Passive Income Ideas For Beginners [Updated for 2024]

Updated: February 22nd, 2024

I know you're busy. I'm busy too. So, what's the best way to make money without actually having to do anything? Passive income!

But don’t be mistaken. You have to work hard to achieve this passive income.

In this blog post, I'm going to share some ideas for how beginners can make passive income. Stay tuned for tips on how to get started!

1. Start a music writing and production business ($25.5K/month)

Dream of crafting musical masterpieces and helping others bring their soundscapes to life? Consider starting a music writing and production business.

In simple terms, this business involves writing, composing, recording, and producing music for various clients, such as artists, filmmakers, and advertisers. The beauty of this venture lies in its versatility and the potential for creative expression.

You’ll need a mix of technical skills and artistic flair, plus a decent setup with a computer, digital audio workstation (DAW), and possibly some instruments. The work involves collaborating with clients to bring their vision to life, editing tracks, mixing sounds, and ensuring the final product meets high-quality standards.

For those passionate about music and sound, this business offers a fulfilling career path. It allows you to be at the heart of the music industry, exploring diverse genres and styles while creating memorable auditory experiences. Turn your musical talent into a thriving business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,507 (?)

How long does it take to build: 103 days (?)

2. Start a flipping business

Flipping is a business where you buy discounted or liquidated inventory and resell it at a profit. As a flipper, you need to have good product research skills to find profitable arbitrage opportunities.

You can choose to sell your products online or in retail stores and build your inventory based on customer demand, which can provide you with scalable returns.

Flipping works best for products that have a steady market value and are easily accessible such as media, clothing, tools, or electronics.

Buying low and selling high across different product categories is an agile business model that requires patience and an eye for valuations. Understanding the supply and demand is crucial to succeed in this business.

How much does it cost to start: $50 (?)

3. Start a blogging tips website ($33.4K/month)

Starting a blogging tips website offers a unique opportunity to carve out a niche in the digital space without the overhead of physical inventory or services.

In essence, a blogging tips website provides insights, tools, and techniques to help aspiring bloggers refine their craft and grow their online presence.

By sharing valuable content about SEO strategies, content creation, and social media marketing, you can establish yourself as an authority in the blogging community. This builds trust and positions your website as a go-to resource for both beginners and seasoned bloggers.

It's a scalable business model, allowing you to monetize through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and premium resources. With dedication and a smart content strategy, you can create a steady stream of traffic and revenue, turning your passion for blogging into a sustainable business.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $125 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

4. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)

Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products to customers without holding inventory.

Instead, when a customer makes a purchase, you buy the product from a third-party supplier, who then ships it directly to the customer.

To start a dropshipping business on a budget, choose a niche or category of products you want to sell.

Next, set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Then, find reliable suppliers from platforms like AliExpress, list their products on your store, and focus on marketing and customer service to grow your business.

Remember to carefully manage your expenses and monitor your profit margins to ensure profitability.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

5. Start an airbnb hosting business ($153K/month)

Do you have an extra room or an unoccupied house in your home? You can turn that property into a revenue-generating asset by starting an Airbnb listing. Airbnb is one of the world’s largest accommodation platforms. According to experts, Airbnb’s future is undoubtedly bright.

Therefore, starting an Airbnb business can be rewarding. To start, prepare your Airbnb listing and set it up accordingly. To increase bookings, offer the best services, and encourage the guests to leave a positive review.

How much you can make: $35,000 — $270,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

6. Sell stock photos

Stock photography is the supply of licensed photographs for specific uses. If you have a camera and love traveling or taking photos, you can start your own stock photo business.

Create a stock photography website and upload the best shots to start your stock photography business. To ensure professional images, you can hire freelance photographers and photo editors. Alternatively, you can invest in a professional camera and learn the art of photography before launching your business.

Running a stock photo website allows you to create unlimited earning potential. Besides, stock photographers enjoy flexible working hours and have the potential for passive income.

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How long does it take to build: 3 days (?)

7. Start a food delivery app business

Hungry for a business idea that taps into modern convenience? Consider starting a food delivery app business. This venture involves creating an app that partners with local restaurants to deliver their meals directly to customers' doorsteps. It's about facilitating the link between culinary establishments and consumers seeking meal options without leaving home.

