Almost Passive Income Review: Should You Join?

As someone who has spent years navigating the ups and downs of online entrepreneurship, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find a reliable and scalable way to make money online. Before building my six-figure full-time business, I dabbled in countless side hustles—affiliate marketing, dropshipping, freelance writing—you name it. Each venture taught me valuable lessons but rarely delivered the elusive “passive income” that so many gurus promise.

That’s why Ian Stanley’s Almost Passive Income caught my attention. Unlike the typical hype around effortless wealth, Ian’s approach acknowledges the reality: truly passive income is a myth for most people. Instead, he focuses on creating income streams that require minimal ongoing effort but still deliver significant returns. Having built my own online success through hard work and smart strategies, I was intrigued by his emphasis on leveraging skills like email marketing and copywriting to create what he calls “almost passive” income.

In this review, I’ll share my thoughts on Ian Stanley’s programs, his philosophy, and whether Almost Passive Income lives up to its promise of helping people earn more while working less. Let’s dive in!

What is Almost Passive Income?

Almost Passive Income is a business model and training program created by Ian Stanley, designed to help people generate income streams that require minimal ongoing effort. Unlike the misleading promises of “true passive income,” Ian focuses on a more realistic approach: putting in a small amount of upfront work to create disproportionately large financial returns over time. The program is structured around three key phases:

1. Mindset: Overcoming mental blocks and developing a wealth-oriented mindset to set the foundation for financial success.

2. Skill Development: Acquiring “exponential income skills” like email copywriting, media buying, and other high-leverage skills that allow you to earn more without trading time for money.

3. Asset Creation: Transitioning from earning through work to owning income-generating assets, such as email lists, digital products, or even investments like crypto or NFTs.

The program teaches practical methods to make money, with a strong emphasis on email marketing and copywriting. For example, Ian provides fill-in-the-blank email templates and strategies through his offerings like the 6-Hour Email, Welcome Email Template, and Emails of the Month Club. His flagship program, 90 Days to Freedom (90 DTF), guides participants on building six-figure incomes by creating effective email campaigns for businesses.

At its core, Almost Passive Income is about leveraging skills and assets to work smarter—not harder—while building sustainable income streams.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Who Created Almost Passive Income?

Almost Passive Income was founded by Ian Stanley, a highly regarded copywriter, entrepreneur, and email marketing expert. Ian has an impressive track record in the digital marketing world, having sold over $100 million worth of products through his email campaigns. His expertise in crafting high-converting copy has earned him a reputation as one of the top email marketers globally.

Ian’s entrepreneurial journey began after he transitioned from being a tennis coach and DirectTV salesman to mastering copywriting in 2013. By 2015, he was generating millions in revenue through email marketing alone. Beyond his marketing achievements, Ian is also an author (Confessions of a Persuasion Hitman), comedian, and mentor at Spark by ClickBank.

His programs are widely recommended in the industry. For instance, Justin Goff, co-founder of Copy Accelerator, endorses Ian’s courses for anyone serious about monetizing their email lists. While some critics note that Ian has shifted focus from actively writing copy to managing his businesses, his programs continue to deliver actionable insights and tools for aspiring marketers.

Ian’s reputation as a skilled marketer and his ability to simplify complex strategies make him a trusted figure in the world of online entrepreneurship.

Who is Almost Passive Income For?

Almost Passive Income is ideal for anyone looking to increase their earnings while reducing the time spent working. It caters to:

• Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Those just starting out in the online business world who want actionable strategies to build scalable income streams.

• Freelancers: Copywriters, media buyers, or other service providers seeking ways to earn more without constantly trading time for money.

• Experienced Marketers: Professionals looking to refine their skills in email marketing or build additional income streams.

• Side Hustlers: Individuals juggling full-time jobs who want to generate extra income with minimal ongoing effort.

• Business Owners: Entrepreneurs who want to leverage email marketing or digital assets to grow their businesses.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced marketer, Almost Passive Income offers tools and insights that can help you achieve financial freedom with less daily involvement. However, it’s particularly well-suited for those willing to invest time upfront into developing high-income skills like copywriting or creating digital assets.

If you’re tired of traditional side hustles that demand constant effort or are looking for smarter ways to maximize your income potential, this program could be a game-changer for you.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How is Almost Passive Income Structured?

