How to Become a Virtual Assistant Without Experience in 2024

Innovations in artificial intelligence and technology have streamlined business and communication, flipping the traditional business model on its head. Think about it. From the palm of your hand, you can do virtually anything.

Whether it’s ordering food, chatting with clients or friends, or even booking appointments or hotels, gone are the days when you had to be in the office to do so. Businesses are utilizing this growing digital trend by cutting costs through remote work and freelance hirings.

This shift in the business climate has opened the door for virtual assistants. The growth of this field has soared as businesses are able to utilize the skills of professionals while also keeping costs low. It’s no wonder thousands of professionals have left their traditional jobs to work virtually. Let’s take a look at how you can become a successful virtual assistant.

7 Steps to Become a Virtual Assistant for Beginners

So what does it actually take to become a virtual assistant? Before you quit your day job, it is important to make sure you take the proper steps to get your VA business off the ground.

Launching into a career in virtual assistance is a risk, but that risk can also pay out in a big way. Those who have become profitable in this field have done so with a calculated strategy. It’s important that you do so as well.

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Step 1: Choose an Area of Expertise to Focus Your VA Services

Think back on the industries you know best. Have you worked in the food industry for years? Do you have knowledge in finance, law, or healthcare? Have you helped out a non-profit or served on a community board? Each one of these industries can be a place for you to grow your VA business.

If you prefer to learn a new skill to offer virtual services, consider something relevant to 2024 and beyond, such as in the artificial intelligence (AI) space. When companies employ AI in their content creation, image generation, and automated marketing methods, they risk allowing a bot to potentially make costly mistakes. Position yourself as a professional in the industry of your choice and let your clients know about the various AI audits and content reviews you can provide to ensure accuracy and transparency in their business.

Choosing a niche doesn’t need to be difficult. The more experience and knowledge you have in the industry, the more effective you can be as a resource for your clients.

Step 2: Setup Your Own VA Services Website

Building your website is an essential step in becoming a successful virtual assistant. Even if you have no experience in designing websites, you can create a great-looking website that will showcase your skills and provide a way for businesses to find out more about you and your services.

Companies like Weebly, WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and more provide ways for you to use templates to build your site. These tools are easy to use and provide a professional look for your site.

Having a website is a great way to be able to show businesses what you can do and also get recommendations from those you have worked with to further grow your business.

Step 3: Establish Your Prices

We all know the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In choosing your price point for being a virtual assistant, you want to have a Goldilocks mentality: Not too hot, not too cold, just right.

If you price yourself too high, clients won’t be interested in paying your rates. If you price yourself too low, you will be inundated with work that doesn’t provide value for your time.

Research the industry and see what other VA’s are charging businesses. Then combine your experience with what you think is a fair and equitable wage and go from there.

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Step 4: Draft a Contract

Ignoring this step could prove costly for you in several ways. You want to make sure that you have a proper contract in place which clearly spells out your duties and obligations while also informing the client of your expectations for the position.

Many businesses will also have contracts for you to sign which will state your responsibilities to the business and what you are doing for them.

It’s a good idea to have a generic draft of the contract and then tailor it to the specifics of the business or organization. These contracts can be customized based on your niche and industry and can help you cover your bases while working in a virtual assistant capacity for an organization.

Step 5: Market Your Services

There are several ways to market your VA business. A key way to begin garnering interest is to become an expert in the industry. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and get your Ph.D., but simply that you are being a resource of information about the industry. Sharing articles, blogging, or being part of message boards or forums can show businesses that you care about the industry and are knowledgeable about it.

In looking to attract clients, social media can also be an invaluable tool for you to land new clients. Setting up a LinkedIn profile will allow you to put your resume and experience out for the world to see. This platform also allows you to connect with businesses and influencers directly, giving them a firsthand look at your skillset.

Creating a Facebook business page or Twitter account for your business can also be a great way to market it. This is a simple (and free) process that can give you another presence in the digital community.

