I can’t believe I was this foolish. It was a sunny day at the fair, and I was feeling pretty good about myself. I had just won a giant stuffed bear at the ring toss, and I was on cloud nine. But then, disaster struck. As I stood at the food stand, I ordered a corn dog and handed over a twenty. I was so distracted by the sights and sounds around me that I didn’t even notice when the vendor handed me the change. I turned to walk away, and that’s when I realized I had given my change to the wrong person. Some guy in a red shirt was grinning at me, holding my cash like it was a trophy. I felt my heart drop. “Hey! That’s mine!” I shouted, but he just shrugged and walked off. What a disaster! I dropped the ball on this one, and it cost me big time.

Looking back, I should’ve been more aware of my surroundings. This was a master lesson in what NOT to do. The lesson here? In internet marketing, just like at the fair, you need to pay attention to the details. One small mistake can lead to losing out on big opportunities. If you want to avoid my corn dog catastrophe, mention “change” below, and let’s get you on the right track!

Now, let’s dive into the burning question: Does AI cost money? The answer is yes, and the expenses can vary widely. Just like my corn dog incident, if you’re not careful, you could find yourself losing a lot more than just a few bucks.

AI projects can range from a few thousand dollars for simple solutions to hundreds of thousands or even millions for complex, custom-built applications. For instance, basic AI models might start around $5,000 to $8,000, while more advanced projects can exceed $500,000. That’s a hefty price tag, right?

When I first started in internet marketing, I thought I could just throw a few bucks at a problem and watch the magic happen. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work that way. You need to understand what you’re getting into.

There are two main paths you can take when it comes to AI development: custom AI development or ready-made solutions. Custom development is like building a house from scratch. It’s more expensive but offers greater flexibility and customization. Costs can range from $6,000 to over $300,000.

On the flip side, ready-made AI solutions are pre-built and require minimal customization. They can be more affordable, with annual costs up to $40,000, or even free in some cases. Think of it like buying a pre-furnished apartment versus building your dream home.

But wait, there’s more! Beyond initial development, there are ongoing expenses for maintenance, updates, and potential integration with existing systems. These costs can include hardware upgrades, data management, and compliance with regulations. It’s like buying a car and then realizing you need to pay for gas, insurance, and maintenance.

For businesses that prefer not to develop AI in-house, consulting services are available. These typically cost between $200 and $350 per hour. If you’re not careful, you could end up spending a fortune just to get advice on how to use AI effectively.

In summary, while AI can be expensive, the cost depends on the scope and complexity of the project. Strategic planning and efficient resource management can help manage these costs effectively. Just like I should’ve kept an eye on my change at the fair, you need to keep your eyes open when it comes to AI expenses.

Now, before you panic and think you’ll have to break the bank, let’s talk about free AI solutions. Yes, there are numerous free AI tools available across various categories. Here are some examples:

AI Chatbots and Language Models
ChatGPT: Offers free access to OpenAI's GPT-4o and GPT-4o mini models for generating text and solving problems.
Copilot: Free, uses OpenAI's GPT-4 for conversational capabilities.
Gemini (formerly Google Bard): Free, provides writing assistance with access to Google's internet capabilities.

Content Creation Tools
Copy.ai: A free AI copywriting tool for generating content like blog posts and social media captions.
Jasper: Offers a paid plan starting at $39/month, but some free trials or limited free features might be available.

Machine Learning Platforms
JADBio: A free machine learning platform for data analysis and model building, especially in biotech and multi-omics.

Google Cloud AI Tools
Offers free usage of AI products like Translation, Speech-to-Text, and Natural Language up to monthly limits.

AWS AI Services
Provides free tiers for services like Amazon Polly (Text-to-Speech), Amazon Transcribe (Speech-to-Text), and Amazon Lex (Conversational AI) for a limited period.

AI Search Engines
iAsk.Ai: A free AI search engine for asking questions and receiving factual answers.
These tools allow users to explore AI capabilities without initial costs, though some may have limitations or offer more advanced features for a fee.

If you’re looking to create content without spending a dime, here are some of the best free AI tools for content creation in 2025:

ChatGPT: Ideal for brainstorming, generating blog outlines, and creating social media captions. Just keep in mind it’s not great for full drafts or fact-checking.

OwlyWriter AI by Hootsuite: Generates social media captions, post ideas, and repurposes top-performing posts. Optimized for specific platforms.

Copy.ai: Provides tools for generating blog ideas, email drafts, and social media posts.

Claude: Offers brainstorming, text generation, and transcription services.

Canva Magic Studio: Generates visual content like social media graphics and video thumbnails with AI assistance.

Buffer AI Assistant: Creates social media posts, blog content, and video scripts with templates for various platforms.

These tools are excellent starting points for creators looking to streamline their workflows without incurring costs.

So, what’s the takeaway from all this? Just like my corn dog catastrophe taught me to pay attention to my surroundings, the world of AI teaches us to be mindful of our spending. Whether you’re investing in a custom AI solution or exploring free tools, always keep an eye on the details.

In the world of internet marketing, one small mistake can lead to losing out on big opportunities. If you’re ready to embrace the unexpected while learning how to thrive in the digital world, mention “change” below, and let’s get you on the right track!

So does AI cost money? As you navigate the world of AI and internet marketing, remember that knowledge is power. Understanding the costs associated with AI can help you make informed decisions that lead to success. Whether you choose to invest in custom solutions or leverage free tools, the key is to stay aware and proactive.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic and learn more about how to effectively use AI in your marketing strategy, I’ve got five free videos that will guide you through the process. Just drop a comment with the word “change,” and I’ll send them your way. Let’s turn your marketing journey into a success story!