Passive Income Ideas For Software Architects [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a software architect in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a software 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 software architect.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
As a software architect, starting an email marketing tool could be an excellent way to supplement your income and venture into passive revenue streams. Given your expertise in creating and managing software applications, developing a tool that helps users create, manage, and automate email campaigns aligns well with your skill set. Email marketing is a highly effective channel and is continually growing, with the industry expected to be worth $2.53B by 2028.
The possibilities are vast, from generating leads and increasing sales to improving SEO rankings and expanding customer reach. This kind of project allows you to leverage your programming and problem-solving skills to build a product that can be easily marketed to a wide range of customers including entrepreneurs and startups. Plus, once the tool is developed and launched, the bulk of your income could become passive, requiring only periodic updates and maintenance.
Starting with something as simple as buying a domain and hosting account, you could soon realize the vast opportunities for creating specialized email marketing tools. These tools could cater to specific niches, making them indispensable for various professionals such as real estate agents, small business owners, and other entrepreneurs.
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 a software architect, you could tap into the growing field of AI writing tools to create a side income or even a primary business. Developing an AI-powered content creation tool allows you to blend your technical skills with an emerging market need for constant and quality content. This could help businesses, bloggers, and students generate accurate, engaging, and error-free content easily.
By leveraging your knowledge in software design and development, you could create a product that offers significant advantages over traditional writing methods. Think about it—producing automated, high-quality content with a single click could revolutionize the writing process, making it more efficient and less time-consuming. This entrepreneurial venture not only showcases your innovation but also addresses a substantial demand in today's digital age.
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 a software architect, you could use your expertise to create AI-based business solutions that streamline operations and improve efficiency for companies. AI tools can help optimize tasks such as customer service, inventory management, and data analysis by automating repetitive work and providing actionable insights. By implementing these solutions, you could help businesses reduce costs and make better data-driven decisions.
Given the increasing demand for AI, entering this market could be a strategic way to earn passive income while leveraging your existing skill set. You could either develop your own AI applications or partner with platform providers that offer user-friendly interfaces and strong support systems. The key is to focus on high-impact areas where AI can deliver significant benefits, positioning your solution as essential for business growth and competitiveness.
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)
Creating a mobile app could be a compelling way to supplement your income as a software architect. You already have a deep understanding of software design, which opens the door to developing applications for smartphones and tablets. Whether it's a productivity tool or a game, you have the skills to turn a brilliant idea into a functional app.
The process involves planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and ensuring the app is free of bugs. If coding isn't your forte, you could hire a skilled developer to bring your vision to life. Once developed, effective marketing is key to attracting users and achieving downloads, paving the way for potential substantial revenue.
Considering mobile apps' integral role in modern life, your innovative solutions could resonate with a vast user base. This venture not only harnesses your existing skills but offers a significant opportunity for 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.
5. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As a software architect, you could supplement your income by developing a lead generation tool. This business idea involves creating a software application that helps businesses identify and capture potential customer leads more efficiently. By automating the often laborious process of finding new clients, your tool could allow companies to focus more on converting those leads into paying customers.
You could integrate your lead generation tool with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints to collect valuable data like email addresses, phone numbers, and interests. This capability is highly sought after, as businesses of all sizes are eager to streamline their marketing efforts and grow their customer base. If you're tech-savvy and have an eye for marketing, this venture could be a profitable way to leverage your existing skills.
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)
Starting a WordPress plugin business could be a natural extension of your skills as a software architect. Given your expertise in identifying and solving technical problems, you could develop plugins that address specific needs or pain points for WordPress users. This could create a steady stream of passive income as users purchase and use your plugins.
To make this work, focus on creating a plugin that offers a unique solution or improves an existing functionality. Once developed, you could sell your plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon, through your own blog, or even on a dedicated website. With your background, you would have the ability to ensure these plugins are robust and reliable, which could improve their popularity and lead to more sales.
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 a software architect, you could channel your tech skills into starting a social media automation business. This involves creating tools and services that help manage multiple social media accounts effortlessly, like scheduling posts and automating interactions. Imagine small businesses and influencers paying you to save them time and boost their social media presence.
