Passive Income Ideas For Business Intelligence Developers [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in earning passive income as a business intelligence developer in 2024?

We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a business intelligence developer 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 business intelligence developer.

Here's the full list:

1. Make passive income with an email marketing tool ($235K/month)

As a business intelligence developer, you explore data and uncover insights daily. Creating an email marketing tool could be an excellent side hustle as it leverages your technical skills and understanding of data analytics. You could craft software that not only sends bulk emails but also analyzes campaign performance, helping businesses optimize their marketing strategies.

The email marketing industry is thriving, with a market projected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028. This growing demand means there are plenty of opportunities to create a useful tool for various professionals, such as entrepreneurs and real estate agents. With your expertise, you could build advanced features like personalized email recommendations or intelligent analytics dashboards, offering invaluable solutions to your future customers.

How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

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.

Read by 14,047 founders

2. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

As a business intelligence developer, starting an AI-based business solution could be a natural extension of your existing skills and expertise. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could optimize various business processes such as customer service, inventory management, and data analysis. This could help companies become more efficient, reduce costs, and make better decisions based on data.

You could focus on creating AI tools that automate repetitive tasks and provide valuable customer insights, helping businesses predict market trends more accurately. The demand for such solutions is rising as more companies seek to gain a competitive edge through technology. With many platform providers offering user-friendly interfaces and robust support, even those without a tech background could get started.

Considering the rapid growth of AI solution adoption, this could be a strategic move to tap into a lucrative market while enhancing your career opportunities. It’s an exciting way to innovate and potentially earn passive income by providing high-impact solutions to businesses.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

How We Launched A $120K/Month Audiobook Publishing Course

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.

Read by 21,952 founders

3. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)

As a business intelligence developer, you could leverage your data expertise to create a lead generation tool that helps companies find potential clients more efficiently. This tool could automate the tedious task of gathering customer leads by integrating with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints to collect valuable data like email addresses, phone numbers, and interests.

Imagine building a system that allows companies to save time and focus more on converting leads into paying customers, rather than spending hours searching for them. Given the high demand for efficient lead generation solutions, your technical skills and eye for marketing could make this a profitable venture, offering businesses a way to streamline their marketing efforts and expand their customer base.

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 (?)

How I Created A $5M/Year LinkedIn Marketing Automation Tool

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.

Read by 8,895 founders

4. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)

As a business intelligence developer, you could leverage your tech skills and understanding of analytics to create an AI writing tool. This could be a practical venture since developing such a tool would significantly draw on your ability to handle data processing, machine learning, and algorithm design. You could create a product that helps businesses, bloggers, and students generate accurate and engaging content quickly, making writing more efficient and less error-prone.

Your insight into automation and tech advancements positions you perfectly to understand the needs and demands of potential users, thus tailoring the tool to meet market requirements effectively. By offering a solution that reduces the workload of writers and enhances their productivity, an AI writing tool reflects an innovative and forward-thinking supplement to your income. This venture could seamlessly fit into your existing skill set and pave the way for a lucrative, passive income stream.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

I Built A Simple AI Writing Tool That Makes $60K/Year

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.

Read by 6,672 founders

5. Make passive income with a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)

As a business intelligence developer, you could leverage your technical skills to start a WordPress plugin business. WordPress plugins are essential tools that enhance website functionality, and with your ability to identify and solve problems, you could develop plugins that address specific needs.

If you’ve ever encountered a limitation or issue while using WordPress, creating a plugin that solves this could be a lucrative venture. You could sell your plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon, through your own blog, or even on a separate website dedicated to your creations.

By focusing on solving particular issues with unique plugins, you could create a reliable stream of passive income. This could be an excellent way to supplement your earnings while utilizing your existing skill set.

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

How I Coded A Website Plugin Making $600 Per Month

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.

Read by 18,946 founders

6. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($148K/month)

As a business intelligence developer, you could apply your data analysis skills to create a social media automation business. This involves developing tools that schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze social media data for clients, such as small businesses and influencers. By leveraging your understanding of data trends and automation, you could help clients efficiently manage their social media presence.

Moreover, there's a growing demand for consistent social media engagement, which means your services could be very valuable. You'd be using your technical expertise to create or integrate software solutions that save clients time while boosting their audience engagement. This endeavor not only supplements your income but also utilizes your existing skill set in a new and dynamic way.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

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.

Read by 15,194 founders

7. Make passive income with a mobile app ($70.3K/month)

As a business intelligence developer, you could leverage your analytical skills to create a mobile app that addresses a specific need or solves a problem within the business world. For instance, you might develop an app that helps businesses better visualize their data or manage their performance metrics on the go. Utilizing your knowledge in data analytics, you could design something that's both functional and valuable for professionals who need quick insights and easy access to critical information.

Starting a mobile app business would involve planning its user experience, designing the interface, and thoroughly testing for any bugs. If you're not familiar with mobile coding, you could hire a developer to bring your idea to life. Marketing your app effectively will be crucial to attract users and get downloads, but once your app gains popularity, it could generate substantial passive income for you.

In a world where mobile apps play a significant role in daily life, entering the mobile app market could be a lucrative and fulfilling way to supplement your income.

How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

We Started A $6M/Year Bachelorette Party App

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.

