The convenience of using a phone to make money online in Kenya is appealing, especially with the widespread use of smartphones.
Whether you are a student looking to make passive income or a jobless youth seeking practical ways to make money, using your phone to make money is a practical way to start. With just your phone and the internet, you can unlock new opportunities to make money.
This article explores legitimate methods of making money online in Kenya with a phone and with minimal startup capital.
So, here are some legitimate ways to make money online.
Freelance writing
Freelance writing is one of the most popular ways to make money online in Kenya. If you know how to play with words, you can use your phone to write articles, blog posts, or product descriptions for clients from around the world.
Some of the popular platforms to find freelance work include Upwork and Fiverr, and you can create a free profile to showcase your skills and connect with potential clients. Many local writers have found a legit way to make money by tapping into the demand for content creation.
Freelance writing requires minimal investment, and you can get started with just your phone, the internet, and free Google Docs to write content. You can then receive payments via PayPal or Mpesa.
Start an e-commerce store
The rise of e-commerce has made it easier to sell products online via phones. Platforms like Jumia, Kilimall, and social media sites such as TikTok and Facebook allow individuals to set up online stores without the need for a physical shop.
If you have products to sell, whether it is fashion items, electronics, or even homemade crafts, you can use your phone as a business tool to manage sales, customer interactions, and deliveries.
Starting an online store requires some initial investment in terms of stock, but you don’t need a lot of capital to begin. Dropshipping is another option where you can sell products without holding any inventory.
With dropshipping, you take orders on your online store, and a supplier ships the product directly to the customer. Your role is to market the products and manage customer service, all of which can be done on your phone.
Learn how to start an online shop in Kenya.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants provide administrative and creative support to clients from remote locations. As a virtual assistant, you will be required to manage emails, schedule appointments, manage social media accounts, and even handle customer service.
With various apps designed for time management and communication, you can efficiently handle these tasks with your phone. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and LinkedIn are great places to find virtual assistant jobs.
Many small business owners and entrepreneurs seek VAs to help manage their workload, offering part-time or full-time positions depending on your availability. As a VA, you can charge either hourly rates or set up packages based on the services you provide.
Blogging
Blogging is a potentially lucrative way to make money online using just your phone. You need a passion for writing about topics that interest you, whether it’s lifestyle, food, travel, or technology.
With blogging platforms like WordPress, Blogger, or Medium, you can create and manage your blog entirely from your phone. Once your blog gains traction, you can monetize it through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing.
While it may take time to build an audience, the payoff can be rewarding. As your readership grows, brands may approach you for sponsored content, or you can apply for ad networks like Google AdSense to start earning from the traffic on your blog.
Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services from other companies and earning a commission on any sales made through your referral links. Websites like Jumia, and Amazon offer affiliate programs that you can join for free.
To get started as an affiliate market, you need a platform to promote the affiliate products, such as a blog, social media page, or YouTube channel. Once you have an audience, you can share your affiliate links, and when someone purchases through your link, you earn a percentage of the sale.
The key to success in affiliate marketing is selling products that resonate with your audience and providing honest reviews.
Online survey
While participating in online surveys may not make you rich, it is a simple way to earn some extra cash in your spare time.
Many companies conduct market research through surveys to gather consumer feedback, and they’re willing to pay for your opinions. Platforms like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars allow Kenyans to sign up and start taking surveys on their phones.
To get started, simply sign up, complete surveys, and earn points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. While the payouts may be small, the tasks are quick and easy to complete, making it a low-effort way to make money online.
Online surveys are ideal if you’re looking for a side hustle that doesn’t require a lot of time or technical skills.
Become a social media manager
Many small business owners are looking for help managing their accounts. If you’re savvy with social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, becoming a social media manager can be a lucrative way to make money using your phone.
Your tasks may include creating posts, responding to messages, running ads, and growing followers. As a social media manager, you can either work with individual brands or manage multiple clients at once.
The work is flexible, and since social media is mobile-friendly, you can easily complete tasks from your phone. Tools like Canva for design, Hootsuite for scheduling posts, and Facebook Ads Manager allow you to manage every aspect of your client’s accounts seamlessly.
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Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or aiming to build a full-time career, there are various opportunities suited to various skills and interests. Whether you want to become a virtual assistant, sell physical products, or promote affiliate products, you can quickly turn your smartphone into a money-making machine.