With the ongoing demand for quick, convenient dining solutions, a food delivery app can fill a critical need in both urban and suburban areas. Your primary roles will include app development, establishing relationships with restaurants, and managing the logistics of delivery.

Success in this field hinges on robust technology and excellent service coordination. If you can ensure a seamless user experience and timely deliverables, you’ll carve out a niche in the competitive food delivery market. Evaluate local dining options, leverage tech resources, and tap into an ever-growing consumer base to make your mark.

This could be your chance to innovate how people dine at home.

How much you can make: $1,800,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

8. Start a gaming marketplace

A dynamic gaming marketplace could be your next big business venture. At its core, this idea revolves around creating a platform where gamers can buy, sell, and trade virtual goods, rare items, and even entire game accounts.

It’s more than just an ecommerce site; it’s a community-driven hub for gaming enthusiasts. The demand for rare in-game items is high, and many are willing to pay a premium for that elusive weapon or avatar skin.

Getting started involves building a secure, user-friendly platform. You’ll need to ensure seamless transactions and possibly incorporate features like a rating system for sellers. Marketing efforts should target both casual gamers and hardcore aficionados through social media and gaming forums.

With the rise in the gaming industry's market value, this idea has ample potential for growth and profitability. It’s a business that marries passion and profit, making it an enticing opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs.

How much you can make: $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 14 days (?)

9. Start a bike rental store

Bike rental is one of the most profitable business ideas most people overlook. Today, bike rental is in high demand, especially among people who love outdoor activities. Today, people prefer renting a bike as opposed to buying one. Moreover, bikes offer a hassle-free and quicker ride option for daily commuters. In that regard, starting your own bike rental business is exciting and can be profitable.

If you are starting a bike rental business, some avenues you could use to increase business profitability include:

  • Targeting tourists
  • Reaching out to biker clubs
  • Biking training schools
  • Cater to employees in organizations that encourage the use of bikes

Use bike rental software to manage bookings, and market your business on social media and biking clubs, to maximize bookings.

10. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)

Etsy is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell all kinds of handmade goods, vintage items, and art supplies.

It's a great way to make some extra cash, and you can use it as an opportunity to build your brand and find new clients.

To get started on Etsy, you'll need these four things:

  • An Etsy account
  • A PayPal account
  • A product idea (or at least a product category)
  • A visually appealing storefront with photos of your products

How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

11. Start a pet sitting business

A pet sitter is a professional who provides daily care for pets while the pet owners are at work or on vacation. The pet sitter's duties include:

  • Cooking special meals for pets as instructed by pet owners.
  • Reporting any behavioral issues to pet owners.
  • Playing with the pets to encourage their mental and physical stimulation.

One of the advantages of working as a pet sitter is that it's not a stressful career. You also get to work with different animals while enjoying a work-life balance.

How much you can make: $15,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

12. Start a data entry service

Data entry service is expanding and growing with each passing day. Thus, starting a data entry business can be a profitable opportunity. Data entry experts can work from home and choose their preferred work schedule. To become a data entry specialist, you need computing skills. Alternatively, you can outsource the contracts to a third party.

How much you can make: $5,000/month

How long does it take to build: 400 days (?)

13. Start a music writing and production business ($25.5K/month)

Dream of crafting musical masterpieces and helping others bring their soundscapes to life? Consider starting a music writing and production business.

In simple terms, this business involves writing, composing, recording, and producing music for various clients, such as artists, filmmakers, and advertisers. The beauty of this venture lies in its versatility and the potential for creative expression.

You’ll need a mix of technical skills and artistic flair, plus a decent setup with a computer, digital audio workstation (DAW), and possibly some instruments. The work involves collaborating with clients to bring their vision to life, editing tracks, mixing sounds, and ensuring the final product meets high-quality standards.

For those passionate about music and sound, this business offers a fulfilling career path. It allows you to be at the heart of the music industry, exploring diverse genres and styles while creating memorable auditory experiences. Turn your musical talent into a thriving business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,507 (?)

How long does it take to build: 103 days (?)

