How I Make $10,000 a Month as a Virtual Assistant In Just 8 Months

Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about breaking free from the shackles of the traditional 9 to 5 grind, living life on your own terms, and making a comfortable living from the comfort of your own home?

Well, today you’re in luck!

I’m going to show you how to turn that dream into a reality as a virtual assistant (VA) and rake in a sweet $10k+ a month!

And to prove it’s possible, I’ll be interviewing Brooke Bailey, a former project manager and now stay at home mom.

Brooke makes over $10k a month online as a virtual assistant and we’ll dive deep into what it really takes, how to snag those first clients and find out just how lucrative this path is.

What Does a Virtual Assistant Do?

Now, before we dive headfirst into the nitty-gritty of how to make this happen, let’s take a moment to understand what exactly a virtual assistant is.

Think of yourself as a human time-saver, swooping in to save the day for busy entrepreneurs and businesses.

How? By handling tasks remotely, from scheduling appointments to managing social media accounts.

As a VA, you’ll be the ultimate multitasking maestro, juggling various responsibilities with finesse and attention to detail.

How to Make $10k a Month as a Virtual Assistant Online (Even With No Prior Experience)

Step 1: Find Your Money Making Niche

Every successful VA has their niche.

Whilst you can absolutely be a general VA – meaning you will work with anyone and everyone – you’ll be putting yourself into a giant pool of competition.

Identifying your niche or niches (you can specialise in more than one area!) will set you apart from the competition and attract high-paying clients who value your specialized skills that they can’t get anywhere else.

The Most Profitable VA Niches right now are:

General Small Business Management (e.g. email management, calendar scheduling, data entry, and document preparation)
E-Commerce Support (e.g. product listing optimization, order processing, customer service, and inventory management)
Graphic design
Digital Marketing (e.g. email marketing, content creation, SEO)
Social Media Management
Bookkeeping (e.g. invoicing, expense tracking etc)
Personal Branding & Influencer Support (social media management, content creation, influencer outreach etc)

Step 2: Invest in Yourself to Get Started

If you know very little about becoming a virtual assistant, it’s helpful to take a quick starter course.

Whilst you can absolutely pay someone $100’s to do this, you can find many cheaper options on places such as Udemy.

Take these best-selling ones with Erin Booth or Deborah Snell for example – where they’ll give you templates, scripts, basic tools you need and more.

Bonus! Continuous learning not only helps you stay ahead of the curve but also boosts your credibility in the eyes of potential clients.

Step 3: Get and Know How to Use the Right Tools

Most of these tools you’ll already be familiar with, but just in case, here’s what a typical ‘tech stack’ might look like as a Virtual Assistant.

You definitely won’t need to use all of these, and your clients will let you know which ones are right for you, but it helps to see what you might need to brush up on.

1) Communication Tools

Email Client: Use email clients like Gmail or Outlook to manage your email correspondence efficiently.
Instant Messaging: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Skype facilitate real-time communication with clients and team members.
Video Conferencing: Platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams enable virtual meetings and video conferences with clients.

2) Project Management Tools

Asana or Similar: Keep track of deadlines, assign tasks, and streamline project workflows with Asana’s project management features.

3) File Storage and Sharing

Google Drive/Dropbox: Store, share, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with clients using Google Drive/Dropbox.

4) Note-Taking and Organization

Google Docs/One Note: Capture ideas, take notes, and organize information across multiple devices with these note-taking apps.
Notion: Build custom workflows, organize projects, and collaborate with clients using Notion’s all-in-one workspace.

5) Social Media Management

Buffer/Hootsuite: Schedule posts, analyze performance, and manage multiple social media accounts from a single dashboard with Buffer’s social media management tool.
Tailwind: This is purely for Pinterest scheduling. If your client uses Pinterest, you’ll likely need to use it unless you want to manually pin everything, which is pretty time consuming.

6) Design and Creativity

Canva: Create professional-looking graphics, presentations, and marketing materials using Canva’s intuitive design tools and templates.
Adobe Creative Cloud (Not always needed): Access a suite of professional design tools, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for more advanced design projects.

7) Bookkeeping and Invoicing (If Applicable)

QuickBooks: Manage finances, track expenses, and generate invoices for clients using QuickBooks’ accounting software.
FreshBooks: Create professional invoices, track billable hours, and manage expenses with FreshBooks’ accounting and invoicing software.

