How To Get Clients As A Virtual Assistant? Tips in 2024!

Want to know how to get clients as a virtual assistant?

You have come to the right place.

So, tell me.. what is the main challenge for an aspiring virtual assistant? How to get clients, right?

That process can be so daunting to put people off so that they fail before they give it a shot.

In this article, I am going to send those fears away and prove that you can get clients and start your own virtual assistant business if you put in the work.

Let’s get to it.

Summary of How to Get Clients as a virtual assistant

Create A Website
Find Your Proof Of Concept With Linkedin
Join The Holy Grail Of Jobs For Virtual Assistants: Facebook Groups
Send Your Pitch To Businesses In Your Niche Via Email
Start An Seo-optimized Blog And A Menu Tab With Services
Guest Post On Relevant Publications
Reach Out To Other Virtual Assistants
Connect With Freelancers In Your Niche
Start Following Businesses On Instagram In Your Niche
Job Sites And Freelance Marketplaces
Friends And Family
Past Coworkers
Past Clients
Virtual Assistant Companies
Engage With Bloggers And Entrepreneurs
Leverage Youtube
Get local
Job Portals
Trade Shows
Through Podcast
Newsletter
Online Communities And Forums
Online Webinars
Share Related Resources And Tools
Targeted Ads On Search Engine And Social Media
Offer Service Packages
Discounts For Retainer Clients
Referral Incentives
Tutorial Or Online Course
Offer Trial Projects
Create Case Studies And Utilise Testimonials

DISCLOSURE

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

Note- If you are super busy and you want to start making money by becoming a virtual assistant, you should check out the following courses that will step up your VA games!

How To Find Clients As A Virtual Assistant – Top 31 Ways

Ok, so you want to know how to find clients for your virtual assistant business.

‘Yes, please tell me ‘How do virtual assistants get clients?’

Here you go.

1. Create A Website

If you’re worrying about how to find clients for virtual assistant, the first thing you need to have is a professional website. Period.

Honestly, that’s the first thing I look for when I am searching for a Virtual Assistant.

Because I want to know if they are serious enough to invest in their own website which costs their hard-earned money (about 80USD a year).

By the way, if you want to create your own website and are hopeless at technology like me, check out my article on how to create a freelance website with no IT skills.

There are a ton of virtual assistant jobs out there.

When you apply for one, make sure to have something to link to prove that you are here for the long haul.

In case you need some inspiration, you can check out these virtual assistant websites for different niches:

Web design and content creation
Lifestyle and business support
Admin
Miscellaneous – Digital marketing, business support, travel and more.

2. Find Your Proof Of Concept With Linkedin

In case you are wondering how to start your own virtual assistant business and how to get your first client as a virtual assistant, you probably need to test out your services to check whether there is enough demand and if you actually offer value.

A quick way to do that is to leverage Linkedin. Here is what you could do:

Create or optimize your Linkedin profile – Make sure to use the golden formula in your Linkedin headline, write a compelling Linkedin summary and add a link to your website.

Get inspired – Look into what other successful VAs are doing on the platform.

To find other VAs just type ‘Virtual Assistant’ in the search bar and filter for ‘People’ and ‘Location’.

For example, check out VA profiles in the US.

Find high quality leads – Search for people in your niche using the filters and send them a connection request with an invite message that goes like this –

Hi X, “I help online coaches streamline their workload and reduce overwhelm with advanced admin skills. Would you be open to connecting with me?”

Post-high-quality content – Linkedin is still good in terms of organic reach.

Take advantage of that and grow your following by posting genuine and valuable content which is relevant to your niche (at least 3 times a week).

Chance are, your potential client who wants to get a virtual assistant will come across your posts.

Connect with your audience via DMs – Another way to find a virtual assistant client is to send relevant targeted messages and offer help based on your niche’s problems.

Once you generate enough interest you can link to your Linkedin articles or your website.

Then ask them to hop on a discovery call to figure out how you can work together.

It may seem a lot of work, but once you have your profile up and running you’re good to go.

You just need to spend 1 hour a week to learn about your niche, adjust your messaging, increase your authority and get clients.

3. Join The Holy Grail Of Jobs For Virtual Assistants: Facebook Groups

Every time I check Facebook groups for Virtual assistants and I find well-written posts published by VAs looking for jobs.

Facebook groups are where it’s at, if you’re wondering about how to get clients for virtual assistant business.

I read loads of comments made by business owners who are very interested in their services. These are the clients looking for virtual assistants whom you should focus on.

