Passive Income Ideas For It Directors [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a IT director in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a IT director today. These will help you increase your quality of life by bringing in more income for yourself or your business.
For each income idea, we’ll show you real-world examples, revenue expectations for each idea, plus some things you might need to know before you start your passive income journey as a IT director.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
As an IT director, starting an email marketing tool could be a smart way to supplement your income and venture into entrepreneurship. You have the technical skills to create, manage, and automate email campaigns, which is the backbone of any email marketing tool. This type of software is highly valuable for generating leads, increasing sales, and improving how websites show up in search results.
The email marketing industry is expected to grow significantly, reaching $2.53 billion by 2028. By tapping into this market, you could create a tool that entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals like real estate agents would find indispensable for reaching their audience. With your background, you could build a user-friendly and efficient tool that stands out in this booming market, opening up new revenue streams while leveraging your existing expertise.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
2. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As an IT director, you have a unique advantage in the tech world that makes creating an AI writing tool a solid business proposition. You could leverage your knowledge of software development and machine learning to craft a tool that automates content creation, delivering precise and engaging content effortlessly. This venture could not only generate passive income but also position you at the forefront of a rapidly advancing technology.
Imagine offering a solution that saves countless hours for businesses, bloggers, and students by providing accurate, error-free content at the click of a button. Given the growing demand for quality and consistent content, your AI writing tool could fill a substantial gap in the market. Dive into this opportunity and utilize your skills to innovate and make a significant impact in the digital world.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
3. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
As an IT director, you could explore launching an AI-based business solution to supplement your income. Such a venture would capitalize on your expertise in technology, leveraging AI to optimize business processes like customer service, inventory management, and data analysis. By implementing AI tools, you could help businesses enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
AI solutions can automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and predict market trends accurately. Despite the advanced technology, many AI platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support, making it accessible even if you’re new to AI. With the rapid growth in demand for AI solutions, this could be a strategic move to tap into an expanding market and achieve impressive results.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
4. Make passive income with a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As an IT director, you could leverage your technical skills and industry experience to create a successful mobile app. Whether it’s a productivity tool, a game, or an innovative solution to a common problem, developing a mobile app allows you to tap into the growing market of smartphone and tablet users. You have the background needed to either code the app yourself or manage a development team efficiently.
Starting a mobile app business involves planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and ensuring the app functions seamlessly. With your expertise, you could overcome many of the technical challenges that deter others. Once developed, marketing your app to attract users and achieve downloads could turn your initial idea into a source of passive income.
Considering how integral mobile apps have become in our daily lives, the potential for success is high. If you have an idea that addresses a need or brings joy, dedicating some time and effort to mobile app development could be a smart entrepreneurial move.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
5. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As an IT Director, you could leverage your technical expertise to develop a lead generation tool that automates the process of identifying and capturing potential customer leads for businesses. This type of software application or platform can integrate with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints to collect valuable data such as email addresses, phone numbers, and customer interests.
Imagine helping companies streamline their marketing efforts and grow their customer base without the tedious manual work. The demand for efficient lead generation tools is high, making it an excellent opportunity to supplement your income while utilizing your existing skill set in both technology and strategic planning. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, creating and marketing such a tool could be a highly profitable side venture.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
6. Make passive income with a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
As an IT director, you likely have a strong understanding of the technical challenges businesses face. You could leverage this expertise to develop WordPress plugins that solve specific issues, much like how you might implement tech solutions in your current role. For instance, if you notice that many companies struggle with website security, you could create a plugin that enhances security features for WordPress sites.
Developing and selling WordPress plugins offers you a relatively low-cost and scalable way to generate passive income. Once the plugin is developed and listed for sale on platforms like CodeCanyon, your primary responsibilities would involve periodic updates and customer support, allowing you to earn money even while you focus on your primary job. Additionally, by offering real solutions to common web management problems, you create value that can translate into a steady stream of extra income.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
7. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($139K/month)
As an IT director, your deep understanding of technology and system optimization positions you ideally to start a social media automation business. By creating and deploying tools to manage and automate social media interactions, you could effortlessly handle multiple accounts while driving engagement and growth for your clients.
Your primary tasks would involve developing or integrating software solutions for scheduling posts, automating interactions, and analyzing data. Small businesses and influencers alike would pay for these services, as it saves them time and enhances their online presence. Given the growing importance of strategic social media engagement, there's a significant demand for such automation, making it a promising and potentially lucrative side hustle.
