Passive Income Ideas For It Auditors [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in earning passive income as a IT auditor in 2024?

We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a IT auditor 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 auditor.

Here's the full list:

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

As an IT auditor, you could leverage your technical expertise to develop an email marketing tool that automates and manages email campaigns for businesses. Given your familiarity with software systems, creating a reliable, secure, and efficient application would be a natural extension of your skills.

The email marketing industry is growing rapidly, with expectations to reach $2.53 billion by 2028. By entering this market, you could create a steady stream of passive income as businesses continuously seek effective ways to reach their customers. Plus, developing an email marketing tool could offer you opportunities to work with various clients, from entrepreneurs and startups to real estate agents, expanding your professional network while supplementing your income.

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 writing tool ($255K/month)

As an IT auditor, developing an AI writing tool could be a promising venture to supplement your income. By leveraging your expertise in technology and systems analysis, you could create a digital tool that helps businesses, bloggers, and students generate content more efficiently. An AI writing tool would harness artificial intelligence to produce accurate, engaging, and error-free content, providing a valuable solution to the increasing demand for quality writing.

Not only does this align with your technical skills, but it also taps into the growing need for automated content creation. With a tool like this, you could simplify the writing process for many and open up a stream of passive income. Imagine being at the forefront of innovation, easing the workload for writers globally, and giving yourself a foothold in the expanding digital content market.

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

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

As an IT auditor, you have a unique perspective on the inefficiencies and risks that can be mitigated in various business operations. You might consider starting an AI-based business solution to help companies streamline their processes. By offering AI tools that automate repetitive tasks, enhance data analysis, and improve decision-making, you could provide immense value while generating passive income.

Given your background, you already understand the importance of data integrity and security, which are crucial aspects of AI solutions. Additionally, with the demand for AI-driven efficiencies on the rise, your expertise could help businesses enhance their performance and gain a competitive edge. This could be your opportunity to leverage your existing skills and capitalize on a growing market without needing an extensive background in tech, thanks to user-friendly AI platforms.

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

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

If you're an IT auditor, developing a lead generation tool could be a promising way to supplement your income. Your background in auditing already gives you a strong understanding of data management, security, and analytical skills. You could leverage these skills to create a software application that helps businesses identify and capture potential customer leads, automating the tedious process of finding new clients.

By integrating with websites, social media channels, and other digital platforms, your tool could collect valuable data like email addresses and interests, making it easier for businesses to focus on converting these leads into customers. The market demand for lead generation tools is high since companies of all sizes are constantly looking for ways to streamline their marketing efforts. If you have a knack for tech and marketing, this could be your next successful side venture.

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

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

As an IT auditor, you could leverage your technical skills to develop a mobile app as a source of passive income. Your familiarity with technology, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are valuable assets in the app development process. Whether it’s designing a productivity tool that makes work easier or developing a unique entertainment app, there’s a world of possibilities for your ideas.

Starting a mobile app business involves outlining a clear concept, understanding basic coding, or collaborating with a skilled developer to bring your vision to life. You could focus on planning the user experience, creating engaging interfaces, and ensuring the app functions smoothly without bugs. With effective marketing, your app could attract many users and generate consistent revenue, turning your side project into a steady income stream.

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

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

As an IT auditor, your technical skills and understanding of systems put you in a great position to develop WordPress plugins. You could identify common issues faced by IT auditors or general users, then create a plugin that addresses these needs effectively. For instance, you might create a security audit plugin that helps website owners check for vulnerabilities, which leverages your expertise directly.

Once developed, you could sell your plugins through platforms like CodeCanyon, on your own blog, or by creating a dedicated website. This venture could not only supplement your income but also establish you as an expert in both auditing and plugin development. By focusing on specific solutions, you could create a steady stream of passive income.

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

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

As an IT auditor, you could supplement your income by creating and selling online courses in areas you are already knowledgeable about, like IT compliance, cybersecurity, or risk management. Many individuals and small businesses are looking to improve their IT skills, and your expertise could meet this growing demand for quality education.

Creating an online course is a straightforward process that involves choosing a target audience, developing the course content, and selecting a platform to sell your course. With the e-learning market projected to be worth over $645 billion in the next few years, the potential for passive income is significant.

