How do I start my own virtual business?

Starting your own virtual business can be one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do. Virtual businesses are incredibly flexible - they're not tied down by geographical location or physical space requirements like traditional bricks-and-mortar offices are. They also allow you to create your own schedule without having to answer to anyone else but yourself.

For those who want to get into this field, becoming an independent VA offers a whole host of benefits that come with no strings attached. You have complete control over all aspects of your day-to-day operations, including your hours, pay rate, and even where you live. If you've been thinking about trying out being a freelance worker for yourself, here's everything you need to know to make sure you choose the right path.

Is a virtual business a real business?

You might wonder if you should go ahead and register as a limited company instead of setting up on a freelancer platform such as UpWork or Freelance.com. Well, there really isn't much difference between the two, at least according to the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA defines a virtual small business as any "business that has employees working remotely, either full time or part time."

The key point here is that these remote workers must maintain some level of control over their schedules, so they don't count as regular employees under federal law. This means that when you hire someone via a website like Upwork or Fiverr, you won't necessarily run afoul of payroll tax laws - although you will still need to withhold taxes for them. On top of that, you may lose access to certain employee benefits depending on what type of entity you use, which could potentially impact your bottom line.

However, depending on how many people you employ, you might find that you simply aren't able to afford hiring enough staff to meet regulatory compliance standards. In that case, being a sole proprietor would likely be more cost effective. And while it doesn't apply specifically to VAs, the same rules also apply to consultants like lawyers and accountants. So keep the above points in mind before you decide whether to operate as a corporation or as a sole proprietorship.

That said, if you'd prefer to remain in the arms of Uncle Sam, you can always form a partnership with another individual or group of individuals. These partnerships would fall under the definition of LLCs, but they wouldn't require any additional paperwork beyond filing the appropriate forms with your state government.

If you're interested in learning more about different types of entities available to you, check out our guide to forming an LLC and other options for entrepreneurs.

How do I start a virtual assistant business in 2022?

Now that we've gone through the basics, let's take a look at how you actually get started building a profitable side hustle. As mentioned earlier, you probably already know a lot about what services you offer, so the first step is finding clients. There are plenty of ways to advertise online, ranging from posting flyers around your neighborhood to using social media ads. However, since this is something new to you, it pays off to put together a solid marketing strategy early on.

Once you've got a list of potential customers, it's time to move onto landing page creation. Websites such as Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly make it easy to build professional looking sites with minimal technical knowledge. While you could certainly spend a few days designing and coding a site from scratch, it's best to save that for later stages of development once you have a good grasp on HTML5 and CSS3.

After creating your landing pages, you'll want to add call to actions. A CTA is basically anything that gets users excited about taking action, whether that's signing up for an email newsletter subscription, downloading a PDF report, or filling out a contact form on your website. Depending on what kind of service you provide, you may consider adding a video demo too. Once you've created your CTAs, give each one its own URL so you can track conversions separately.

To help boost traffic to your site, you may wish to include links back to your main profile on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. That way, potential leads can see that you're active on multiple platforms, giving you credibility among your peers. It's also recommended that you optimize your Google My Business listing.

From there, it's just a matter of waiting for customers to reach out. The trickiest part of running a business is making sales calls, especially ones that involve cold calling. To avoid wasting time and money, try scheduling out weekly appointments with prospects. Make sure you record every conversation so you can refer back to it later if necessary. Also, remember to follow up after each transaction. After all, the customer-service industry alone employs nearly 12 million Americans, so you definitely want to treat yours well.

With each interaction comes a chance to learn more about your audience and figure out exactly what makes them tick. Use these insights to tailor future interactions accordingly. For example, if your target market tends to be younger men, you may want to focus on selling products related to fitness. Or perhaps you notice that women tend to click on articles featuring fashion advice. By tailoring your content based on specific needs, you're far less likely to alienate customers than you would otherwise.

How do I set up a virtual office?

While it depends heavily on your preferred workspace environment and client base, establishing a virtual office shouldn't cost very much. According to The Workplace, renting an entire floor suite in New York City costs $150 per square foot, whereas renting a similar unit in San Francisco requires only half that amount ($75/sq ft). Meanwhile, renting a furnished room in Manhattan runs $450 per month, compared to $250 in Brooklyn.

