This question is not restricted to one age bracket or a particular gender, we all want to make money online especially seeing the astronomical earning of celebrities and icons such as Broda Shaggi, Kiekie, Toke Makinwa, Macaroni etc.
As much as they earn, you too can earn like them if you are ready to play by the rule of the internet or the digital world, it is full of numerous opportunities for people with or without skills, experiences and time. It is a world on its own where you can play, carry out tasks, and interpret what you know with little or no capital, either with your smartphone, tab or laptop.
The digital world is liberal with various devices (so far it can connect to the internet), and it has the power to attract and connect people from all corners of the world in real time (although this can be a disadvantage, as you are competing with several millions of people)
With a smartphone, you can start an online business without needing a physical store or significant startup capital. This article outlines some online business ideas that can be done with a smartphone and provides tips on how to start.
List of Online Businesses with a Smartphone
- Ecommerce
- Content Creation
- Online Services
- Web/App Development
1. E-commerce
This is the buying and selling of goods online from the comfort of your home, whatever form of goods you can buy traditionally from nearby shops or supermarkets can be sold online via the internet
The goods are divided into
a. physical goods: these are goods that you can see, feel and touch, for example, generators, phones, laptops etc
b. digital goods: these goods are available in a variety of forms, they can’t be physically touched or felt. They are bought or sold as intellectual or commercial property, for example
- software for the installation of programmes, games etc
- templates for website development, graphics, and social media ads
- ebooks, video guides, practicals on one subject area or the other
- graphics etc
Under this e-commerce, several online business ideas which you can explore with your smartphone are
- Dropshipping
- Online Store
- Logistics /Courier services
- Preorder
- Importation and Exportation
Dropshipping
Dropshipping is an online business model that enables you to sell products without physically owning a physical shop where you can manage and store the inventory of goods. It’s a business model which includes you selling a product(s) on behalf of a supplier or manufacturer to the customer, the farther you move down from the primary supplier (the lower your profit margin)
This business model is easy, and profitable to start and scale using your smartphone, all you have got to do is ensure your smartphone has an excellent camera to shoot quality product photos because that’s like the first force of attraction from your customers. Once a customer places an order, the supplier can ship directly to you before you ship to the customer or he can ship it directly to the customer.
Online Store
An online store is another online business idea that can be done with a smartphone, it can be illustrated as having a physical shop on the Internet where you have your products or services listed for patronage by online customers. There are several ways to do this such as
a. free platforms to leverage such as Facebook marketplaces, jumia, jiji, Konga, eBay, amazon etc. These platforms have significant traffic from customers who visit them on a frequent basis, you can leverage this and sell your products. In this method, competition is high but it is highly advisable for beginners who want to start selling online
b. paid platforms such as creating a website with WordPress, Wix, and Shopify. This is like building a shop from the foundation of a piece of land, you are responsible for driving traffic to this store with little or no competition. This method is advisable for people who want to build a brand or name for themselves in little or no time
With your smartphone, you can manage your store, process orders, and communicate with customers.
Logistics/Courier Services
As a result of the movement of goods and services online in e-commerce, logistics remain a crucial factor. Logistics can be otherwise referred to as courier services, it is the movement of goods/services from one place to the other via different modes of transport such as air(aeroplane), land(bus, kekenapep, bike) or sea
With your smartphone, you can begin as a logistics or courier services expert because of the high volume of goods people want to move vis dropshipping or importation. All you have to do is understand what kind of logistics or courier services you want to do because it can be broken into two
- Local Logistics
- International Logistics
Local Logistics is the movement of goods from one place to the other within a country, this can be via air or land. Most of the movement of goods is majorly done via land within a particular state but if it exceeds or moves out of a particular state/region, air can be utilised
International Logistics is the movement of goods from one country to another, this is carried via air, sea or land for example the movement of goods from Nigeria to Ghana can be carried out via air or land. The various mode of business which explore this method are Importation or Exportation
To begin with this, you have got to find out existing and top logistics companies in your country/area which can easily be done via the help of a smartphone.
2. Content Creation
This business involves you curating, and creating content for a product or service, there are various types of content you can produce based on your experience, skill set etc. Examples of content vary from media to media such as articles, videos/vlogs, graphics, podcasts etc, doing this over time can make you an influencer or a go-to expert in a variety of topics.
Online businesses you can explore under content creation are
- blogging
- podcasting
- video creation
- Graphics
Blogging
Blogging is an online business idea which includes visual content such as writing articles based on your review, critique and understanding of a subject or topic, With a good smartphone, you can write a guide, share ideas or product reviews etc which can then be monetized through various means, such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or advertising.
