Do’s and Don’ts of Virtual Assisting: Your Guide to Thriving Success

So, you’ve decided to become a virtual assistant—awesome! Starting this journey opens you up to endless possibilities: working with different types of clients, exploring new industries, building a flexible lifestyle, and having the freedom to run your own business.

BUT (yep, there’s a “but”!)… there are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind if you want to set yourself up for true success as a VA. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re looking to level up, this guide will help you steer clear of common pitfalls and keep your business growing strong.

Let’s dive in!

The Do’s of Virtual Assisting ✅

DO Define Your Niche

Picking a niche makes a HUGE difference! Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, narrow down your focus to specific services or clients. Love real estate? Make yourself the go-to VA for real estate agents. Obsessed with social media? Be a social media virtual assistant and help businesses grow their online presence.

Defining your niche will make you STAND OUT and attract clients who need exactly what you offer.

DO Build a Professional Online Presence

It’s 2024—people are checking you out online before they hire you! So make sure your social media, website, and portfolio scream “professional.” Show potential clients who you are, what you do, and why they should work with you. Being active and visible online helps people feel like they already know you and trust you.

DO Use Contracts for Every Client

Contracts are a MUST. Seriously. They protect both you and your client by setting clear expectations for work, deadlines, and payments. Even if it’s a small project, make sure you both sign off on what’s being done. It saves you from so many headaches later on!

DO Invest in Your Business

If you want to charge more, you’ve got to bring more to the table. Invest in tools, software, and training to level up your skills. The more you learn, the more value you can offer clients, and that means you can raise your rates. It’s all about ROI—every dollar you put in can bring a bigger return for your business in the long run.

The Don’ts of Virtual Assisting ❌

DON’T Undervalue Your Services

Pricing yourself too low is a big NO. It’s easy to think you need to charge less to get clients, but trust me, that backfires. Look at what other VAs in your field are charging and find a rate that reflects your worth. Undervaluing your work will leave you overworked and underpaid. Set those rates with confidence!

DON’T Overcommit and Under-Deliver

We’ve all been there—taking on too many projects because we want to please everyone. But if you overpromise and don’t deliver, it only leads to stress and unhappy clients. Be realistic with your workload, communicate your availability clearly, and focus on QUALITY over quantity. Your clients will thank you for it!

DON’T Ignore Red Flags

Listen, if a client’s giving you bad vibes, trust your gut. Red flags like last-minute demands, pushing boundaries, or expecting extra work for free are NOT worth your time. The beauty of being a VA is that you can choose who you work with. Don’t hesitate to step back from clients who drain your energy or don’t respect you.

DON’T Overcomplicate Your Services

Keep it simple! Clients usually want straightforward help with their to-do list, not a bunch of confusing options. Make your services clear and easy to understand. This simplicity makes it easier for clients to see your value and decide to hire you on the spot.

One last thing

Being a VA is all about balance—delivering great work to clients and making your own life easier. Follow these do’s and don’ts to keep your business growing in the right direction, avoid burnout, and keep that freedom we all crave outside the 9-5 grind.

Stay professional, keep learning, and remember to enjoy the journey. You’ve got this!

If you want to become a virtual assistant...

If you have been thinking of becoming a Virtual Assistant, there truly hasn’t been a better time to start! More businesses than ever are turning to freelancers and virtual assistants today.

You can turn the skills you already have into a service-based business, work from the comfort of your own home, work with clients you genuinely enjoy working with, and have more freedom than a regular 9-5 job. 

As someone who’s been in the game for 8 years, I can tell you - it’s a pretty fun gig!

If you want to learn how to become a virtual assistant, you CANNOT miss this free training I created for you. I deep dive into the world of freelancing, tell you how I started my virtual assistant business, and give you the absolute BEST tips for getting started and finding clients.

Want me as your coach? Join my online course, Virtual Freelancer Academy, where I teach you EVERYTHING you need to know and give you all the tools you need to succeed as a VA (just like I've done for hundreds of students just like you).

Have more questions? Message me here!