14. Start a copywriting business ($34.9K/month)

A copywriter creates clear, compelling copy to sell products and/or educate and engage consumers.

To become a copywriter, focus on covering the basics, plan your copywriting business and choose the services you intend to offer.

To develop your brand, establish a marketing strategy, and offer quality services to your audience. Email marketing, newsletters, and other digital marketing tools can help you create a successful copywriting business.

How much you can make: $700 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

15. Start an online video editing business ($37.7K/month)

Video editors manage camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics, and special effects to produce the final film or video product. To become an online video editor, you must have media production and communication knowledge and the ability to work with others.

To start a video editing business, you can outsource video editing skills from an experienced professional. Your role will be to pick video footage from the customers and upload them for the video editor to do the magic.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

16. Start a web flipping business

A web flipping business is where you purchase a website, improve its revenue and then sell it for a profit. To start a web-flipping business, find an undervalued site with high traffic but a poor monetization strategy. Alternatively, you can build your website, grow it and then sell at a profit.

To earn profits from web flipping, you must spend time churning out high-quality content and growing your following before you can start making money.

How much you can make: $175,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

17. Start a property renting app business ($330K/month)

Starting a property renting app business can turn complex property management into a digital solution. Imagine an app that simplifies finding and renting properties for users.

This business idea involves developing a platform where property owners can list their rentals and prospective tenants can browse, book, and manage their rental experience—all in one place. It's about bridging the gap between landlords and renters using technology, streamlining processes like viewing listings, leasing, and payments.

For anyone looking to dive into the tech world with a focus on real estate, this presents a compelling opportunity. The demand for more efficient rental markets is clear, and a property renting app could meet that need by offering convenience and transparency.

This business won't run itself—success will require a strong tech development team, consistent marketing, and excellent customer support. However, the payoff is significant as you build a platform that reshapes how people rent homes.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

18. Start an uber driver business

Uber is the top ridesharing and delivery platform that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As an uber driver, you have the chance to set your schedule. You can drive with the Uber app anytime, day or night. Uber app gives you driving directions and suggestions, enabling you to maximize your profitability and make money on your terms.

To get started, check the driving requirements for your area, sign up online, and choose the cities you would like to drive in. Ensure the car types meet Uber’s specifications.

How much you can make: $250,000/month

19. Start a storage rental business

Are you planning to start a passive income business? Storage unit business is an excellent choice for passive income.

Storage spaces offer a solution for people and businesses with too many things but lack enough space to store the items. Besides, the demand for storage space has increased and is expected to reach over $64 billion in the next few years.

Therefore, if you have some idle land, you can construct storage spaces for rental, ideal for industrial, commercial, and residential clients. If starting a storage business, remember location is a critical factor, and do market research to find out the market rates.

20. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)

A niche investment platform is a custom-tailored online exchange that deals with alternative asset classes such as collectibles, cryptocurrencies, real estate, or athletic prospects.

As a founder of such a platform, you can make use of modern technology to create transparent trading ecosystems that cater to specialized investors.

You can provide flexibility around portfolio combinations, which will help you build an exclusive user base.

This, in turn, will provide recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions.

For those seeking alternatives amid volatile stock markets, a niche exchange offers asset diversification to brokers and traders who have a passion for fine wine or up-and-coming athletes.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

21. Start an online language instruction business

Looking to teach languages online and leverage your linguistic skills? Online language instruction taps into the growing demand for remote learning.

All you need is a reliable internet connection, a computer, and a passion for teaching. You can create lesson plans, set up virtual classrooms, and reach students from around the globe without stepping out of your house. It's an investment in self-employment with flexibility and growth potential.

Teaching online allows you to share your language expertise while building meaningful connections with students. It's more than just teaching words — it's about culture, communication, and bridging gaps. If you're dedicated and ready to invest time in building a robust curriculum and marketing your services, this is an avenue worth exploring.

Consider setting up a website, leveraging social media for marketing, and using online tools like Zoom or Skype to deliver your classes effectively. If you’re passionate about languages and teaching, this could be a fulfilling and profitable venture.

How much you can make: $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $880 (?)

How long does it take to build: 5 days (?)