With the increasing need for strategic social media engagement, there's a growing demand for automation. You could develop or integrate software solutions, stay updated on social media trends, and build relationships with clients to offer tailored services. This could be a lucrative side hustle, leveraging both your technical expertise and an entrepreneurial mindset.
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 a software architect, you could start an online course sales business to share your expertise and make extra money. Given your deep knowledge in software design, system architecture, and coding best practices, you could create courses that help aspiring developers and other tech professionals.
With the e-learning market expected to be worth over $645 billion in the next few years, there's a significant demand for quality tech education. By designing and selling courses on an online platform, you could turn your skills into a passive income stream while helping others advance their careers. All you need is to identify a target audience, create the course content, and choose an online learning platform to sell your courses.
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 a software architect, you could consider building a niche website to supplement your income and make extra money. A niche website focuses on a specialized topic, allowing you to leverage your technical expertise and passion for a specific subject. Your knowledge in software development could enable you to create valuable content that attracts a dedicated audience.
Starting this venture involves selecting a topic you're passionate about, writing engaging content, and optimizing your site to drive traffic. By monetizing through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, you could generate income from your specialized content. Over time, a well-maintained niche website could become a reliable source of passive income, making your entrepreneurial efforts both fulfilling and financially rewarding.
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 a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
As a software architect, starting a niche blog could be a smart way to share your in-depth knowledge on topics you are passionate about while also earning passive income. You could focus on specialized areas like software design patterns, architecture best practices, or emerging technologies. By consistently writing articles, how-to guides, and reviews that showcase your expertise, you'll attract a targeted audience interested in your specific field.
To monetize your blog, you could provide affiliate links to software tools and courses, collaborate with tech brands for sponsorships, or even offer paid webinars and consultation services. Engaging with your followers through comments, social media, or even a YouTube channel will help you build a community around your blog. This community can be a valuable asset, driving traffic and adding credibility to your blog, leading to more revenue opportunities.
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 a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be a fantastic way to supplement your income as a software architect. You could share your expertise by creating tutorials, project walkthroughs, and educational content, helping others understand complex software architecture concepts. This not only solidifies your own knowledge but also positions you as an expert in your field.
Besides sharing knowledge, you could monetize your channel through ad revenue, sponsorships, and even selling your own merchandise. Regularly engaging with your audience and maintaining a consistent posting schedule will be key. If you invest time in learning video SEO and social media promotion, you could see substantial growth and passive income over time.
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.
12. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As a software architect, you could leverage your industry knowledge and professional network to start an affiliate marketing business. By promoting tech-related products and services, you could earn commissions each time someone makes a purchase through your referral. For instance, partnering with software development platforms, tool providers, or eCommerce stores that cater to your audience could be a natural fit.
To get started, you could identify reputable brands and products that your peers would find useful and trustworthy. Sharing recommendations through blogs, social media, or other online channels where you engage with the tech community could help you generate additional income. Over time, as you build your online presence and credibility, the commissions from these referrals could contribute to a steady stream of passive income.
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.
13. Make passive income with a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
As a software architect, starting a stock investing business could be an exciting way to supplement your income by leveraging your analytical skills. You could analyze market trends and make informed decisions about when to buy and sell stocks, much like how you approach designing a robust software system. This can turn your passion for numbers and problem-solving into a profitable venture.
Engaging in stock investing allows you to strategically grow your wealth over time. With dedication and continuous learning, you could use various trading platforms to execute trades just as you would manage complex projects. While it's not a get-rich-quick scheme, the potential for high returns makes it a rewarding and viable option for side income if approached with a clear strategy and disciplined risk management.
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.
14. Make passive income with a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As a software architect, you could start a stock photography business to supplement your income by harnessing your analytical skills to understand market trends and demand for specific types of photos. With an investment in quality photography gear, you could create a portfolio of high-quality images tailored to business marketing needs, which are often in high demand. This type of business venture allows your creativity to flourish while potentially generating a steady stream of passive income.
Since businesses frequently use stock photos for their marketing and advertising, your technical background could help you build an efficient online presence, making it easier to reach potential buyers quickly. Additionally, selling your stock photos through various platforms means you could earn money repeatedly from the same photos without additional effort, turning your side hustle into a sustainable income source while maintaining your full-time career.
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.