In addition to the actual office space, you'll also need furniture and equipment to conduct business. Office supply stores carry everything from computers and printers to desks and chairs, depending on your budget and preferences. Just keep in mind that you'll need to factor in rent payments alongside overhead expenses such as utilities and insurance.

Finally, if you're hoping to attract high-profile clients, you'll want to invest in proper meeting rooms. Many large companies lease private conference spaces on a monthly basis, allowing you to hold meetings virtually whenever you please. Some places charge upwards of $10,000 per month, though, so you better hope you end up getting paid handsomely to book these events.

How do I start my own virtual assistant business?

So now that you understand the ins and outs of launching a virtual business, it's finally time to pick a niche. When deciding on a subject area, consider both personal interests and skillsets. If you enjoy crafting custom websites, then it may make sense to specialize in web design. Likewise, if you love writing copy for ecommerce shops, you might want to stick with SEO. But if you're more comfortable editing photos, you might lean towards graphic design.

Another important consideration is whether or not your skill set aligns with your target clientele. Are you great at solving problems, or does your strength lie elsewhere? If you're struggling to connect with your ideal customers, consider focusing on niches outside of your comfort zone. Not only will this broaden your horizons, but it'll also teach you valuable lessons along the way.

When you first launch your business, you'll undoubtedly encounter obstacles. Whether it's dealing with difficult coworkers, figuring out billing systems, or managing inventory, these challenges serve as opportunities to grow as a person and as an entrepreneur. Take advantage of every opportunity presented to you, because the sooner you overcome them, the faster you'll be able to scale your business.

If you're looking for ways to earn money while working from home then becoming a virtual assistant may be the best option available -- especially if you have zero experience in this field or don't know anyone who can recommend someone.

Being an independent contractor means that you are your own boss so you set your own schedule, choose when to take breaks, and decide on what projects to accept. It also gives you flexibility to choose which clients you want to serve.

But just because being an independent contractor means having more freedom doesn't mean it's easy. In fact, there are quite a few things you need to consider before setting up shop as a VA. So let's go through some of those considerations right now.

Is it hard to start a virtual assistant business?

Starting your own business isn't always difficult but it does require time and effort. For example, it takes about two years to build a successful online store and another three years to see profits. And even after all these years, it might still not pay off.

So yes, it's true that the process of building a successful business is long and laborious, but there are plenty of people out there willing to help you get started. You could hire a virtual assistant agency like UpWork Inc. to assist you with marketing, sales, customer support, client management, etc. Or you could use one of the many freelance marketplaces where professionals sell their services directly to customers.

There are lots of other options too. But regardless of whether you create your own website, use freelancing sites, or find a professional service provider, here's everything you need to know about getting started as a VA.

How do I start a virtual assistant business with no experience?

It sounds crazy, but it's possible to become a VA without any previous knowledge whatsoever. There are tons of training courses available online that will teach you exactly what you'll need to know. However, most of them cost hundreds of dollars per year. If you'd rather learn by doing than sitting at a computer screen reading manuals, there are several alternative learning methods that you can try.

One such method is teaching yourself using YouTube videos. These days you can watch thousands upon thousands of hours of educational videos on almost every topic imaginable. Just search "how-to" + whatever you want to learn and you'll find loads of helpful tutorials. This approach works great if you enjoy spending hours watching instructional videos instead of actually doing anything productive.

Another option is attending classes offered by local community colleges or universities. While these classes aren't cheap either, they usually offer a lot less expensive alternatives compared to private courses. Plus, they provide hands-on practical training that you won't receive anywhere else. Most public schools also have access to specialized labs or classrooms where students can practice skills learned during class.

For example, there are numerous programs around the country offering virtual office technology certification courses. These courses cover topics such as Microsoft Office 365 administration, email marketing automation, call center operations, CRM system setup, etc. The list goes on and on.

Also check out our article entitled How to Become a Virtual Assistant Without Any Training At All To Learn More About Other Ways To Get Started With No Experience Required.

How much should I charge as a virtual assistant?

The price point you ask for your services depends entirely on your background and skill level. If you've never worked as a VA before, you'll probably want to charge more than experienced VAs since you'll likely need to invest some time into learning new skills.

On the other hand, if you have prior experience working remotely and managing multiple projects simultaneously, you may only need to spend half the amount of time needed by inexperienced VAs. Of course, this comes down to personal preference and skill level.

In general, experts suggest charging between $20-$25/hour based on your location. That said, you can expect to make significantly higher rates depending on your specific expertise or industry.

