As working remotely becomes more popular, so does the need for virtual assistants. Through VAs, most companies can delegate administrative duties cost-effectively. So, how does someone get started, and where can you find virtual assistant clients?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into how to get clients as a virtual assistant and the platforms one can rely on. We’ll also share some great tips on how to market yourself as a VA. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Is It Hard to Get Clients as a Virtual Assistant?
Yes, it’s hard to get clients as a virtual assistant. The number of virtual assistants increases continuously, making it harder to stand out from the crowd. Most virtual clients prefer working with VAs with proven experience and credibility.
If you’re a beginner virtual assistant, building your reputation can be a challenge.
Here are more reasons why getting clients as a VA can be challenging:
- Competitive Rates.
Setting your price too high may deter clients since the market is saturated with people willing to pay less. Nonetheless, pricing yourself too low may show clients you’re inexperienced or your work is substandard. - Lack of Experience.
Virtual assistants without a track record of the clients they worked with may find it difficult to secure a spot. What makes it more challenging is you need a job to get the experience. - Saturated Market.
Many virtual assistants are offering the same services at almost similar rates. - Zero Visibility.
Without online visibility and proper branding, potential clients can’t get an insight into who you are and what services you can offer. Generally, clients tend to favor virtual assistants they can research about.
Read more on the struggles of getting a client as a VA from LinkedIn.
How to Get Clients as a Virtual Assistant
These are the methods you can use to find clients as a virtual assistant:
1. Use Freelance Platforms
You can use numerous virtual assistant freelance websites to get clients. The platforms act as a bridge between employers and employees to reduce scamming.
Some websites to get clients as a virtual assistant include:
- Fiverr.
On Fiverr, you can list your services as different packages clients can buy. All you need is to build a good profile and promote yourself correctly. - Upwork.
VAs can create profiles, bid for projects, and pitch themselves here. Upwork’s best part is fixed price protection, which protects freelancers from being short-changed. - Freelancer.
It works the same as Upwork. VAs can send proposals to potential clients once an ad is posted. - Time Etc.
This website matches virtual assistants to potential clients based on their skill sets. - FreeUp.
It matches you with a client whose needs align with your skills.
Discover the top 10 websites where you can start your freelancing career from LinkedIn.
2. Join Facebook Groups
Facebook is another place to get virtual assistant jobs. Clients typically post vacancies in Facebook groups and directions on how to apply for the position.
You can also use the groups to pitch yourself and your services. Apart from vacancies, there is plenty of advice from other well-established virtual assistants on building your brand and progressing in your career.
Important! There are many scams on Facebook. So, beware and be very careful with anyone you communicate with. Check out this article to find out to spot virtual assistant scams.
3. Contact Other Virtual Assistants
Ask other virtual assistants if any openings are available or if there are other clients they can refer you to. Another VA may have a client who is no longer a good fit for them or extra projects they can bring you on.
Additionally, someone in a similar field may know how to find virtual assistant clients and places to look.
Read more on the evolution of virtual assistants from LinkedIn.
4. Get Referrals from Current or Past Clients
Asking your clients for referrals after a project is a great way to get clients as a virtual assistant. Let your clients know you’re in between projects and ask if they know someone who needs your services.
You can also contact clients you worked with in the past for referrals. Always offer great incentives and services to prompt your clients to put in a good word for you.
5. Sign Up for Internships to Gain Experience
If you’re just venturing into the virtual assistant realm, consider signing up for internships to build your experience. You can also try beta testing, where you offer services for little to no cost.
You may get constructive feedback through internships, which will help you improve your services. Think of it as an avenue for sharpening your skills and gathering testimonials.
Do you specialize in accounting? You might be more suitable as a virtual bookkeeper! Discover what a virtual bookkeeper is and what they do on a daily basis here.
6. Join Online Platforms and Forums
Participating in online communities and forums establishes you as an expert, which may lead to people sorting your services. Use the opportunity to ask questions and collect advice on how to deal with everyday challenges you face as a virtual assistant.
Some of the popular forums you can join are Reddit and Quora. The trick is to filter through questions and give advice on those related to your field.
7. Partner with a Virtual Assistant Agency
Some platforms, like Virtudesk, are dedicated to finding clients for virtual assistants. Contact a virtual assistant agency and sign up to work under them. This may not be as lucrative as solo freelancing, but it’s a step towards securing a job.
You can also consider partnering with podcasts and YouTube channels. You get free marketing and exposure to their audience by appearing as a platform guest.
Here’s a list of virtual assistant resources that can help you improve your career.
How Do You Market Yourself as a Virtual Assistant?
You can market yourself as a virtual assistant through social media, email marketing, or building your website. Face-to-face networking and attending webinars are also good marketing strategies. Other ways are through friends and family, previous colleagues, or portfolio creation.
Here is an in-depth look at how to market yourself as a virtual assistant:
- Social Media.
Promoting your services on social media is one of the quickest ways of getting your name out there. Use the appropriate hashtags and follow other virtual assistants to ensure your social profile reaches the target audience. - Email Marketing.
Build an email list that you can use to send newsletters or create a campaign to market your services. Write compelling headlines that attract people to open the email. - Build a Website.
You can showcase your skills, build trust, and communicate your brand mission through a website. Getting a domain name and designing it to match your brand is best. - Face-to-face Networking.
Attend a few networking events to interact with people physically. Avoid going to the same event every time to reach a wider audience. - Webinars.
They are an excellent alternative for introverts. Webinars are virtual, and some are free. Remember to ask questions and speak up about your services as much as possible. - Friends and Family.
Ask those close to refer you to anyone looking for a virtual assistant. Also, educate them about your services to fully understand your offering. - Previous Colleagues.
Inform those you worked with before about what you’re currently doing. Don’t shy away from reaching out to colleagues in a different field. - Create a Portfolio.
Have a well-designed portfolio to showcase your work. Consider hiring a graphic designer to create something professional. If you have a website, add the portfolio to your site.
Learn how to kickstart your virtual assistant business from LinkedIn.
How to Pitch Yourself as a Virtual Assistant
Self-introduction is the first step to pitching yourself as a virtual assistant. Explain what you do, your services, and the advantages you bring to the client. Showcase why you’re different from the rest. End with a call to action telling your potential client what to do.
A good CTA can be handing out a business card when interacting with a client face to face. On virtual platforms, ask your audience to send an email, reach out through your social handle, or visit your website for more information.
Get Clients as a Virtual Assistant Today!
You can get clients as a virtual assistant through Facebook, freelance platforms, referrals, and online forums. Reach out to as many people as possible to inform them what you do and its benefits.
If you’re starting, build an online presence to make it easy to showcase your skills. Don’t forget to have a great pitch at hand. The key is to have an enticing proposal that’s hard to turn down.