Here is what you could do:

Find Facebook groups for VAs – Search and join 2-3 best VA groups that bring together Vas and business owners.
You’ll continue learning and sharing tips and get clients eventually.

Find Facebook groups for a specific niche: Search and join 2-5 groups that bring together your ideal prospects (e.g. business coaches, health coaches, wedding photographers).

Some of these groups have daily or weekly job postings and many of them allow people to post upcoming projects, which can be an excellent opportunity to land clients.

It’s a great strategy, especially at the beginning, if you want to know how to find virtual assistant clients. So clean up your Facebook profile and start searching.

If you don’t know where to start just go to Google and input ‘site:facebook.com “virtual assistant” AND Groups.

You will find plenty of virtual assistant Facebook groups. For instance:

4. Send Your Pitch To Businesses In Your Niche Via Email

As you start connecting with potential prospects via Facebook or Linkedin you will eventually find their website and even their email address.

If you’re wondering how to get clients for your virtual assistant business, an effective way is to directly reach out to people and ask if they need help.

Does it sound scary?

Maybe, especially if you have no idea how to do it properly.

Just imagine them going to Google and searching ‘how to find a virtual assistant?’ They might be looking for someone like you, so why not introduce yourself when you have the chance.

Don’t be generic – ‘How can I help you?’ and offer them a specific service.

If you want to know how to pitch effectively you can read this article about freelance writing and join my free email course – just type your name and email and I will send you the goods.

5. Start An Seo-optimized Blog And A Menu Tab With Services

Leverage the power of SEO and content marketing to attract prospects to your business website. What does that mean?

Follow these simple steps:

1. Create a website with a menu tab and list your services, prices and even add testimonials when you can.

2. Find good relevant keywords that people input on google – if you are on a budget you can use Ubersuggest – #iftsfreeitisforme

Good keywords are relatively high on traffic and low on competition (<30). Here is an example: tools for a virtual assistant.

3. Write a Seo-optimized post for that keyword. Need even more inspiration. Here you go:

Essential tools for virtual assistants
Instagram tips to boost engagement
How anyone can become a virtual assistant and make $1000 in 30 days (even with no experience)

If you want to know more about Seo you can grab my Seo workshop on my Shop page.

With an SEO-optimized blog, you won’t have to worry about where to find clients as a virtual assistant. Your blog will appear in front of your potential clients and they’ll come looking for you.

6. Guest Post On Relevant Publications

The idea is to:

Have clients coming to you, instead of having to chase them.
Set yourself as an authority in your niche.

There is one way to do just that and it is called ‘Guest posting’.

If you pitch good keywords to other blogs and publications you may end up writing an article for them and linking to your own blog.

Is it good for you?

Very.

You have an opportunity to increase your domain authority (how authoritative Google thinks you are) )and get exposure to a new audience. Not bad at all.

The bad news is that it is very time-intensive and it requires a few skills. However, in the long term, it’d prove to be very advantageous for you, and you will not have to wonder how to get virtual assistant clients.

To get started you could go to Google and leverage Boolean search by typing something like: “write for us” virtual assistant.

Alternatively, you could use a link building tool such as Buzzstream or respond to queries from journalists on Haro and pitch them your post idea.

7. Reach Out To Other Virtual Assistants

Find virtual assistants that offer similar services and let them know that you have space available for new clients.

You may think:

‘Why would they do that? They are my competitors.’

Well, that may apply to some of them, but most realize that nurturing their competitors is critical to their success, too.

This time, they back you up, next time you will or mention them in your stories on Instagram or. You name it.

They made a friend for life in their area of business.

Cool, so I hope you are sold on that. Now, here is how you can find other virtual assistants:

Go to Google and type site:linkedin.com “I am a virtual assistant” AND uk – or any other country.
In case you are wondering, yes, that is a boolean search.
Check out all the profiles and find the ones that are more appealing to you.

For example:

Wanna take it to the next level?

Share your strategies with them and start a community, you may end up running your own Facebook group and become a VA coach helping others run their own Va business.

8. Connect With Freelancers In Your Niche

Get to know other freelancers via Linkedin or Instagram and let them know that you offer a complimentary service.

For instance, you could reach out to video makers and let them know that you offer content repurposing services and send them a sample of a video transcript converted into a blog post.

Use your imagination and be practical. The sky’s the limit, but keep your feet on the ground.

9. Start Following Businesses On Instagram In Your Niche

Where to find virtual assistant clients? On Instagram. How to find client on Instagram? By following your potential clients’ profile.

It doesn’t matter which niche you pick.

