Starting out as a virtual assistant (VA) can feel exciting—but also overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges is getting your first paying client. The good news? With the right strategy and mindset, you can land that first job and start building a steady income, even if you’re starting from scratch.
In this article, you’ll learn proven, beginner-friendly methods to find your first clients as a virtual assistant and kickstart your freelance journey.
Why Getting Your First Client Is a Big Deal
Your first client does more than just pay your bills—it gives you:
- Confidence that your skills are valuable
- Experience for your portfolio
- Referrals that can bring more work
- Motivation to keep growing
Once you land one client, it becomes easier to get the second, third, and so on.
Step 1: Get Clear on What You Offer
Before you reach out to anyone, be clear about what you can do. You don’t need to offer everything—just choose 1 to 3 services to start.
Popular beginner services include:
- Email and calendar management
- Data entry and internet research
- Social media scheduling (using tools like Buffer or Later)
- Customer support
- Document formatting
- Transcription
Having clarity helps potential clients trust that you’re focused and capable.
Step 2: Create Simple Branding and a Starter Portfolio
You don’t need a fancy website to start, but you do need to look professional.
Minimum Starter Branding
- A business email (Gmail is fine, but use your full name or brand)
- A clean profile photo
- A 2–3 sentence professional bio
- A list of your top services and skills
Simple Portfolio Options
If you don’t have real client work yet, create sample tasks:
- A sample content calendar
- A sample blog post
- A customer service reply template
- A research summary
Use tools like Canva, Notion, or Google Docs to create and present your samples.
Step 3: Choose Where to Find Clients
Now comes the most important part—client outreach. Here are the most effective platforms for beginners:
1. Upwork
- Create a strong profile and focus on beginner-friendly jobs
- Apply to small projects with low competition
- Highlight how you understand the client’s needs
- Always personalize your proposal
2. Fiverr
- Set up 1–3 “gigs” offering specific services
- Use keywords in your gig title and description
- Add examples and FAQs
- Promote your gig on social media or LinkedIn
3. Online Job Boards
Look at websites like:
- We Work Remotely
- Remotive
- Remote OK
- Belay
- Fancy Hands
Most offer entry-level VA roles or freelance admin support work.
4. Facebook Groups
There are dozens of Facebook groups where business owners ask for VA help. Join groups like:
- Virtual Assistant Savvies
- Remote Work & Jobs for Digital Nomads
- Online Business BFFs
- VA for Hire
Be helpful, comment often, and watch for job posts.
5. LinkedIn
- Optimize your profile with “Virtual Assistant” in your headline
- Connect with small business owners or solopreneurs
- Post tips or content to show your expertise
- Send friendly DMs offering support
Step 4: Pitching and Outreach That Works
When you reach out to someone (via email, DM, or job platform), your message should be:
- Short and focused
- Personalized to the recipient
- Confident without sounding desperate
- Clear about the problem you solve
Example Pitch Message
Hi [Name],
I saw that you’re running an amazing [business/blog/podcast], and I love how you’re growing your online presence. I specialize in helping small business owners with [your service], and I’d love to support you so you can focus more on what you do best.
Would you be open to a quick call to explore how I can help?
Customize each message. Don’t mass-send generic pitches.
Step 5: Build Relationships, Not Just Sales
Sometimes, a client won’t hire you right away—but they may return later if you:
- Stay in touch professionally
- Provide value (e.g., suggest a tool or resource)
- Follow up after a few weeks
Remember: You’re planting seeds. Some grow immediately; others take time.
Step 6: Offer Beta Services (Optional)
If you’re totally new, offer your service to 1 or 2 clients for free or at a discounted rate in exchange for:
- Testimonials
- Feedback
- Portfolio material
This isn’t mandatory—but it can help you gain experience and build trust fast.
Step 7: Ask for Referrals and Testimonials
Once you complete a project:
- Ask your client for a testimonial
- Request a referral to others they know
- Share their feedback on your social media or portfolio (with permission)
A happy client can become your best marketing tool.
Bonus Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Be responsive: Always reply to messages within 24 hours
- Be reliable: Meet deadlines and communicate delays early
- Keep learning: Improve your skills with each project
- Track everything: Use a simple spreadsheet to manage outreach and applications
Celebrate That First Win
Getting your first VA client is a huge milestone. Don’t worry if it takes a few tries—everyone starts somewhere. What matters most is that you take consistent action, stay professional, and never stop improving.
Your first client is waiting—you just have to show up and offer what you’ve got.