Ever dreamed of being a digital nomad? Thinking of picking up a side business you can run on the go?
A decade ago, this might seem too good to be true. But now it’s perfectly possible to run a business from your smartphone, no matter where you are in the world!
Read to find out how you can get started.
Can you really run a business on a mobile device?
With higher speeds and storage capacity, mobile devices can function just as well as laptops. Technological advances have come far and enable busy individuals to run a business on the go.
On top of that, many productivity tools are also available in Google Play and the App Store. As tools become increasingly mobile-friendly, running your business on your smartphone is easier than ever. It’s convenient, efficient, and gives you an opportunity to create an additional income stream.
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Tips to get started
Want to know how you can start your business with just a mobile device? Here are a few considerations to keep in mind before you dive right in.
Use a separate mobile device instead of your personal smartphone
There’s nothing wrong with using your personal smartphone but it’s wise the keep your work device separate.
Having a separate device helps with organization, productivity, and also helps you set boundaries to maintain work-life balance.
Having a separate device also makes it easier for you to locate files and store business-related images and requests.
The last thing you need is to spend an unnecessary amount of time locating customer requests that are buried somewhere in your personal smartphone!
Start an online business
This might seem like a no-brainer but not all businesses can be run through just a mobile device. Online businesses like ecommerce stores and service providers can easily be run on a smartphone.
Running a business through your mobile device is perfect for those with small teams that can work remotely. However, if the business idea you have requires more in-person contact, you might need more than just a smartphone to ensure smooth operations.
See also: 7 Proven Ways to Get Your First Sale
Create communication guidelines for your business
The great thing about running a business on a mobile device? It’s flexible and convenient. That downside? That same convenience might affect your overall mental health.
It’s tempting to send messages and work on your business during your downtimes because your mobile device is easily accessible. That’s why you’ll need to create guidelines for yourself and step back when you need to.
Set fixed working hours for yourself and mute notifications after a certain time. It’s also healthy to reserve select windows in the day to respond to requests and inquiries so you can focus on other tasks throughout the day.
See also: Everything You Need To Know About Starting a Home-Based Business in Singapore
Download productivity apps and software
What apps do you need to run your business on a mobile device? There are lots of productivity and design tools that can help you with all aspects of your business but here are some of our top picks:
Social media apps
Social media is big. Large organizations and small businesses are on it to reach new audiences and connect with their customers.
Facebook, Instagram and more recently, TikTok, are some social media apps you should download to market your business.
Depending on your business’ target audience, you’ll want to specialize in one platform when you’re getting started. That way, you can reduce burnout and have a solid strategy to run your digital campaigns on your mobile device easily.
Canva
Branding is crucial for small businesses to stand out and succeed. If you’re not a designer, there’s no need to fret because Canva makes all your design work so much easier!
On Canva, you can find a range of free templates for Instagram, Insta Story, greeting cards, and more. There are lots of in-app illustrations and graphics you can drag and drop to create amazing artworks instantly!
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Later
Tired of posting on social media constantly? We know how draining that can get overtime. That’s why apps like Later are so useful!
Later easily lets you schedule posts so you can plan ahead. Optimize your workflow through scheduling posts for the month so you don’t have to worry about posting on social media throughout the day.
Planning ahead also gives you a birds-eye view of your digital marketing efforts and where you need to refine your strategy in the next month!
See also: Best Hashtags to Get Discovered on Instagram: Small Business Guide
Cococart
One of the biggest headaches for business owners is order management and taking stock of inventory. Cococart’s business tools are perfect for small business owners who want to streamline business processes!
Our dashboard is clutter-free and designed to show you all the necessary metrics you need to grow your business. On top of that, you can easily create custom promo codes and product bundles to make more sales for your business.
See also: Everything You Need to Know About Your Cococart Analytics Dashboard
Use the right tools to start running your business on the go
Running a business from your mobile device is perfect for the busy individual. That’s why it’s so important to have the right tools to help you streamline your workflow.
Thinking of getting started? Sign up for an account with Cococart and start selling your goods and services in minutes!
FAQ
Do I need to get a license to start a home-based business (HBB)?
HBB regulations defer depending on your region. If you’re based in Singapore, you’ll need to first register your business with ACRA. Read this guide to learn more
What ecommerce platforms should I run my online business on?
You can opt to sell goods and services on your own ecommerce website or in a marketplace. Marketplace examples include Lazada, Shopee, Amazon and Carousell.
Ecommerce website builders include Cococart, Shopify and Wix. Both options have their pros and cons. Read this guide to find out more.
Is it possible to start a business with no capital?
Yes! It’s entirely possible to run a business on your mobile device even if you have no capital! Selling digital products online, or offering your skills as a service to others are great places to start.
You can also sell Print-on-Demand (POD) products if you’re tight on cash. Read this article to find out how you can start a home-based business with little to no capital.
Your Success is Our Success
Cococart is proud to be a company that puts local businesses first. After all, you’re the reason we’re here. We're on a mission to transform independent businesses to accept online orders. If you are ready to sign up for a free trial simply register your store here, it only takes a couple of minutes.