Podcasting
Podcasting is another content creation business idea similar to blogging which can be done with a smartphone, this business idea is all about an audio discussion via a phone microphone or a random smartphone speaker published and uploaded on various media to educate, entertain and inspire a set audience. This audio discussion is called a podcast which can be monetized through sponsorships or advertising.
Video Creation
Video creation is an online business idea that includes audio-visual content (content that people can see, watch and hear), this type of content is available in long and short formats such as Youtube videos, youtube shorts, training videos on udemy, Coursera, entertainment videos such as Facebook reels, TikTok, Instagram reels etc. It can be monetised through advertising or sponsorships.
A very good smartphone with an excellent camera and good storage is a very good way to start and scale a business online
Graphics
This is the online business idea which includes visual or illustrative diagrams/patterns of content, they are used to convey/interpret information graphically to customers. This kind of content is used in social media, media and advertisements, they are also used as artworks which can be monetized through advertisements, sponsorships and affiliate marketing
3. Online Services
Freelancing
Freelancing is an online business idea which affords you to offer your services in exchange for money, it basically links a potential business owner or client with a specific task to be done with the recommended expert who can carry it out easily. There are several freelancing platforms (Terawork, Upwork, freelancer, fiver, Guru) which you can leverage easily with your phone today and earn massive income with your services as a freelancer, such as writing, graphic design, or web development.
Online Consulting
Online consulting is an alternative to Freelancing, here you utilise your experience/expertise to help another business in an area of need. With your smartphone, you can begin a consultation business on a variety of topics such as social media management, finance, inventory management
Virtual Assistance
Virtual assistance is an online business idea in which you can offer your services such as email management, social media management, pick/end calls, listing products or appointment scheduling tasks etc to businesses or individuals. With your smartphone and good internet, you can leverage working as a virtual assistant.
4. Web/App Development
Gaming Apps
Creating gaming apps is an online business idea you can use with app development tools to create games that are both entertaining and monetizable through in-app purchases, ads, or sponsorships.
Educational Apps
Educational apps are another development business idea you can create to help users learn new skills or knowledge. Educational apps can be monetized through in-app purchases, ads, or subscription models.
Utility Apps
Utility apps are also app development business ideas you can create to provide solutions to specific problems, such as language translation or photo editing. Utility apps can be monetized through in-app purchases, ads, or subscription models.
How to Start an Online Business with a Smartphone
Starting an online business with a smartphone requires planning, dedication, and effort. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Build a Strong Online Presence
Building a solid online presence is essential for any online business. You can use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to promote your business and engage with your audience.
Identify Your Niche
Identifying your niche is crucial for the success of your online business. It would be best if you focused on a specific niche that you are passionate about, solves a problem and has a market demand.
Conduct Market Research
Conducting market research is necessary to understand your target audience and competitors. You should analyze the market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitors’ strategies to create a unique value proposition.
Use Social Media
Using social media is crucial for any online business for promoting its products or services, engage with its audience, and build brand awareness.
Invest in Your Skills
Investing in your skills is essential for the success of your online business. You should continuously learn new skills, such as digital marketing, content creation, or app development, to stay ahead of the competition.
Challenges of Online Business with a Smartphone
Starting an online business with a smartphone has its challenges. Here are some of the challenges you may encounter:
Limited Screen Size: The limited screen size of a smartphone can make it challenging to perform complex tasks. You may need to invest in a larger screen or use external peripherals to overcome this challenge.
Inadequate Storage: The limited storage capacity of a smartphone can restrict your ability to store large files or data. You may need to invest in external storage devices or use cloud storage
Limited Battery Life: The limited battery life of a smartphone can limit your productivity and disrupt your workflow. You may need to invest in a portable charger, or power bank or optimize your battery usage
Inability to Handle Complex Tasks: The inability of a smartphone to hang or respond slowly to some specific tasks can be frustrating, the solution is to get a powerful device with a very good RAM
Starting an online business with a smartphone is possible with the right mindset, tools, and strategies, irrespective of the challenges. You can use your smartphone to create a successful online business and achieve financial freedom.
Don’t be dismayed using your smartphone, Lasisi Elenu (a Nigerian comedian uses his phone to shoot his comedy skits and he gets a high number of views which makes him quite a fortune). All you have got to do is ensure you have a good smartphone with a good camera, internal storage and random access memory(ram)
What have you learnt from this article? Comment with the very business idea you will want to start/scale with. We are here to help you with whatever form of consultation/inquiry, feel free to contact us
