It is no secret that smartphones have changed the world. Without them, we may not have the same convenient access to information, nor the ability to communicate with others via text or voice chat. Furthermore, many industries rely on smartphones for workflows that once only required an office environment or a desktop computer. For instance, accounting firms use apps such as Xero and QuickBooks for accounts receivable and payable, respectively, to create invoices, follow up on debts, and keep track of unpaid bills. Lawyers use apps such as LegalZoom and Avvo for legal research and document preparation, and Real Estate agents use apps such as MyLoft Market and Red Ventures for property management and showing off houses, respectively.
The Growing Popularity of Digital Nomads
Although most people use their smartphones for communication and access to information, the devices can also be used for work. With the increasing popularity of remote work and online productivity, many professionals rely on their smartphones every day. And what is more, many of these professionals are choosing to do their work from a location that is not based in one place, but rather, from the location of their choosing. In other words, they are choosing to be digital nomads. A 2014 study from Remote Workers Union suggests that nearly half of all US employees work remotely at least some of the time, and 73% of those people use their smartphones for work. If you’re looking for a new way to make money, why not consider trying your hand at being a digital nomad? It might just be the opportunity you’re looking for.
The Rise of Digital Nomads, Job Hoppers, and Micro-Businesses
As the economy continues to shift toward a more digital nomad ecosystem, new opportunities have opened up for those who choose to follow suit. For instance, the number of online marketplaces specifically for freelancers and independent contractors has grown exponentially in the last few years. Xjob, a marketplace that connects “micro-businesses” (sole traders, freelancers, and independent contractors) with “big businesses” (such as marketing agencies, graphic design studios, and advertising agencies), reports that job searches on its platform have doubled since 2015.
One of the reasons why digital nomads are becoming so popular is because they offer businesses the chance to cut costs and reduce redundancies. By reducing the amount of office space needed and the number of employees needed, companies can save plenty of money. Another great thing about working remotely as a digital nomad is that it allows you to set your own hours, take holidays when you want, and travel whenever you like. All of which can lead to more profit for your company.
How to Make Money from a Phone
Not everyone will be able to make a living from a smartphone. In fact, the majority of smartphone users are currently not making enough money to sustain a decent standard of living. However, that does not mean that every smartphone user is looking to make money from their device. In fact, there are many ways that you can use your smartphone to make money – potentially, a lot of money. You just need to know where to look.
Here are five ways that you can make money from a phone.
1. Taking Surveys
One of the simplest ways to make money from a phone is to take surveys. Mobile market research company Survey Junkie is one of the largest marketplaces for online surveys. It is completely free to create an account and begin taking surveys, which pay between $1 and $5 per day. According to its website, Survey Junkie has been vetted as a legitimate business and is approved by the Better Business Bureau. What’s more, every two weeks, Survey Junkie rewards its users with a $100 bonus.
If you’re looking to make a few extra bucks, why not take a few minutes out of your day to complete some surveys? It will not take long, and might just pay off in a big way. Remember: you are not required to complete any surveys to earn money with Survey Junkie. So, in other words, you’re free to take the surveys that you want and skip those that you don’t want to take. In this way, you will be able to create your own earning schedule.
2. Selling and Trading Stocks
If you’re an investor, you may want to consider making money from a phone by taking advantage of the many stock and cryptocurrency apps available. For instance, if you’re invested in Bitcoin (BTC), you can use applications such as Circle to buy, sell, or trade it. Circle is one of the most popular and established cryptocurrency applications, and is available for Android and iOS devices. It is a zero-fee, fully-regulated, and insured platform. Similar to Survey Junkie, Circle has also been vetted and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
With Circle, you can buy and sell digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more, from a fully-functional zero-fee brokerage. Furthermore, the Circle Invest platform also allows users to diversify their investment portfolios with minimal effort. As the economy continues to shift toward a more digital nomad world, more and more people may simply choose to use their smartphones to follow the stock market. Not only can you potentially make a lot of money through stock market speculation, but you’re also freeing up space in your house – if you’re living at home – by doing so. Plus, you can always use your phone’s camera to take a quick picture of a whiteboard or sheet of paper, and have a professional-looking document in no time.
3. Renting Out Your Home
If you’re looking for an even more passive income opportunity, you may want to consider renting out your home. With Airbnb, you can rent out a room in your house or an entire flat for a night, or even a week. Airbnb is one of the biggest marketplaces for home rental, and has over a million listings in over 190 countries. List your home with Airbnb today, and remember: if you have a spare room, you can make some easy money without leaving the house. You might even decide to try renting out a room in your house or apartment until you find a more suitable location for your business.
4. Start a Blog
Blogs are one of the most popular ways to make money from a phone. You can setup a blog with a free platform such as WordPress or Blogger, or even use a service such as Fiverr to get a professional-looking blog up and running in no time. In general, you will want to pick a niche, build your audience, and then monetize your blog through affiliate marketing.
If you’re new to blogging, why not try starting off with making money through affiliate marketing? An affiliate marketing program is one in which you’ll earn a commission if someone clicks a monetized link or buys a product that’s promoted on your blog. Some of the most popular affiliate marketing programs include Amazon Associates, ClickBank, and more.
5. Start an Online Store
If you’re a shopaholic, you may consider using your smartphone to create an online store. With online stores, you can sell and ship all kinds of products, including books, clothing, electronics, and more, from the convenience of your home. Popular online stores such as Shopbop have created an entire commerce platform specifically for smartphones and tablets. They aim to make online shopping convenient and effortless. With their platform, you can create a store in a matter of minutes and start selling your wares. What’s more, according to Entrepreneur, Shopbop’s commerce apps have been downloaded over 150 million times and have been followed by similar stores such as LuLu and AllPosters.com.
If you’re looking for an easy way to make money, why not consider trying your hand at creating an online store? You can use your phone’s camera to take a picture of any whiteboard or sheet of paper and have a professional looking business card in no time.
Where Will This Economic Shift Lead?
Although many people are choosing to become digital nomads to save money and work remotely, this trend may be more than a passing fad. According to Business Insider, over 55 million American consumers shop online at least sometimes. That’s 80% of the population. Furthermore, 13% of US consumers shop at least occasionally at brick-and-mortar stores. In other words, this economic shift may be permanent. If you’re passionate about economics and want to know where this new direction in business will lead, consider joining the American Institute of Stress for an advanced degree. You can choose from over a dozen accredited universities, and a Master’s degree in Business Finance can set you back by about $30,000. Not a bad investment for a few extra bucks.