If you start following their business profile on Instagram, you can gauge their problems and goals and eventually reach out to them and be the solution they are NOT even looking for.

Sometimes, business owners do not even realize that they need your service.

So if you come across the profile of an acupuncture business on Instagram and you realize that they put out poor quality videos, reach out to them and tell them what you can do and what results you can generate.

Bonus points if you include a link to a free editing tool they can start using right away and a sample of your projects.

Not only will you showcase your skills, but you will also give value for free.

Also, you will prove that you can take initiative and you are a kick-ass go-getter.

By the way, if you want to get your Instagram profile up to speed have a look at these Virtual assistant profiles in different niches. You can take inspiration for your virtual assistant instagram post ideas from them too!

10. Job Sites And Freelance Marketplaces

An easy way to find your first few clients and get your hands dirty is scouring job postings on job sites and freelance marketplaces.

Many clients look for a freelance virtual assistant instead of hiring for permanent virtual personal assistant jobs.

The drawback is that competition can be tough or you may end up working for peanuts.

That said, you must start somewhere and if you do your research well and send an effective pitch you could get your first project in no time which could then lead to better opportunities.

Some good places where you could start:

11. Friends And Family

Once you are a bit established and you feel comfortable sharing what you do just send the word out.

Just let everybody and their mother know that you do what you do.

It is also a good way to signal the universe that you are taking yourself seriously and you will stick at it.

12. Past Coworkers

If you think that this could be beneficial to you, why not leverage your network and also tell your past coworkers to spread the word.

Network, network, network.. Make good use of it!

13. Past Clients

The number 1 rule to success in any business is:

Get a client, and provide so much value that they could hardly ever forget your name.

Ok, I was kidding. Rule number 1 is to keep your costs down.

But, you got my point. Make a client happy and they will be happy to refer you to other clients.

So reach out to them and see if things start to pick up for your business.

14. Virtual Assistant Companies

Virtual assistant companies are companies that match virtual assistants with clients.

Essentially, they are job boards for virtual assistants only. You can apply there for finding clients as a virtual assistant.

Once you get hired, you will find work easily, although your earning potential will drop compared to starting your own business.

Here is a list of 5 virtual assistant companies that commonly hire for Virtual assistant jobs – you can read the full article here:

As for the best Virtual Assistant companies you can read my guide here.

15. Engage With Bloggers And Entrepreneurs

how to find clients for your virtual assistant business

Once you find bloggers or entrepreneurs you would like to work with, subscribe to their email list, reply to their email.

Just engage with them!

Many of my business friends hired virtual assistants in this way. It is how I hired my VA too!

You can even take it a step further and buy their courses.

That’s a good way to start building a relationship with them.

Not only will you have a chance to get trained on their terms, but you will also understand their preferences, their problems and their goals.

That’s how I became a social media and Pinterest manager for a blogger. So, believe me, when I say it works!

16. Leverage Youtube

You have two options:

Start a youtube channel – share your tips and market yourself as a VA expert
Comment on other youtube channels (and blogs) – again build up a relationship with them (that’s how I got a transcribing gig).

17. Get Local

Start by creating and updating the Google My Business page and listing your business in all relevant local directories – be as accurate as you can.

Then create other pages for local search queries, e.g., Virtual Assistant in California.

Some clients prefer virtual assistants in their time zones, so that could be an asset.

You could also look for local businesses and reach out to them to check whether they need your services.

18. Job Portals

Taking an online course can be very expensive, but the investment could pay off in many ways.

For instance, you could have access to a job portal with specific job opportunities that would be hard to find anywhere else – it’s all about networking, right?

You could have that and more with this online course, so check it out:

The Virtual Savvy System

19. Trade Shows

Trade shows are a great and easy way to maximize exposure to the services you provide.

Trade shows is the answer if you wonder about where to find direct clients for virtual assistant.

You can attend trade shows which are relevant to your services, engage with potential clients there, and showcase your portfolio.

Plus, you also get an excellent chance to grow your network with industry experts.

20. Through Podcast

You can start a Podcast series relevant to your field and share the pain points of your target audience.

As you’ll share your insights and offer solutions, clients will reach out to you, building your authority in the field.

21. Newsletter

With your newsletter, you can build an email list of people interested in your field. Believe it or not, there are many people out thinking about how to get a virtual assistant.

Regular newsletters which include tips and valuable information will boost your credibility while also helping you land clients.

22. Online Communities And Forums

Where to find clients for virtual assistant business? Well, in my experience I’ve observed that whoever needs help goes to online forums, so I guess that’s where your ideal client is!

