Virtual Assistants (VA) are known for offering specialised support to businesses and entrepreneurs. In order to be a thriving VA, the key lies in client acquisition. However, finding clients as a VA, especially when you’re just starting out can be extremely daunting. The perfect scenario would be clients just rolling in without you having to hunt them down. This requires a little time, experience, a solid reputation, and strategic promotion. It’s about being at the right place at the right time and let me tell you, it doesn’t happen overnight. 

If you’re looking to either grow your existing consumer base or land that first client, you first need to plant those seeds into your audience. Tell them about what you do and why they should hire you. They won’t take you on board straight away, so you’ll need to constantly remind them through different communication methods to keep them hooked and engaged. Let them know that you’re here for their business so that when they are ready to hire a Virtual Assistant, you’ll immediately spring to mind. 

Remember what works for others may not work for you. So, adopt a trial-and-error method to find the most effective strategies for you. This will help you crack the code on a client acquisition process that’ll land you those dream clients.  

To help you on this journey. I’ve gathered a list of the most successful methods that have worked for me. These methods are honestly game-changers and will amp up your client acquisition to the next level. Give ’em a shot, and you might see results quicker than you think! 

Networking:

Networking is a great way to get your foot in the door if you’re just starting out. It’s an effective marketing strategy many Virtual Assistants swear by. While the virtual nature of the work may entice you to get on the global side of clients, when you kick things off, sticking to your local turf just makes sense. 

Attending networking events is a valuable stepping stone to help you connect with local businesses. There are a bunch of events that go on throughout the year, you just need to be on the lookout for them. I use platforms like Eventbrite, to find local networking events near me. The best thing about these events is that you get to have genuine face-to-face conversations that are quite hard to get these days thanks to technology. This approach also helps build a foundation within your community and boosts your local presence. 

Starting local isn’t just about geography; it’s a confidence boost. You gain a sense of reputation as well as get your brand out there. Once you start building that reputation, you’ll be known as the go-to Virtual Assistant. More and more businesses will be interested to understand what you do. This is the perfect opportunity to get them hooked and wanting more, eventually leading them to become high-paying customers. 

If face-to-face networking is not your cup of tea, try online networking events. These virtual networking events help you land fresh clients from the comfort of your own home. You’ll also be able to snag those global clients, as you’ll be networking with businesses and entrepreneurs from across the globe.

Last but not least, is networking with other VAs. May sound counter-intuitive, I know. Why should you network with other VAs when they’re not even going to purchase my services? Right? Well, not exactly. Hitting up fellow Virtual Assistants can help you understand the industry a lot more. You’ll get deeper insights into the do’s and don’ts, and also some hidden secrets. They’ll also recommend contacts from their past collaborations or even slide over extra work they can’t handle. 

Some key reminders before you dive head-first into networking:

• You won’t get clients straight away from networking events. However, you can collect contact information from businesses who show interest in what you do. This will allow you to contact them via email campaigns and phone calls to let them know that you’re here for them whenever they need.
• Not all networking events are successful. This is something not many people talk about, but it’s true. Sometimes you’ll walk away from an event with hundreds of business cards and sometimes you’ll walk away with 0. Conduct research into the event beforehand to see what the turnaround figures are. This will help you get a better understanding of the success of the event. 
• Quality over quantity. It’s not about how many businesses you talk to in a day, it’s about how valuable those conversations are. Did you talk about the weather? Or, did you talk about how you can help their business? Remember to have meaningful conversations that drive tangible results. 
• Work on your pitch beforehand to make sure you come off as professional and direct. If you attend these events unprepared, you may find yourself stumbling on your words, and end up waffling. You want to set the stage for a good first impression and being unprepared will cost you heavily.

Freelance platforms:

Another way to find clients as a VA is to use freelance platforms such as Upwork, Fiver, and Flexjobs. Businesses are constantly using these sites to find Virtual Assistants so it’s a great way to land those clients straight away. It’s important to note that these platforms are extremely competitive and job postings get swarmed with responses real quick. They also usually operate on a first-come-first-served basis, so you’ll need to be quick. To up your game, keep an eye on these platforms regularly. This helps you jump on new opportunities before anyone else can, giving you a much higher chance of landing the job. 

The make-or-break factor which decides whether you’ll be successful on these platforms is your profile. Craft a killer profile that highlights your skills and expertise. This will help you stand out from the sea of other VAs the next time you bid on projects. With millions of potential clients on the lookout for reliable virtual assistants, these websites are a goldmine. 

While freelance marketplaces can be an important spot for acquiring clients, don’t fall into the ‘race to the bottom’ trap. Set a pricing structure that’s fair and sustainable for you and resist the urge to lower your prices for the sake of getting clients. It’s not just about getting jobs; it’s about making sure you’re valued for the work you do. And if clients aren’t willing to pay your worth when your price is a bit up there, they probably don’t appreciate what you bring to the table. Your skills are valuable, and you deserve clients who recognise that. So, don’t settle for less and be rigid with your prices. 

Building a Professional Online Presence:

Building a strong online presence is key to getting those clients through the door. People prefer working with those they trust, and having a limited online presence won’t cut it. It’s important to note that your online presence is more than just showcasing your services; it’s about telling your business story. This makes clients feel connected to your brand and want to be a part of your story. It also adds credibility to what you’re promising clients. 

Start by creating a killer LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn will be your best friend when it comes to connecting with professionals across various industries. It’s the perfect business platform that allows users to engage with potential clients and content that resonates with them.

