What Is The First Step of Becoming a Virtual Assistant?
Athika Rahma
SEO Specialist Virtual Assistant at SGBVA
More and more people are aspiring to become virtual assistants (VAs). In today’s economy, working remotely has become not just a trend, but a viable and exciting option. It offers the freedom to work from anywhere, at any time, while also providing the potential to earn more than traditional office jobs.
But let’s be honest, starting something new is never easy. Sometimes, we feel uncertain about what the first step to become a virtual assistant should be, or we lack the courage and motivation to take that leap. If that sounds like you, don’t worry—this guide is here to help you clear up the confusion and boost your confidence!
In this article...
Determine If It’s the Right Career for You
Before diving in, it’s important to figure out if becoming a virtual assistant is the right career for you. Many people suggest picking a skill or niche to focus on, but the very first step of becoming a VA is to assess whether this career path aligns with your personality, strengths, and lifestyle.
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- Am I organized and detail-oriented?
- Do I have good communication skills?
- Am I tech-savvy and comfortable using online tools (like email, calendar apps, or project management software)?
- Am I self-motivated and disciplined?
- Can I work independently and manage my time well?
- Am I okay with having a flexible work schedule?
- Can I handle working outside of regular hours when needed?
- Do I enjoy taking the initiative and helping others succeed?
- Can I handle variable income?
- Am I financially prepared for periods when work may be light?
- Do I have a dedicated workspace?
- Am I open to continuous learning and upgrading my skills?
- Am I ready to be a business owner?
If you find that 80% of your answers are “yes,” you’re likely on the right track toward becoming a VA. But even if you answered “no” to some of these questions, don’t worry! If you’re willing to adapt and grow into the role, a career as a virtual assistant is still very much within reach. A career transition is always possible, no matter where you’re starting from.
Identify Your Strengths
Once you’ve decided that becoming a VA is the right fit for you, the next step is to identify the strengths that will help you succeed. These can be broken down into hard skills, soft skills, and equipment.
- Hard skills are the technical abilities you’ve gained through education or experience. For example, if you’re great at data entry, social media management, content writing, or bookkeeping, these are all valuable hard skills that can help businesses streamline their operations. Familiarity with software tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Trello, Zoom, or Canva is also crucial.
- Soft skills are personal traits that influence how you work and interact with others. Things like time management, organization, adaptability, communication, and problem-solving are essential for a VA. These skills will help you work independently, build strong relationships with clients, and handle tasks with professionalism.
- Equipment refers to the physical and digital tools you need to perform your job efficiently. As a VA, you’ll need a reliable laptop or computer, a stable internet connection, a headset or microphone for clear communication, and the right software to collaborate with clients.
For instance, if you want to specialize in graphic design, you’ll need graphic design skills (hard skills), the ability to work independently (soft skills), and equipment like an iPad Pro for designing. Alternatively, if you want to focus on email marketing, you’ll need digital marketing skills, strong communication and time-management skills, and a computer capable of handling email campaigns smoothly.
Each VA role is different, and the specific mix of skills and equipment will vary based on the services you offer.
Pick Your Niche and Services
Now that you’ve identified your strengths, it’s time to define your niche and services. Specializing in a specific area will help you stand out in a crowded marketplace. Popular VA niches include:
- Administrative tasks (calendar management, email handling, research)
- Social Media Management
- Bookkeeping and Financial Support
- Customer Service
- Content Creation
- Digital Marketing
Once you’ve chosen your niche, you can start defining the specific services you’ll offer. Whether it’s email management, social media support, content creation, or research, having a clear set of services will help you attract the right clients.
Starting with a focused service offering allows you to build credibility and expertise, and as you grow, you can expand your services to meet more complex needs. Here are some common VA services:
- Calendar and email management
- Data entry and research
- Travel booking and coordination
- Document preparation (reports, presentations)
- Blog writing, newsletter creation, and SEO optimization
- Social media management and ad campaigns
- Email marketing
Determine Your Service Price
Now that you know your strengths and services, it’s time to set your pricing. Pricing can be tricky for many new VAs. You might worry that charging too much will scare off clients, but pricing yourself too low can lead to undervaluing your skills and services.
It’s important to strike the right balance. You want to charge enough to reflect the value you bring to the table, but not so much that you price yourself out of potential clients. Don’t stress too much about it—pricing is something that you can adjust over time as you gain more experience and confidence.
We’ve also put together a full guide on how to calculate your service fees, so you can find the pricing strategy that works best for you and your business.
Brand and Market Yourself
Now that you’ve worked through the first step to become virtual assistant—defining your niche, identifying your strengths, and setting your price—it’s time to market yourself as a VA.
Start by joining freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to connect with clients who are looking for virtual assistants. For more VA-specific opportunities, check out platforms like Belay or Time Etc..
Also, don’t forget to leverage your existing personal and professional network. Let friends, family, and colleagues know you’re starting a VA business and ask for referrals or recommendations.
Finally, actively search for VA job openings on remote job boards like Remote.co and We Work Remotely, which specialize in remote positions.
If you want to know more about how to find VA jobs on popular platforms, check out SGB VA full guide here! Not only will we walk you through the types of jobs available on these platforms, but we also explain how to use them effectively, so you can easily apply for the jobs you want.
Gain Support to Become a Successful VA
While you can definitely take these steps on your own, having the right support from the start can make your journey much smoother. Taking a VA course, like the SGB VA Course, can provide you with the structured training and guidance you need to thrive in the competitive VA industry.
A good course will teach you the basics of virtual assistance, help you master specialized skills, and give you hands-on experience with the tools and software you’ll use in your business. Plus, many courses offer ongoing support, resources, and opportunities to network with other VAs and industry professionals.
If you’re still on the fence about joining a course, why not test the waters? You can join a free webinar hosted by Tania Gromenko, a VA expert, to learn more about what being a VA is all about. In this webinar, you’ll gain valuable insights into:
- What a VA is and what services they provide
- How much you can earn as a VA
- How to start a successful VA business in just 5 weeks
Click the “Register Now” link below to secure your spot and get started on your journey toward becoming a successful virtual assistant!
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