Engaging with people in online communities, answering their questions and guiding them correctly establishes you as an expert.

Your interaction in forums and expertise automatically helps you in getting clients.

23. Online Webinars

Online webinars are a great way to connect with potential clients as they are a part of your target audience.

While you can share the latest developments in your field and insights in a webinar, it also makes you approachable to clients.

24. Share Related Resources And Tools

You can share templates, planners and other resources with businesses which will help them streamline their tasks.

Providing value to your audience in the form of tools and resources builds trust, and they’ll be ready to hire you for your services.

25. Targeted Ads On Search Engines And Social Media

Targeted ads are an investment as they improve your visibility.

Your conversion rate would be higher as your ads will be displayed to the relevant audience.

Ads on Facebook, Instagram, or Google promote brand awareness and make it easy for potential clients to reach you.

26. Offer Service Packages

Offering packages of services is a great way to promote your VA services.

Instead of providing a single service, you can offer a bundle customised to the clients’ needs.

27. Discounts To Retainer Clients

Giving discounts to your long-term clients shows them how valuable they are to your business.

While discussing payment plans with potential clients too, you can offer a discounted rate if they agree on a retainer.

Retainer projects are beneficial for both you and the client.

You get steady work for a specified time period while the client gets discounted pricing.

28. Referral Incentives

I have observed that referral incentives are a low-cost method of acquiring new clients.

A potential client is more likely to trust the services of a business recommended by someone they know.

Referrals can result in higher conversions, as clients tend to refer your services when they get referral benefits.

Incentives such as loyalty points, cashback, or discounts can be offered for successful referrals.

29. Tutorial Or Online Course

Online courses or tutorials are one of the best ways for you to get new clients.

Potential clients start trusting you when you provide value in your tutorials.

Focusing on the problems they face and offering easy solutions is the way to go if you want to get more clients.

Speaking from personal experience.

When I provided informative courses and tutorials, it improved my visibility, helped me build authority, and my content reached newer audience too!

30. Offer Trial Projects

Some clients might still be sceptical to work with you, even after checking your past projects, and that’s okay.

What you can do is offer them a trial program, NOT FOR FREE. I don’t advocate working for free for anyone.

The trial can be for a certain timeline (4-days, 10-days) or at a particular reduced price, that’s up to you.

31. Create Case Studies And Utilise Testimonials

Don’t ever hesitate to ask for VA client feedback and testimonials as these are crucial in getting new clients.

Client testimonials speak for themselves and are proof of the quality of your services.

You can also create case studies on past clients which focus on the growth rate of their business after they utilized your services.

What Skills Can You Offer As A Virtual Assistant

Before you even start thinking about how to find clients for your virtual assistant business you must figure out what kind of skills you can offer.

Let me guess. Your mind just went blank.

Or maybe you had so many ideas and now you don’t even know where to start to make it happen.

Be practical and ask yourself 3 questions:

What are you good at?
Would people pay you for that?
Do you like it (or at least does it not make you want to slam your face against the wall)?

Good job! Now you have a skill to market and sell.

Oh, not yet?

Don’t fret! I have compiled a list of 100+ Virtual Assistant Services you can offer and make money from.

Things To Do Before You Start Finding Clients

Virtual Assistant Client Consultation Form

1. Choose A Niche

Why choose a niche?

Think of it this way. Let’s say you offer social media services.

If you offered your services to business coaches only, would you become more qualified to do that over time than a generalist who helps everyone?

Well, probably yes.

Also, it will inspire more trust in your ability to deliver once you have to market your services.

Try to be specific here, but don’t stress too much, you can always change your niche later if you realize that it is not a good fit.

Eventually, you want to niche down and position yourself as an expert in that niche.

Believe me when I say that if you do that clients will come thick and fast.

2. Create Your Service

Which tasks can you streamline?

It’s all about the time it takes you to get it done and offer value.

First, make sure to pick something that you can do over and over without spreading yourself too thin.

Again, start with one thing and become an expert at it.

Only then, you can branch out and introduce new lines of work.

For example, do you want to do content management?

Do not package it with Customer service (at least not at the beginning), because that would change the scope of your work and slow you down.

3. Craft Your Messaging

Follow the golden formula:

‘’I help X to do Y with Z. ‘’

X is your niche
Y is your niche’s goals
Z is your service

Many virtual assistants use some variations of this formula in their Instagram bio.

For example:

“I help ONLINE COACHES streamline their workload and reduce overwhelm

Specialised in engagement strategy.”

