Here are 10 realistic passive income ideas you can start with basic writing and tech skills and just a laptop — perfect for someone who wants to build digital assets that earn while they sleep 👇—

💰 1. Write and Sell eBooks

What to do: Write short guides, stories, or how-to books (3,000–10,000 words) and publish on Amazon KDP.

Tools: Google Docs, Canva (for covers).

Passive income source: Royalties from every sale.—

🧠 2. Create and Sell Notion or Google Sheets Templates

What to do: Build productivity templates (budget tracker, content planner, etc.) and sell them on Etsy or Gumroad.

Skills needed: Basic spreadsheet or Notion knowledge.

Passive income source: Template sales.—

🌐 3. Start a Blog (and Monetize with Ads & Affiliates)

What to do: Write about a niche you know (tech, productivity, personal growth).

Tools: WordPress, Medium, or Substack.

Passive income source: Display ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts.—

🎥 4. Create YouTube Videos Using Text-to-Voice or AI Tools

What to do: Make explainer or tutorial videos using tools like Pictory, Synthesia, or HeyGen.

Skills needed: Scriptwriting and basic editing.

Passive income source: YouTube ad revenue, affiliate links.—

🧾 5. Build and Sell Digital Courses or Mini-Workshops

What to do: Record a short course (writing skills, digital tools, productivity tips).

Platforms: Udemy, Teachable, Skillshare.Passive income source: Course sales.—

📜 6. Write and License Articles or Blog Posts

What to do: Write evergreen articles and submit to Medium Partner Program, Vocal.media, or NewsBreak.

Passive income source: Earnings from reads and engagement.—

🛍️ 7. Create an Affiliate Blog or Newsletter

What to do: Recommend useful digital tools, AI software, or apps and include affiliate links.

Platforms: Substack,WordPress, Beehiiv.

Passive income source: Commission per sale or subscription.—

📲 8. Design Simple Apps or Tools with No-Code PlatformsWhat to do: Use Glide, Bubble, or Softr to make small web tools (e.g., “AI writing prompt generator”).

Passive income source: Subscription or one-time sales.—

🎧 9. Create and Sell Audiobooks or Podcasts What to do: Convert your eBooks or stories into audio format with AI narration tools (like ElevenLabs).

Passive income source: Sales on Audible or ad/sponsorship income from podcasts.—

🧩 10. Sell Digital Assets (e.g., Prompts, Checklists, Copy Packs)

What to do: Make ready-to-use AI prompts, writing templates, or content packs and sell them on Prompt Base, Gumroad, or Etsy.

Passive income source: Sales and downloads.—

💡 Pro Tip:Pick 1–2 ideas, focus on building quality assets (like 5 templates or 10 blog posts), and let them grow. The compounding effect of consistency makes your income increasingly passive over time.