By dedicating some time to develop these courses, you could transform your specialized knowledge into a steady stream of passive income, all while helping others advance their IT skills. This is an excellent opportunity to leverage your existing expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.

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

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

As an IT auditor, you could leverage your technical skills to start a social media automation business, helping companies manage and grow their online presence efficiently. By creating tools that automate posts, interactions, and data analysis, you could offer valuable services to small businesses and influencers who need to maintain an active social media presence but lack the time or expertise.

Your background in IT auditing means you already have a strong understanding of system controls and security, which is crucial for developing or integrating automation software that clients can trust. Additionally, staying updated on social media trends and building client relationships could be an exciting way to apply your analytical skills in a new, entrepreneurial context.

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

9. Make passive income with a cold email service business ($170K/month)

As an IT auditor, you have a unique set of skills that could be advantageous in starting a cold email service business. Your analytical abilities and familiarity with technical tools would allow you to effectively research target audiences and track important metrics like open rates and conversions. Given your experience in analyzing systems and data, you could help businesses tailor their cold email campaigns to reach the right clients and drive better results.

With your strategic mindset and capacity to write compelling emails, you could build a business that assists companies in their lead generation efforts. Starting with small businesses in need of reaching new clients, you could gradually expand your service as your success stories grow. This side endeavor could not only supplement your income but also offer a scalable opportunity that combines your IT background with a marketing edge.

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 (?)

How I Launched A $200K/Month Gmail Mail Merge Tool

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.

Read by 13,594 founders

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

As an IT auditor, starting a niche website could be a practical and rewarding way to supplement your income. You could create a website focused on IT auditing, cybersecurity best practices, or compliance tips, where you share your expertise through articles, guides, and resources. This targeted content would attract a dedicated audience of professionals seeking valuable insights and advice in the field of IT auditing.

By investing time in creating compelling content, optimizing for search engines, and promoting your site, you could build a loyal following. Monetization options such as affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products like e-books and online courses could turn your website into a passive income stream. With your specialized knowledge and the drive to dive deep into your niche, this venture could become a profitable side project.

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 an IT auditor, starting an affiliate marketing business could be a great way to earn passive income. You could use your knowledge of technology to write reviews or create content around software, security tools, or tech gadgets, pointing your audience toward products they might need. This could result in you earning commissions from sales made through your affiliate links.

Additionally, your expertise and credibility in IT make it easier to build trust with an audience looking for reliable tech recommendations. By partnering with reputable brands and promoting quality products, you could create a steady stream of passive income with relatively low ongoing effort.

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)

As an IT auditor, you could start a niche blog focused on topics like data security, compliance standards, or emerging cybersecurity threats. Sharing your insights and expertise on these specific topics could attract a dedicated audience of professionals and enthusiasts seeking reliable advice and up-to-date information. You could create content such as how-to guides, case studies, and product reviews related to the tools and best practices in IT auditing.

To generate passive income, you might add affiliate links to software or courses, collaborate with cybersecurity brands, or even grow a YouTube channel discussing your blog topics. Your blog could serve as a platform to share your knowledge and establish yourself as an authority, potentially leading to speaking engagements and partnerships. With consistent, engaging content, you’d be able to turn your professional insights into a profitable side hustle.

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. Print on demand business ($411K/month)

As an IT auditor, you could easily transition into a print-on-demand business, leveraging your analytical skills and attention to detail. With platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could sell customized products without worrying about inventory, as each item is produced and shipped only when an order is placed.

This approach allows you to design unique items such as apparel, home goods, and phone cases from the comfort of your home, and reach a global audience. The low startup costs and ability to manage operations in your free time make it an ideal side hustle, allowing you to turn your creativity into a steady stream of passive income.

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

How I Started A $330K/Month Ecommerce Specialized In 3D Printing

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.

Read by 29,927 founders

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

As an IT auditor, starting a YouTube channel could be a fantastic way to share your technical knowledge and insights while earning some passive income. You could create content that demystifies complex auditing processes, teaches cybersecurity best practices, or offers tips and tricks for efficient auditing. By sharing your expertise, you not only help others but also build a community around your channel.

Your videos could attract revenue through ads, sponsorships, or even selling merchandise. Over time, as you consistently upload valuable content and engage with your audience, your channel could grow and provide a steady stream of income. YouTube also offers the flexibility to balance your full-time job while exploring this entrepreneurial venture.

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

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.