Almost Passive Income is designed to guide you through the process of building scalable income streams with minimal ongoing effort. Ian Stanley has structured his program into clear, actionable modules that focus on mindset, skill-building, and asset creation. Here’s a breakdown of the content:

• Mindset Training: The foundation of the program focuses on overcoming mental blocks and developing a wealth-oriented mindset. Ian emphasizes the importance of rewiring your thinking to achieve financial success.

• Skill Development: Learn “exponential income skills” such as email copywriting, media buying, and other high-leverage skills that allow you to earn more without trading time for money.

• Asset Creation: This phase teaches you how to transition from earning through active work to owning income-generating assets like email lists, digital products, or investments.

• 90 Days to Freedom (90 DTF): A flagship program that includes:

  • 40 hours of video content

  • 100+ fill-in-the-blank email templates

  • Software for finding businesses to partner with

  • Access to Ian’s 8020 Email Copy course

  • Weekly live coaching calls (three per week)

  • A Facebook group for community support

  • A certification program that connects graduates with job opportunities

• Additional Resources:

  • 6-Hour Email: A free resource with three email templates for engaging new customers.

  • Welcome Email Template: A $7 product offering pre-designed templates for onboarding customers.

  • Emails of the Month Club: A $47/month subscription providing new email templates every month.

This structure ensures that you not only learn the skills but also have the tools and resources to implement them effectively.

Are Almost Passive Income Students Getting Results?

One of the most important questions I had before joining was whether students were actually seeing success with Almost Passive Income. From what I’ve gathered, many participants have reported positive outcomes. For instance:

• Graduates of the 90 Days to Freedom program have shared testimonials about landing high-paying clients and scaling their income through email marketing. Some even credit the course for helping them quit their day jobs.

• Ian Stanley’s fill-in-the-blank templates have been praised for their simplicity and effectiveness in crafting high-converting emails, even by beginners with no prior experience in copywriting.

• The certification program included in 90 DTF connects students with real job opportunities, which has been a significant draw for those looking to break into the industry.

While most reviews are found on Ian’s sales pages or within his community, his reputation as a successful marketer lends credibility to these claims. Additionally, endorsements from industry experts like Justin Goff further validate the program’s effectiveness.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How Much Does Almost Passive Income Cost?

The cost of Almost Passive Income varies depending on which resources or programs you choose:

• 6-Hour Email: Free

• Welcome Email Template: $7

• Emails of the Month Club: $47/month

• 90 Days to Freedom (90 DTF): $2,000

While $2,000 for 90 DTF might seem steep, it includes extensive resources like live coaching calls, a certification program, and access to Ian’s proprietary tools and templates. For those serious about building a career in email marketing or creating scalable income streams, it could be a worthwhile investment.

Refund Policy: Ian Stanley offers a “Turning Pro Guarantee,” which means they will work with you until you land clients. This commitment adds a layer of reassurance for anyone hesitant about making such a significant financial commitment.

Praises for Almost Passive Income

There’s a lot to admire about Ian Stanley’s Almost Passive Income program. Here are the aspects that stood out to me and why I believe they contribute to its success:

• Actionable Templates and Tools
  One of the biggest advantages of this program is its practical resources, like the fill-in-the-blank email templates. These tools save time and make it easy for beginners to create high-converting emails without needing advanced copywriting skills. As someone who has spent years crafting campaigns, I can appreciate how much this simplifies the process for newcomers.

• Comprehensive Training
  The program covers not just technical skills like email marketing but also mindset development, which is often overlooked in other courses. Ian’s focus on helping students overcome mental barriers to success adds a unique layer to the training. This holistic approach ensures you’re not just learning how to make money but also how to sustain and scale your efforts.

• Supportive Community
  The Facebook group and live coaching calls provide an invaluable sense of community. Having access to mentors and peers who are on the same journey makes a big difference in staying motivated and troubleshooting challenges along the way. I’ve personally found that being part of a supportive network can accelerate progress in any business venture.

• High ROI Potential
  Many students have reported significant results, such as landing high-paying clients or scaling their income through email marketing. Ian’s certification program even connects graduates with job opportunities, which is a huge plus for those looking to break into the industry or transition careers.

