$2K/month in “Passive” Income from Website Maintenance – Is It Real?

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I was looking at this article and there was 100 comments on it. And almost 800 people liked it. THIS WAS THE CLAIM! 2K = Passive?

REALLY?!!!

So I read the whole thing and dug up the truth.

You’re welcome!

….:)

Some people claim to earn $2,000 per month (or more) maintaining websites for small businesses. The model is simple: build or take over a website, then charge a recurring monthly fee to keep it updated, backed up, and running smoothly.

It’s pitched as “passive income,” but the reality is mixed. Below is a breakdown of how it works, the pros and cons, and a scam–to–legit rating.


How It Works

  • Find clients: Target small local businesses (restaurants, salons, freelancers, shops) with outdated or poorly maintained websites. Many can be found by browsing Google Maps and checking their sites.
  • Pitch your service: Offer improvements, such as SSL certificates, reservation systems, or simple design upgrades. Cold calling or walking in person works better than email.
  • Charge a monthly fee: Typical prices range from $50 to $300+ per month depending on the business size and services (backups, plugin updates, hosting, support). Some bundle services in semester or yearly billing.
  • Ongoing work: Updates usually take minutes (e.g., WordPress plugin updates), but clients may also request changes like new logos, menu updates, or added features. Contracts often specify a cap on hours, with extra work billed separately.

Pros

  • Recurring revenue: Once a client signs on, the monthly billing provides steady cash flow.
  • Low time investment (in theory): Routine maintenance can be quick if processes are automated with tools like WP Engine, Malcare, or reseller hosting.
  • Scales with effort: A handful of clients may bring in $2K/month, but some practitioners report $9K+ with 30+ sites.
  • Local demand: Many small businesses want a simple, stress-free website and will pay to not think about it.

Cons

  • Client acquisition is hard: Finding businesses willing to pay is the biggest barrier. Many prefer DIY tools (Wix, Squarespace) or just use Facebook/Instagram as their web presence.
  • Not truly passive: Clients often ask for extras—new features, fixes, or support that go beyond “maintenance.” This can turn you into unpaid IT support if boundaries aren’t clear.
  • Price resistance: Some business owners balk at paying $300/month for what seems like “just updates.” Low-paying clients often demand the most attention.
  • Churn risk: Clients may cancel after realizing cheaper alternatives exist. Long-term retention depends on adding visible value.
  • Stress factor: Unexpected requests (“site not loading on iPhone,” “make me an app,” “printer stopped working”) can eat time and cause anxiety.

Scam vs. Possible vs. Do This Now

  • Scam (1–3/9): Not a scam. This is a real, workable model.
  • Possible but tough (4–6/9): Most common outcome. It works, but client hunting, pricing battles, and ongoing demands make it harder than it looks.
  • Legit and worth doing (7–9/9): Achievable for those with sales skills, tech discipline, and clear contracts. Works best in areas where small businesses value professional help and don’t want to DIY.

Final rating: 6/9 – Possible but not “set-and-forget.”
It can generate $2K/month, but only after you hustle to land clients, manage expectations, and systematize updates.

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