Landing your first virtual assistant client can feel like the hardest part of starting your VA business. You might have the skills, the motivation, and a professional setup—but without clients, there’s no income or experience.
The good news is that there are proven strategies you can use to get noticed, gain trust, and start building a client base from scratch. In this article, you’ll learn how to confidently find and win your first virtual assistant clients—even if you have no portfolio yet.
1. Start with People You Already Know
Your personal network can be your first goldmine. Friends, family, former coworkers, and acquaintances may not need a virtual assistant—but they might know someone who does.
How to Tap Into Your Network:
- Announce your services on social media
- Message contacts directly explaining what you do
- Ask for referrals, even if they don’t need your help
Don’t underestimate how powerful word-of-mouth can be, especially when starting out.
2. Create a Simple, Professional Online Presence
Before reaching out to potential clients, make sure you have at least a basic online profile or landing page that explains who you are and what you offer.
What You Need:
- A short bio highlighting your skills
- A list of your core services (e.g., email management, scheduling, research)
- Clear contact information or booking form
You don’t need a full website right away. A professional LinkedIn profile, Instagram business page, or even a Notion portfolio can do the job.
3. Join Online Communities
Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and LinkedIn groups focused on entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners are great places to meet potential clients.
Tips for Engaging:
- Add value by answering questions
- Share tips and insights related to your services
- Respond to job posts politely and professionally
Avoid spamming. Focus on building relationships, not just selling.
4. Offer a Limited-Time Free Trial or Discount
When you’re starting out, you need experience and testimonials. Consider offering a limited free trial or a discounted rate in exchange for feedback and a testimonial.
How to Do It Right:
- Be clear that it’s a one-time offer
- Set a time limit (e.g., “3 hours of support over one week”)
- Choose serious leads, not freebie hunters
This strategy can open doors to long-term paid relationships.
5. Use Freelance Platforms (Wisely)
Freelance sites like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour can be competitive—but they’re also filled with businesses actively looking for help.
Tips for Success:
- Niche down your profile to stand out
- Apply to smaller jobs with less competition
- Focus on your cover letter: be specific, friendly, and show understanding of the client’s problem
While these platforms can take a cut, they’re a great way to build credibility quickly.
6. Cold Outreach: Personalized and Polite
Reaching out to businesses directly via email or LinkedIn can work—if done well. The key is personalization.
Cold Outreach Strategy:
- Identify businesses that look like they could use help
- Find the right contact person (e.g., founder, marketing lead)
- Send a short, respectful message offering your services and how you can help
Example:
“Hi Sarah, I noticed your business is growing fast on Instagram. If you’re ever in need of a VA to help with scheduling content or managing your inbox, I’d love to support you. I specialize in helping coaches stay organized and free up time.”
7. Partner with Other Freelancers
Graphic designers, web developers, and social media managers often get asked by their clients if they know someone who can help with admin work. Partnering with other freelancers can lead to easy referrals.
How to Partner:
- Reach out to freelancers in related fields
- Offer to refer each other to clients
- Collaborate on small projects
It’s a win-win: you build a referral network, and they look helpful to their clients.
8. Create Content That Attracts Clients
Even simple content like Instagram posts, short blog articles, or helpful LinkedIn updates can help you stand out and show your skills.
Content Ideas:
- Share productivity tips
- Post “behind-the-scenes” of your work setup
- Talk about how a VA can help business owners
Content marketing takes time, but it builds credibility and can attract dream clients.
9. Ask for Testimonials and Use Them Everywhere
Once you complete your first project—paid or free—ask for a testimonial. These are essential when you’re starting without much experience.
How to Use Testimonials:
- Add them to your social media bio
- Include them in your proposals
- Use them in email outreach
Real feedback builds trust fast.
10. Be Patient and Consistent
Finding your first client is not always instant. The key is to show up consistently, keep improving your offer, and not give up when things feel slow.
What to Remember:
- Set weekly goals for outreach and networking
- Track what’s working and what’s not
- Celebrate small wins—every conversation, post, or reply is progress
Most importantly, trust that with the right effort, clients will come.
Final Note: The First Client is Just the Beginning
Your first client doesn’t need to be a huge one. It just needs to be someone who trusts you enough to give you a chance. From there, your confidence will grow, your testimonials will multiply, and your business will start to take shape.
Stay focused, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Your first virtual assistant client might be one message away.