Passive Income Ideas For Writers [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a Writer in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a Writer 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 Writer.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog could be a smart move for writers looking to make extra money or even create a source of passive income. By focusing on a specific topic—whether it’s fashion, video games, film reviews, or cooking—you could build an online community around your expertise and passion.
Generate income by creating unique, informative articles, how-to guides, or product reviews and earning from affiliate links, brand collaborations, or growing a YouTube channel. Plus, engaging regularly with your audience keeps them coming back and boosts your visibility, increasing the chances of monetizing your blog. As a writer, your knack for compelling storytelling and thorough research gives you a head start in capturing an audience and making your blog successful.
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.
2. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be a great way for a writer to supplement their income or start earning passive income. As a writer, you likely have a wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives that you could share through engaging audio content. Topics could range from behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process and interviews with other authors, to discussing literary trends or hosting book reviews.
You could start a podcast on a budget by choosing a niche you're passionate about, getting basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones, and finding an affordable hosting platform. Promote your podcast through social media, online communities, and by word of mouth to build an audience. Over time, you could attract sponsors or advertisers, making your podcast a potential source of passive income while allowing you to connect with a wider audience.
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.
3. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a writer, you could turn your expertise into a passive income stream by creating and selling online courses. If you have a specific area of writing that you are passionate about, such as fiction, content writing, or freelance journalism, you could develop a course to teach others what you know. This allows you to share your skills and knowledge with a wider audience, all while generating extra revenue.
Creating an online course might seem daunting, but all you need to do is choose a target audience, develop your course content, and select an online learning platform to host and sell your course. The e-learning market is huge and growing, expected to be worth over $645 billion in the next few years. This means there's plenty of potential for you to tap into and build a sustainable income stream.
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.
4. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
If you're a writer seeking to supplement your income, creating an AI writing tool could be an exciting opportunity. By developing a digital tool that uses artificial intelligence to generate content, you could revolutionize how businesses, bloggers, and students approach writing tasks. This tool could automate the process, offering error-free and time-efficient content generation.
Think about the possibilities: you could provide a solution that eases the workload for writers around the world, raising their productivity and freeing up their time for more creative endeavors. As demand for quality content continues to grow, the advantages of an AI writing tool are clear. Embrace this innovative business idea and make your mark on the digitized world of writing.
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.
5. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
As a writer, starting a YouTube channel could be a great way to supplement your income by leveraging your storytelling skills in a new medium. You could create content that delves into writing tips, book reviews, or personal vlogs about your writing journey. These videos could attract an audience that values your expertise, leading to potential revenue through ads, sponsorships, and even merchandise.
Building a successful channel will take some effort. You'll need to plan and create high-quality videos regularly, engage with your audience, and possibly learn a bit about video SEO and social media marketing to grow your channel. If you stay consistent and dedicated, this endeavor could not only provide a creative outlet but also bring in a steady stream of passive income.
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.
6. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)
As a writer, starting a niche website could be an excellent way to supplement your income and showcase your skills in a focused area. By creating content around a topic you're passionate about and knowledgeable in, you could attract a dedicated audience who values your expert insights. This dedication can turn into steady website traffic, which is the cornerstone for making money online.
You could monetize your website in several ways, like affiliate marketing, placing ads, or selling your own digital products. Over time, as your audience grows and your site gains authority, this project has the potential to generate passive income. If you have a specific interest and the drive to share your expertise, a niche website could be a fulfilling and profitable venture.
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.
7. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
As a writer, starting a print on demand business could be a great way to supplement your income by monetizing your creativity. You could design custom apparel, home goods, or phone cases featuring your unique literary quotes or captivating book cover art. By leveraging online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you'd have the chance to reach a global audience without worrying about inventory costs since products are printed one at a time as orders come in.
This business model allows you to work from home and manage your side hustle at your own pace, making it a flexible option that fits around your writing schedule. With minimal startup costs, you could easily experiment with different designs and see what resonates most with your audience, gradually building a scalable business. This could turn your creative talents into a steady stream of passive income without taking you away from your primary passion—writing.
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
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
8. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business could be a great way for you, as a writer, to supplement your income. By leveraging your writing skills, you could craft compelling content that promotes other companies' products and services. Each sale generated through your content would earn you a commission, providing a steady stream of passive income.
You could start by identifying products and brands that align with your niche or the topics you already write about. For instance, if you often write about travel, you could partner with companies in the travel industry, such as booking platforms or luggage manufacturers. This way, you could seamlessly integrate affiliate links into your articles, offering value to your readers while earning extra money.
To make the most of this opportunity, take the time to learn how to find the right products and brands to partner with, ensuring they resonate with your audience. A well-executed affiliate marketing strategy could turn your writing hobby into a profitable side hustle.
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 stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business could be a great way for a writer to supplement their income or even create a passive revenue stream. As a writer, you likely already have a good sense of what makes an image compelling and how it can complement a story or article. You could use this skill to create a portfolio of high-quality photos that you can license for marketing and advertising purposes.
Businesses, bloggers, and website owners are always looking for good stock photos to enhance their content. By investing in some good photography gear and learning the basics of taking and editing stock photos, you could create images that meet this demand. An impressive online presence can also help you sell your stock photos faster and at profitable margins, providing you with a steady stream of passive income over time.
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.
10. Make passive income with a corporate photographer ($23.4K/month)
As a writer, you could explore becoming a corporate photographer to supplement your income by offering professional photography services to businesses and organizations. This role goes beyond just taking pictures; it involves capturing images for marketing materials, website updates, and corporate events, which can align well with your storytelling skills. By creating a strong portfolio that showcases your photography style and networking with local businesses, you could attract clients and start building a reputation in this space.
Your writing experience could also prove beneficial, as good communication and understanding clients' specific needs are crucial. By taking the time to learn about a company's brand and goals, you could craft visual content that effectively tells their story and supports their marketing efforts. Being reliable, meeting deadlines, and being open to client feedback are other essential skills that you’re likely already familiar with as a writer.
Overall, venturing into corporate photography could offer a creative and lucrative side hustle, allowing you to blend your passion for storytelling with the art of visual communication.
How much you can make: $8,300 — $50,001/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of an Indian first-generation entrepreneur who built Studio 31, a profitable and award-winning wedding photography and film company capturing over 350 weddings annually, with a unique focus on customer experience and organic marketing, serving more than 90% NRI clients and generating an annual revenue of about a million dollars.
11. Make passive income with a hygiene product company ($1.18M/month)
Starting a hygiene product company could be an exciting way for a writer to supplement their income. With a knack for conveying ideas, you could use your writing skills to effectively market your products through engaging descriptions, persuasive blogs, or informative social media posts. Your ability to tell a compelling story can draw in customers and create a loyal following for your brand.
The demand for quality hygiene products like soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes remains high, and there's plenty of room for new entrants providing unique or natural options. By leveraging your writing expertise, you could craft a memorable brand narrative and connect with your target audience on a deeper level. This can be particularly effective when promoting your products through an online presence, such as a dedicated website and active social media accounts.
Additionally, your research skills as a writer can assist in understanding market needs and consumer preferences, helping you tailor your products effectively. With a well-structured business plan, a reliable source of raw materials, and a commitment to quality, your hygiene product company could become a valuable source of passive income, allowing you to diversify your earnings while still focusing on your writing career.
How much you can make: $30,000 — $5,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 332 days (?)
A hygiene solutions company founded by Jonathan Bradford now earns £500k/month, after years of developing a wall-mounted antibacterial wipe dispenser that is used in health clubs, workplaces, and in over 100 locations worldwide, and also developing an electronic washroom hygiene monitor.
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.
