In today’s fast-paced digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and becoming a key part of our daily lives. From AI-powered writing assistants to smart automation tools, the demand for trustworthy reviews and insights into tech products has never been higher. If you’re passionate about technology and love to write, you can turn that interest into income by reviewing AI tools and tech products on platforms like Medium and Substack.
This blog will guide you through everything you need to know to start your journey: how to set up your content platform, what kind of content to create, how to attract readers, and most importantly, how to monetize your efforts.
Why Reviewing AI Tools is a Great Side Hustle?
- Growing Demand – With hundreds of AI tools launching monthly, users are looking for honest, clear reviews to make smart choices.
- Low Startup Cost – All you need is a laptop, internet connection, and a writing platform.
- Authority Building – Regular tech reviews can help you position yourself as an expert in the AI/tech space.
- Multiple Income Streams – From affiliate marketing to sponsorships, there are many ways to earn.
- Skill Development – Reviewing tech tools hones your analytical thinking, writing, and digital marketing skills, which are valuable across industries.
- Community Engagement – You get to engage with like-minded individuals, grow your professional network, and gain feedback from readers, developers, and other tech enthusiasts.
Step 1: Choose Your Platform – Medium vs Substack
Medium
- Audience: Broad, content-driven audience already seeking in-depth articles.
- Monetization: Medium Partner Program pays based on reading time.
- SEO-Friendly: Medium has great domain authority, helping your posts rank on Google.
- Simplicity: Easy-to-use interface, no setup headaches, perfect for beginners.
Substack
- Audience: More niche and newsletter-focused.
- Monetization: Through subscriptions and paid newsletters.
- Ownership: You own your email list and can build a direct relationship with readers.
- Branding: More control over how your content looks and feels.
Pro Tip: Use both. Write free reviews on Medium to gain traffic, and invite readers to subscribe to your Substack for exclusive or early access content. This way, you can grow both your reach and your loyal reader base.
Step 2: Choose What to Review
Focus on products that:
- Solve real problems
- Have high search demand
- Offer affiliate programs or sponsorship opportunities
- Align with your interests and expertise
Examples include:
- AI Writing Assistants (ChatGPT, Jasper, Copy.ai)
- Image/Video Generators (Midjourney, Runway ML, Pictory)
- Productivity Tools (Notion AI, Grammarly, Zapier)
- Coding Assistants (GitHub Copilot, Replit Ghostwriter)
- Marketing Tools (Writesonic, Surfer SEO, Frase.io)
- Customer Support AI (Tidio, Intercom AI, Drift)
Make sure to include both pros and cons, pricing, usability, performance metrics (speed, accuracy), and comparisons with similar tools.
Step 3: Create Review-Worthy Content
Headline Matters – Use compelling titles with SEO keywords like:
- “Is [Tool Name] Worth It? An Honest Review”
- “Top 5 AI Tools for [Use Case] in 2025”
- “I Used [AI Tool] for 30 Days — Here’s What Happened”
Structure Your Reviews:
- Introduction – Why this tool matters
- Features – Key offerings and capabilities
- Ease of Use – User experience, interface
- Pricing – Free vs Paid plans, pricing tiers
- Pros & Cons – Balanced opinions
- Use Cases – Who should use it and why
- Comparison – How it stacks against similar tools
- Conclusion – Final thoughts and recommendation
Include screenshots, charts, feature breakdowns, videos, and your personal experience. Keep your tone honest, informative, and reader-first.
Step 4: Drive Traffic to Your Reviews
- Use SEO Best Practices
- Add keywords naturally in titles, subheads, and paragraphs
- Optimize meta descriptions and image alt texts
- Use header tags (H1, H2, H3) for clarity and ranking
- Promote on Social Media
- Share snippets and visuals on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Reddit, and relevant Facebook groups.
- Use appropriate hashtags and tag companies or tools you mention.
- Use Medium Publications
- Submitting your posts to popular Medium tech publications (like Better Programming, Towards AI, The Startup) can dramatically increase your reach.
- Build an Email List
- Substack makes this easy. Offer lead magnets like checklists or exclusive guides in exchange for email signups.
- Leverage YouTube or TikTok
- Repurpose your content into video summaries, tutorials, or comparison breakdowns. Video content increases trust and visibility.
- Engage in Communities
- Join forums like Indie Hackers, Product Hunt, or Reddit’s r/artificial and share your reviews with valuable context.
Step 5: Monetize Your Reviews
- Affiliate Marketing
Sign up for affiliate programs of the tools you review. Add your links in the review and disclose them clearly. Use tools like Impact, PartnerStack, or individual brand programs. - Sponsored Content
As your readership grows, companies may approach you to review their products. Always maintain transparency to preserve trust. - Email Subscriptions (Substack)
Offer tiered content – free basic reviews and paid deep-dives, tutorials, or premium templates. - Medium Partner Program
Earn money based on how much time Medium members spend reading your articles. Publish frequently to boost monthly earnings. - Digital Products or Services
Create eBooks, AI toolkits, review templates, or even offer consulting based on your experience. - Freelance Opportunities
Your content acts as a portfolio. Brands and startups may hire you for content creation, marketing, or product testing.
SEO Tips for Better Ranking
- Keyword Research – Use Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, or Google Trends to find searchable phrases.
- Write Long-Form Content – 1200+ words tends to rank better.
- Internal Linking – Link related posts to keep readers on your site.
- Add Value – Provide unique insights, FAQs, and comparison tables.
- Optimize for Mobile – Most readers will access your content via smartphones.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing only sponsored content without genuine insights.
- Ignoring SEO – great content needs to be discoverable.
- Not disclosing affiliate links – always be transparent.
- Copying content – your unique experience matters.
- Inconsistent publishing – commit to a schedule.
Final Thoughts
Reviewing AI tools and tech products is more than just a writing hobby – it’s a legit way to build authority, help others make informed choices, and earn money online. Whether you start on Medium, Substack, or both, the key is delivering value.
So, if you’re tech-savvy and love to write, there’s no better time to start your journey. Pick your first tool, test it out, write an honest review, and hit publish. Your audience – and income – will grow with every post.
Start small. Be consistent. Stay honest. And most importantly, enjoy the process of learning and sharing in the ever-evolving world of technology.
