Want to work from home but not sure where to start? Becoming a virtual assistant (VA) might be your perfect first step into the online business world. With just basic computer skills and a reliable internet connection, you can start earning money helping other businesses – all from your home office (or kitchen table!).
As we covered in our complete guide to work-from-home businesses, virtual assistance is one of the most accessible ways to start earning online. The best part? You can start with skills you already have.
What is a Virtual Assistant?
Think of a virtual assistant as a remote helper for busy business owners and entrepreneurs. Instead of working in someone’s office, you help them run their business from your home computer. It’s like being a personal assistant, but everything is done online.
Small business owners love hiring VAs because they:
- – Only pay for the hours they need
- – Don’t have to provide office space or equipment
- – Can get help with specific tasks when they’re overwhelmed
- – Save money compared to hiring full-time employees
5 Most Popular VA Services
You don’t need to offer everything under the sun. Most successful VAs start by focusing on just one or two of these popular services:
1. Email and Calendar Management
Help business owners tame their inbox chaos! This includes:
- – Sorting and responding to basic emails
- – Setting up appointments
- – Sending meeting reminders
- – Basic calendar organization
2. Social Media Help
Many business owners know they need social media but don’t have time for it.
You can:
- – Schedule daily posts
- – Reply to simple comments
- – Share basic updates
- – Track basic metrics
3. Basic Admin Support
Every business needs help staying organized:
- – Creating simple documents
- – Organizing files and folders
- – Taking basic notes during meetings
- – Making simple spreadsheets
4. Customer Service
Help businesses keep their customers happy:
- – Answering common questions
- – Handling basic support tickets
- – Following up with customers
- – Managing simple refund requests
5. Data Entry and Research
Help businesses stay up-to-date:
- – Updating contact lists
- – Basic internet research
- – Entering data into spreadsheets
- – Keeping records current
Getting Started (Quick Guide)
Starting your VA business doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Choose Your First Service
Pick ONE service from the list above that you feel most comfortable with.
It’s better to be really good at one thing than average at many things when you’re starting out.
2. Set Your Starting Rate
Most new VAs charge between $15-25 per hour.
Start at the lower end if you’re completely new, and raise your rates as you gain experience and happy clients.
3. Create a Simple Portfolio
You don’t need a fancy website to start!
Create:
- – A simple Google Doc listing your services
- – A professional Gmail address
- – A basic LinkedIn profile
- – Some sample work (even if it’s just practice)
4. Where to Find Your First Client
Look for clients in these places:
- – Facebook groups for small business owners
- – LinkedIn connections
- – Local business networking groups
- – Freelance job boards like Upwork
Essential Tools to Start
You don’t need expensive tools to get started.
Here are the basics:
- – Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Docs)
- – Trello or Asana for task management
- – Zoom for video calls
- – Canva for basic graphics
Most of these tools have free versions you can use until you start earning money.
Success Tips for New VAs
Follow these tips to start strong:
- – Start with one service and master it
- – Begin with one client and over-deliver
- – Set clear working hours from the start
- – Communicate professionally and promptly
- – Keep learning and adding skills gradually
Quick Start Action Steps
Ready to begin? Here’s what to do this week:
1. Pick your main service from the list above
2. Set up your free tools
3. Create your simple portfolio
4. Join 2-3 Facebook groups where your clients hang out
5. Start engaging and looking for opportunities
What’s Next?
Starting a VA business can be your first step toward working from home successfully. Remember, every experienced VA started exactly where you are now. Take that first step today!
Where to Find VA Jobs:
– FlexJobs.com – Premium job board with screened remote opportunities
– Upwork.com – Popular freelance platform with many VA positions
– VirtualAssistantForums.com – Community and job board for VAs
– PeoplePerHour.com – Freelance site with regular VA listings
– Indeed.com (search “remote virtual assistant”)
– LinkedIn Jobs (filter for “remote” and “virtual assistant”)
– Fancy Hands – Company that hires entry-level VAs
– Belay – Premium VA staffing company for experienced assistants
Pro Tip: Check these sites daily and set up job alerts when possible. The best opportunities often get filled quickly!
Want to explore more work-from-home opportunities? Check out our complete guide to 25 legitimate work-from-home businesses for more ideas and inspiration.
Have questions about becoming a VA? Drop them in the comments below, and we’ll help you get started!
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*This post was last updated on February 19, 2025, to ensure all information is current and accurate.*