I Spent $289 So AI Could Build My Business

Today I’m joined by Samuel Thompson, an internet capitalist who’s launched 100 companies in 10 years, and he walks me through a live, end-to-end build of an info product using AI. We break down how he goes from idea → AI-written book → mockups → Shopify product page → ad creatives in a ridiculously short amount of time. The big takeaway is that this isn’t just “info products,” it’s a repeatable launch system you can apply to e-comm, SaaS, mobile apps, and pretty much anything where customer acquisition matters. We also get into the real game: CAC vs LTV, conversion rates, and how to build what Sam calls a “rigged slot machine” you can scale. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 02:32 – Choosing the offer 05:36 - Writing ebook with ChatGPT (outline → chapters → upgrade quality) 07:30 – Mockups with Canva & Envato Elements 10:25 – Shopify themes that convert (Solo Drop + Elixir) 12:05 – Finding products to sell 16:28 - Building the Shopify Store 21:16 – Using ChatGPT to generate product-page copy fast 24:13 – What “good” conversion rates look like (3–5% target range) 28:51 – Bonus gifts strategy = perceived value + conversion lift 33:26 – HeyGen for AI photo/video ad assets + voice clone insight 35:37 – Canva static ads + high-performing angles 38:57 – Big picture: one person can build a “real business” with AI Key Points * Sam’s launch loop is offer → AI asset creation → Shopify page → Meta ads → iterate on math * Start with low-friction products (ebook/info) to validate customer acquisition fast * The real framework is CAC vs AOV vs conversion rate, not “brand vibes” * 3–5% conversion rate is a strong target on a direct-response product page * Use bonus gifts to increase perceived value and lift conversion * Static ads + strong angles can outperform everything when the message hits Numbered Section Summaries 1. **The 1-Hour Launch Challenge** Sam opens by saying the goal is simple: by the end of the episode, you’ll know how to launch an info product using AI and sell it with Facebook ads—fast. I’m immediately locked in because he’s treating this like a live build, not theory. 2. **Picking an Offer That Actually Works** We start with the first real question: *what are you selling?* Sam’s example is a divorce-related book based on a market insight—weddings are huge, and divorce is “half the size,” which still makes it massive. The important idea is picking something with obvious demand and low friction to ship. 3. **Writing the Product with ChatGPT (MVP First, Then Upgrade)** Sam shows his exact process: a basic prompt creates an outline, then he generates chapters one-by-one. He starts with “good enough to sell,” then upgrades it later with deeper research, word/page constraints, and case study instructions to make it more robust. 4. **Mockups + Visuals Without Being a Designer** To make the product feel real, he uses Envato Elements mockups so the book looks legit in ads and on the product page. The strategy is simple: don’t overcomplicate the early version—just make it sellable and presentable. 5. **Why Shopify + Conversion Themes Matter** Sam explains that when you run paid traffic, most people land directly on the **product page**, not the homepage—so optimization goes there. He breaks down themes like Solo Drop and Elixir and how they’re built for conversion-first layouts. 6. **The Math: CAC, AOV, Conversion Rate, and Price Testing** This is where it gets real: Sam talks through running a break-even funnel, trying to push AOV up, and keeping the economics clean. He also explains how raising price can increase ROAS if conversion rate doesn’t drop proportionally—because it’s all a math equation. 7. **Copywriting Speed Runs with ChatGPT** We use ChatGPT to generate benefit bullets, product copy, bonuses, and even ad headlines on the spot. Sam’s style is super direct prompting because he wants an 80% head start, not a “final draft”—then he edits like a real marketer. 8. **Ad Creatives: HeyGen + Canva + Winning Angles** Sam shows how he creates AI visuals (HeyGen), pulls scripts/headlines from ChatGPT, and rapidly builds static ads in Canva. He shares that one of his highest-performing angles is basically: “your lawyer won’t tell you this”—because trust is a huge lever in that market. The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.com/ LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ The Vibe Marketer - Resources for people into vibe marketing/marketing with AI: https://www.thevibemarketer.com/ FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND SAMUEL ON SOCIAL: X/Twitter: https://x.com/samuelthompson