22. Start an influencer marketing business ($22.8K/month)

Influencer marketing is a business that involves partnering with social media influencers to promote products or services to their followers. The influencer marketing business model relies on building relationships with influencers who have a large following and can engage their audience effectively.

The business entails identifying relevant influencers in your industry, negotiating the terms of the partnership, and managing the campaigns. It also involves creating content and messaging that aligns with the influencer’s brand and style, as well as tracking and analyzing the performance of the campaigns.

To run a successful influencer marketing business, it is essential to do thorough research to identify the right influencers for your brand. Look for influencers who have a genuine interest in your products or services and align with your brand values. You should also be transparent and upfront with influencers about your expectations and the terms of the partnership.

In addition, it is important to stay up to date on industry trends and best practices. This includes understanding the different types of influencer partnerships, such as sponsored posts, brand ambassadorships, and affiliate marketing.

Finally, it is crucial to have a clear strategy and plan in place for each campaign. This includes setting goals, determining the budget, and tracking the performance of the campaigns to ensure you are getting a good return on investment. By following these tips, you can build a successful influencer marketing business that helps your clients reach their target audience and achieve their marketing goals.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $85,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

23. Start an educational youtube channel

Creating insightful and engaging content is at the heart of a successful educational YouTube channel. This business idea centers around sharing valuable information through short, easy-to-digest videos.

You’ll need dedication to research, script write, edit, and consistently publish quality content that addresses your audience’s needs. The initial steps include determining your niche—be it science, history, or language learning—and investing in basic video production equipment.

With ad revenue, sponsorships, and even dedicated courses, monetization opportunities are substantial. Effective use of SEO will help attract viewers organically, while engaging thumbnails and titles will increase click-through rates.

If you're looking to make an impact and share your knowledge, an educational YouTube channel offers both challenges and rewards. Success requires persistence and creativity, but the potential to change lives through accessible education makes it a fulfilling endeavor.

How much you can make: $800/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

24. Start a gamified courses and classes business ($47.5K/month)

Gamified courses and classes could revolutionize the way people learn. Imagine a business where traditional educational content meets interactive game mechanics. By integrating rewards, challenges, and progress tracking into course material, you can create an engaging learning environment that motivates users to complete tasks and retain information.

This business model involves creating or partnering with content developers to design educational modules that incorporate these game-like features. The aim is to make learning not just informative but also entertaining, appealing to a wide range of audiences from children to adults seeking professional development.

The demand for innovative learning solutions continues to grow, especially in our increasingly digital world. By focusing on gamified courses, you could tap into this lucrative market. It requires initial investments in technology and educational content but offers the potential for substantial returns and high user engagement.

How much you can make: $40,000 — $55,000/month

How long does it take to build: 112 days (?)

25. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog can be a great way to engage with a passionate online community by sharing your expertise on a specific topic.

The first step is to identify a profitable and underserved niche, such as fashion, video games, film reviews, cooking, and more.

Find your niche and create unique and informative content, such as articles, commentary, news, how-to guides, top product lists, convention coverage, video interviews, and spotlights.

To monetize your blog, gain visibility and followers, provide affiliate links, grow a YouTube channel, collaborate with relevant brands, and speak at events.

To succeed in niche blogging, you need to have a passion for your topic, create engaging content, and regularly engage with your followers.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

26. Start a live stream gaming business ($6.43K/month)

Video game live streaming is where participants broadcast themselves playing games to a live audience online. Therefore, spectators watch the gameplay and interact with the streamer in real time.

In recent years, many people have taken up the trend of broadcasting their video-game gameplay live, attracting thousands of spectators.

Video game streaming is fun to do, and the appeal of attracting an audience is enough to motivate you to start the business. While many starts live video-game streaming for fun, there is still the chance of making profits through advertisement, partnerships, and viewer donations.

To start a video game streaming business, choose a trending game genre. Whatever your approach, consistency is key! Game viewers should be able to see you often, so they come back to you on a regular schedule.

Besides, choosing the proper hardware and streaming services impact your performance and ability to retain viewers.

How much you can make: $300 — $15,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

27. Start a car rental business ($5.44K/month)

Starting a car rental business can be a profitable venture for those interested in the auto industry.