Step 4: Create a Killer Portfolio

Your portfolio is your virtual calling card, so make it shine!

Showcase your expertise, previous work samples, and client testimonials in a visually appealing and easy-to-navigate format that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who stumbles upon it.

Here’s What I Personally Would Put Into an Amazing Portfolio;

1) Introduction

Start with a brief introduction that highlights your background, skills, and areas of expertise as a virtual assistant.
Clearly state your mission statement or value proposition, emphasizing how you can help clients achieve their goals and solve their pain points.

2) Services Offered

Provide a detailed list of the services you offer as a virtual assistant, categorized by areas of specialization or skill sets.
Highlight any specialized skills or expertise that set you apart from other virtual assistants in your niche.

3) Work Samples

Showcase examples of your past work to demonstrate your capabilities and the quality of your work.
Include before-and-after snapshots, case studies, or testimonials from satisfied clients to add credibility and showcase your impact.
If possible, provide tangible results or metrics achieved through your work, such as increased productivity, cost savings, or improved client satisfaction.

4) Portfolio Projects

Highlight specific projects or tasks you’ve completed for past clients/OR projects you’ve done yourself if you have no clients, providing a brief overview of the project scope, your role, and the outcomes achieved.
Include a variety of project types to showcase your versatility and ability to handle different types of tasks and projects.
Use visual elements such as screenshots, graphics, or videos to make your portfolio projects more engaging and visually appealing.

5) Client Testimonials

Incorporate testimonials or reviews from satisfied clients to build trust and credibility with potential clients.
Include quotes or excerpts from clients that highlight your professionalism, reliability, and the value you’ve provided to their business.
If possible, include client logos or links to their websites to add further credibility to your testimonials.

6) Skills and Expertise

Create a section dedicated to outlining your skills, expertise, and areas of specialization as a virtual assistant.
Use bullet points or a visual chart to clearly list your skills, organized by categories such as administrative skills, technical skills, communication skills, etc.
Highlight any certifications, training, or qualifications relevant to your skills and expertise.

7) Contact Information

Make it easy for potential clients to reach out to you by including your contact information prominently in your portfolio.
Provide multiple contact options, such as email, phone number, and social media profiles, to accommodate different preferences.

Step 5: Master the Art of Networking

They say it’s not what you know, but who you know, and this rings especially true in the world of freelancing!

Leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn, join online communities and attend networking events to expand your professional network and land lucrative gigs.

Step 6: Ace Your Pitch

Crafting a compelling pitch is key to winning over potential clients and sealing the deal.

Tailor your pitch to each client’s specific needs, highlight the value you can bring to their business, and don’t forget to sprinkle in a dash of personality to make yourself memorable.

Step 7: Deliver Exceptional Results

Once you’ve landed a gig, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and show your clients what you’re made of.

The key to hitting 10k months and beyond is by keeping your clients coming back for me.

It’s much easier and cheaper to keep a current client than it is to go find a new one.

Consistently deliver high-quality work, meet deadlines, and go above and beyond to exceed your client’s expectations.

Happy clients are repeat clients, and repeat clients are the bread and butter of a successful VA business.

Step 8: Scale Up Your Business

As your client base grows and your skills evolve, don’t be afraid to scale up your business and increase your rates accordingly.

Remember, you’re worth every penny, so don’t sell yourself short!

Average VA pay is $60/hour, but if you have experience, always deliver great results and solve more problems than you create, it’s not unheard of to charge closer to the $100/hour mark.

Step 9: Diversify Your Income Streams

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Explore different avenues for generating income as a VA, whether it’s through affiliate marketing, creating digital products, or offering consulting services.

The more diverse your income streams, the more resilient your business will be in the face of economic uncertainty.

Real Success Story: Brooke Bailey, Makes $120,000+ a Year Online

Now, we’ll jump to the interview I held with Brooke.

As a reminder, Brooke is a former project manager turned stay at home mom, who now makes just over $10k a month as a VA, working roughly 30 hours a week.

Q: Hey Brooke, thanks for joining me today! Let’s jump right in. How did you get started as a virtual assistant?

A: Hey Charlotte! Thanks for having me. Well, my journey into the virtual assistant world started a few years ago when I was looking for ways to supplement my income while maintaining flexibility.

