Inside the Playbook: How to Make Money with Claude as the AI Agency Window Closes
The AI agency model has been a hot topic, but according to Nate Herk, the window is closing. In a recent video, he shares his playbook for making money with Claude—the same AI tool he uses to run his entire business. But here’s the twist: he claims 95% of AI pilots inside companies fail to deliver results, pointing to a different opportunity for those who know where to look.
What Happened
Nate Herk, an AI automation creator, published a video titled "How I’d Make Money with Claude if my life depended on it." In it, he argues that the era of generic AI agencies is ending, while a new money-making shift is emerging. He references a $725 billion "flood" of AI investment and notes that most internal AI pilots yield nothing, suggesting that builders should pivot toward a more direct, outcome-based approach using Claude.
AI Tools Used
The creator uses Claude as his core AI engine, combined with Make for workflow automation. The description also mentions Glaido for voice-to-text and Hostinger for VPS hosting, though Claude and Make appear central to his business model.
How It Works
Based on the video description, the approach involves building custom automation workflows with Claude and integrating them via Make. The exact steps are not detailed in the metadata, but the creator offers a paid playbook and free resources for those who want to replicate the model. The implied workflow: identify business processes that can be automated with Claude, build tailored solutions, and deliver them as a service.
Business Opportunity
The opportunity here is twofold: first, building a specialized AI agency focused on concrete automation outcomes rather than vague AI pilots; second, monetizing through coaching or playbooks for aspiring automation consultants. The creator’s own $1M agency playbook is a product, suggesting that the education and tooling around Claude-based automation can be a viable income stream. However, no verified revenue figures are available in the source.
Key Takeaways
• The AI agency space is maturing; generic services may face increasing competition.
• Claude, combined with workflow tools like Make, can be a powerful stack for real business automation.
• Focus on solving specific, measurable problems rather than selling AI capabilities.
• Teaching others how to build similar systems can be a revenue path.
• Always validate claims—the "95% failure" and "$1M agency" numbers are from the creator and not independently confirmed.
Original video
This article is based on the original YouTube video from Nate Herk | AI Automation. Watch the source here:
