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How to Land Your First VA Client

After setting up your business, you need to figure out how to land your first VA client so you can get to work as soon as possible. The question you need to answer is: how do I convince a client to trust me with their work?

Finding the answer may be scary when you don’t know how or where to start. But not anymore. We are determined to ensure you get over this hurdle and enjoy a successful VA career. Here is what you need to do to secure your first VA client.



1. Create a Portfolio

The first thing you do when you find a suitable job in the corporate setting is updated your resume and use it to apply for the job. It is the same when applying for an online virtual assistant job. For virtual assistance, you use a digital portfolio instead of a resume.

If you don’t have the experience to include it in your portfolio, don’t panic. We’ve made this guide to help you create a VA portfolio without experience.

We recommend using Canva to create your portfolio to make it professional. Also, ensure that you share just enough details to make the client want to hire you, depending on the job description. Important sections your portfolio should include.

  • About page

  • Professional link, including Instagram page

  • Creating a landing page for your portfolio

2. Be Fully Prepared for the Interview

It sounds obvious, but the first step to preparing for an interview with a potential client is doing research. Unfortunately, I have turned down seemingly promising VA candidates because they knew nothing about my company. Doing research before an interview or meeting shows your level of preparedness and interest in the company!

Based on my experience, doing this research on your client is important. You get the opportunity to familiarize yourself with them, have insight into their approach, and prepare talking points!

You want to send the client the vibe that you already understand where they are currently and where they want to go. When you know this, then you’ll convince the client that you are the right VA to help them get there. The following is a checklist of areas to focus on in your research.

  • Research the general operations of the business

  • Try to learn the client's background or founding story (if possible)

  • Find out what the client does

  • Familiarize yourself with all the tools your client uses

  • Find out the challenges that have prompted the client to require the services of a VA

  • Master the roles you will be performing for the client

3. Take Advantage of Job Sites and Platforms



Do not put all your eggs in one basket when searching for your first VA client. Use job sites and social media platforms to search for clients to maximize your chances of scoring your first VA client.

Please familiarize yourself and sign up with popular freelance job sites like Fiverr, Upwork, or We Work Remotely. On the other hand, social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are also good places to look for your first VA client.

4. Start Networking Early

You will not believe how long it took me to land my first VA client. But the wait was worth it because I had already developed a strong bond with all my new clients.

I had already laid the groundwork for my VA journey by being intentional in my relationship building. I let my client feel safe giving me their projects, and I project the confidence that I will get them done.

It takes time to build trusting relationships with your clients. But you have the advantage of the time to create confidence among your clients that you are the right virtual assistant to get it done. And they can entrust you to help them achieve the success they deserve.

Therefore, it would be best to use your networking time to develop formidable trust with potential clients. The clients must trust that you can get it done and believe in your process. Join our Clubhouse discussions to learn more about building trust with potential clients.

Once the clients trust your process, it will be easier for you to expand your role, extend your contract or even renegotiate the salary when the time is right. Remember, at the start; it is normal to charge lower rates to entice more clients to sign up with you. Everyone's journey is different, you have to learn what it means to value your time and not undercharge for your services. Find a healthy balance between competitive pricing and valuing your time! As the workload increases, you may have to revise your contractual agreement, and your relationship with the client will prove vital in having a conflict-free space to discuss a change in rates.

5. Reach Out to Family and Friends



Sometimes it is best to start your networking closer to home. You will learn much by starting your new VA client search amongst familiar faces.

For example, family and friends could help you fine-tune your client pitch. Therefore, don’t tell them about your new business just as a by the way. Ensure it is a professional pitch like you would do to prospective clients. Tip: Ask them to provide testimonials that could significantly boost your portfolio.

Never underestimate the power of referrals from family and friends. They may not turn out to be your first clients, but they could be a good network link to your first clients.

These people interact with numerous professionals and entrepreneurs. Therefore, they could prove vital word-of-mouth advertising agents for your new hassle. Eventually, the word will land in the right ears and improve your client search prospects.

Land Your First VA Client Fast

We have more tips to share on how to bag your first VA client. Join the Royal VA Community and maximize the opportunity to build on your network and enjoy the mentorship of experienced VAs who know what it takes to secure a first client.


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