• World-Class Live Events
  Ian’s live events are highly praised for their immersive experience. Attendees often describe them as transformative, with even a single idea or insight justifying the cost of admission. The events are not just educational but also inspiring, creating an environment where participants can focus entirely on growth without distractions.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Criticisms for Almost Passive Income

While Almost Passive Income has many strengths, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are some areas where I think it could improve:

• High Cost of Entry
  The price tag for the 90 Days to Freedom program ($2,000) can be a barrier for many aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those just starting out. While the value is undeniable, it’s still a significant upfront investment that might not be feasible for everyone.

• Not Truly “Passive”
  Despite the name, the program requires active work upfront—developing skills, building assets, and implementing strategies. While Ian is transparent about this, some people might still expect a more hands-off approach based on the branding. It’s important to understand that “almost passive” income still requires effort to set up and maintain.

• Overemphasis on Email Marketing
  While email marketing is undoubtedly effective, the program’s heavy focus on this single skill might feel limiting for those who want to explore other avenues of online income. Diversification could add more value for students looking to expand their skill sets beyond email campaigns.

• Limited Free Resources
  While Ian offers some free tools like the 6-Hour Email, most of his resources come at a premium price. For beginners who aren’t ready to commit financially, this limits their ability to test out his methods before investing in the full program.

• Potential Overhype
  Some testimonials and marketing materials may come across as overly optimistic, which could lead to unrealistic expectations for certain students. While success stories are inspiring, they often don’t highlight the challenges or failures that come with building an online business.

Should You Join Almost Passive Income?

After going through Ian Stanley’s Almost Passive Income program and evaluating its strengths and weaknesses, I believe whether or not you should join depends on your goals, budget, and willingness to put in the work. Here’s my take:

You should consider joining if:

• You’re serious about email marketing: If you want to master email marketing and use it as a primary income stream, this program provides everything you need, from templates to live coaching and even job placement opportunities.

• You’re willing to invest upfront: The cost of the 90 Days to Freedom program is significant, but if you’re ready to treat it as an investment in your future, the potential ROI can be worth it.

• You value mentorship and community: The live coaching calls and Facebook group offer a level of support that can be incredibly helpful for staying on track and overcoming challenges.

However, this program may not be for everyone. If you’re looking for a more affordable way to start making money online or if email marketing doesn’t excite you, there are other options out there. Additionally, if you’re expecting a completely passive income stream without any upfront effort, this program might not meet your expectations.

In short, Almost Passive Income is an excellent choice for those who are ready to commit to learning high-leverage skills like email copywriting and want a structured path to earning with minimal ongoing effort. But it’s not a magic bullet—it requires dedication and action.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Almost Passive Income Alternative

While Almost Passive Income is a fantastic program for those focused on email marketing, I understand that it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. If you’re looking for a more versatile and beginner-friendly platform to learn how to make money online, I highly recommend Wealthy Affiliate as the best alternative.

Here’s why Wealthy Affiliate stands out:

• Affordable Pricing: Unlike Almost Passive Income, Wealthy Affiliate offers a free starter membership where you can test the platform before committing. Their premium plans are also much more affordable, making it accessible for beginners who aren’t ready to invest heavily upfront.

• Comprehensive Training: Wealthy Affiliate covers a wide range of online business models beyond email marketing. You’ll learn about affiliate marketing, content creation, SEO, website building, and more—giving you a broader skill set to work with.

• All-in-One Platform: Wealthy Affiliate provides everything you need in one place—training courses, website hosting, keyword research tools, and even a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs.

• Beginner-Friendly Approach: The step-by-step training is perfect for those who are new to making money online. It’s designed to guide you through the process of building your first website and monetizing it through affiliate marketing or other methods.

• Proven Success Stories: Wealthy Affiliate has been around for over 15 years and has helped thousands of people build successful online businesses. Its long-standing reputation speaks volumes about its effectiveness.

If you’re someone who wants flexibility in choosing your path to online income or prefers starting with a smaller investment, Wealthy Affiliate is an excellent choice. While it doesn’t focus as heavily on email marketing as Almost Passive Income, it offers a more diverse toolkit for building an online business.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith is an internet entrepreneur. He created the Side Hustle Ideas Database to help people find side hustles for making extra money, with the potential of turning into a full-time income.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree, he gained business experience at a consulting firm. At the same time, he tried various side hustles including freelance writing, blogging, and eCommerce. He managed to turn his side hustles into a full-time business, earning over $3 million. Now, he enjoys financial freedom and travels around the world as a digital nomad.