How to get Clients as a Virtual Assistant

As more and more businesses and entrepreneurs turn to virtual assistants to help them with their administrative tasks, the demand for talented and reliable virtual assistants is growing. If you’re wondering how to get clients as a Virtual Assistant, there are several strategies you can use to increase your visibility and attract new business.

As technology develops, and with the surge in remote working since the pandemic, the role of a virtual assistant is becoming more in demand than ever before. The pool of clients is certainly big enough, now it is down to you to reach them. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and strategies that can help you attract and retain clients as a Virtual Assistant.

 

Figure out your VA Niche

Finding your niche means focusing on the ‘what’ and the ‘who’. Focus on what you want to offer and who you want to help. What type of work do they need help with?

Virtual assistance is such a wide umbrella term, as there are so many skills that a VA can offer.  Figure out exactly what services you want to offer and don’t want to offer. Once you’ve got this, you can start to tailor your marketing efforts to attract those types of clients. Make sure your marketing, website and social media reflect this clearly. This will avoid wasted time and ensure that your ideal client knows to choose you.

Here’s a sample list of the varied services a VA can offer:

• Editorial/proofreading support
• Website maintenance/design: updating content, fixing technical issues
• E-commerce management
• Content creation such as blog posts, articles, videos, and social media posts.
• Social media management – manage social media accounts by creating and scheduling posts, responding to comments and messages, and analysing performance metrics.
• Project management
• Customer Generation
• Customer service – answering phone calls, responding to emails, and addressing customer complaints.
• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) management
• Billing/invoicing
• Research, conduct research on various topics, such as competitors, market trends, and industry news.
• Design and execute email marketing campaigns, including creating newsletters, managing subscriber lists, and tracking performance metrics, calendar and logistics management
• Transcribing/translating
• Event planning
• Travel arrangements: booking flights, hotels, and rental cars for business trips or personal vacations

When trying to get more clients, you might be tempted to offer any and all services with the hope of appealing to everyone. The reality is that your marketing message will become diluted, and it will be harder to reach your ideal audience.

Figure out exactly what your VA niche is, and who your ideal client is. Now ask yourself where such a person is likely to be found. Are they the type of people to attend business events? Are they likely to be active on social media? If so, then you have a starting point of where to look. You will now be able to tailor your marketing strategy accordingly.

 

Create a Business Website

In today’s digital age, having a professional website is essential. It’s a great way to showcase your skills and services and make it easy for potential clients to learn more about your VA business.

Your website, and your business social media, are how your clients will get to know you, so make sure it accurately represents you and the assistance you can provide.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Make it easy to navigate: Your website should be easy to navigate, with clear and concise information about who you are and what you do.
• Highlight your services: Be sure to clearly list your services and what sets you apart from other virtual assistants.
• Include testimonials: Including testimonials from satisfied clients can help to build trust with potential clients and show them what you’re capable of.
• Optimize for search engines: Optimizing your website for search engines can help to increase your visibility and attract more clients. Make sure to use keywords related to virtual assisting and your specific niche.

You can use platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix to create a professional-looking website quickly and easily.

 

Use social media

Social media is a powerful tool for attracting clients as a virtual assistant. By using social media, you can showcase your skills and expertise, as well as connect with potential clients.

You can set up accounts on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and connect with other VAs and business owners in your niche. Engage by commenting on their posts and sharing their content. This will help you build relationships and attract potential clients.

You might like to consider using paid advertising on social media platforms to target your ideal clients.

Be sure to keep your social media up to date, so potential clients know exactly what you can offer them and can be assured of your efficiency.

 

Network

Networking is a powerful way to build your business when it comes to attracting clients. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other virtual assistants to expand your network. Participate in online forums and groups. By building relationships with others in your industry, you can gain valuable referrals and establish yourself as an expert in your field.

Don’t view other virtual assistants as the competition. Instead, see them as people with whom you can build a mutually beneficial business relationship. Network with other virtual assistants and let them know that you have space available for new clients. Sometimes they might be fully booked, be looking for someone to refer clients to, or have existing clients that aren’t the right fit for them anymore. Let them know you have availability to take on more clients and they’ll think of you when the opportunity to refer a client arises.

Another great networking resource is the Society of Virtual Assistants. They offer invaluable industry insight, advice, and support. There are also plenty of useful tools and templates that you can download. Most important of all, joining the society gives you access to an enormous pool of potential clients.

Networking can also mean simply letting the people around you know that you’re looking for more clients. Reach out to past colleagues and employers, as well as to your friends and family. Word-of-mouth recommendations are by far the best form of advertising you can receive. You gain instant credibility as soon as another person starts speaking positively about you.  Studies show that 92% of consumers believe in word-of-mouth recommendations over all other forms of advertising, so this is a highly effective way of securing more VA work.

 

Join a Freelance Marketplace

Freelance marketplaces such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect clients with virtual assistants. Create a profile, highlight your skills and experience, and bid on relevant projects to get started. These platforms have millions of clients who are looking for reliable and talented virtual assistants, so they can be a great way to get started.

Freelance marketplaces can be a great way to find new clients when you are first starting out, but please remember to charge what you’re worth. Some freelancing websites encourage a “race to the bottom” mentality. Freelancers are forced to constantly lower their prices to win jobs. This doesn’t help anyone – clients cannot find good quality work and freelancers cannot earn enough money to sustain themselves. Work out a pricing structure that is sustainable for your business to survive and stick to it.

The VA Handbook has some useful information on setting rates and how much to charge for your services.

 

Ask for referrals

Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. If you’ve done a great job for a client, ask if they know anyone else who could benefit from your services. Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the most effective ways to attract new clients, so don’t be shy about asking for them.

 

In conclusion

Getting more clients as a virtual assistant takes time and effort, but by using these strategies, you can increase your visibility and attract new business. Remember to be patient, stay persistent, and continuously improve your skills to stand out from the competition. It’s important to be proactive and continually look for new opportunities to connect with potential clients.

With dedication and hard work, you can build a successful virtual assistant business that meets the needs of your clients and helps you achieve your goals. By following these tips, you can attract and retain clients and build a thriving Virtual Assistant business.

As an award-winning business coach, I have many more strategies to help you get more clients fast. If you’d like to BOOK A FREE 30min CONSULTATION, then please click on the link to schedule a time that suits you directly in my calendar.