How to Start an AI Business in 2026 | STEP BY STEP

TLDR
Liam Ottley presents a data-backed blueprint for starting an AI services business in 2026, emphasizing its accessibility even for those without prior coding, AI, or business experience. The core opportunity lies in helping small to medium-sized businesses understand and implement AI, a rapidly growing market with significantly increasing deal sizes. He outlines two successful paths – the "Consultant" for strategy and education, and the "Builder" for implementing AI solutions – both advocating starting with free projects and warm outreach to quickly secure first clients and scale revenue.

Summary
Liam Ottley, drawing on extensive data from his AI business community and accelerator, introduces a step-by-step guide on how to launch a successful AI business in 2026. He stresses that this opportunity is open to anyone, regardless of their background in coding, AI, or traditional business, by focusing on an "AI services business" model. This involves assisting small to medium-sized enterprises in understanding and utilizing AI, bridging a critical market gap similar to how web agencies facilitated internet adoption or social media marketing agencies helped companies navigate new platforms. Ottley's personal journey from zero AI experience to a multi-million-dollar business further underscores the potential he believes anyone can unlock.

The data mined from his community reveals a rapidly expanding and maturing market. Over $13 million in reported revenue, with client acquisition rates increasing by 40-50% quarterly, debunks myths about market saturation. Crucially, the average deal size has surged 340% in 18 months to nearly $14,000, with almost half of all deals now exceeding $10,000. While basic chatbots are declining in value, demand for voice AI systems, no-code AI workflow automation, and advanced RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) systems is booming. The fastest-growing offer, witnessing a 400% increase, is AI audits, which allow beginners to identify AI opportunities for businesses without needing any coding skills, often leading to much larger development projects. Furthermore, the median time to land a first client is remarkably short at just nine days, primarily achieved through warm outreach to existing contacts.

Ottley details two distinct, equally viable pathways to success: the "Consultant" and the "Builder." The Consultant path is ideal for those with strong communication, education, or strategy skills, focusing on providing clarity and designing AI roadmaps for businesses through audits, strategy sessions, and training. They can then partner with builders for custom implementations, earning referral fees. The Builder path suits individuals keen on developing high-paying AI skills, starting with accessible no-code AI workflow automation tools like make.com, and progressing to more complex systems. This model thrives on synergy, where consultants identify client needs and builders execute the technical solutions, allowing each to specialize in their strengths.

To begin, Ottley strongly advises starting with free projects. This strategy, embraced by 73% of his community's six-figure earners, quickly generates real-world case studies and testimonials, accelerating the path to paid clients compared to trying to sell from day one. For consultants, the initial step involves offering AI Tools Audits, utilizing warm outreach templates provided in a free accompanying course to secure first clients, then gradually scaling pricing and offerings. Builders are guided to acquire foundational AI automation skills through provided tutorials, practice on personal projects, and leverage the community to find initial free and subsequently paid work by building a reputation as a helpful and skilled developer. Liam provides a free course and resources in his online community, empowering individuals to take immediate action and seize the significant AI business opportunity.