Here's a quick guide to helping you figure out the perfect rate for your services.

What type of tasks would you prefer to perform?

This question helps you determine your hourly rate. If you love writing content and creating web pages, you should charge more than say, data entry specialists who simply enter information into spreadsheets. Likewise, graphic designers often command higher wages than accountants.

Additionally, certain industries demand higher prices than others. A plumber will typically charge more than a teacher, lawyer, or accountant simply due to supply and demand.

You should also note that different types of businesses generally have varying wage demands. Smaller companies tend to pay lower salaries whereas larger firms often pay top dollar to attract talent.

Lastly, remember that the value of your services increases over time. As you gain more relevant experience, your worth will increase even further.

Does the company you work for compensate you adequately?

Most employers understand that the success of a business relies heavily on its employees' performance. They therefore give bonuses and raises whenever necessary to incentivize good behavior. On the flip side, employers sometimes withhold payments to punish poor job performance.

However, not all jobs come with adequate payment structures. When you work part-time, you're paid based on an hourly rate. Part-timers rarely receive additional compensation unless they surpass minimum requirements. Meanwhile full-time workers are compensated monthly or annually based on a fixed salary.

If you feel like you deserve better, negotiate for extra perks. Ask to get paid overtime, request flexible scheduling, ask for discounts on products ordered in bulk, etc.

Is virtual assistant profitable?

Yes and no. Even though you'll end up making more money than traditional employees, running a small business can be very challenging financially. Especially if you lack proper planning skills and don't realize what needs to happen until it already happens.

That's why we created a simple yet effective resource called Starting Your Own Business Checklist. We compiled everything you need to know about getting started with a new venture, including tips and tricks for saving money along the way. Click below to download the PDF version.

Starting your own virtual business can be tricky if you don't know what you're doing. The good news is that there are many ways to get started with a VA gig, even if you have no experience in the field. If you've got some spare time on your hands or want to dip your toe into entrepreneurship before venturing out further, then this guide will help you set up your first virtual assistant job for less than $100.

If you haven’t already done so, make sure you check out our beginner’s guide to becoming a virtual assistant here. You might also like to read about the best apps to use when working as a virtual assistant.

As we explain below, setting yourself up as a freelance worker isn’t difficult provided you follow our step-by-step instructions carefully. We show you exactly where to find jobs, which services you should try, and why you need to become familiar with them all. This guide will give you everything you need to create a successful online profile, build up your portfolio, and land paid assignments – without spending too much money at any point along the way.

You may not think you need one, but having a digital presence is important if you ever hope to sell anything online. It doesn’t matter whether you’re selling products, consulting services, or simply offering advice - people only buy from those who they trust. That means you’ll need a professional website and other online marketing tools such as social media accounts, email lists, etc. to reach potential customers.

How do I start a virtual business?

The easiest place to begin looking for virtual work opportunities is through freelancing platforms designed specifically for freelancers. These include Upwork Inc., Fiverr, Zirtual, People Per Hour, Fancy Hands, and others. However, these sites aren’t perfect and you may struggle to find suitable jobs if you’ve never worked as a virtual assistant.

In addition to traditional freelancing websites, you could look for alternative options by joining networks of fellow VAs. For instance, if you live near New York City, you could join the Virtual Assistant Network (VAN). Other popular communities include the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA), eLance, Elance-oDesk, Freelancer, Odesk, Guru, and WorknHire.

These groups offer more focused niche markets, including writing, translation, transcription, web design, SEO, video editing, proofreading, copywriting, data entry, customer service, project management, call center support, recruitment, and software development. Not every group has vacancies posted regularly, but the ones that do tend to attract very large numbers of applicants, so competition tends to be fierce.

Can I start a virtual company?

Yes, although it depends on what kind of business you decide to run. Like most things, the key lies in knowing what you’re trying to achieve. Do you just want to earn extra income while continuing to provide full-time employment elsewhere? Or maybe you’d prefer to work part-time hours as a sole trader, rather than as an employee?

To answer these questions, you must consider three different types of businesses:

A consultancy firm

An agency

A franchise

Let’s take each type in turn.

Consultancy firms charge clients for their expertise. They usually employ several staff members, and often operate under strict client confidentiality agreements. Clients pay fees directly to consultants, who generally receive payment via commission payments after completing specific tasks. Consultant roles range from technical specialists to financial advisers to legal experts.

