Are you ready to land your first client?
In this post-pandemic virtual world, the opportunities for remote work are endless; from long-term to short-term opportunities.
Finding these amazing opportunities doesn’t even require a fancy website. Of course, a website helps greatly, but you still have to get eyes on your website.
There’s only one key thing that every business owner needs to get more customers/clients – A Marketing Plan
In this article, I’ll focus on three strategies I recommend for a new virtual assistant/freelancer to land their first client.
If you’ve already narrowed down a few service offers and have your processes in place, then you can dive right into these top 3 strategies.
Not sure if you have everything in place? Check out this Virtual Assistant Checklist Blog Post.
1. Freelancer Sites/Job Board
Freelancer sites are a great way to find clients and my preferred platform is Fiverr.
Fiverr is a great marketplace to advertise your skills and service offers.
I landed two long-term clients after launching out full-time using this method.
I started out doing short-term projects but they turned into long-term opportunities because I exceeded their expectations.
Here are my top 5 reasons for using Fiverr.
In this blog post, I share some of the common misconceptions of the platform along with tips for success.
Freelancer sites give you the opportunity to beta test your offer while providing an opportunity to get testimonials and referrals. (Testimonials and referrals are the holy grail of finding even more clients)
This method of finding clients is a great option for new virtual assistants and freelancers as it enables you to build confidence while helping you to build a professional and positive reputation for future prospecting.
Check out this article on how to get started Freelancing as a Virtual Assistant on Fiverr.
You can also check out your local Job board for remote opportunities.
This option may not give you the ultimate freedom you might have been looking for because you would not be considered an independent contractor.
But it’s still a full-time gig with remote and corporate benefits that you do not have as an independent contractor.
That’s still a win-win in my books.
2. Your Network - Friends, Family, Organizations ...
The fastest way to find clients is by telling everyone you know about your business.
No one can hire you if they do not know what you do.
Tell your friends and family by calling, emailing, texting, or sharing an announcement on any social media platform you use.
Take advantage of every possible network; church, college friends, co-workers, and local organizations.
You can also re-establish connections you’ve made with persons through former jobs.
My third client was a former co-worker that needed project management services.
This isn’t the time to be shy!! Getting the word out there is key!
3. Time To Get Social - Social Post/ Facebook groups
It’s time to start marketing your business on social media.
Your customer profile will determine the ideal social media platforms you would use to market your business.
My top three platforms are Linkedin, Instagram, and Facebook.
Here’s how to get social on Linkedin, Instagram and Facebook while finding clients for your business.
1. Maximize your social media presence by applying your personal brand and highlighting your service/product offer.
2. Spend at least 1hr per day making meaningful interactions with your network and building genuine relationships.
3. Interact more with your friends by commenting and liking their posts. (This also helps to boost your own personal posts)
4. Use your social post (Post/ reels/ videos) as an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and advertise your services.
5. Ensure that you include inspiring, motivating, and entertaining content and not solely about your business.
Facebook Groups
Join Facebook groups related to small business entrepreneurship/ online business development etc. Find out where your clients hang out online and start hanging out there too. Join groups related to the topics that your ideal clients would be interested in.
Start to interact with members of the group to determine if they could use your help. (I recommend putting together a flyer introducing yourself and your services.)
Talking to these prospects will be a breeze once you have the answers to these key questions.
1.What are the problems your target customers face?
2. How can you solved this problem in an effective way?
Join other Virtual Assistant/Freelancer groups that post opportunities. This option can be very competitive but it’s certainly a great option if you have a portfolio and testimonials.
There are many benefits of being apart of being apart of a VA/Freelancer group.
It’s a great way to keep abreast of industry related news and skillsets in demand.
There you have it, my top three recommendations to find your first client.
Please let me know if you found this article helpful by leaving a comment, sharing and liking this post.
Feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or comments that you may have.
Seriously! I’d love to hear from you! Just give me a few days to respond.