Read by 10,973 founders

8. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)

As a business intelligence developer, you could leverage your expertise by creating and selling online courses that teach others valuable BI skills. Imagine creating a class on SQL querying, data visualization with Power BI, or best practices in data modeling—topics you are already well-versed in. By sharing your knowledge in these areas, you could help aspiring or seasoned professionals improve their skills while generating a stable stream of passive income for yourself.

To get started, you would need to identify your target audience, develop comprehensive course material, and choose an online platform to host and sell your courses, such as Udemy or Coursera. The e-learning market is booming, expected to reach over $645 billion in the next few years, offering a significant opportunity for supplementary income. Through this venture, you could turn your technical know-how into a profitable sideline.

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 (?)

I Make $120K/Year With My Print On Demand T-Shirt Side Hustle

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.

Read by 12,000 founders

9. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel could be a great way for business intelligence developers to supplement their income. You could create videos that explain complex data visualization techniques, provide tutorials on popular BI tools like Tableau or Power BI, or even break down interesting industry trends. This would attract a dedicated audience that values your expertise and insights.

With a well-focused channel, you could monetize your videos through ads, sponsorships, and even offering exclusive content for a fee. Sharing your knowledge not only helps others but also positions you as an authority in the field. Over time, this side project could grow into a significant source 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 (?)

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

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.

Read by 12,296 founders

10. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)

As a business intelligence developer, you could use your expertise in data analytics to create a niche website focused on a specific aspect of BI tools, techniques, or industry trends. By sharing tutorials, case studies, and industry news, you could attract a dedicated audience interested in learning more about business intelligence. This way, you combine your professional experience with content creation, making your site not only authoritative but also highly relevant for your visitors.

Once your website gains traction, you could explore multiple ways to monetize it, such as through affiliate marketing by recommending BI tools and software, placing targeted ads, or selling digital products like eBooks and online courses. Since the content on your website could address frequent challenges or questions in the BI field, you might build a loyal following that returns regularly for updated insights and resources. Over time, with diligent effort in content creation and optimization, your niche website could become a steady source of passive income.

How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Leveraged My LinkedIn Network To Create A $1.8M/Year Procurement Conference

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.

Read by 3,594 founders

11. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

As a business intelligence developer, you could leverage your technical skills and industry knowledge to start an affiliate marketing business. By identifying and promoting software tools, datasets, or technology-related products that you already use and trust, you can earn a commission on each sale generated through your affiliate links. Your deep understanding of these products will allow you to create credible and insightful recommendations that resonate with other tech professionals.

For example, you could partner with eCommerce stores or tech manufacturers that offer BI tools, cloud services, or data analytics software. By developing and sharing content like blogs, tutorials, or reviews on these products, you could attract a niche audience interested in those specific solutions. This way, you not only expand your passive income streams but also build a valuable resource for the BI community, enhancing your professional brand in the process.

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 (?)

My Affiliate Marketing Business Earns $500K/Year Profit [No Employees]

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.

Read by 24,560 founders

12. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog could be a smart way for business intelligence developers to make extra money and possibly build a passive income stream. You could share your knowledge and experiences about niche areas within BI, such as data visualization, SQL tips, or best practices for dashboard design. By providing unique content like tutorials, tool comparisons, case studies, and industry news, you could attract an audience interested in learning more about these specific topics.

Once you've built a loyal readership, you could monetize your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and potentially even e-books or online courses. Collaborating with relevant brands or speaking at industry events could also bring in additional income. This method leverages your existing expertise, making it easier to sustain over time as you continue to create engaging and valuable content for your followers.

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 (?)

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

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.

Read by 77,279 founders

13. Make passive income with a volleyball accessories business

As a business intelligence developer, you have strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of market trends—valuable assets when considering a side venture like a volleyball accessories business. You could leverage your expertise to conduct market research, identifying popular products and consumer needs that could be targeted. Your data analysis skills can help predict trends and optimize inventory, ensuring you stock items that are in high demand, such as knee pads, custom jerseys, and portable ball pumps.

Moreover, your tech-savvy background means you could easily set up an efficient online store, complete with data-driven marketing strategies to boost visibility and sales. Managing supplier relationships and logistics would also benefit from your systematic approach to problem-solving, ensuring smooth operations. Combining your professional skills with your passion for volleyball could offer a fulfilling and potentially lucrative way to supplement your income.

How much you can make: $1,000,000/month

How We Invented A $2.5M/Year Four-Way Volleyball Net

CROSSNET, the world's first four-way volleyball game, went from $74,000 in revenue in 2018 to $2,250,000 in sales in just one year by attracting customers through social media, email marketing, and exclusive distribution agreements with retailers like Target.

Read by 12,333 founders

14. Make passive income with a health and wellness app ($108K/month)

As a business intelligence developer, you could leverage your analytical skills to create a health and wellness app that offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking. By utilizing data analytics, you could ensure that the app provides tailored recommendations, making it a virtual coach that adapts to each user's unique needs.

Developing this app would involve conducting market research, collaborating with health experts, and focusing on effective marketing strategies. While this requires some upfront effort, a well-designed app could attract a large user base, providing a steady stream of passive income through subscriptions or premium features. If you're passionate about health and technology, this venture could be a fulfilling way to supplement your income and positively impact users' lives.

How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

I Created A $2.7M/Year Software That Extends People's Lives By Analyzing Their DNA

Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.

Read by 8,522 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.