We all know someone, maybe even ourselves, who struggles to make ends meet, wishing for extra cash but feeling stuck. Some believe they aren’t ‘business smart’ enough to start a business, while others say they don’t have the capital to begin. But here’s the truth: the world has changed.
In this article, we will show you eight businesses you can start today with just your smartphone. And yes, even if your phone isn’t the latest model, there’s still something for you. Let’s begin! 
1. Online Content Creation
Being a content creator means racking your brain and sharing those ideas to entertain an audience. It’s about coming up with creative content, whether through videos, posts, or quizzes, that makes people laugh, react, and keep coming back for more.
You can create skits, share lifestyle tips, or talk about things that interest you. The best part is you don’t need fancy equipment. With just your mobile phone, you can record and edit videos using apps like CapCut, Canva, or InShot. You can download them through the Play Store or Apple Store.
Once you build a good following, you can monetise your content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. However, content creation isn’t just about posting randomly; it takes consistency and niche selection.
Ask yourself:
- What kind of content do I want to create? Lifestyle, travel, comedy, or something else?
- Who is my target audience?
- What do I want to achieve with my content?
Once you figure these out, you’re good to go.
2. Social Media Management
With the rise of content creators and businesses on social media, managing an account with thousands (or even millions) of followers can be overwhelming. Influencers and brands need help handling comments, replying to messages, and keeping their online presence engaging and professional. That is what social media management is about.
As a social media manager, you help businesses and influencers maintain their accounts by engaging with followers (liking comments, responding to DMs), ensuring posts align with the brand’s image, and scheduling and managing content to keep their accounts active, as well as tracking engagement and growth.
To make your job easier, you can use tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, and Later, among others.
If social media management sounds like something you can do, it is advisable that you begin by taking free or paid courses on Coursera to understand better how it works, manage Instagram or Facebook accounts for a friend’s business, offer your services at a low rate, or handle a small brand’s account to gain experience and build your portfolio.
Once you build experience, you can start finding clients on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or LinkedIn and grow from there. You can find these apps on the Apple and Play stores.
3. Graphic Designing
Graphic designers create visual content to communicate messages. Becoming a professional graphic designer takes time, usually two to three years of learning and practice. But who says you can’t start as a beginner and gain experience along the way?
One way to learn is by taking masterclasses from experienced designers. However, if you don’t have the money for paid courses, you can start with free tools like Canva, which offers ready-made templates to create designs with ease.
The key is practice. The more you design, the better you become. Graphic design is one of the many creative businesses you can run entirely with your mobile device. With consistency, you can turn it into a profitable business in no time.
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4. Blogging
If you’ve read ‘Americanah’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, then you know that Ifemelu made a lot of money through blogging. And guess what? You can, too.
These days, plenty of people blog, but only a few actually make money from it. Blogging is a great way to share your thoughts, tell stories, or educate people, all while making money from the comfort of your home or even your classroom.
You can start a personal blog where you write about your life, experiences, or any topic you love. With engaging content and catchy headlines, you can build a loyal audience, get subscribers, and eventually monetise your blog in different ways.
There are different types of blogging; you just have to find what suits you best and launch your blog on platforms like Medium, Substack, or WordPress. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect; you just have to start.
5. Video Editing for Businesses
You probably already edit videos for your own social media account, and your friends are always saying, “Wow! This is amazing! How did you do it?” Well, why not turn that skill into a business?
Editing videos for businesses is a bit more professional than casual content editing, but you don’t need expensive tools to start. You can begin with free and mobile-friendly apps like CapCut or InShot before moving to advanced tools like Adobe Premiere Pro.
Start by practising – take random clips online, edit them for TikTok or Instagram, and build a small portfolio. Once you are confident and have honed the skill better, reach out to businesses via email or social media, offering to edit their videos. Many brands, especially small businesses, need video content but don’t have an editor, and you could be the solution they’re looking for.
6. Cryptocurrency Trading
There’s a reason why “cry” is in crypto – because trading comes with losses. But at the same time, it has also made many people wealthy.
Crypto trading involves buying and selling digital currencies to make a profit from price changes. It is popular among young people, and almost every young adult has considered/is trying it.
However, success in crypto trading requires patience, consistency, and strategy. To avoid unnecessary losses, it is best to take online courses, do thorough research, and ask experienced traders questions before opening a trading account.
7. Testing Websites and Apps
Website and app developers constantly need testers to ensure their creations function properly across different devices, and that’s where you can come in.
Testing websites and apps can be a great side hustle if you already have something going on or even a starting point if you’re looking for ways to earn. You can use platforms like UserTesting, TestingTime, UserAnalytics, TryMyUI, and PlayTestCloud to get started.
It might seem like a small gig, but it pays. So if you’re interested in making extra cash with just your phone, this is definitely worth checking out.
8. Taking Online Surveys
Taking online surveys won’t make you rich, but it’s an easy way to earn extra cash. All you have to do is answer questions honestly. The more truthful you are, the more surveys you will get.
While the payouts might not be huge, a little extra money here and there never hurts. Just be consistent and cautious, as there are many sites out there eager to take your personal information and scam you later on. Always research legitimate platforms before signing up.
Conclusion
These are not the only businesses you can start with your smartphone, as there are plenty of other opportunities out there. With today’s smartphones being more advanced than ever, you have access to tools and features that make online work easier.
The key is to choose what suits you best and what you can commit to. And remember, you don’t have to be perfect; just start and stay consistent, and in a few months, you will be surprised at how far you have gone.
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