Freelance Writing and Blogging (Yes, on a Phone)
What it involves: Writing articles, blog posts, or copy for clients. You might wonder, can you really write long-form content on a phone? It’s surprisingly doable with the right approach and tools.
Why you can do it on a phone: Smartphones support various writing apps with cloud sync. You can type on-screen or even use voice-to-text dictation, which has become highly accurate. Some freelance writers draft content on their phones during commutes or while traveling for the sake of convenience. Additionally, idea jotting and quick edits can be done from anywhere.
Tools: Apps like Google Docs, Microsoft Word Mobile, or Evernote let you write and save content on your phone (with cloud backup). You can start writing in Google Docs via voice typing – speak out your article and then manually edit the text, which can speed up the drafting process. Grammarly’s mobile keyboard can help with basic proofreading on the go. For more distraction-free writing, apps like IA Writer or Ulysses (on iOS) offer minimalist interfaces.
Earnings: Freelance writing pay varies widely by expertise and client. Content writers might earn $0.10 to $0.30 per word for blog posts, which could be $50-$150 for a 500-word piece. Copywriters or specialized writers can earn more. Upwork lists copywriters, UX writers, etc., many earning between $19-$45/hour on average without a formal degree, purely based on skill and portfolio. Writing on a phone doesn’t diminish your value; clients often won’t know or care how you produce the text as long as quality is high.
Tips to succeed: If typing on a small screen feels clumsy, invest in a portable Bluetooth keyboard that connects to your phone. That can turn your phone into a mini laptop. Alternatively, use voice dictation to get a rough draft and fix it up with touch input. Always double-check formatting when you send the file (sometimes moving between mobile and desktop can introduce odd spacing – sending as PDF can preserve your formatting). Finally, leverage the phone’s mobility: use idle time (like waiting in line or riding a bus) to outline articles or brainstorm ideas in your notes app. Those small pockets of productivity add up.