to Start an AI Agency in 2026
AI agencies are the fastest-growing service business of 2026. Companies desperately need AI implementation help and pay premium prices for expertise.
Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-2)
Learn the Tools
Master essential platforms:
- Automation: Make.com, Zapier, n8n
- AI Models: OpenAI API, Claude API
- Chatbots: Voiceflow, Chatbase
- Content: Various AI writing tools
Pick Your Niche
Don’t be a generalist. Choose one industry:
- Real estate
- E-commerce
- Healthcare
- Legal services
- Marketing agencies
Phase 2: Portfolio (Weeks 3-4)
Create 3 demo projects for your niche.
Phase 3: Get Clients (Weeks 5-8)
Cold Outreach:
- 20 LinkedIn connections daily
- 10 personalized emails daily
- 5 cold calls daily
Content Marketing:
- LinkedIn posts about AI use cases
- YouTube tutorials
- Blog posts showcasing expertise
Pricing
Starter ($500-1,500):
- Single automation
- Basic chatbot
- Setup and training
Professional ($2,000-5,000):
- Multi-step workflows
- Custom integrations
- 30-day support
Enterprise ($5,000-20,000):
- Complex systems
- Multiple automations
- Ongoing optimization
Revenue Projections
- Month 3-4: $2,000-5,000
- Month 5-6: $8,000-15,000
- Month 7-12: $20,000-50,000
Start your AI agency today!