Tip: if you still feel lost you may want to upskill and take an online course.

You will learn in one week what you would learn in months of trial and error and you will have a clear idea regarding which first baby step you should take.

I always recommend these two courses because they are no-nonsense guides packed with value.

If you are serious about this choose the one that meets your budget and just go for it:

Virtual Assistant Client Consultation Form

When you set a strategy session you must present yourself as a professional who can deliver.

That’s why a consultation form could come in handy. Check out these 13 free templates and create your own.

Virtual Assistant Client Contract

Got your first client?

Great! Use this Template to send them your terms and make sure that everything goes smoothly.

How To Get Clients As A Virtual Assistant FAQs

How Much Do Virtual Assistants Charge?

Virtual assistants can make from USD1 to USD100 per hour. Sometimes even more.

But they usually make between USD15 and USD30 per hour for executive assistant services and USD40-USD75 per hour for specialized services

How Do Virtual Assistants Charge Clients?

The best part about freelancing is that you set your rates and terms. So you can charge:

Per Hour – Pay as you go
Per Project – Pay for the whole project
Per Retainer – Pay a small fee beforehand for a certain amount of time every month
Through Credits – Pay for a certain amount of hours with a lifespan of a few months

The higher the number the larger the discount.

Once you start growing you can offer different packages to suit any business – that’s what some VAs out there do.

How Do Virtual Assistants Get Clients On Instagram?

One way to get more clients on Instagram is to simply type in the search bar and use hashtags to find ideal clients on Instagram who need virtual assistants.

Once you find one ideal client, you may be able to look at what hashtags they are using in their posts to find more clients just like them

Is It Easy To Find Clients For Virtual Assistant?

Is it easy to find clients for virtual assistant? It’s not easy, but not impossible either. If you know where your potential clients are, it becomes easier to get a job.

Engaging with them, showing your expertise and how you can solve their problems, makes them keen to hire you.

What Client Needs For Virtual Assistant?

Wondering what a client needs for virtual assistant? Clients appreciate a VA who is dependable, has strong communication skills, is good with time management, and is always professional.

They find it easy to hire VAs who possess trustworthiness and exhibit a strong presence of mind.

What Is Amazon Virtual Assistant?

You might be wondering what Amazon virtual assistant is. They are VAs who support your Amazon business by processing orders, handling customer service, conducting market research, listing products, managing campaigns.

Clients hire Amazon VAs who are honest, detail-oriented, and well-informed about the products on Amazon and the company’s policies.

Is Virtual Assistant Freelancing?

Is Virtual Assistant freelancing?

Yes, VAs can work on a single or multiple projects at a time on a freelance basis, providing a combination of services like customer support, marketing, bookkeeping, technical support, data entry.

Is There A Demand For Virtual Assistants?

Wondering if there is a demand for virtual assistants? The demand for virtual assistants is on the rise due to an increase in online businesses.

Email marketing, ad campaigns, project management, Amazon business, and social media management are the most sought after services from virtual assistants.

Who Usually Hires Virtual Assistants?

If you’re thinking about who usually hires virtual assistants, it’s the startups and online businesses.

They need VAs to handle administrative tasks, technical support, calendar scheduling, social media services, accounting, market research in their business.

What Is The Most Challenging Part Of Being A Virtual Assistant?

What is the most challenging part of being a virtual assistant? For virtual assistants to work efficiently, clear communication about the assigned tasks is necessary.

Miscommunication of any kind may result in a loss of business for the client.

How Much Does It Cost To Start A Virtual Assistant Business?

Wondering about how much it costs to start a VA business? As you’re just starting out, your expenses can range between $100 – $3000 depending on how much you spend on the essentials.

Apart from an uninterrupted wifi and a good computer, you’ll also need a proper workspace, stationery, a printer, and maybe a fax machine.

Is Virtual Assistant A Good Side Job?

Is Virtual Assistant a good side job? Virtual assistance is a great way to earn extra and you can make around $100 – $150 per hour with the services you provide.

You can work from home and take up several projects at a time too which makes it a fantastic side hustle.

Can You Have Multiple Clients As A Virtual Assistant?

Wondering whether you can have multiple clients as a virtual assistant? You can absolutely have several clients at once.

Most virtual assistants opt to work with numerous clients to maintain a steady work flow and revenue. The number of clients you choose to work with is entirely up to you.

Conclusion

That’s all you need to know to get clients as a virtual assistant. Just choose one or two of the tips above and set yourself up for success.

Wish you the best of luck with your virtual assistant journey!

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