Related: How to Become a Social Media Marketer

Step 6: Promote Your VA Services

To get clients, you have to go where they are. A great way to promote your business is by joining groups on social media where virtual assistants are. There are websites, job boards, and several other places where you can create an account and showcase your business.

Whether it is running a series of Facebook ads or connecting with a local chapter of your community business bureau, getting your name out in front of businesses will open the door for you to get clients.

Another way to promote your business is by pitching your services to friends and influencers you already know. Do you have a family member who has their own private law firm? Or perhaps your friend’s husband owns a used car dealership or body shop. Whatever the case, sometimes this can be your foot in the door to present your skills and offer your services.

Step 7: Service Your First Client

Landing your first client can be overwhelming. You’ll be nervous that one mistake will ruin your VA career forever. Don’t be afraid; understand that as you grow your business, you will be able to learn more things and be more efficient.

Often landing the first client is the most difficult step in the process. However, once you are able to begin working with a client, you want to make sure you do everything you can to be a great resource for them.

Whether it is taking a little less hourly pay or working extra on a project, getting that first great impression can lead to additional referrals in the future.

Related: How to Start a Consulting Business

What Does a Virtual Assistant Do?

Secretaries and administrative assistants help accomplish a variety of tasks for the organization. Their duties are often underappreciated and sometimes go unnoticed, but their work is essential to the operational success of the business.

A virtual assistant fills this same role for companies by completing a variety of duties for the organization. These duties include administrative work, marketing, sales, operations, and other components of the business.

Some virtual assistants will never meet their clients face-to-face but play a crucial role in the operations of the business despite not being physically present.

Virtual assistants work in a variety of areas of a business. Whether it is answering emails or scheduling appointments, a virtual assistant provides support with many ancillary duties at an organization.

Here are some of the many services virtual assistants provide:

• Social media management
• Graphic design
• Email marketing and communications
• Bookkeeping
• Research
• Editing
• Proofreading
• Data entry
• Presentation preparation
• Event management
• Travel booking and itineraries
• Scheduling appointments and meetings
• Personal errands
• Sales
• Finance jobs and tasks
• Photography
• Video editing
• Photo editing
• Lead generation
• Industry research
• Transcriptions
• Recruitment
• Freelance writing
• Discussion forums and message boards
• File management
• And much more!

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How Much Money do VA’s Earn?

Depending on the duties and industry, VA’s can charge between $10 and $100 per hour for their services. Each business is different but most virtual assistants charge around $15 to $30 an hour for their services.

With more experience or when working in more of a niche industry, some virtual assistants are able to pull in $3,000-$6,000 a month in work. While this isn’t a guaranteed monthly income, with enough work and clients, you can make virtual assistance a profitable work from home venture.

How Many Hours do VA’s Need to Work?

Don’t assume you will be able to casually check your email while sitting in your pajamas and binge-watching Netflix. Being a virtual assistant requires hard work to be successful.

Some VA’s work part-time while others work 40+ hours a week. It all depends on the number of responsibilities an organization asks you to perform and the urgency of fulfilling those requests.

Hours can also vary based upon where your client is located. If you live in California and your client is in Georgia, the hours will be different, meaning you will be working earlier or later in the day. VA’s with international clients will have an even greater time spread.

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Do VA’s Need to Be Certified?

Becoming a virtual assistant doesn’t require a degree, certification, or any special training–but that doesn’t mean taking a VA training course won’t help! Gina Horkey built a successful VA business as a stay at home mom and now teaches others how to do the same. She put together Fully Booked VA to help you succeed. Check out the training and learn how to choose a service to offer and where to find clients.

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How to Know if Becoming a Virtual Assistant is Right for You

Are you ready for a change in your career? Are you looking to be home more and out of the cubicle environment? Then perhaps a career as a virtual assistant is right for you.

Join the thousands around the world who have moved their offices to home with a career in virtual assistance. Check out Gina’s Fully Booked VA and feel confident in choosing the services you can offer.

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