Freelance Lady: Earn Money From Home As a Virtual Assistant

I pride myself on providing legitimate online work-at-home opportunities to my readers. Just today, however, I realized that I have only mentioned becoming a virtual assistant once. Once! When I first started Freelance Lady, I didn't know just how lucrative a Virtual Assistant position could be. Now that I have gathered the facts, I'd like to touch on this potential money-making opportunity a little more in depth.

Becoming a Virtual Assistant is an excellent way to earn some extra cash, while also honing specific skills. It's also an excellent way to start your own business.

What is a virtual assistant?

Virtual Assistants are just that—individuals who assist you virtually. As a Virtual Assistant, you perform different tasks based on your skill set. These tasks are completed online, which makes this an ideal work at home opportunity.

Who are potential clients?

Potential clients include individuals, businesses, and/or organizations. You needn't seek out a large corporation to earn some cash. An individual blogger, for example, might hire a Virtual Assistant for tasks such as scheduling posts and social media updates, or keeping track of their blog's analytics.

What tasks do Virtual Assistants complete?

Virtual Assistant tasks vary based on skills. Anything that can be completed online, from writing and editing to researching and counseling, are only a few of the possible Virtual Assistant tasks available. Basically, any task that can be completed online is a potential money making opportunity for a Virtual Assistant.

How do I know how much to charge as a Virtual Assistant?

Before you settle on a rate, you need to decide what skill you're going to sell. Rates will depend on this. Virtual Assistant rates vary greatly, but you can expect to charge anywhere between $15 to $100 (sometimes even more) depending on what you're offering.

There is a fantastic article by Danielle Greason on The Penny Hoarder where she explains, in depth, how to make $40 per hour as a Virtual Assistant. In this comprehensive guide, she covers different Virtual Assistant tasks, what to charge for them, as well as information on how to find clients.

How to become a virtual assistant?

Once you've developed your skills and know what you intend to offer potential clients, you will need to market your services. This may be done several different ways.

You may first need to do several jobs at a discount rate—these "cheap" jobs are an easy way to build your portfolio. Keep track of these jobs, ask clients for testimonials, and whether or not you can reference them when discussing other potential opportunities.

Blog or Website

Because Virtual Assistant tasks are completed online, a web presence is an absolute must. People will want to be able to research you, so having a professional, quality website is ideal. On your website, include information on how potential clients can hire you. State any relevant experience, education, and past work that highlights your skills as a Virtual Assistant.

Social Media

With the popularity of social media, finding potential clients on these sites is now easier than ever. Before jumping in and advertising, however, consider which platform potential clients will spend most of their time. This will be different from skill to skill, so keep that in mind.

For example, if you're looking to be a Virtual Assistant for interior design consultation, Pinterest might be a great place to find clients. Alternatively, if you're a Virtual Assistant who edits videos, you may want to stick with YouTube.

Many Virtual Assistants have also landed jobs through LinkedIn. Make sure that your profile is up to date, and ask former clients to provide recommendations directly through your profile.

Networking

Networking with other Virtual Assistants is a great starting point. Read their posts, research their positions, and interact with them if at all possible. Get involved in groups on Facebook or LinkedIn and remain active in them!

Freelance Websites

There are dozens of websites out there where you can advertise your Virtual Assistant services. ProBlogger is an excellent place to start. Other websites, such as Freelancer.com and oDesk may also provide potential leads.

Word of Mouth

This typically comes once you're established and have worked with several clients. People will start to talk about you and mention your services to others who could later become potential clients.