Virtual Assistance and Customer Support
What it involves: As a virtual assistant (VA), you might handle tasks like managing emails, scheduling appointments, data entry, or customer service via chat. Many entrepreneurs, small businesses, or busy professionals hire part-time freelancers to offload these tasks. For customer support roles, freelancers might answer support tickets or social media inquiries.
Why you can do it on a phone: Email and scheduling apps are fully functional on smartphones. For many administrative tasks (like managing a Google Calendar, responding to emails or DMs, checking CRM updates), a phone works perfectly. If anything, being on mobile helps you respond quickly, which is crucial for support. There are stories of freelancers who manage entire businesses’ customer service using just an iPhone or Android device – handling support chats while on the move.
Tools: Email apps (Gmail/Outlook), calendar apps, and communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams are key – all have mobile versions with notifications. For task management, apps like Trello, Asana, or Notion help you keep track of to-dos on your phone. If you need remote access to files, Google Drive or Dropbox apps allow file management. Some virtual assistants also use note-taking apps (Google Keep, Evernote) to track client preferences or important info.
For customer support specifically, many helpdesk platforms like Zendesk, Intercom, or Freshdesk have mobile apps, so you can answer tickets or chats on your phone. Even handling phone calls (as a virtual receptionist, for instance) is doable thanks to VOIP apps or simply forwarding a business line to your phone.
Earnings: Virtual assistant rates range based on skill level and services. Entry-level VA work might start around $15/hour, whereas experienced VAs with specialized skills (social media management, bookkeeping, etc.) can earn $25-$40/hour. The Indeed average for tech support roles is around £25k (~$30k) per year, and many of those tasks can be done remotely via phone. If you handle higher-responsibility tasks (like executive assistance), you can charge premium rates.
Tips to succeed: Communication is your currency. Respond quickly (set your phone notifications wisely so you don’t miss urgent requests). Also, maintain professionalism in all communications – even if you’re replying from your phone at the grocery store, use proper email etiquette and proofreading. Create templates or text shortcuts for common responses to save time (many phones allow text expansion shortcuts). Lastly, manage your time zones and schedule carefully on mobile – scheduling apps can send you reminders so you don’t double-book or miss a meeting while away from your computer.