Leveraging your tech expertise, you could stay updated on social media trends and tailor your offerings to meet client needs. This endeavor blends technology with marketing, creating a fulfilling business opportunity that aligns with your skills.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
8. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As an IT director, you could leverage your expertise to create and sell online courses on topics you're passionate about, such as coding, web design, or even IT leadership. Imagine turning your extensive knowledge into a series of videos or modules that people can purchase and learn from at their own pace. This not only establishes you as an authority in your field but also creates a new revenue stream with minimal ongoing effort.
By identifying a target audience and choosing an appropriate online learning platform, you could set up a course that practically runs itself once it's up and running. With the e-learning market projected to reach over $645 billion in the next few years, this could be a profitable venture. Starting an online course sales business could be a great way to share your skills and generate passive income while continuing in your career.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
9. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)
As an IT Director, you could leverage your professional knowledge by creating a niche website focused on a specialized area within the IT field. For instance, you might choose topics such as cybersecurity best practices, cloud computing strategies, or emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. This allows you to share your expertise with a dedicated audience while generating passive income.
You could also attract visitors to your site through high-quality, original content and effective SEO strategies. Over time, you might monetize your website through affiliate marketing, selling digital products like e-books or online courses, or placing targeted ads. With careful planning and consistent effort, your niche website could offer both a creative outlet and a steady stream of supplementary income.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
10. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As an IT Director, starting an affiliate marketing business could be a practical and lucrative way to supplement your income. Given your technical expertise and understanding of online systems, setting up and managing an affiliate marketing business would likely be less challenging for you than for someone without your skills.
You could leverage your knowledge of digital tools to promote products and services that align with your professional background. For instance, you might choose to partner with software companies or tech gadget manufacturers, promoting their products and earning a commission on each sale. With the potential to earn passive income by promoting products you are already familiar with, affiliate marketing could be an ideal venture for a tech-savvy professional like you.
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 (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
11. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
As an IT director, starting a niche blog could be a rewarding way to share your expertise while supplementing your income. You might focus on subjects like emerging technologies, cybersecurity trends, or strategies for managing IT teams, which are areas you are already well-versed in. By offering valuable insights and how-to guides, you could attract a dedicated online community.
To monetize your blog, you could integrate affiliate marketing by recommending relevant software tools, partner with tech brands for sponsored content, or even create a YouTube channel for additional revenue. Additionally, speaking at tech events and conferences could further establish your authority while driving more traffic to your blog. Overall, your unique perspective in IT could make your niche blog a profitable side hustle.
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 (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
12. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)
As an IT Director, you could start a podcast to share your expertise and experiences in the tech industry. Discussing IT trends, best practices, and leadership strategies could attract listeners who are eager to learn from your knowledge. By targeting a niche audience of IT professionals and tech enthusiasts, you can establish yourself as a thought leader and build a loyal following.
With basic recording equipment and an affordable hosting platform, you could produce quality content without significant upfront costs. Over time, as your audience grows, you might attract sponsors or advertisers, turning your podcast into a source of passive income. Promoting your episodes through social media and online communities can help you reach a wider audience and increase your earning potential.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
13. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
As an IT director, leveraging your expertise to start a YouTube channel could be a fantastic way to supplement your income. You could create content focused on IT-related topics such as network security, software development, or troubleshooting common tech issues. By sharing your knowledge and experiences, you can attract a wide audience interested in learning from a professional.
With consistency and quality content, you could earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, and even merchandise related to your channel's theme. Additionally, engaging with your audience by answering their questions and providing insights can help build a loyal following. While it requires time and effort to build your channel, the potential financial rewards and the opportunity to establish yourself as an influencer in the tech community could make it a worthwhile venture.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
14. Make passive income with a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
If you’re an IT director with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a stock investing business could be an excellent way to supplement your income. It revolves around buying and selling stocks to generate profit by analyzing market trends, making informed decisions, and executing trades with precision. Since you're already adept at handling complex data and systems, transitioning to stock investing could be a natural fit due to the analytical and strategic skills you likely possess.
Plus, the IT industry's typically high income gives you some capital to start with, and your background in technology can help you leverage advanced trading platforms and tools. While this venture requires dedication and continuous learning, its potential for high returns makes it a worthwhile endeavor. So if you’re prepared to dive into financial markets and manage risks effectively, stock investing could become a rewarding source of passive income and a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
