9 Steps To Start Your Virtual Assistant Business

Virtual assisting is a field that is growing extremely fast.

Not only does the internet allow us to complete more daily tasks online, more and more people are doing work from home jobs such as running a website, social media, real estate, advertising, etc. This means there are more and more virtual assistant jobs.   I have been a real estate assistant for several agents over the years.  Yes they are local but 99% of the tasks are done online in the past 5 years. 

Virtual assistant (VA) tasks may include social media management, formatting and editing content, scheduling appointments or travel, email management, and more. Basically, you can get paid to do any task that needs to be done in someone’s business, but doesn’t need to be them. 

9 Steps To Start Your Virtual Assistant Business

1. Decide On Your Virtual Assistant Business Name

While you can keep this simple and just use your own name, some people want a catchy name and title for their new virtual assistant business.  Make sure you grab the domain name so you can set up a website later. 

2. Decide On Your Services & Rates

What are you good at? Are there any specific services that you’d prefer to offer?  What skills sets are you good. Here is a good list to get ideas on what you can do 

Technical Writing
CSS/HTML Coding
Podcast Editing
Editing
Proofreading
General Research
Customer Service
HR Management
Calendar Management
Bookkeeping 
Facebook Group Management
Social Media Marketing
Photoshop
Data Entry 
Excel 
Blog Management 

Alot of VA start off around  15-20  an hour  Remember you are not an employee so you can need to make sure you are covering all of your expenses taxes, business software etc .   For my real estate business, I have adjusted many times as I have learned and more of what my agents were asking.  

3. Create A Business Plan

A business plan doesn’t have to be a long, boring document. Your business plan really only needs a few points, including the services you’ll provide, the contract you’ll give potential clients, how you’ll pay for your business, and what you can offer that sets you apart from other VAs.

4 Develop A Marketing Strategy

Will you use social media as a tool to gain new clients? Do you want to have a blog and email list? How will you market your business to get new clients?

These are questions you need to ask and answer so you can pitch yourself and your services a little easier.  

5. Reach Out To Your Network

Once you’ve figured out the above steps, it’s time to reach out to your existing network! Even if they don’t fall within your virtual assistant business niche, they may need your help or know someone who does.   My first client was a friend of my husband who was in real estate.  

This is a great way to get your first client, and you don’t even have to step out of your comfort zone!  Check out local women business group both on social media and in person. 

6. Advertise Your Virtual Assistant Business

Post on social media, write a blog post, create a YouTube video — whatever you need to do in order to gain a new client. Part of doing business is advertising what you have to offer.   Also create profile on upwork  as you may get good experience doing some task on there as well. 

7. Providing White Glove Service aka keeping your clients

I have been really lucky to keep my clients long term because I provide white glove service. Finish your tasks on time, communicate, and go above and beyond for your clients.   They’ll appreciate that you care about their businesses  and will be more willing to continue working with you and refer you to others.  It's a lot easier to retain a client rather than having to find a new one.  

8. Ask For Referrals & Testimonials

Along with keeping your clients, you can ask for referrals and testimonials! Don’t be afraid of leveraging the work you’ve done for your current clients.   

9. You need to invest in software and tools 

As I’ve progressed with my business, I’ve also realized the importance of having the right tools at my disposal.

I have invested accounting tool, like  Quickbooks  I also use Monday.com  as my task management system, so I never forget anything that I need to do.