The rise of passive digital income streams is quietly taking center stage in 2025, a trend I’ve observed closely as a serial entrepreneur. The concept is simple yet effective: create small, monetized digital assets that need little upkeep and steadily generate income. Surprisingly, despite its potential to replace full-time salaries, many remain unaware of its advantages.
Why? It’s not loud or flashy. There are no influencers clamoring for followers or mass courses promoting the method. Instead, this approach thrives on consistency and modesty. From personal testing to reviewing case studies, I’ve compiled insights into this phenomenon. Here’s why I call it the “lazy side hustle” and how it’s reshaping traditional income models.
What Makes It “Lazy”?
The appeal lies in its simplicity: light effort upfront, minimal ongoing work, and continuous returns. These digital assets are not about algorithm hacks or going viral. They rely on fulfilling small, niche needs. Examples include:
- Downloadable guides like meal-prepping checklists or niche travel itineraries.
- Resource websites offering curated lists for specific interests or professions.
- Paywalled newsletters with targeted content such as regional discounts or best local services.
- Digital templates sold on platforms like Etsy for design, budgeting, or productivity.
These assets require only basic tools, like Canva or Google Docs, and no full-stack expertise. You publish once, let the platform attract buyers, and watch as small payments accrue consistently without additional effort.
The Numbers Behind the Trend
Those embracing this model aren’t chasing six-figure launches. They focus on scaling small wins. According to a 2024 Gumroad survey, the median income from digital product sales was about $200 monthly per asset, but many sellers owned 10 or more assets, generating full-time income effortlessly.
Let me illustrate with a breakdown:
| Assets Owned | Average Monthly Earnings per Asset | Total Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | $150 | $750 |
| 10 | $200 | $2,000 |
| 15 | $250 | $3,750 |
As these numbers show, a scalable portfolio of modest income streams adds up. Those experimenting in this space report more financial security and less burnout compared to gig work or freelance hustling.
My Experience Testing This
Early on, I uploaded a niche product, a minimalist planner template, on an editable PDF platform. Half expecting no buyers, I priced it at $10. Within two months, I’d consistently made $80 a month without promoting it. Encouraged, I created smaller guides and templates aimed at other niches.
Did any of my assets become wildly popular? No, yet collectively, they created a reliable secondary income stream. It took zero upkeep apart from responding to occasional customer questions.
How to Get Started
Here’s a high-level guide anyone can follow:
1. Solve a Small, Clear Problem
Look for commonly spoken frustrations, efficient meal planning, packing guides for specific trips, budgeting tools for freelancers. Niche is your friend.
2. Create a Quick Digital Asset
- Use free tools like Canva or Notion for simple templates.
- Draft short but actionable eBooks with Google Docs or Scrivener.
Format and polish the content in a matter of hours, not weeks. Overthinking perfection stifles action.
3. Choose the Right Platform
Selling your product on high-traffic digital marketplaces removes the need for a website. Start with Gumroad, Etsy, or Ko-fi. Each offers built-in audiences and streamlined payment/hosting systems.
4. Publish and Refine
Hit publish. Forget about extensive ads unless testing organic traction works. Monitor customer feedback, are they using the product as intended? Adjust accordingly.
The Most Common Mistakes
While the concept is straightforward, many people get caught in decision paralysis or overlook key steps. Here’s what to avoid:
- Perfection over publishing: Aim to create functional, not flawless, assets.
- Ignoring niche opportunities: Broad topics (e.g., fitness or finance) in saturated markets often fail quickly. Think specific instead, like “college student budget organizers.”
- Failing to stack assets: Relying on one product for significant income slows progress. Stack smaller wins to see steady results.
Making these adjustments drastically improves both scalability and revenue potential.
Why It Remains Under the Radar
The low barrier to entry and simplicity mean it’s accessible to many, yet far from crowded. Two key reasons:
-
No Noise From Influencers: It's tied to platforms for creators, not personal branding or viral growth strategies. While NFTs and creator economies capture attention, this quiet method attracts people who value time over hype.
-
No Overproduction: People often underestimate projects that feel too simple. Yet, simplicity is precisely what makes this a sustainable long-term solution.
Should You Try It?
If you’re an entrepreneur juggling other ventures or even considering a career shift, passive digital income streams deserve a place on your map. Unlike high-skill business models, this approach grows incrementally: from $50 the first month to possibly covering monthly expenses in a year. Over time, full-time equivalent incomes are achievable without additional labor.
Above all, it offers time freedom, something rarely associated with today’s buzzier income methods.
For inspiration, you can explore active templates sold on marketplaces like Etsy’s digital downloads or study recurring success stories on Gumroad’s blog.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about billion-dollar unicorns or viral sensations. It’s about optimizing quiet consistency. Building assets that act as silent earners lets you step back from traditional work models or rounds out existing income streams. Entrepreneurship can feel heavy and demanding; this “lazy” approach, in contrast, simplifies wealth-generation strategies while delivering steady results.
With rising costs of living globally and growing disenchantment over burnout, I believe that scalable digital products geared for everyday niches could be the entrepreneurial shift of our decade. Why wait? Start small today.
FAQ
1. What is the “lazy” side hustle dominating in 2025?
The “lazy” side hustle focuses on creating small digital assets that generate passive income with little upkeep. Examples include downloadable guides, paywalled newsletters, and digital templates. Read more about the 'lazy' side hustle
2. Why is this side hustle considered “lazy”?
It's called “lazy” because it requires minimal initial effort, no ongoing maintenance, and delivers continuous income. Small, simple solutions like PDFs or templates can easily stack up to generate a steady income stream.
3. How do creators make money with these digital assets?
Digital products are sold on platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, and Ko-Fi. Many creators rely on the platforms’ built-in traffic and minimal promotion to earn from sales. Explore selling passive digital products on Gumroad
4. Does one need specific tech skills to start?
No, these side hustles require basic tools like Canva or Google Docs. Most creators design and publish their products using accessible resources with no advanced expertise.
5. How much income can one expect per month?
On average, digital assets generate $150–$200 monthly per asset. Owning multiple assets can push monthly income into the thousands. For example, 10 assets at $200 each can generate $2,000 a month. Discover digital entrepreneur success stories
6. What kinds of products can be created for this hustle?
Common examples include editable planners, travel itineraries, curated lists of resources, local guides, and digital checklists for niche needs. These products solve specific and small problems, ensuring demand.
7. Why is this trend not widely known?
The trend lacks influencers or major marketing campaigns; it relies on quiet consistency rather than hype or viral growth. Its simplicity and accessibility make it overlooked by many. Read more on why this hustle remains under the radar
8. How difficult is it to get started?
Starting is simple: choose a small problem to solve, design a digital asset, and publish it on a marketplace. Taking action quickly and avoiding overthinking are key to succeeding in this minimalist model.
9. What platforms are most effective for selling digital assets?
Platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, and Ko-Fi are ideal for hosting digital assets. They come with built-in audiences and easy-to-use systems for selling products. Check out Gumroad for digital product sales
10. What are the biggest mistakes beginners make?
Common mistakes include striving for perfection, choosing overly broad topics, or relying on one product alone. Stacking multiple niche products is the best way to scale and succeed.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.