If you’re looking for a way to bring in extra income, working as a virtual (online) assistant may be a great option. You can work from home or wherever you have access to the Internet. It may be part-time or full-time work, and it can also become your only source of income if that’s what you need.
This article will go over why working as a virtual assistant is worth your time, how to get started, and some of the best tips and resources for succeeding in this field.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Acquire relevant skills and knowledge in areas such as communication, organization, and technology. |
| 2. Identify your niche and specialize in a specific area to stand out in the virtual assistant market. |
| 3. Develop a professional online presence through a well-crafted website, portfolio, and social media profiles. |
| 4. Network with potential clients and fellow virtual assistants to expand your opportunities and support system. |
| 5. Prioritize time management and establish effective workflows to handle multiple tasks efficiently. |
1. Decide What Kind Of Virtual Assistant You Want To Be
So you’ve already decided that being a virtual assistant is right for you. Now it’s time to decide what kind of virtual assistant you’ll be and what area of expertise you have.
From general administrative work to bookkeeping to travel planning and arranging, there are many types of work within the VA world. Here’s how to narrow down your field:
Research the different types of VA services out there and see if any jump out as something you’d enjoy doing.
What do your friends come to you for help with? Are they always asking for advice on planning their next vacation? Do they ask you to help them file their taxes or manage their schedules? These tasks may be a good place to start thinking about the type of virtual assistant work that would be best suited for you.
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2. Create A Website And A Blog
Many people want the service of an expert, not just a person who is capable of doing the job. To establish yourself as an expert, you need to create a blog where you can share your ideas on topics related to Virtual Assisting.
You’ll also need to create a website where you can present yourself as a professional. These two things are crucial for your success because they are what will make people hire you for the job or look for another Virtual Assistant.
Here are some reasons why it is important and necessary:
You’ll be able to build credibility and showcase your skills. This is especially true if you have certifications or other credentials that will make people see you as an expert in what you do.
It will help attract clients because there are people who will view your work first before hiring you for the job. They may look at what others have said about your work or read sample articles, which can give them an idea of how good/bad your work is and whether or not they should hire someone like yourself instead of hiring someone else with more experience (or less).
It may be able to generate income through advertising revenue from advertisements placed on your site(s). If so, this could be used as supplemental income while working part-time hours at home with very little overhead expenses and just enough cash flow coming in each week/month (after paying taxes).
This would allow someone like me who lives paycheck-to-paycheck due to mainly due lack of available opportunities locally due to living rurally (in my case) where most jobs require commuting long distances each day because there aren’t many options within walking distance/reasonable bus commute time limits nearby our house. or working full time outside the home without having children needing childcare during those hours too!
3. Reach Out To Your Existing Network
Reach out to people you already know. Email or call friends and family members who might be interested in your virtual assistant services, or contact former co-workers and let them know what kind of business you have started.
If you’re still in school, send an email to your classmates announcing the launch of your virtual assistant business and ask for referrals. You should also reach out to other people in your community and let them know about your new venture this may include school parents, church members, service organization volunteers, etc.
For example, if you’re a stay-at-home mom who is looking for extra income while raising children, consider reaching out to other mothers in the same situation. Many will likely appreciate the flexibility that working with a fellow stay-at-home parent provides.
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4. Do Your Research (And Get Certification)
Once you feel confident in your skills and have the experience necessary to land a client, it’s time to get out there and start knocking on doors (or maybe sending emails). If a client asks for certification, check out the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA), which offers two levels of certification: Certified Virtual Assistant (CVA) and Certified Advanced Virtual Assistant (CAVA).
If you don’t need certification to land clients, it may be worth considering obtaining your CVA or CAVA anyway. Certification demonstrates your competence as a virtual assistant by requiring that you complete an exam on topics like professionalism and ethics.
It can also help distinguish you from other job candidates if you’re applying for an assistant position at a large company or organization. However, because IVAA charges around $300 to take the exam, is selective about who can become members before reaching advanced certification level, and limits its membership to individuals rather than businesses, you may not want to pursue this option especially if you’re just starting out with no guarantee of finding paid work initially.
Once you’ve gotten certified or decided not to pursue certification yet, be sure that all of the content on your website is clear and professional enough!
5. Prepare Your First Website
Choose a good domain name for your business. A good domain name is easy to remember, and it should be relevant to your niche. If it’s available, you can register the domain with GoDaddy.com or NameCheap.com for as little as $10 per year, but there are other options out there if you’d like to shop around.
Get a good web host for your website. There are many great hosting companies where you can host your website (at less than $2 per month). Again, there are many options out there if you want to shop around but Bluehost is one of my favorites because they offer free SSL certificates and CDN along with every plan.
