Passive Income Ideas For It Trainers [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a IT trainer in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a IT trainer 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 trainer.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As an IT trainer, starting an online course sales business could be an excellent way to supplement your income. You already have a wealth of knowledge and experience that you could transform into engaging and informative online courses. By targeting budding IT professionals or those looking to improve their technical skills, you could create courses on topics like coding, network security, or web design.
Creating an online course involves choosing a target audience, developing the course content, and selecting an online learning platform to sell your course. With the e-learning market expected to grow substantially in the coming years, the potential for passive income is high. Selling courses online means you could generate income around the clock, as students can purchase and access your material anytime.
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.
2. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As an IT trainer, you could diversify your income by developing a lead generation tool. Imagine creating a software application that helps businesses automatically find and capture potential customer leads, freeing them from the tedious process of manual client searching. This tool could integrate with websites, social media channels, and other digital platforms to collect essential data such as email addresses, phone numbers, and customer interests.
Given your technical skills and knowledge of the industry, you could design a user-friendly tool that streamlines the lead generation process. This means businesses could focus on converting leads into paying customers rather than spending time on marketing efforts. With the high demand for efficient lead generation solutions, this venture could become a profitable addition to your income streams.
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.
3. Make passive income with a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
As an IT trainer, you likely have a keen eye for identifying common pain points that clients encounter when managing their WordPress websites. By developing a WordPress plugin that addresses a specific issue or need, you could create a reliable source of passive income. Since most websites require some plugins to function efficiently, offering a unique and useful solution could attract a steady stream of users.
Once your plugin is developed, you could sell it on established platforms like CodeCanyon or even through your own blog or dedicated website. This approach allows you to leverage your existing expertise and network, while also providing a new avenue for income that isn't directly tied to your time.
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.
4. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As an IT trainer, you could explore the realm of AI writing tools to create additional income streams. By developing an AI writing tool, you could harness your technical expertise to build a solution that assists businesses, bloggers, and students in generating high-quality, error-free content rapidly. This tool could minimize their time and effort in the writing process, offering automated and efficient content creation.
With the growing demand for constant, quality content in today's digital age, you could be tapping into a lucrative market. The innovative nature of AI writing tools makes it a futuristic and essential product, allowing you to leverage your IT skills in a new and exciting venture. This could not only supplement your income but also establish you as a pioneer in integrating AI into practical solutions for everyday tasks.
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 mobile app ($70.3K/month)
If you're an IT trainer with a knack for identifying tech trends, developing a mobile app could be a great way to supplement your income. Imagine creating an app that helps IT students practice coding, provides tutorials, or tests their knowledge with quizzes. You have the expertise to know what learners need, making your app particularly valuable.
Starting a mobile app business involves planning the user experience, designing interfaces, and testing for functionality. You could even utilize your existing skills in coding or easily hire a developer. Once launched, effective marketing can attract users and drive downloads, opening up a potential revenue stream from in-app purchases or ads.
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.
6. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
As an IT trainer, you could consider starting an AI-based business solution to supplement your income. AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and predict market trends, offering a competitive edge to businesses. You could leverage your expertise in technology to help companies streamline their operations, reduce costs, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Entering the AI market doesn't require a deep technical background, as many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support. By zeroing in on high-impact areas like customer service or data analysis, you could create tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of different businesses. This approach not only opens up additional revenue streams but also allows you to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
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.
7. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($148K/month)
As an IT trainer, you could start a social media automation business to supplement your income by leveraging your tech skills to create and manage tools for automating social media tasks. You would help clients, like small businesses and influencers, automate their posts, interactions, and data analysis, which saves them time and enhances their online presence.
Given the growing need for regular and strategic social media engagement, there's a high demand for automation services. You would be developing or integrating software solutions, staying updated on social media trends, and building relationships with clients to offer tailored services. This can be a lucrative opportunity, blending your expertise in technology with the expanding world of digital marketing.
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 a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
As an IT trainer, starting a YouTube channel could be a great way to supplement your income by sharing your technical expertise and training methods. You might focus on creating how-to guides, troubleshooting tips, and training modules that cater to both beginners and advanced users. This approach could attract a wide audience, from those new to IT to professionals looking to upskill.