Retail and corporate are the main segments within the car rental industry. Retail car rentals focus on individuals who rent cars for shorter periods, while corporate car rental targets companies that want to transport clients or employees.

If you are starting a car rental business , target airports, hotels, railway stations, commercial offices, and other high-traffic areas.

Market your business, hire employees who will manage the operations and keep records, and purchase business insurance for both cars and employees.

How much you can make: $870 — $10,000/month

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

28. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

Are you looking for a side hustle to pay you a passive income? Affiliate marketing is one of those side hustles that will pay you well over the long term. It is a way to earn money online by promoting other companies' products and services. You will be paid a commission for each sale you make as an affiliate marketer.

To get started, learn how to find the right product and brand to partner with. For example, you may prefer becoming an affiliate marketer for an eCommerce store, partnering with a manufacturer, and marketing their products for a commission.

How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

29. Start an art business ($61.4K/month)

Starting an art business can be a great idea if you have a passion for art.

You’ll be able to work on your schedule, set your prices, and do something you love—while supporting yourself or even making money!

There are so many different avenues available to you as an artist-entrepreneur right now—from selling your work online (on sites like Etsy), through galleries or museums, or even at craft fairs and flea markets.

How much you can make: $876 — $415,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

30. Develop an ecommerce operating system

Think of an ecommerce operating system as the backbone for your online store operations. In simple terms, it's a comprehensive platform that streamlines everything from inventory management and order processing to customer relationship management and analytics.

Imagine seamlessly integrating multiple tools and automating repetitive tasks, freeing up time to grow your business. This idea is perfect if you like working behind the scenes to make things run smoothly and efficiently.

Crafting an ecommerce operating system might seem like a lot of work initially, requiring tech-savvy skills and a good understanding of ecommerce challenges. But for those willing to put in the effort, it offers the opportunity to create a robust, scalable solution that keeps customers happy and business operations smooth.

How much you can make: $1,060,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1 (?)

31. Start an outdoor advertisement business ($35K/month)

Businesses rely on visibility to attract customers. Thus, these businesses pay advertising agencies for a billboard in strategic locations. If you have idle or vacant land, you can start an advertising agency and earn money by offering businesses some advertising space.

The type of outdoor advertising includes billboards and signage posted on the roadside.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $50,000/month

How long does it take to build: 248 days (?)

32. Start a 3D Printing Business ($166K/month)

3D printing is a process that assembles objects layer by layer and starting a business in this industry can be a very creative venture.

You will need investment in the right equipment and materials, and the acquisition of 3D modeling and design skills. You will also need to regularly calibrate and maintain your 3D printers to deliver consistent results.

Plan how you'll handle shipping and logistics, and leverage technology to find new applications of 3D printing in all industries.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $330,000/month

How long does it take to build: 270 days (?)

33. Start a food truck ($368K/month)

Food trucks are a highly profitable business that offers customers a variety of meal options out of a mobile truck. This basically operates inside a large vehicle equipped with kitchen and food products. Starting a food truck is a dream for many people, but it's more challenging than it looks. To make it work, you need the ideal location and menu.

To start a food truck business in a particular city, it is mandatory to check what kind of food trucks are already operating, identify a gap, and bring in some new experiences. Then, with the right plan and the right approach, you can be on your way to starting your own food truck empire.

How much you can make: $30,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

34. Print on demand business ($411K/month)

A print-on-demand business involves selling customized products without upfront inventory costs.

The business model utilizes dropshipping production and fulfillment services to print custom apparel, home goods, phone cases, and other merchandise one order at a time.

By leveraging online marketplace platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy as virtual storefronts, print-on-demand sellers can focus on designing trendy and unique products while reaching global audiences.

With minimal startup costs and the freedom to run operations from home, launching a print-on-demand model empowers aspiring founders to monetize their creativity and build ascalable business at their own pace.

How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

35. Start a digital ebook business

Think you can make money writing without dealing with the hassle of a publisher? A digital ebook business might be the answer.

In essence, you write and sell ebooks online, converting your knowledge, stories, or expertise into downloadable content. With minimal startup costs—mostly editing, design, and marketing—you can reach a global audience from the comfort of your home.

Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Gumroad make distribution fairly straightforward. However, the real work lies in consistently creating high-quality content that resonates with readers and effective marketing to stand out in a crowded market.

Imagine the appeal of earning passive income while sharing your insights or creativity with the world. If you have a knack for writing and a topic you’re passionate about, this could be a fulfilling and lucrative venture.

36. Start a laundromat ($54.7K/month)

The first laundromat opened in the United States in 1887. It was invented by the entrepreneur Josephine Cochrane, who was frustrated with having to wash her family’s laundry by hand.

The laundromat is a self-service facility that provides washing and drying machines for personal use. There are many different types of machines available, including coin-operated ones and those that require a card. They also provide various types of detergents and fabric softeners for use with the machines.

A laundromat can make a lot of money if it is in the right location and has the right prices.

How much you can make: $9,300 — $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

37. Start a podcasting business ($74.8K/month)

Podcasting businesses often start as a hobby. You publish a few episodes and posts, and soon you will start getting engagements from interested parties.

However, to earn money from your podcasting business, you need to put a lot of effort and time into producing quality shows that address your audience's concerns.

To grow your podcast business, ensure regular publishing, which brings better growth, more listeners to your channel, and a higher income.

Here is a list of steps to help you transition the podcast from a hobby to a full-time podcast business:

  • Ensure a focused effort and adjust the tone of each podcast episode
  • Make podcasting your priority
  • Focus on building
  • Grow a mailing list
  • Aim at building a trusted brand
  • Develop a long-term growth and marketing plan

How much you can make: $5,000 — $349,983/month

How much does it cost to start: $350 (?)

How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)

38. Start a find friends app business

Loneliness is on the rise, but technology can bridge the gap. A "find friends" app offers a straightforward solution for those looking to make new connections. This business idea revolves around developing a mobile application that connects people based on shared interests, hobbies, or location.

Imagine an app where users can create profiles, list their interests, and match with like-minded individuals in their vicinity. The app could also organize events, like book clubs or hiking trails, providing natural opportunities for face-to-face interaction.

Getting started requires a focus on market research to identify key features your target audience craves. From there, you'll need to collaborate with a development team, oversee the creation process, and manage ongoing updates and user feedback. This isn't a set-it-and-forget-it business; it demands continuous effort to keep the platform engaging and current.

This sort of application can offer significant social impact while presenting solid revenue potential through in-app purchases or premium subscriptions.

39. Start a mlm software company

Considering a software venture but want something with a structured, recurring sales model? Starting an MLM software company might be your next great move.

In simple terms, MLM software facilitates multi-level marketing businesses by managing sales, commissions, and downline tracking in an organized system. You’ll be creating integral technology for companies that rely on multi-tier sales strategies.

Building MLM software requires a sound understanding of both network marketing and software development. Your aim is to design a seamless platform that supports marketing efforts, ensures compliance, and provides detailed analytics.

This business is appealing because it allows you to tap into a niche market with continuous demand for efficient solutions. Imagine creating a product that not only solves a major pain point but also assures steady revenue through subscription models. With the right technical skills and market insight, launching an MLM software company could be a lucrative venture.

How much you can make: $6,000/month

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

40. Start a sleep consulting service

Are you fascinated by the science of sleep and eager to help others? Sleep consulting might be your calling. This business involves working one-on-one with clients to identify and resolve their sleep issues, using your expertise to craft personalized sleep strategies.

Whether your clients are stressed-out professionals, new parents, or anyone struggling with sleep disorders, your role will be to offer tailored advice and practical solutions. To succeed, you'll need strong communication skills, a deep understanding of sleep science, and the ability to keep up with ongoing research.

Sleep consulting offers the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in people's lives, combined with the flexibility to build a schedule that suits you. If you're prepared to invest in certification and build your credibility, this could be a meaningful and rewarding endeavor.

How much you can make: $60,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

More business ideas

  • 41. Start a cashbacks sites business
  • 42. Start an instantaneous peer-to-peer lending business

43. Start a take online surveys

Want to make money from your couch? Consider taking online surveys. This business idea is as simple as it sounds: companies pay you to share your opinions through surveys.