Choose a good theme for WordPress. You want to use WordPress themes that look professional and have all the features required by an online business such as support for multiple languages, responsive design (which means that it looks good on mobile devices), etc. I highly recommend StudioPress themes because they’re fast-loading and optimized according to the latest search engine standards (SEO).
Add content to your website quickly using existing content from other websites or by adding some tips about working as an online assistant in general or whatever else you feel will be useful information to people who visit your site and hire virtual assistants like yourself.
Optimize your website for search engines so that people who need help online can find you more easily through Google results pages when they search using keywords related to their needs; this will lead them directly back here to our service which provides services nationwide without requiring them first go through any local listings of local businesses offering similar services locally!
6. Create A Portfolio Of Your Skills And Experience
The best way to set yourself apart is by showing how you can deliver value. A portfolio can showcase your skills, experience, and education. The more organized and well-curated it is, the better. Potential clients will want to see exactly what work you have done, who you’ve worked with (if possible) and testimonials from previous clients if possible.
Creating a portfolio can be as simple as starting an online document on Google Drive and filling it out with images that link back to your previous work like:
- Blog posts or articles you have written for other sites
- Infographics or social media graphics that you created for a brand
- Websites that you developed or websites where your content was featured
You don’t need anything fancy here, just something that shows what kind of things you are capable of doing.
If there are too many things listed here (which is possible if you’re in the very beginning stages of getting started) then just pick one or two of the projects that show off your skills the best and add the rest to the list once they’re completed! Some apps offer an easy way to create interactive portfolios;
try apps like Carbonmade, Wix App Market app Weebly Pro Portfolio Maker (iOS only), Behance Creative Cloud Studio app Canva (iOS only), Adobe Spark Post Smore Canvas Creative Suite 5 Production Premium FontLab Studio VoodooPad Xcode xtUML Designer
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7. Write A Resume And Cover Letter That Getting Results
There are a couple of things to consider when you’re creating your resume and cover letter:
If you have little to no experience, focus on your transferrable skills and what makes you uniquely qualified for the job. Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of experience in the field.
Proofread! You may want to let someone look over your resume for errors that you missed. Nothing will make an employer pass over your application faster than simple mistakes in spelling or grammar.
Use keywords from the job ad in your resume and cover letter (that’s how recruiters will search for potential candidates). The keywords can be specific responsibilities and character traits, so make sure that you’ve listed your experiences and skills carefully.
Include a cover letter with each application and use it as an opportunity to highlight how your unique set of skills makes you perfectly suited for this position.
8. Be Sure You’re Legally Covered
Before getting into the details of running your services and your business, it’s important to understand the legalities that come with working for yourself.
- Register your business
- Get a tax ID number
- Open a business bank account
- Make sure your workspace is safe
- Create a contract to use with your clients (normally you would find these online or ask other VAs for their contracts)
- Get insurance
9. Advertise Your Services In The Right Places
To get your name out there for the first time, advertising your services on the following websites/platforms can be effective:
The reason is, that these social media sites provide a simple, free way for you to get visibility. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are paid avenues to advertise on (and therefore attract fewer people), but they’re also useful because they let clients find you by searching in their database of freelancers.
Essentially, it’s a numbers game: the more places you advertise your services, the more places people will see them potentially resulting in inquiries from prospective clients. As a reminder, choosing an answer to “What do I charge?” is an important step in this process.
It’s not recommended to use Craigslist as one of these advertising platforms because it has a bad reputation for scams and fake listings. Also, it would be wise to avoid posting ads in Facebook groups or local newspaper classifieds.
while this type of direct promotion may occasionally result in leads that turn into a job opportunity, living up to any potential clients’ expectations once they contact you can quickly become complicated if they don’t already have a clear idea of what virtual assistants do. In other words: it’s best not to waste time with people who don’t know what they’re looking for yet!
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10. Reach Out To Bloggers And Business Owners
Start with the blogger’s name and the name of their blog.
Introduce yourself as a virtual assistant and explain why you think you’d be a good fit for them.
Be brief and to the point don’t write an essay, keep it short and simple.
Link to your website (or at least to your LinkedIn profile)
11. Join Facebook Groups And Communities With Like-Minded People
Join Facebook groups and communities with like-minded people. Join VA groups, join groups related to your niche, connect with VAs in your area and in your niche, connect with business owners in your niche, and connect with business owners in your area.
A great way to be seen is by building relationships within these communities, especially the ones in which you’re looking for clients! And always look for opportunities to shine as a leader offer advice when you can help someone out or share interesting posts that are relevant to the group.
12. Look For Specific Markets And Niches Where You Can Shine
It’s quite possible that you have some kind of expertise in a particular field, whether it’s copywriting, social media marketing, or web design. That is great! You don’t want to rely on your background as the only means of finding business, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to market yourself as someone who has a specific level of experience in a particular area.