By consistently posting high-quality, informative videos, you could start generating revenue through ad placements, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Engaging with your viewers by answering their questions and creating community-centric content could also boost your channel's visibility. While this venture will require time and effort, the potential financial rewards and the ability to reach a global audience make it a compelling option for entrepreneurial-minded IT trainers.
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.
9. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as an IT trainer could be a fantastic way to share your knowledge while generating passive income. You could focus on specific topics such as new tech tools for trainers, software reviews, or tips and tricks for effective virtual training. By honing in on a niche that is both interesting to you and underserved, you can attract a dedicated audience who values your expertise.
To monetize your blog, you could incorporate affiliate links for recommended software or e-learning platforms, collaborate with relevant tech brands, or create video tutorials and reviews on a YouTube channel. It's important to consistently engage with your followers by answering questions, responding to comments, and providing valuable content to keep them coming back for more. By building a loyal community, you’ll increase the visibility of your blog and open up more opportunities for passive income.
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.
10. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)
As an IT trainer, you could start a niche website focused on a specific area of IT training, such as cybersecurity certification, network management, or coding tutorials. By sharing your expertise through blog posts, video tutorials, and downloadable resources, you could attract a dedicated audience eager to learn from your professional insights. This platform becomes not only a way to help others but also a method to establish yourself as an authority in your field.
Monetization options for your niche site include affiliate marketing by promoting relevant courses, ad placements for tech products, or selling your own digital products like eBooks and training modules. With consistent effort in creating valuable content and optimizing for search engines, your niche website could eventually turn into a steady source of passive income. If you are passionate and willing to dive into this project, it could complement your existing career quite well.
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.
11. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)
For an IT trainer, starting a podcast could be a practical way to supplement your income while sharing your expertise with a broader audience. You could create episodes that break down complicated IT concepts, discuss industry trends, or provide tips and tricks for aspiring IT professionals. This type of content would not only be valuable to your listeners but could also enhance your credibility and reach within the IT community.
To get started, you could pick a specific topic or niche that resonates with your experience and has a potential audience. Basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones are essential, but you can keep costs low by choosing affordable options. By promoting your podcast through social media, online forums, and word of mouth, you could gradually build an audience and even attract sponsors or advertisers, turning your podcast into a source of passive income over time.
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.
12. Make passive income with an email marketing tool ($249K/month)
As an IT trainer, you could leverage your technical skills to develop an email marketing tool that simplifies the process of creating and managing email campaigns. By creating a user-friendly platform, you could attract not only tech-savvy users but also entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for efficient ways to reach their audiences. This tool could run automated email sequences, manage subscriber lists, and track performance metrics, providing value to a wide range of clients.
Furthermore, the email marketing tool industry is booming, with the market expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028. This indicates a growing demand for effective email solutions, which could make your venture highly profitable. By creating a tool that is easy to set up and use, you could help businesses increase their sales and customer engagement, all while generating passive income for yourself.
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 (?)
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.
13. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As an IT trainer, starting an affiliate marketing business could be a practical and rewarding side hustle. By promoting products and services that are directly relevant to your field, such as software tools, online training courses, or tech gadgets, you leverage your existing expertise and audience. Each time your followers purchase something through your affiliate link, you earn a commission, providing you with a steady stream of passive income.
To get started, you could research and partner with brands that align with the needs and interests of your training participants. For instance, if you often recommend specific software or hardware tools in your training sessions, you could become an affiliate marketer for those products. Not only will this add value to your audience by offering them trusted recommendations, but it will also create an additional revenue stream for you over the long term.
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.
14. Make passive income with a carpet cleaning service
As an IT trainer, starting a carpet cleaning service could be a practical way to diversify your income streams. Given the widespread use of carpets in both homes and offices, there's a high demand for effective cleaning services. This demand means a reliable client base, providing you a steady source of additional income.
While it might seem outside your usual tech-savvy comfort zone, running a carpet cleaning business involves many logistical and operational tasks that you could streamline with your knowledge of software and technology. Investing in the right tools for managing quotes, invoices, and labor can help you stay organized and efficient. Plus, your experience in tech can give you an edge in developing a strong marketing strategy, especially through online channels.
How much does it cost to start: $261 (?)
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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.
