Passive Income Ideas For Network Architects [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a network architect in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a network architect 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 network architect.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
As a network architect, you could supplement your income and create a steady stream of passive income by starting an AI-based business solution. Given your expertise in designing and managing networks, you already possess a deep understanding of the technical backbone that supports AI solutions. This know-how puts you in an excellent position to develop and deploy AI tools that optimize business processes such as customer service, inventory management, and data analysis.
Using AI, businesses can enhance their efficiency, reduce costs, and make smarter decisions. AI can automate repetitive tasks and provide valuable insights, making operations smoother and more effective. The demand for such solutions is rapidly growing, and many platforms now offer user-friendly tools that don't require advanced programming skills. This means that, with a strategic plan, you could easily integrate AI into existing business frameworks and carve out a niche in this expanding field.
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.
2. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a network architect, you could leverage your technical expertise to create an AI writing tool that supplements your income. This AI-based tool would assist businesses, bloggers, and students by generating accurate, engaging content with minimal errors. Traditionally time-consuming tasks like writing can now be streamlined, saving users time and effort.
Your background in designing complex networks could be invaluable in building a robust and efficient platform. By marrying your technical skills with the ever-growing need for quality content, you could create a tool that revolutionizes the writing process. This entrepreneurial venture not only opens avenues for passive income but also addresses an emerging demand in today's 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 a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As a network architect, you could use your existing technical skills and industry knowledge to develop a mobile app that addresses specific needs within your field. Imagine creating an app that helps other network architects monitor network performance or troubleshoot common issues on the go. Your expertise could add valuable insights into the app's functionality, making it highly relevant and user-friendly for fellow professionals.
You don't need to be a coding expert to start. You could either brush up on basic coding skills or hire a skilled developer to bring your vision to life. The key is to use your unique understanding of network systems to design an engaging and functional app. With effective marketing, your app could quickly attract a dedicated user base, providing a steady stream of passive income.
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.
4. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As a network architect, you could tap into your technical skills to create a lead generation tool that helps businesses find potential customers. This tool would automate the often tedious process of collecting contact information and interests from various digital channels, like websites and social media.
By leveraging your expertise, you could develop a platform that integrates seamlessly into existing business systems, enabling companies to focus more on converting leads into actual sales. With the high demand for efficient lead generation solutions, your tool could quickly become indispensable for businesses looking to grow their customer base, providing you with a steady stream of passive 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.
5. Make passive income with a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
As a network architect, starting a WordPress plugin business could be a smart way to supplement your income and leverage your technical expertise. Many websites rely on plugins to function smoothly, and with your deep understanding of network systems and protocols, you could identify specific needs that others might overlook and develop plugins to address them.
For instance, you could create a plugin that enhances website performance by optimizing network configurations or improving security measures. You can sell these plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon, your blog, or even a dedicated website, turning your solutions into a steady stream of passive income.
By tapping into your existing skill set, you’re essentially turning your professional knowledge into valuable resources that others will pay for, making it a natural extension of your current career.
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.
6. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog could be a practical way for network architects to earn passive income by sharing your deep knowledge and experience with a specific audience. You could focus on topics like network security, architecture designs, emerging technologies, or troubleshooting common network issues. By creating unique and informative content, such as how-to guides, top product lists, and industry news, you could attract a dedicated audience interested in your expertise.
Monetizing your blog might involve providing affiliate links to networking equipment and software, collaborating with tech brands, or even offering premium content and consulting services. As you gain followers and visibility, you could also expand your presence by growing a YouTube channel and speaking at industry events. Since you are already passionate about network architecture, sharing what you love could not only help others but also supplement your income over time.
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.
7. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($139K/month)
As a network architect, you possess the technical expertise that could perfectly complement a social media automation business. Imagine creating tools that help small businesses and influencers manage their accounts effortlessly by scheduling posts, automating interactions, and analyzing data. Your clients would pay you to save them time and enhance their social media presence.
With the increasing need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, this type of business is in high demand. You could leverage your technical skills to develop or integrate software solutions that streamline these tasks. This venture could not only supplement your income but also allow you to utilize your knack for technology and marketing in a lucrative and fulfilling way.
