How will business owners know you are available as a Virtual Assistant if you don’t tell them? I know it seems to be a matter of common sense but at times we become so focused on setting up our business, organizing our office, determining our prices and what services to offer, and connecting with other VAs we actually neglect the task of advertising. Advertising or marketing our business in every way possible is the best way of ensuring our target market knows who we are and how we can solve their problems or supply a need.

How can we reach potential clients?

1. Yellow Page Ads – in your local telephone book. It will depend upon what services you offer as to which section will apply to you. If bookkeeping is your focus then it is suggested you list your business under “Bookkeeping Service” or if you mainly provide typing services then “Typing Services” or “Administrative Services” would apply. Not every phone book is set up the same so it will depend upon your local phone company. If you live in a small town it might be a good idea to also list your company in the phone book of the closest large city, giving you even more exposure.
2. Pennysaver or local classified type of paper. Most areas have a classified type of paper listing for sale items, job opportunities, etc. This is another inexpensive method of advertising and may give you a great deal of exposure.
3. Local Newspaper: Advertise using an ad or place your service in the classified section.
4. Forums for targeting your niche clients. What forums do your potential clients belong to? Are you also an interactive member? If not, you should be. Connect and interact with other members sharing ideas, assistance or even asking questions. Become known as a valuable resource in the forum community and someone they will turn to when they need your type of services.
5. Chamber of Commerce. This is a perfect opportunity for a Virtual Assistant to be involved in their community and connect with other business owners. Well worth the yearly fee.
6. Craigslist. Not only should you be posting your business regularly on this free service you should also be watching for others who need your services. Each major city has a designated section – review ads for your city but don’t forget you are “virtual” so look elsewhere. Don’t limit yourself.
7. Forums. Connect with other Virtual Assistants by becoming involved in forums specific to VAs. Not only will you connect with others who are doing the same type of work you are, you may get referrals from other Virtual Assistants who are overloaded or not qualified to do certain type of jobs.
8. Networking through social media. Don’t neglect LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter. This is a perfect place to connect with your target client as well as other Virtual Assistants. Post regularly and connect with others. Don’t spam – others don’t like it.
9. Create a Signature. Every piece of correspondence or email that comes from your office should include at the very least your name, name of your business, your website and information as how they can reach you.
10. Flyers and brochures. Post them everywhere! If you are looking for local clients (and you should be) then post your brochures or flyers on every bulletin board you can find. Have your kids deliver them door to door in both the business section of your town but also the residential areas. Don’t forget there are many people working from their homes who could use your services too.
11. Business Cards. Make them stand out – with the information of who you are, how they can reach you and what you can do for them. Give them to everyone you meet! Actually hand out two at a time in case they wish to give one of your cards to a friend or they lose one.
12. Word of mouth or referrals. Probably one of the best ways of advertising your business is through word of mouth or referrals from current clients or family. Talk your business up with everyone! Let your family and friends know what you are doing and ask them for referrals. Don’t be bashful – you are in business and looking for clients.

The above ways of advertising your business are not necessarily going to work for everyone but they should all be tested to see which works best. You may decide to stay with one method or a combination of two or three. Not everything works for everyone.

When someone contacts you, find out where they got your name so you can keep track of what is working or not. Don’t neglect those thank you cards if the contact came from a referral. Everyone likes to be appreciated.

You are in business. Let the world know about it!

Source by CarolAnn Quibell