I stumbled upon the idea of virtual assisting and decided to give it a shot. It was actually pretty easy to get started!

I started small, offering services like email management and social media scheduling to local small business owners.

A lot of them were crying out for help but couldn’t get it on the right time zone or had bad experiences hiring online previously, so it was easy for me to pitch to them.

As I gained experience and confidence, I expanded my skill set and client base, and now I work with clients around the world.

Q. What’s the reality of being a virtual assistant? Did you set out to become one?

A: It’s not a glamorous role in the sense you get to dress up, get in a fancy car and drive to a building in the city, but it does give you total freedom.

Most mornings I’m in pajamas, coffee in hand, and start work at 10am.

I never had that luxury in the corporate world. That’s the beauty of being a virtual assistant!

Q: That sounds like a gradual but rewarding process. What are some of the key tasks you handle as a virtual assistant?

A: I’m not going to lie as a virtual assistant, I wear many hats.

Some of the tasks I handle on a daily basis include managing emails, scheduling appointments, conducting research, drafting documents and presentations, handling social media accounts, and even providing customer support.

Some clients sell courses and online products and need me to provide basic customer service to their clients.

Some problems are a little tricky at times, but nothing I can’t handle.

It’s a diverse role that keeps me on my toes, but I love the variety it offers.

Q: It sounds like there’s never a dull moment! How do you manage your time effectively while juggling multiple tasks and clients?

A: Time management is crucial in this line of work. I rely heavily on tools like calendar apps and project management software to stay organized.

I use Motion.co above anything else.

It’s my go-to app and though it’s a little pricey, I just tell the software what I need to achieve this week.

It calculates every single task out for me, day by day, so I always meet tight deadlines and never have to worry about what to do next or what order to do it in.

Q: I also use Motion, it’s a pretty neat tool. So speaking of clients, how do you find and attract clients as a virtual assistant?

A: Building a client base takes some time and effort, but it’s definitely achievable.

Like I said, I found my first 4-5 clients locally, and then once I built my portfolio started using online platforms to network.

Networking has been instrumental for me—I leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential clients and showcase my skills.

I also utilize freelancing websites, job boards and online marketplaces to find job opportunities.

Providing excellent service and asking for referrals from satisfied clients has been another effective strategy for me.

Q: Building relationships seems to be a recurring theme here. How do you maintain strong relationships with your clients?

A: Communication is absolutely key when it comes to client relationships. I make it a priority to be responsive, reliable, and proactive in my communication.

Regular check-ins and progress updates help keep clients informed and reassured. Building trust and rapport is essential for long-term partnerships.

Q: Trust is definitely the foundation of any successful business relationship. Now, let’s talk numbers. How do you price your services as a virtual assistant?

A: Pricing can vary depending on factors like the scope of work, the complexity of tasks, and the client’s budget.

When determining my rates, I consider the value I bring to the table, as well as industry standards.

Hourly rates and project-based pricing are both common models in the virtual assistant world.

I also offer retainer packages for clients who require ongoing support. It’s important to strike a balance between fair compensation and competitive pricing.

Q: Finding that balance is crucial indeed. Now, let’s get to the big question: how do you make 10k a month as a virtual assistant?

A: Ah, the million-dollar question!

Making 10k a month as a virtual assistant is definitely achievable with the right approach. For me, it’s been a combination of factors.

First and foremost, I prioritize high-value clients who are willing to pay for premium services.

I’ve also diversified my income streams by offering additional services such as consulting or virtual event management.

Scaling my business by expanding my service offerings into more profitable niches has also played a role in increasing my revenue.

I work with a lot of solopreneurs and digital nomads now too, which is super cool and highly profitable!

Q: It sounds like a well-rounded approach that’s paid off handsomely! Any final words of wisdom for aspiring virtual assistants?

A: My biggest piece of advice for aspiring virtual assistants is to never stop learning and growing.

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, but that also means there’s a ton of room for you to move into this field and grow.

Invest in yourself by honing your skills, staying ahead of industry trends, and seeking out opportunities for professional development.

And don’t be afraid to take calculated risks and push yourself out of your comfort zone!

With dedication, persistence, and a dash of creativity, you can absolutely achieve success as a virtual assistant.