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The Virtual Assistance industry is consistently growing. Each day, new, optimistic VA’s are hyped and excited about what this lucrative industry may bring them. Unfortunately, through experience, I know that success in the VA industry is comparable to others in that it takes diligence, skill, expertise and a few “tricks”. There is numerous ways to grow your virtual assistance business online and offline. Although most VA’s understand the importance of gleaning clients and potential clients through online methods, few have been able to successfully “ace” it. Most spend countless amounts of hours per day, week and month, in a never-ending battle of “spinning their wheels”. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered 6 key ways that have proven to be highly effective for growing a virtual assistance business online and can also be used with other industries as well. Without ever having to leave the comfort of your living room chair, you can build your client base by strictly using the internet and or virtual means.

Number 1: Blogging

I love blogging! Its relaxing and a great stress reliever but its also a GREAT way to drive traffic to your website. The key is to create posts that will attract your target market or the individuals that benefit from your services the most. By using targeted keywords, creating and providing great content and blogging on a consistent basis, your ideal client will definitely find you.

Number 2: Articles

Although there is currently a discrepancy within the VA community as to whether article writing is still relevant, I continue to be a firm believer of its importance. Through sites such as My.EzineArticles.com, GoArticles.com and other high PR article sites, you are able to create awesome, high ranking links to assist in improving your overall SEO. Furthermore, utilizing these platforms can assist in target clients finding your website and services that you have to offer.

Number 3: Email Marketing

Email Marketing can be very tricky but its a must have of every marketing campaign. With the VA industry, email marketing can be considered to be a ‘holy grail’. There are numerous, popular quality email marketing platforms including Aweber, Constant Contact, Getaresponse, IContact and MailChimp. I currently use MailChimp for my newsletters, email marketing and autoresponders. It’s an inexpensive way to grow your email list and client base. With proper usage, email marketing can bring you new, exciting and eager clients.

Number 4: Social Media

Although there are many social media sites, whereas a new one is being created each day, the ‘big 3′ still remain; Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. In addition to these, Pinterest is ever-growing statistically. Most VA’s get discouraged through the use of their Social Media campaigns because they fail to see a return on their time investment. The key to optimizing your social media campaign and actually gain clients from it is to focus on ‘socializing’, not selling. Social Media is a social venue and most participants are there to socialize, have fun and or obtain vital info. By focusing on helping your fans, followers or connections, and providing them with useful info to better their business, life, etc., they will love you for it and remember you. So the next time they are in need of a WordPress design, support task or other, they will consider you above all. Also, join various networking groups on these sites, answer questions, start conversations/discussions and institute other networking actions.

Step 5: Teleseminars/Webinars

One of the best and most popular ways to build your brand is through hosting Teleseminars and Webinars. With it, you can build a loyal client base as well. I know it may seem astounding at first or even intimidating but to combat that, consider hosting your first one with a skilled and experienced guest speaker. Once you start scheduling these, your followers and potential clients will start to see you as an industry expert. Becoming an industry expert is needed to truly build a competitive, lasting brand and client list.

Step 6: Outsourcing

You might see this one and wonder, “Outsourcing, I don’t understand how that will bring me more clients?” From experience, I can tell you that one of the best ways to grow your business is by outsourcing and subcontracting. You are limited to the amount of time, energy and work that you alone are able to do. By building a team or outsourcing, you have more time to spend on targeted areas of your business, building your client base, marketing, networking and more. We as virtual assistants should take our own advice that we oftentimes give to our clients and appreciate the importance of outsourcing. Some mistakenly believe that by outsourcing, they lose money. This is far from the truth. Also, by subcontracting for other VA’s in the industry, providing quality work and service, you are able to build a brand name among other VA’s who are often able give you work, referrals and more!