Even if the social media platform isn’t your main client hotspot, let’s be real – people love to stalk on there. You definitely don’t want a potential client to stumble upon your profile that is unprofessional or incomplete.

The best way to create a top-notch profile is to make sure you add as much information about yourself as possible. From previous work experience to your current qualifications, if it makes you look put together, slap it on there. Don’t forget to add your website link to your profile. It’s honestly a must and can act as a direct path for curious clients who want to dive deeper into what you have to offer. 

If you’re looking to impress those big-shot clients or connect with CEOs, LinkedIn is your go-to. Actively engage with these people and put out content that you know they’ll like. This will help you naturally grab the attention of your target audience.  

The next step is to set up your Google My Business (GMB) profile. Despite most of your work being done virtually, Google My Business is still a powerful marketing tool used by millions of businesses worldwide to give their business a boost in online presence. It’s a great tool for your VA business, especially when someone searches for a ‘Virtual Assistant Near Me,’. Your business gets to shine in the eyes of local businesses. If your GMB profile is well-curated, it also adds to the level of professionalism of your brand.

Don’t forget those other social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. While they might not be the spot for professionals, they still help you get your name out there and increase brand awareness. Plus, you never know the possibilities of the platform until you try it out for yourself. Experiment with these platforms and find out what works and what doesn’t work for you.

Have a Website:

Now, let’s talk about your website. It’s a virtual CV where you can showcase your skills, expertise, and the range of services you offer. A well-designed website isn’t just a luxury; it’s a must-have. It helps add confidence in potential clients, making them more likely to hire you. Your website’s professional look adds credibility to your VA business and allows you to differentiate yourself from other VAs. The best part of having a website is that you get to go into the nitty-gritty of your business. Tell your story, shout out about what makes you unique, and stand out from the competition. 

If we’re talking about websites, we definitely can’t forget about SEO. Optimising your website for search engines helps improve your visibility and increases the likelihood of gaining organic traffic. So, the next time someone Googles ‘Virtual Assistants’, you instantly pop up. 

Make life easy for clients with inquiry forms. This streamlined way of communicating will encourage clients to initiate that conversation.  Dedicate a section of your website to client testimonials and case studies for that extra trust factor. Oh, and a blog? It’s not just for fun. Share your wisdom, reel in the organic traffic, and let potential clients see that you’re not just a VA; you’re an expert in the game. Potential clients who find your content helpful may be more inclined to engage with your services.

If you’re a VA who offers creative services such as graphic design, displaying a portfolio of your past work helps potential clients visualise the quality and variety of your services. They’ll also be able to see whether you have what it takes to carry out their desired project.

Free audit or consultation: 

Providing a free review or consultation is a smart move to break into the scene. Your insights could hit the right chords which opens the door to potential opportunities. This approach shows your commitment to understanding your client’s challenges and offers a customised solution, which sets you apart from competitors. 

The trick here is to not stick to one format. Explore various mediums such as video, email, call or Zoom. Through this, you cater to different communication preferences, making it more likely for your message to resonate. This versatility demonstrated your ada moat ability which is a valuable trait clients are on the lookout for. 

The trust-building aspect of a complimentary audit or consultation is pivotal in the virtual assistance realm. It’s also way more convincing than just ticking off skills on your website. You provide a firsthand experience of your skills as well as addressing their concerns directly. 

And while you’re at it, this free consultation opens up a two-way street with clients. They get to ask their burning questions and you get to show off how you’re the perfect fit for their unique needs. It’s like a sneak peek into their world, helping you tailor your services spot-on. It transforms a potential client’s scepticism into confidence, paving the way for a more seamless and trust-filled collaboration in the virtual assistance industry.

Pitch your services to local businesses:

Virtual Assistants aren’t just for large companies or remote professionals. You can offer the same valuable services to local clients too. By reaching out and lending a hand, you not only showcase the convenience of having a local VA, but you also spread the word about your business in the community. 

Creating a strong local presence is key and opens the doors to new client opportunities. You position as a reliable resource for a range of tasks and become the go-to person in our locality to turn to for business support.

Now, let’s talk strategy to land those local clients. Start by seeking referrals from friends, acquaintances, and contacts to generate opportunities with new clients. You can also hand out business cards at local events, share them with friends, and place them in strategic locations. You never know where that card might end up – it could land right in the hands of your next big client.

You can also try the cold emailing technique to find clients as a VA. It’s a pretty effective method of landing local clients when done right. Here are some tips to create the perfect cold email:

• Strong subject line: Start by creating a subject line that grabs attention – after all, it’s the first thing the recipient will see, and it’ll help avoid your email landing in that dreaded ‘delete’ folder.
• Personal introduction: Once you’ve got their attention, it’s time to craft a personal introductory paragraph. Introduce yourself and what solutions you offer. To make it more personal, address them by name, throw in their business name, and share a positive note about what they’ve got going on. People love a personal touch.
• Address their pain points: Now, dive into their pain points. Show them you understand their challenges and pain points, and then hit them with how your services can be the solution. Keep in mind that not everyone is familiar with Virtual Assistants, so be crystal clear about what you bring to the table. 
• Call-to-action: Finally, wrap up your email with a clear call-to-action. Invite them to schedule a call or a virtual meeting to discuss their specific needs further. This urges them to initiate a conversation with you and take action. 

Interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant? Read the blog today!