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 affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As a network architect, starting an affiliate marketing business could be a smart move to supplement your income. With your technical background and expertise, you could easily share insights, reviews, and recommendations on networking equipment, software, and related services. This would allow you to tap into your existing knowledge and network, creating relevant content that resonates with other professionals in your field who are seeking the best tools and resources.
You could partner with manufacturers of networking gear or eCommerce stores that specialize in tech products. By promoting these products through blogs, social media, or even YouTube videos, you could earn a commission on each sale made through your referral links. This way, you are leveraging your expertise and real-world experience to create valuable content while generating a passive income stream.
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.
9. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)
As a network architect, you could leverage your expertise to build a niche website focusing on network architecture solutions, tips, and trends. Sharing your specialized knowledge through articles, tutorials, and product reviews could attract a dedicated audience of industry professionals and enthusiasts. This site could become a valuable resource, and with time and effort in content creation and SEO, you could steadily grow your audience.
To monetize your site, you could explore options like affiliate marketing for networking tools and software, ad placements related to tech products, or even selling your own digital guides and courses. Once established, the website could generate passive income, allowing you to supplement your salary without significant ongoing effort. If you have a passion for your field and enjoy sharing your insights, a niche website might be an ideal side project.
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 online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a network architect, you could supplement your income by starting an online course business based on your expertise in network design and architecture. Your unique knowledge and experience could help many aspiring network engineers and IT professionals who are looking to advance their skills. By creating and selling these courses online, you could turn your deep understanding of complex network systems into a steady source of passive income.
The process is straightforward: identify your target audience, create engaging and informative courses, and choose an online learning platform to host and sell your content. With the e-learning market expected to be worth over $645 billion in the coming years, there is a significant opportunity to carve out a niche and profit from your specialized skills. Whether it's teaching basic network setup or advanced architecture strategies, your courses could provide valuable insights and generate income for you while helping others in your field.
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.
11. Make passive income with a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business could be a great way for you, as a network architect, to supplement your income. You could use your technical skills to set up efficient email systems and software to track important metrics like open rates and conversions. Helping companies reach new clients directly via email involves crafting compelling messages, a skill you might already have from communicating complex technical ideas.
Your strategic mindset and problem-solving abilities could make a huge impact in identifying client needs and researching target audiences. This business offers real potential for growth; you could start small, helping local businesses with their lead generation, and as you build success stories, expand to larger companies. Marketing combined with your technical background creates a unique service, always in demand.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
12. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
As a network architect, starting a YouTube channel could be a strategic way to share your deep knowledge of networking with a broader audience. You could create engaging content that covers everything from basic network setup tutorials to advanced architecture and design principles. This not only establishes you as a thought leader in your field but also opens up various monetization pathways such as ad revenue, sponsorships, and even selling branded merchandise.
Your technical expertise can help you produce high-quality educational videos that fill a gap in online resources, benefitting both beginners and experienced professionals. Consistent content and audience engagement are key; so make sure to plan your videos, edit them well, and promote them via social media. While building a successful channel takes time and effort, the potential rewards make it a worthwhile venture for those with a passion for teaching and sharing.
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.
13. Make passive income with a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
As a network architect, you could supplement your income by starting a dropshipping business, leveraging your technical skills and problem-solving mindset. Dropshipping allows you to sell products online without holding any inventory. When a customer buys something from your online store, you then purchase the item from a third-party supplier, who ships it directly to the customer.
To get started on a budget, choose a niche you are passionate about and set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Your experience with network systems could help you optimize your store for better performance and security. Focus your energy on marketing and customer service to attract and retain customers, while carefully managing expenses and tracking profit margins for a successful venture.
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.
14. Make passive income with a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As a network architect, you could diversify your income by starting a stock photography business. You have a unique perspective on the tech world, which means you could capture images that resonate strongly with businesses and marketers looking for high-quality, tech-related photos. Think of pictures depicting server rooms, network equipment, or even the team dynamics in a tech environment.
By investing in good photography gear and building an online portfolio, you could upload high-quality stock photos and license them for specific uses. Businesses often need such images to enhance their websites, blogs, and marketing materials, providing a steady stream of passive income. An effective online presence would help attract buyers faster and potentially increase your earnings.
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.
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.
