Let’s get that first client!
So you’re thinking about becoming a virtual assistant (VA) but worried because you’ve got no experience?
Don’t stress—you don’t need a fancy resume to figure out how to find your first virtual assistant client.
All it takes is some simple steps and a bit of courage to get started. I’ve been in your shoes, and I’m here to show you that your first client is closer than you think.
In this post, I’ll walk you through six easy ways to land that first gig, even if you’re totally new to this.
1. Talk to people you know to find your first Virtual Assistant client
The easiest place to start is with people you already know.
You’d be shocked how many people you know in your circle—like friends, family, or old coworkers—know someone who’s swamped and could use a VA.
Tell them you’re starting as a virtual assistant and ask if they know anyone struggling with things like emails, schedules, or social media.
- How to do it: Keep it easy and relaxed. Say something like, “Hey, I’m starting as a virtual assistant to help busy people out. Know anyone who’s got too much on their plate and needs help?”
- What might happen: Your aunt might know a small business owner, or a former coworker could mention a blogger who’s buried in work. People love helping someone they know, so don’t hold back! If they don’t need you, they might still pass your name along.
- Next move: If they say, “Maybe my friend could use you,” ask for their contact info so you can reach out yourself. It’s a chill way to get started.
2. Check online platforms for clients
If there is no clients, there is no work, so, where clients are hiding?
There are tons of online places where people are already looking for VAs—and you can dive in for free!
Two great spots are Facebook groups and sites like Upwork or Fiverr.
Here’s how it works:
- Facebook Groups: Search for groups like “virtual assistant jobs” or “small business owners.” Join a few, then post something like, “Hey, I’m a new VA ready to help with emails or organizing—hit me up!”
Or, reply to posts where people say they need help.
You have to “be careful” with Facebook groups as know how to filter a real offer vs. a fake one.
- Upwork/Fiverr: These are websites where people post jobs or hire freelancers. Sign up (it’s free to start), create a profile that says, “I’m a new virtual assistant happy to help with stuff like scheduling or data entry,” and apply to small jobs—think $10-$20 tasks to get going.
Here you have to be really creative as the message you send will depend on the job itself.
Whay you will need for this platforms is a great PORTFOLIO. Click here and I show you how you can create your own portfolio, even without experience as a Virtual Assistant.
- How to stand out: Mention something specific when you reply, like, “I saw you need email help—I’m good at keeping things tidy!” And answer quick—being fast helps a lot.
- Why it would works: These people are already looking, so you’re just showing up at the right time.
3. Reach out to strangers the smart way
This one might feel a bit scary, but it’s a game-changer:
Messaging people you don’t know who might need a VA—like small business owners selling on Etsy, a local photographer, or a blogger you like.
Find them on Instagram, LinkedIn, or local business pages.
- How to do it: Send a short, friendly message.
Try this: “Hi [their name], I really like what you’re doing with [their business]. I’m a virtual assistant who can help with stuff like emails or scheduling. Can I take something off your hands? Let me know!”
- Where to look: Check hashtags like #smallbusiness or #entrepreneur on Instagram, or search “business owners” on LinkedIn. If they’re posting a bunch but seem stressed, they’re a good pick.
- What If they don’t answer?: Wait a few days, then send a quick, “Hey, just checking—still here to help if you need me!” One follow-up is fine; don’t overdo it.
- Why it would work: You’re offering to fix their problems, and even if they say no, you’re practicing for the yes that’s coming.
4. Offer a deal to land your first Virtual Assistant client
Since you’re new, some people might hesitate to hire you.
No problem! Make it easy for them to say yes with an offer they can’t turn down.
- Ideas to try:
– “I’ll do 5 hours of work for just $25 to start!”
– “Let me fix one thing—like your crazy inbox—for $20, no pressure after.” - How to bring it up: If they seem interested (like, “Yeah, I could use help”), say, “Since I’m just starting, how about I do [task] for [cheap price] to get you going? If you like it, we can keep it up!”
- What’s next: Knock that small job out of the park. Then, ask them to write something simple like, “She was a big help!” You can show that to the next person to prove you’re good.
- Why it would work: They get a cheap fix, and you get your first real client. It’s a win-win!
5. Hang out where clients chat
Sometimes, clients find “you” if you’re in the right place.
Look for spots where busy people hang out—like blogs, Twitter, or those Facebook groups again—and join the conversation with helpful ideas.
- How to do it: If someone’s talking about being overwhelmed, reply with, “Oh, I’ve got a way to sort out that email mess—it works awesome!”
Don’t push your services yet—just be friendly and useful. Later, add, “Oh, by the way, I’m a VA if you ever need help!”
Example: On Twitter, if a business owner tweets, “Too many meetings!” you could say, “I hear you! I’m good at fixing schedules—let me know if you want a hand!”
- Why it would work: They start trusting you because you’re not just asking for a job—you’re showing you understand their pain.
6. Create a simple portfolio to show off your skills
- How to do it: Grab a free tool like Canva or Google Docs and make a one-page thing. List skills like “organizing emails,” “scheduling appointments,” or “making social media posts.”
Add examples—like, “I sorted my family’s crazy calendar in 20 minutes!” or “I made a sample Instagram post for a fake business.”
Take screenshots if you can.
- What to include: Keep it simple: your name, what you can do, and those examples. If you’ve helped a friend with something (even for free), toss that in too!
- How to use it: When you pitch someone, say, “I’ve got a quick portfolio if you want to see what I can do—happy to send it!” It shows you’re serious, even without paid experience.
- Why it works: Clients like seeing proof you can handle stuff, and this makes you look legit right from the start.
Here is an example of the first page of my portfolio, lear how to build your portfolio in THIS link. (even with no previous experience of any VA job)
Start today and get that client!
See how simple it can be to find your first virtual assistant client?
You don’t need a big background—just a little action.
Try one of these steps today: message a friend, go around a Facebook group, or pitch someone new.
That first “Yes, you’re hired!” is waiting for you!