Recent data has shown that 92,1% of South Africans have a cellphone. When investigating further, it becomes apparent that 5,34 million citizens have access to the Internet through multiple methods, including mobile phones. For this reason, it is a good idea to start a business with your phone.
Mobile phones have opened up a world for people across the globe. With an endless number of apps that you can access to manage your finances, manage and schedule your social media, create content, keep track of tasks and meetings, or even arrange video meetings. Running a business from a mobile device, such as your phone, just makes sense. That’s why we have compiled a list of five businesses that you can start with only your phone.
Business 1: Community and Social Media Management
Social media management or community management is easy to start from your phone. Not only do some social media platforms prefer that you use the mobile app to post content and interact with the community, but using the built-in camera from your phone also makes your job easier. Although high-quality social media marketing benefits from using a dedicated camera, shooting content from the device saves time and enhances a brand’s authenticity.
Without any additional investment (not including data or airtime), anyone who is social media savvy can start a social media management business.
Business 2: Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Pet sitting or dog walking is a business with low investment and high demand, depending on where you are. You will first need to investigate the demand for these services before you start advertising your business, but the benefit is that you only need to love pets and have a means of reaching your customers. Enter your phone.
Through social media on your phone, use the community groups to find out about interests near you. You can also use these same groups to promote your business.
Thanks to apps like Canva, you can create digital posters to promote your business. With your online banking app, you can ensure your customers pay you as promised. Just remember to keep your business and personal finances separate.
Lastly, claim your Google Business Profile where you can post all your business information such as contact details, operating hours, location and services. You can also link this to your social media profiles, but most importantly, encourage customers to leave reviews that reflect their satisfaction with your service.
Business 3: Tutoring
Tutoring high school students can easily be done from your phone. By using chat apps like WhatsApp, you can tutor children online or arrange to meet them in person.
Once again, all you need is your knowledge and your phone to advertise your services.
Business 4: Content Creation
This type of business is so much more than just taking pictures or video. It requires creativity, attention to detail and oodles of ideas.
Content creation requires some degree of skill. You will need to either already be skilled or teach yourself a few design principles. Furthermore, you need to be well-versed in social media, using various platforms and understanding what type of content works best for which platform.
Practice your content creation skills by making videos, picture posts, text posts and other content such as infographics. Once again, a tool like Canva or Adobe Express can help you with this. An easy way to build a portfolio is to post about it on social media.
Additionally, you can also write blogs and other types of written content by using open source word processing software or Google Docs.
Business 5: Virtual Assistance
Becoming a virtual assistant or VA means that you help other people such as corporates and business owners to manage and complete the tasks that they are unable to focus on. These are usually admin tasks like scheduling appointments, booking flights and making calls.
Completing these tasks virtually means more time for the client to focus on building their business or personal life.
Starting your business is simpler than you think. All you need is your mobile phone, a business idea as listed above and the courage to pursue it.