Passive Income Ideas For It Service Managers [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a IT service manager in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a IT service manager 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 service manager.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
As an IT service manager, you could leverage your technical expertise to create an email marketing tool. This type of software helps users write and send bulk emails, automating their marketing campaigns and making it easier to reach a large audience. Given your background, you could use your skills to design a robust, efficient tool that stands out in the growing market.
The email marketing industry is poised for significant growth, with the global market expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028. This presents a promising opportunity for you to tap into a profitable niche. By starting an email marketing tool business, you could provide valuable solutions for entrepreneurs, startups, and other professionals, potentially generating a steady stream of passive income.
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 a social media automation business ($139K/month)
As an IT service manager, starting a social media automation business could align well with your technical skills and experience with software and systems. You would create or integrate tools to help clients schedule posts, automate responses, and analyze social media metrics, making their social media presence more efficient and impactful.
Since small businesses and influencers are constantly seeking ways to enhance their social media engagement without wasting too much time, your automation services could be in high demand. By leveraging your existing skill set in IT, you could design solutions that cater directly to the needs of these clients, making their lives easier and opening up a new revenue stream for yourself.
With the continuous rise in the importance of social media, a business like this has the potential to grow significantly. You would not only be helping others manage their online presence but also tapping into a lucrative and ever-expanding market.
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.
3. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As an IT service manager, you could create an AI writing tool to tap into the growing need for efficient content creation. This tool would leverage your technical expertise and knowledge of digital solutions, providing businesses, bloggers, and students with a resource to generate accurate and engaging content effortlessly. By incorporating AI, the tool could offer automated, error-free, and time-efficient writing, which is highly appealing in today's fast-paced world.
Starting this venture would allow you to address a common need in various industries while also potentially reducing the workload of writers globally. It's a chance to utilize your skills to innovate and offer a valuable service that boosts productivity and transforms the writing process. This endeavor could not only supplement your income but also make a significant impact in the digital space.
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.
4. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
As an IT service manager, starting an AI-based business solution could be a practical way for you to supplement your income. AI technology can help businesses streamline their operations, and your expertise in IT services makes you well-positioned to understand and implement these solutions. Whether it's optimizing customer service through chatbots, improving inventory management, or leveraging data analysis for personalized marketing, AI can enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
With the growing demand for AI solutions, businesses are realizing the significant advantage they can get from using this technology. You could provide AI tools that automate repetitive tasks, offer valuable customer insights, and predict market trends, making you a vital asset to any company looking to stay competitive. Even if you're new to AI, many platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and extensive support, making it easier for you to get started.
Given the rapid market growth, focusing on high-impact areas for AI application could make your business highly attractive to clients. By providing a solid implementation plan, you could establish a profitable side business that leverages your background in IT while tapping into the exciting potential of artificial intelligence.
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.
5. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As an IT service manager, you could leverage your technical skills to create a lead generation tool that automates the process of finding new clients for businesses. This would involve building a software application or platform that captures potential customer leads by integrating with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints. Such a tool could gather valuable data like email addresses, phone numbers, and areas of interest, helping businesses focus on converting leads rather than spending time finding them.
Given the high demand for effective lead generation, your tool could attract a wide range of businesses eager to streamline their marketing efforts and grow their customer base. This venture not only allows you to utilize your existing tech expertise but also opens up an additional revenue stream through subscriptions or one-time fees. If you have a knack for marketing as well, this could be a profitable and fulfilling way to supplement your income.
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 service manager, you could leverage your technical skills to start a WordPress plugin business. If you've ever used WordPress, you'll know that plugins are crucial for running a successful website. By identifying a common issue and developing a plugin to solve it, you could create something valuable that others are willing to pay for.
You could sell your plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon, on your blog, or even create a separate website to market them. This side hustle could eventually generate passive income as more people purchase and use your plugins. It's a practical way to supplement your income using the expertise you already have.
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 mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As an IT service manager, you could leverage your technical skills and industry knowledge to create a mobile app that solves a problem or meets a specific need. Chances are, you’ve already encountered common pain points in your field that could be addressed with a clever software solution. For instance, you could develop an app that helps manage IT service tickets more efficiently or provides better remote support.
Creating a mobile app involves planning the user experience, designing interfaces, and testing for functionality. If coding isn’t your strong suit, you could hire a skilled developer to bring your vision to life. When properly executed and effectively marketed, your app could attract a significant user base and generate steady passive income through sales or in-app advertisements.
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.
8. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As an IT service manager, you likely have a wealth of knowledge in areas like network management, cybersecurity, and project management. You could turn this expertise into a passive income stream by creating online courses tailored for aspiring IT professionals or those looking to upskill. This could include modules on troubleshooting common IT issues, best practices for customer service in IT, or deep dives into new technologies.
Creating an online course allows you to reach a global audience and share your specialized knowledge. Once set up, you could continue to earn money from course sales with minimal ongoing effort, making it a great way to supplement your income. Given the e-learning market's rapid growth, there’s ample opportunity to tap into a lucrative niche.
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 web scraping API ($34.2K/month)
As an IT service manager, you could use your technical know-how to start a web scraping API, creating a new stream of passive income. Web scraping APIs help businesses automate data collection from websites, which is essential for tasks like market research and competitor analysis. Leveraging your existing skills in coding and understanding web protocols, you could build and maintain an efficient API service.
This venture offers a chance to serve a wide range of industries, from e-commerce to finance, by providing them with tools to gather actionable insights effortlessly. Start by focusing on a specific niche that you are familiar with and gradually expand your service as demand grows. With the growing emphasis on data analytics in the business world, your expertise could turn this into a highly profitable side hustle.
How much you can make: $50 — $125,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $900 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
PlanIt is a travel recommendation and planning platform that has seen compelling growth in database coverage and user growth, covering every country in the world with several thousand users and a large SEO focus as well as a growing interest from travel and lifestyle businesses to list their details.
10. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
As an IT Service Manager, starting a niche blog could be a smart way to share your extensive knowledge and experiences within your field while generating passive income. You could focus on specific IT-related topics, such as best practices for service management, troubleshooting common IT issues, or reviews of the latest industry tools and software. By creating unique and informative content like how-to guides, industry commentary, and top product lists, you could attract a dedicated audience seeking your expertise.
To monetize your blog, you could include affiliate links to products or services you recommend, collaborate with tech brands for sponsored content, and possibly even grow a YouTube channel offering video tutorials or interviews with IT experts. Regularly engaging with your followers through blog comments and social media could help you build a loyal community and increase your blog's visibility. Your passion for IT and commitment to providing value could turn your niche blog into a successful passive income stream.
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.
11. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As an IT Service Manager, you could leverage your technical knowledge to start an affiliate marketing business. This side hustle involves promoting products or services from other companies and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral. Given your experience, you might excel in selecting tech-related products that resonate with your audience, such as software tools, gadgets, or IT services.
To get started, you could research and identify tech brands to partner with and promote their products to your network. Whether you focus on promoting an eCommerce store or partnering with a manufacturer, your credibility in the IT field can enhance your marketing efforts. Over time, this could become a reliable source of passive income, complementing your main job while allowing you to explore entrepreneurship.
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.
12. Make passive income with a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
As an IT service manager, you could leverage your organizational and technical skills to start a dropshipping business, providing an additional stream of income. Dropshipping allows you to sell products online without needing to maintain inventory, as third-party suppliers handle the shipping directly to your customers. This means you could manage the business in your spare time, without significant upfront investment.
To begin, you might choose a specific niche or category of products that interests you and set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. By partnering with reliable suppliers from platforms like AliExpress, you could list their products on your store. Focusing on marketing and customer service could help attract and retain customers, ultimately growing your business.
Thanks to your background in IT, navigating the technical aspects of setting up and running an online store would likely be straightforward. Additionally, your project management skills would be vital in managing expenses and monitoring profit margins to ensure the business remains profitable.
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
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
13. Make passive income with a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As an IT service manager, you could supplement your income by starting a stock photography business. Many businesses need high-quality images for marketing and advertising, and you likely have the analytical skills to understand market trends and what types of photos are in high demand. By investing in good photography gear and learning the basics of taking stock photos, you could create an online portfolio that attracts buyers.
Your technical background could be advantageous in managing an online presence and optimizing your stock photo listings for better visibility and sales. This side hustle allows you to earn passive income as your photos sell on various platforms, letting you capitalize on your creativity and tech-savvy skills. It also offers flexibility, allowing you to manage it alongside your full-time job without significant disruption.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
14. Make passive income with a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
As an IT service manager, you could leverage your analytical skills to uncover the hidden potential in stock investing. This business involves buying and selling stocks to make a profit, relying heavily on your ability to analyze data and predict market trends. With a methodical approach, you could transform your interest in finance into a steady source of passive income.
Educational resources and online trading platforms could help you get started, providing the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions. While this venture requires dedication and continuous learning, it offers the possibility of high returns if managed well. By staying vigilant on market movements and developing sound strategies, you could turn stock investing into a rewarding entrepreneurial pursuit that complements your career in IT services.
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.