Take some time to consider what kinds of skills and experiences you already have under your belt. What areas are you especially good at? Is there anything you could learn quickly that would make you more marketable? If so, consider studying it so that you can start offering those services to your clients.
13. Find New Clients On Social Media
In our digital world, the best way to find new clients is to be active on social media. You can use Facebook and Twitter to find new clients. You can also use LinkedIn. It’s important to have a presence on social media and share your portfolio because that’s how potential customers are going to find you.
Even if you don’t have much experience or many reviews, it is all about where you are putting yourself out there. That is the biggest aspect of being a VA: establishing yourself as a business person and not just another freelancer for hire.
14. Don’t Give Up
Many people who want to become a VA, give up within their first year. A business in any industry, whether online or offline, takes time to establish itself and build a reputation. Because of this, you are going to need patience and a positive attitude. You will also make mistakes along the way and that is ok too! Learn from your mistakes and know how to not make them again.
Above all else, stay positive! You can do it!
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15. Set Limits For Yourself (And Stick To Them!)
Finally, I encourage you to set limits for yourself.
Determine how much work you want to take on and stick with the amount you determine. You can always increase your availability if the demand is there.
Decide what types of projects you will and won’t do. For example, if writing isn’t your thing but you enjoy making social media graphics, stick with only taking on clients for whom you can create graphics.
Choose specific times and days that work best for you when clients can reach out to you and have their emergency issues addressed. Let them know in advance that no response means their issue is not an emergency or urgent.
Set aside time during the year where you don’t take on any new clients or projects so that a vacation doesn’t need to be planned around client requests 100% of the time (for example, Christmas break).
Conclusion
In summary, if you keep this advice in mind, you’ll have a much better time as a virtual assistant. By carefully preparing for your first few days on the job and finding clients who are a good fit for you, you’ll already be one step closer to building a successful career as an online worker.
Finding work that is enjoyable and exciting can be difficult when applying to the usual 9-to-5 jobs that most working people must contend with but there’s no reason why being an online worker should keep you from enjoying what you do.
Remember that as long as your goals are clear and your desires specific, there’s always room to write instructions on how to achieve them and hopefully, these tips will help get you set up with just the right type of work in mind.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful to explore:
How to Effectively Use a Virtual Assistant: 15 Unexpected Tips: Discover unexpected tips and strategies for effectively utilizing a virtual assistant to maximize productivity and streamline your business operations.
Hiring a Virtual Assistant: A Comprehensive Guide: Gain insights into the process of hiring a virtual assistant, including how to find the right candidate, establish effective communication, and delegate tasks efficiently.
How to Become a Virtual Assistant: A Step-by-Step Guide: Interested in becoming a virtual assistant? This step-by-step guide provides valuable information on starting a successful career as a virtual assistant, including necessary skills, marketing strategies, and tips for finding clients.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To become a successful virtual assistant, you’ll have to find clients. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about finding those clients.
How Much Money Can You Make As A Virtual Assistant?
If you’re just getting started, it will take time to build up your client base and get your hourly rate set at a comfortable level. But if you’ve been working as a VA for longer than six months and have a proven track record with past clients, there’s no reason why you can’t set your hourly rate at $30 or more.
What Is The Best Way To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs?
One great way to land new clients is through networking events. People who attend these events generally fall into two categories: they either want to hire someone like yourself or they know people who are looking for VAs like you and can make connections for you.
If face-to-face meetings aren’t your thing, online networking can be effective too; social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn provide wide-ranging opportunities for making connections in various fields.
For example, joining groups on Facebook that focus on topics related to what kind of services you offer will allow potential clients (or their friends) who are more likely to need help from someone with your skillset.
What is a virtual assistant?
A virtual assistant is a remote professional who provides administrative, creative, or technical support to individuals or businesses remotely.
What tasks can a virtual assistant handle?
Virtual assistants can handle a wide range of tasks, including administrative tasks, email management, scheduling, research, social media management, content creation, and more.
How do I find the right virtual assistant for my needs?
To find the right virtual assistant, start by defining your needs and desired skill set. Consider factors such as experience, expertise, availability, and communication style. You can explore freelance platforms, virtual assistant agencies, or seek recommendations from trusted sources.
How can I effectively communicate and collaborate with a virtual assistant?
Clear and consistent communication is essential when working with a virtual assistant. Establish regular check-ins, use project management tools, and provide detailed instructions to ensure smooth collaboration. Setting expectations and maintaining open lines of communication will foster a productive working relationship.
What are the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant?
Hiring a virtual assistant offers numerous benefits, such as increased efficiency, cost savings, flexibility, access to specialized skills, and the ability to delegate time-consuming tasks. Virtual assistants can help free up your time and focus on strategic activities to grow your business.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.