4 Ways to Make Yourself Discoverable as a New Virtual Assistant

The demand for a Virtual Assistant (VA) is growing as businesses, entrepreneurs, and busy professionals increasingly need help with administrative tasks, customer service, social media management, and other VA-related tasks.

However, because there are so many Virtual Assistants available, my Educator Exit students often ask me a simple yet critical question: How do I stand out to potential clients?

As a Virtual Assistant and teacher transition coach, I’ve learned how to build a client list and have coached students on how to set themselves—and their businesses—up for success.

As a new VA, you can absolutely do your own outreach, but as someone who has built a successful and easily discoverable business, I’ve found that being easy to find can sometimes be the best strategy to stand out and land clients.

If you’re a current teacher looking to map out your Exit Plan, here are four ways to start building your VA business on the side so that when summer rolls around, you’ll have the choice on whether or not to return to the classroom.

#1: Define Your Niche

Why choosing a niche matters:

When you’re starting as a Virtual Assistant, one of the first steps to making yourself discoverable is to define a niche. Instead of offering generic VA services, narrowing your focus allows you to specialize in a specific area.

Specialization helps you attract clients who are looking for someone with expertise in a particular field, whether that’s administrative support, social media management, or bookkeeping.

How to find your niche:

Think about the skills, experiences, and industries you are most passionate about. Do you have experience in marketing? Maybe you’ve worked in healthcare or legal industries. This insight can guide you to carve out a niche that combines your strengths with the needs of a specific target audience.

For example, you could position yourself as a photography VA or a social media VA—specific niches that attract businesses seeking specialized support. Not only will this allow you to focus your services, but it will do wonders from an SEO perspective.

#2: Build Your Online Presence

Create a Compelling Website:

Your website is often the first impression potential clients have of you, so it’s crucial to make it count. Include a portfolio showcasing your work, a list of services you offer, testimonials from satisfied clients, and clear calls to action (CTAs) that make it easy for visitors to hire you.

A well-designed, easy-to-navigate website gives your business credibility and professionalism, increasing your chances of getting hired.

Extra tip: Tonic websites are a great place to get started.

Optimize Your Social Media Profiles:

Social media is another essential part of your discoverability strategy. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok are great places to showcase your skills, network, and interact with potential clients.

On LinkedIn, be sure to write an optimized headline and summary, focusing on your services and skills. On Instagram or TikTok, use visuals, client stories, and success testimonials to build a strong presence that demonstrates your value. And remember, video is your best bet for getting more eyes on your content.

Regularly engage with industry-specific content, comment on relevant posts, and share insights. Your consistent presence will help you build connections and attract clients who may be looking for a VA like you.

#3: Offer Free Resources to Showcase Your Expertise

Create Lead Magnets:

Offering free resources like guides, checklists, or templates can help you build an email list of potential clients. These lead magnets not only demonstrate your expertise but also provide real value to your audience. Once you’ve captured their contact information, you can follow up with them through email marketing and promote your paid services.

#4: Ask for Referrals and Testimonials

How to request reviews:

Don’t hesitate to ask satisfied clients for testimonials or referrals. Positive feedback from clients is a powerful way to build credibility and social proof. Testimonials on your website and social media profiles act as a trust signal for potential clients. You can even ask for referrals—if a client is happy with your work, they’re often happy to recommend you to others.

Why client feedback is crucial:

Client feedback builds your reputation and gives you the social proof needed to attract new clients. Whether it’s a glowing testimonial on your website or a recommendation on LinkedIn, positive reviews make you more discoverable to others who may be looking for your services.

Becoming discoverable as a Virtual Assistant doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right strategies in place, you can set yourself up for success. From defining your niche and building a professional online presence, each step you take will help you stand out and find clients that are right for you.

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Teachers, are you ready to map out your Exit Plan? DM “EXIT PLAN” on Instagram, and I’ll send you some resources to help you get started.