Build a Profitable AI Business in Sri Lanka: ChatGPT Ideas That Work

Safwan AMM
12 October, 2025

How to Build a Profitable AI-Based Business

A few days ago, I was chatting with one of my old schoolmates. The topic? How people today are earning through AI-powered services — from simple tools to full-time income streams.

That conversation got me thinking:
Most people use ChatGPT for fun or random tasks. But a small group uses it to build real businesses — and they’re quietly making serious profits.

So, let’s break down how you can do the same, step by step — using AI as your smart business partner.

1️⃣ Start With What You Already Know

Every profitable business starts with your existing skills.

Maybe you’re a graphic designer who understands color psychology. Or a software student who can automate manual office work. Or even a teacher who knows how to explain concepts clearly.

💡 Example:
A friend in Colombo started a “Resume Optimization” service using ChatGPT. Who charged Rs. 2,000 per client. Within a month, who had over 30 clients — all through LinkedIn and WhatsApp referrals.

👉 The trick is to combine your skills with AI tools to create something that saves people time, effort, or money.

2️⃣ Validate Before You Build

Don’t waste time building something nobody wants.
Instead, test your idea fast.

Create a simple landing page (you can use free tools like Carrd or Notion). Share it on LinkedIn, Facebook Groups like Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs, or even WhatsApp business communities.

Ask:

“Would you pay for this?”
“What’s your biggest challenge with this problem?”

💡 Example:
A student from Kandy tested an “AI business name generator” for local startups. He made a Google Form, collected 40 responses, and found out most people wanted logo + name packages instead. He quickly pivoted — and that became his best-selling service.

3️⃣ Offer Premium Value — Not Cheap Work

Low-cost services will drain your energy fast.
Instead, design high-value solutions that deliver big results.

People happily pay more when your service solves expensive problems.

💡 Example:
Instead of offering “basic logo design,” offer “complete brand identity using AI tools” — including color palette, tagline, and mockups. Charge Rs. 50,000 instead of Rs. 5,000.

Your competition might offer design work.
You’re offering a business transformation.

4️⃣ Build Your 30-Day Launch Plan

You don’t need a big budget — just clear focus.
Here’s a 4-week action roadmap:

Week 1: Define your offer and build a simple landing page.
Week 2: Talk to 10 potential customers and collect honest feedback.
Week 3: Start posting your insights on LinkedIn/Facebook daily.
Week 4: Get your first 3 paying clients — even at a lower rate — and ask for testimonials.

💡 Pro tip:
Use AI tools (like ChatGPT, Canva, or Notion AI) to speed up everything — from content creation to proposal writing.