Agencies typically act as intermediaries between companies and employees, acting as employers and hiring managers for temporary workers. Agencies typically require candidates to sign non-disclosure forms and agree to submit all earnings over a certain threshold per month to the agency. Some agencies charge a fee upfront. Others ask for a percentage of salary earned, depending on the length of assignment.

Franchises are similar in nature to consultancy firms, except that they typically focus exclusively on providing training programs and ongoing support to new recruits. In return for paying membership costs and royalties, franchises promise its members access to exclusive content, discounts, and special offers.

Which option suits you best will depend heavily upon your personal circumstances and goals. If you want flexibility, security, and stability, then a consultant role probably makes sense. On the flip side, if you enjoy taking risks and want to test the waters before committing to something longer term, then a franchise might suit better.

What is an example of a virtual business?

We mentioned above that becoming a virtual assistant involves finding somewhere to post your CV. There are plenty of places available, ranging from generalist portals such as Indeed and LinkedIn to specialist niche marketplaces like the IVAA.

Your goal is to stand out amongst the crowd. To do this effectively, ensure your resume reflects the skills required for the position(s) you intend to apply for by creating a unique profile. Your profile needs to contain information about your abilities, qualifications, relevant experiences, and references.

Make sure you spend time customizing your profile to reflect your personality and interests. Think about what kind of person would be interested in working alongside you, and tailor your profile accordingly. Be honest, especially when describing previous positions and responsibilities. For instance, if you were previously responsible for managing payroll, highlight this fact. Likewise, if you had little formal education, state clearly that you completed university courses online instead.

Once you’ve created your profile, you need to promote it across multiple channels. Start off by sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Tumblr, Reddit, WhatsApp, Snapchat, TikTok, Telegram, and Discord. Remember, though, that these platforms differ greatly in terms of audience size and engagement level. So, choose wisely based on your target demographic.

Finally, once you’ve established your brand identity and built up a strong following, it’s time to get searching for your next opportunity.

How does a virtual business work?

So far, we’ve looked at some of the challenges involved in being a virtual assistant. Now let’s explore in detail how to go about building your own business from scratch.

First, you’ll need to establish your credentials. As outlined above, this includes establishing your name, contact details, photo, and description of your background and experience. Then, you’ll need to upload your CV to various online directories and reviewers. Finally, you’ll need to actively engage with prospective clients to win contracts.

There are two main approaches you can adopt: direct sales and indirect sales. Direct sales involve approaching individual contacts and persuading them to hire you. Indirect sales rely on networking to build relationships within a particular industry. Both methods are effective, but it takes time to build connections within a community.

When deciding which approach to pursue, bear in mind that the choice largely hinges upon what you personally value most. Are you willing to invest time and energy into growing your network, or do you see it as a secondary concern? Ultimately, you’ll need to weigh up both sides of the equation and determine which method works best for you.

What resources do I need to succeed?

This section looks at all the essentials you'll need to get started as a virtual assistant.

1. A laptop/desktop computer

2. An internet connection

3. A webcam

4. Office software

5. Email account

6. Mobile device

7. Business cards

8. Business card holder

9. Writing paper

10. Pencils

11. Paperclips

12. Stationery

13. Postage stamps

14. USB flash drives

15. Scissors

16. Ruler

17. Tape measure

18. Notebooks

19. Highlighters

20. Sticky notes

21. Pens

22. Calculator

23. Erasers

24. Pencil sharpeners

25. Laptop bag

26. Computer mouse

27. Keyboard

28. Headphones

29. Speakers

30. Mouse pads

31. CD burner

32. Printer

33. Scanner

34. DVD drive

35. Dictaphone

36. Flashlight

37. Microfibre cloth

38. Cleaning wipes

39. Deodorant

40. Nail clippers

41. Hair dryer

42. Toothbrushes

43. Shampoo

44. Razor blades

45. Hand sanitizer

46. Face flannel

47. Facial tissue

48. Makeup remover pad

49. Cotton wool balls

50. Earplugs

51. Disposable gloves

52. Pads of tissues

53. First aid kit

54. Safety goggles

55. Tweezers

56. Rubber bands

57. Bandaids

58. Antiseptic cream

59. Insect repellent

60. Sunscreen lotion

61. Sunglasses

62. Eye drops

63. Masks

64. Surgical tape