You'll find numerous survey platforms like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie that connect you with brands eager to understand consumer preferences. The work is straightforward—log in, find available surveys, and fill them out. Each survey you complete earns you points or cash, which can add up over time.

While it won’t make you rich overnight, taking online surveys can offer a consistent, low-effort income stream. It’s an ideal opportunity if you’re looking for a flexible, part-time gig to do in your spare time. Plus, it requires no upfront investment and can be done anytime, anywhere.

How much you can make: $16,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

44. Start a discount shopping app business

Attention: Thrift lovers and savvy shoppers.

Imagine an app that turns your smartphone into a gateway to exclusive discounts on everyday products. This discount shopping app concept is about creating a mobile platform where retailers can offer price cuts and promotions directly to consumers.

It simplifies bargain hunting by aggregating deals in one place, saving consumers time and effort while providing valuable shopping insights. Retailers gain an efficient channel to offload inventory and increase sales without the need for massive marketing expenditures.

For entrepreneurs, developing a discount shopping app involves coding, UX design, and marketing strategy. Yet, the potential rewards—a growing user base and revenue from affiliate commissions or premium memberships—make it a worthwhile venture.

Ready to tap into the multi-billion-dollar discount market? This is your cue.

45. Start a self-service hotels business

A self-service hotel allows guests to independently check-in, check-out, and access their rooms without staff assistance.

This type of lodging is becoming increasingly popular among travelers due to its cost-effectiveness and convenience.

From a business perspective, self-service hotels are profitable as they reduce staffing costs and allow for a more streamlined operation, resulting in higher profits.

However, it is essential to ensure that the facility is equipped with automated systems and robust security measures to provide guests with a safe and comfortable experience.

More business ideas

  • 46. Renting out a parking space
  • 47. Start a flip and sell classic cars business
  • 48. Start a jet surf & underwater sea scooters rental business

49. Start an audiobooks business

The growing popularity of audiobooks presents a captivating business opportunity. Picture this: turning written words into captivating audio experiences that people can enjoy anywhere.

Starting an audiobook business involves converting books to audio formats. You'll need a quiet recording space, quality equipment, and editing software. Talent-wise, voice actors and skilled editors are essential. The work includes securing rights to the books, recording, editing, and distributing via platforms like Audible or your own website.

Audiobooks cater to busy lifestyles, offering a way to enjoy stories and learning on the go, making this venture promising. With commitment and a love for literature, transforming texts into audio tales can be both rewarding and profitable.

How much you can make: $30,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

More business ideas

  • 50. Start a furniture rental business

51. Start a self storage business

Looking for a business idea with steady demand and low operating costs? Consider starting a self-storage business. At its core, this venture involves renting out storage units to individuals and businesses that need extra space for their belongings.

This concept is appealing due to the consistent need for storage solutions, fueled by life events like moving or downsizing. With relatively straightforward management, you can focus on customer service and maintenance. The key challenge is securing a suitable property and ensuring it is secure and easily accessible.

A self-storage business can generate ongoing revenue with minimal supervision. Given the scalability and low labor costs, it is a solid business idea for those seeking a reliable income stream.

How much you can make: $200,000/month

52. Sell ice cream cakes ($201K/month)

Looking for a sweet and profitable business idea? Consider selling ice cream cakes.

This venture involves creating and selling customized cakes made from everyone's favorite summer treat—ice cream. Whether for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion, ice cream cakes are a unique and appealing product that stands out.

The process is pretty straightforward: craft custom ice cream cakes, market them to your target audience, and handle orders either through a physical shop or an online presence. With the right recipes and a bit of creativity, you can attract a loyal customer base.

Given the universal love for ice cream and the growing popularity of personalized treats, starting an ice cream cake business could be both fun and financially rewarding. Perfect for someone who enjoys baking and wishes to create memorable experiences for their customers.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)

53. Start a car wash business

Cars are everywhere, and they all need cleaning. Starting a car wash business is a practical way to tap into a continually demanding market.

In essence, a car wash business offers professional cleaning services for cars, including exterior washes, interior cleaning, waxing, and more. By providing these services, you fulfill a basic need that virtually every car owner has.

