You’ve set up the legal side of things for your business, put together your portfolio, and created your packages…and now you wait for the clients to come! If only it were that easy. One of the biggest questions I get from new and even established freelancers is “how do I actually find clients as a virtual assistant?”
As an independent contractor, you are responsible for securing recurring positions and/or one off projects. But how do you go about doing so, especially when you are just getting started?
Today, I am sharing seven ways to find clients as a virtual assistant. This includes leveraging social media, personal connections, and referrals from current/past clients.
1. Facebook groups
Facebook groups was the number one way I found clients when I was just getting started. I thought about where my ideal client might be hanging out and I started searching for groups that would fit. For example, if you want to work with health coaches, seek out health coaching facebook groups. If you want to work with mom entrepreneurs, be on the lookout for those types of groups.
Once you are accepted in the group you are going to want to network by responding to questions and making genuine connections. You can do a post about your services but oftentimes people are turned off by these types of post. Rather look for opportunities to add value. And even better, most of the time people will actually post job opportunities so keep your eyes peeled for anything that applies to you and the services you offer.
2. Instagram
Instagram is a great way to showcase your knowledge on the services you offer as well as give potential clients a sneak peak about who you are. Be sure to post helpful tips, behind the scenes, and testimonials showing potential clients what others have to say about working with you.
Engage and connect with your ideal client avatar by commenting on their content including both their feed posts and stories. You can chat with them in the DM’s, but I don’t recommend being overly salesly without building a connection as this can be a big turnoff.
3. TikTok
Similar to Instagram, TikTok is a great way to build authority. Share tips and tricks about the services you are offering. Posting how-to’s, behind the scenes, and hacks will help potential clients see that you know what you’re talking about and they will be more inclined to reach out.
4. Personal Connections
When you start your freelancing business, I highly recommend shouting it from the rooftops. Tell everyone and anyone you personally know about your new biz and how it could potentially benefit them or someone they may know. You’d be surprised how many people don’t even know what a virtual assistant is and when they learn more about it, they will be lining up at your door asking for more info.
You can post on your personal Facebook and Instagram page as well as send out an email. Also don’t forget to bring up your business at parties, playdates, and when you’re talking to a boutique owner…you never know!
5. LinkedIn
I’m sure you would assume this would be a go-to spot for freelancers to land gigs considering it’s a place for businesses to connect with potential employers. While there is a lot of potential with using LinkedIn, it isn’t always the best place to find clients. As a freelancer, you are a subcontractor NOT an employee so for some jobs you see posted on LinkedIn, you likely won’t be the right fit and that’s okay.
The other thing to mention when considering LinkedIn as a place to find clients is who is actually hanging out there. For me, I wanted to work with female entrepreneurs, small businesses, and mom led businesses. These women didn’t seem to be in this space so I sought other areas mentioned in this article.
LinkedIn might be perfect for who you are looking to connect with but it also might not. Keep an open mind with this one.
6. Connect With Other Freelancers
Connecting with other freelancers that have the same ideal client but offer a different service is a great way to land clients. You can team up with someone and become referral partners. For example, let’s say you offer website design for health coaches and you find a friend that offers copywriting for health coaches. You can refer each other to potential clients considering you offer complimentary services.
7. Referrals from Current/Past Clients
This might be my number one way to find clients but the caveat is that you have to have at least one or two clients to go this route. Once you land a client, you want to offer supreme services to you can become a referral generating machine. If your current/past clients are happy with the work you have completed and the results you have achieved for them, they are very likely to refer you to friends.
So there you have it…my 7 favorite ways to find clients as a virtual assistant. If you are still feeling like you need a little more guidance, I highly recommend that you check out my free training all about how to become a virtual assistant and land clients quickly.
Until next time, I am rooting for you!!
Aubree
