Blake Taught Himself to Code and Built $10M with 3 AI iPhone Apps

How Blake Anderson turned a $50 promo and ChatGPT into a $10M app empire.

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Welcome to Money Making Story,

Today, we’re thrilled to share the story of Blake W Anderson, who taught himself to code with ChatGPT and built $10M in AI-powered iPhone apps in under two years.

In this discussion, we’ll discuss his:

  • Top Advice

  • The AI-Powered Opportunity

  • How It All Began

  • From Idea to Execution

  • Common Interview Questions & How to Prepare

  • The Evolution of Success

  • Challenges and Overcoming Them

  • The Next Chapter: Apex

  • Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

  • A Story Worth Reading

Top Advice:

"Urgency fuels success. When the stakes are high, you’ll push yourself to achieve the impossible."

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Blake Anderson’s journey from a struggling recent college graduate to a self-taught coder earning over $10 million with three AI-powered mobile apps is nothing short of remarkable. In less than two years, he leveraged cutting-edge AI tools, clever marketing strategies, and a relentless work ethic to create apps that are now raking in millions annually. Here’s how he did it—and how you can follow in his footsteps.

The AI-Powered Opportunity

Blake credits two key factors for his success in the app industry:

  1. Advancements in AI: Tools like ChatGPT have lowered the barriers to entry, enabling developers to solve problems more efficiently and cost-effectively.

  2. Social Media Distribution: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram now reward new creators with massive organic reach, making them ideal for marketing.

“TikTok and Instagram are in a bloodbath competition, which means new accounts get more reach than ever before.”

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How It All Began

Blake’s entrepreneurial journey started with humble beginnings:

  • Early Hustles: From mowing lawns to mining Ethereum, Blake explored ways to make money during his teens.

  • A Low Point: After college, he found himself unemployed, living at home, and relying on his brother for financial support.

  • A Bold Goal: Determined to change his circumstances, Blake set a goal to earn $50,000 within a year.

This turning point led to the creation of Riz GPT, an AI-powered dating assistant that became Blake’s first major success.

From Idea to Execution

Blake’s process for building apps is straightforward yet powerful:

  1. Identifying the Problem: Riz GPT was born from observing friends struggle with what to say on dating apps.

  2. Building an MVP: Using ChatGPT, Blake taught himself to code and launched a basic version of the app in just a few months.

  3. Leveraging Influencers: A $100 investment in TikTok creators drove 45,000 downloads overnight, proving the power of targeted marketing.

“The first version of Riz GPT was so bad—no notifications, terrible design—but it didn’t matter. The idea resonated.”

Common Interview Questions & How to Prepare

The Evolution of Success

After Riz GPT, Blake went on to build two more apps:

  • Umax: A beauty-focused app offering AI-powered solutions for personal enhancement. It now generates over $100,000 in monthly profit.

  • CI: A cutting-edge AI app that achieved $1 million in monthly revenue within six months of launch.

Blake’s ability to identify lucrative niches and execute quickly has been central to his success.

Challenges and Overcoming Them

While building apps, Blake faced significant challenges, including:

  1. Partnership Conflicts: Disagreements with co-founders led Blake to leave Riz GPT, though he retained equity.

  2. Profit Margins: Balancing costs like Apple’s 15-30% cut and marketing expenses requires strategic decision-making.

  3. Pressure to Succeed: Blake embraced urgency as a motivator, using personal setbacks to fuel his drive.

“My most productive periods came when I had a fire under me—whether it was financial pressure or something to prove.”

The Next Chapter: Apex

Blake’s latest venture, Apex, aims to create an all-in-one self-improvement ecosystem. By combining content, community, and physical products, he’s building something that aligns with his passion for personal growth.

“I wake up every morning so amped to work on Apex. It’s everything I’m passionate about rolled into one project.”

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Blake’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:

  1. Leverage AI: Tools like ChatGPT make coding and problem-solving more accessible than ever.

  2. Start Simple: A basic MVP and effective marketing are enough to validate an idea.

  3. Master Marketing: Distribution and attention matter more than the product itself.

  4. Embrace Urgency: Use pressure as a catalyst for growth.

  5. Think for Yourself: Avoid blindly following advice—analyze and adapt based on your unique circumstances.

“If you want to make the wrong decision, ask everybody.” – Naval Ravikant

Blake’s story proves that with the right mindset, tools, and strategies, anyone can turn an idea into a million-dollar reality. Whether you’re learning to code or exploring innovative marketing techniques, the opportunities in today’s app market are endless.

A Story Worth Reading

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Stay tuned for more stories that showcase the diverse ways people are achieving financial success. Until next time, keep exploring and keep learning.