Operating a car wash can be both rewarding and challenging. You’ll need a good location with high traffic, reliable equipment, and a focus on customer satisfaction. This isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it venture; attention to detail and consistent quality service are crucial to retaining customers and building a reputation.

Imagine being a key part of your community, providing convenience and care for something people use every day. If you're passionate about cars and enjoy hands-on work, a car wash business could be a fulfilling and prosperous endeavor.

How much you can make: $5,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

More business ideas

  • 54. Start a virtual assistant services

55. Start a gaming arcade business

Imagine modern entertainment wrapped in a nostalgic package—welcome to the world of gaming arcades. A gaming arcade business offers a space filled with classic pinball machines, retro video games, and even modern VR setups.

Easy to conceptualize but demanding to implement, this enterprise requires securing a location, sourcing machines, and strategizing marketing to attract gamers of all ages. The formula, however, is undeniably effective: a bustling hub for fun, competition, and social interaction.

This isn’t merely a business; it’s a cultural revival and social hotspot. A gaming arcade can breathe new life into a community, providing a timeless yet trendy escape. For those with a passion for gaming and community building, it’s not just a business opportunity—it’s a dream grounded in reality.

How much you can make: $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 14 days (?)

56. Start a chatbots engagement business ($16.3K/month)

Imagine a business where technology and customer service combine seamlessly to boost engagement—welcome to the world of chatbots engagement. This business idea involves creating and managing chatbots for companies to enhance their customer interactions.

In simple terms, chatbots are automated systems that can hold conversations with customers, answer queries, and provide support without human intervention. As the owner of a chatbots engagement business, you’d be responsible for developing customized bots tailored to the specific needs of each client.

The demand for efficient, round-the-clock customer service is growing, and chatbots offer a cost-effective solution. You’ll need to invest in understanding chatbot platforms and staying updated with AI advancements to ensure that your bots remain effective and relevant.

If you’re interested in technology and like solving customer problems, this business idea could be a fulfilling and lucrative opportunity.

How much you can make: $7,500 — $25,000/month

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

Frequently asked questions

Can you build passive income as a beginner?

Yes, you can build passive income. As a beginner, you can use your spare time to do a particular task, gig, or extra work. Due to the increase in expenses, inflation, and other things, building a passive income is becoming more of a necessity.

Of course, a passive income isn't meant to consume all of your time. After all, your primary concern is to finish your tasks as a beginner.

A passive income not only helps build financial stability. Moreover, it helps you create a better future while you continue doing your tasks as a beginner.

Now, a passive income doesn't necessarily mean one thing. In general, you can build a passive income by doing something you enjoy as a beginner. As such, we have several ideas for you to know. These ideas can help you identify which one you like, so you enjoy your spare time and earn simultaneously.

Building passive income as a beginner is possible since you get more flexible online work opportunities. So it's possible to do so, especially when you have some time to spare.

How can you build passive income as a beginner?

Once you have established that you want to build passive income, the next thing to ask is how you would do so without compromising your beginner duties.

In general, you'll find plenty of opportunities to build passive income as a beginner. The key here is to evaluate what you want, how much you want to earn extra, and what passive income opportunity suits you as a beginner.

With the ideas we share, you can build a passive income and work your way through financial stability while still keeping up with your duties as a beginner.

Is passive income for beginners truly passive?

Most passive income sources for beginners are truly passive, meaning you don't have to work. However, such sources need some foundation to start.

In general, you won't necessarily have a passive income source without doing anything apart from being a beginner. But, in most cases, you must work and spare some time and effort to start. Afterward, passive income starts, and you enjoy the benefits of your work.

Having a passive income isn't as easy as wanting it. As a beginner, you should note that any income requires work. The only difference is that most passive income sources only require initial work.

On the other hand, some passive income sources would need you to spare some time, effort, and even some resources to continue. Such a thing is completely normal, and as a beginner, you know you're doing it right when it's not so easy.

Conclusion

Online passive income is an excellent option if you are a beginner looking for ways to make some extra money. Several options are available, and many of them can be started with little to no investment.

Do your research, find something that interests you, and get started! You may be surprised at how quickly those extra dollars start adding up. What have you got to lose?

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.