As a Virtual Assistant (VA), building a steady client base is key to growing a successful business.
However, knowing how to get clients consistently can be tricky, especially when just starting out.
In this blog post, we’ll share practical strategies on how to find clients for your VA business, including using digital marketing, attending events, and using the best jobs board in our industry.
Whether you are a seasoned VA or just launching your business, these ideas will help you attract and grow your client list.
Leverage a leading jobs marketplace
The old saying rings true – it’s not what you know, but whom.
Most niche industries have their own job marketplaces for highly tailored, vetted jobs, and the VA/OBM space is no different. We’d know, because we run it.
Virtual Assistant Lead Network is a platform specifically designed to connect dynamic virtual assistants with businesses or entrepreneurs seeking their assistance.
This can be an easy way to find clients who are actively looking for your services – and if you offer super niche skills, that’s welcomed too.
We’re a membership-based platform run by real VAs, and we vet every single lead that posts on the platform.
What does that mean for you? Quality jobs, offering competitive wages, from clients who have been thoroughly coached on what a VA can do.
More than the jobs, though, we’re a community hub – offering insights from how to price yourself, how to have those tough rate-increase conversations, how onboard new clients, and intel on everything from insurance to automations, and more.
When investigating how to get new clients, being ready to apply for great jobs and projects as they come in on a leading national marketplace is definitely an easy way in.
⚡ TOP TIP
Always have a solid proposal template or brochure (examples here) on hand and ready to personalise for job applications.
This can be easily mocked up on MS Word, Google Docs, Canva or similar design software and should have a few relevant places to tailor the content to the client, their business, and their needs. Once edited, download it as a lockable PDF and submit it as part of your application. Clients love this approach, and it can really help you stand out from the crowd.
Optimise your digital marketing presence
One of the best ways to increase your visibility and attract potential clients is by implementing a robust digital marketing presence. Some of our favourite key tactics:
- Create a professional website: Your website serves as your online business card. Ensure that it clearly outlines your services, showcases client testimonials, and provides an easy way for potential clients to contact you. A website is often the first point touchpoint people will have with your brand, so make sure it reflects your professionalism and uniqueness.
- Start a blog: Regular blogging can help you demonstrate your expertise and improve your website’s SEO (how Google and other search engines surface your intel to customers). By targeting keywords relevant to what you want to be known for and what your customers are actually searching for, you’ll quickly establish authority in your niche. Remember, though, it’s a long game. (If you were directed here through the keywords “how to find clients for your VA business”, that goes to show that it works!).
- Social media marketing: Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram are great for attracting clients. Make sure you’re consistently sharing helpful content, engaging with others, and joining relevant groups where your ideal clients hang out. LinkedIn, in particular, is a professional platform where many businesses look for VAs, so optimising your profile and reaching out to prospects on this platform is a smart way to find clients.
Of course, the best content is created when you first start with a Marketing Strategy for your VA Business designed to help you stand out and get booked out – without competing on price.
Attend networking events and conferences
Networking is one of the most powerful ways to get new clients for your VA business.
Whether virtual or in-person, attending events can expose you to potential clients and partners you’d never otherwise reach.
Your network is your most valuable tool when it comes to building a thriving business… and we are not talking about “selling to friends” (yuck!) or sprinkling business cards everywhere you go.
Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge needed to unlock new opportunities and drive growth in your business.
Consider events like industry conferences, online webinars and local business events (check out your local chamber of commerce even!). They’re all excellent opportunities to meet business owners who may need your services.
You don’t necessarily need to attend only VA-specific events either. Instead, think about industries that could benefit from VA services – bonus points if it is an industry you’d like to niche in. For instance, attending digital marketing, entrepreneurship, or small business conferences can help you connect with business owners who need administrative support, project management help, or social media assistance.
Networking doesn’t stop at events, either. Consistently follow up with people you meet and offer valuable tips and insights to build strong relationships. Word-of-mouth referrals often stem from the personal connections you make at these events.
And it is SO normal to feel nervous when you start showing up for your business! Consider taking another VA or two with you to take the pressure off. If you don’t know any VAs local to you, we’ve got you covered – make this free directory of local VA groups in Australia your first step to unlocking your networking powers!
Offer referral incentives
An often overlooked method of gaining clients is tapping into your existing network for referrals. Clients are more likely to refer you to others if they are happy with your services, so why not incentivise them?
Offering referral incentives can be an effective way to encourage current clients or professional contacts to recommend your services to others.
You could even consider creating a reward system where clients who refer new customers receive discounts, a free service, or another form of recognition. This creates a win-win situation for both you and your referrer while helping you get new clients through trusted recommendations.
If you have a loyal client who loves your work, don’t hesitate to ask them directly for a referral or testimonial.
You might be surprised at how willing your existing clients are to spread the word.
Cold outreach with personalised pitches
Sometimes, when thinking of how to get new clients, you need to be proactive and reach out to potential leads directly. Cold outreach can be intimidating, but it can also be highly effective when done right. The key is personalisation.
When crafting cold emails or direct messages to potential clients, focus on their specific needs. Do NOT end generic messages – instead, demonstrate that you have researched their business and explain exactly how your VA services can address their pain points. For example, if you know that a small business is struggling with managing customer inquiries, send them ample examples of your experience in customer support, including testimonials from people who have had that burden taken off of their plate by you.
Be sure to keep your message short, professional, and focused on the client’s needs. If they don’t respond, don’t be discouraged — follow up after a week or two. Persistence is often rewarded, and you may find that how to find clients is simply a matter of consistent, targeted outreach.
Finding clients for your VA business doesn’t rely on just one approach. In fact, a combination of strategies is often the most effective way to get new clients and build a thriving business. By joining the VA Lead Network, using digital marketing tactics, networking, offering referral incentives, and utilising cold outreach, you can consistently grow your client base.
Remember, securing clients is a gradual process, so be patient and persistent. With time, you will not only get some easy wins with new clients signing, but also establish long-term business relationships that lead to sustainable success for your VA business.