8 Real Ways to Find High Paying Virtual Assistant Clients (Even as a Beginner!)

With over 150,000 new businesses started everyday, the demand for virtual assistants (VAs) is skyrocketing!

Whether you’re a VA looking to snag high end clients from the get-go or you’re an established VA seeking to build a sustainable and profitable career, you’re in the right place.

In this in-depth guide, I cover all of the best places to connect with high-paying clients online, including tips and tricks to stand out in a crowded market.

Best Places to Find High Paying Virtual Assistant Clients

1) Specialized Job Boards and Freelance Platforms

Specialized job boards tailored for remote work and freelance platforms are goldmines for VA opportunities!

And no, this doesn’t mean you have to skimp on your prices either.

Websites like Upwork and Fiverr allow VAs to showcase their skills and set their own prices for their services.

Get good reviews consistently and keep clients coming back and Fiverr and Upwork are very likely to give you a ‘most recommended’ or ‘client favorite’ badge and push you as a featured listing, even if your prices are much, much higher than everyone else.

These platforms are forever seeking to push and promote high quality talent, so they’re more than happy to push good freelancers.

To maximize visibility and attract high-paying clients, make sure to optimize your profile with a professional portfolio, relevant skills, and compelling descriptions.

On Upwork, use the search filters to narrow down job listings based on pay rates and project scopes, enabling you to focus on lucrative opportunities.

2) LinkedIn

LinkedIn has emerged as a powerhouse for professional networking and client acquisition.

Whilst it might take anywhere between 3-6 months of consistent publishing to gain traction, it’s more than worthwhile.

The average Virtual Assistant on Linkedin finds an additional $65,000 worth of work every year, all of which are jobs that are never advertised anywhere else.

Create a polished LinkedIn profile highlighting your VA expertise, testimonials, and achievements.

You’ll also want to grow your network and proactively reach out to potential clients through personalized messages, showcasing how your services can add value to their business.

Not sure where to start?

Use LinkedIn’s advanced search feature to identify businesses or entrepreneurs in need of VA support, increasing your chances of landing high-paying gigs.

3) Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be a little hit and miss, but with a little time and patience they do serve as valuable avenues for promoting your VA services.

Instagram is more likely to create a passive stream of clients aka they reach out to you, than any other platform.

The average Instagram VA draws in an additional $42,000 of work a year, with top earners making well over 6 figures just from social media clients alone.

To succeed on socials, you’ll want to create dedicated business profiles to showcase your skills, testimonials (if you have them), and offerings.

To make sure you’re appearing in your ideal’s clients feeds, make sure you’re using relevant hashtags for your niche.

4) Virtual Assistant Directories

Listing your services on virtual assistant directories can significantly boost your visibility within the VA community and attract high-paying clients.

Websites like Virtual Assistant Assistant, Virtual Assistant Finder, and VA Networking offer directories where businesses can search for VAs based on their specific needs and requirements.

These directories are very competitive though, so make sure you highlight your unique selling points, areas of specialization, and client testimonials.

Regularly update your profile with new skills and experiences to stay competitive in the market.

The average VA can find anywhere between an extra $5,000-$12,000 a year from directory referrals.

5) Industry-Specific Forums and Websites

This is a bit of a hidden gem that I uncovered whilst looking for my own VA!

Targeting niche industries or specialized forums related to your skills can uncover hidden opportunities for high-paying VA clients.

Whether it’s real estate, finance, or digital marketing, there are online communities where businesses seek virtual support tailored to their industry needs.

Some good ones to look might include:

1) Moz Community

Moz’s community forum is a hub for SEO professionals and marketers.
VAs with skills in keyword research, link building, and SEO optimization can find opportunities here.

2) Shopify Community Forums

VAs proficient in Shopify store management, product listing optimization, and customer service can engage with Shopify merchants seeking virtual support.

3) HealthBoards

A platform where individuals discuss various health topics and seek support.
VAs with expertise in health coaching, nutrition planning, and online wellness programs can offer their services to individuals or businesses in the health and wellness industry.

4) The Fastlane Forum

A community for entrepreneurs focused on wealth creation and unconventional business strategies.
VAs with financial expertise, such as bookkeeping, financial analysis, and investment research, can offer their services to members seeking support with their ventures.

5) Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forum

A travel community where users share tips, advice, and travel experiences.
VAs specializing in travel planning, itinerary management, and customer service can engage with travelers and travel businesses seeking virtual assistance.

The key here though is to participate in discussions NATURALLY, share valuable insights, and establish yourself as an expert within these communities without over-selling too much.

By showcasing your industry knowledge and offering solutions to common pain points, you’ll attract high-paying clients looking for specialized VA services.

6) Referrals and Word-of-Mouth

Harnessing the power of referrals and word-of-mouth can be a game-changer in securing high-paying VA clients.

Deliver exceptional service to your existing clients, exceeding their expectations and fostering long-term relationships.

Encourage satisfied clients to refer you to their network or provide testimonials that showcase your reliability and professionalism.

7) Cold Pitching and Email Marketing

Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of cold pitching and email marketing in reaching high-paying clients directly.

Just be prepared for a lot of rejections before you hit your streak of ‘yeses’.

Research businesses or entrepreneurs who could benefit from your VA services and craft personalized pitches that address their pain points and showcase your value proposition.

Keep your pitches concise, compelling, and tailored to each recipient to increase engagement and response rates.

Building an email list of potential clients and regularly sending out newsletters or updates can also keep you top-of-mind when they require VA assistance.

Starting a blog and having an email sign-up box is a good way to capture people who like the look of your services but aren’t ready to commit just yet!

With a simple email sequence, you can turn these cold leads into warm potential clients.

8) Freelance Marketplaces for Executives

Platforms like FreeUp and Belay cater specifically to executives and businesses in need of premium virtual support.

These marketplaces pre-screen VAs to ensure quality and match them with clients seeking high-level assistance, though you should know they do take a percentage of your commission, anywhere between 30-40%.

Apply to become a registered VA on these platforms and undergo their vetting process to access exclusive opportunities with high-paying clients.

By positioning yourself as a top-tier VA with specialized skills and expertise, you’ll stand out in a competitive market and attract clients willing to pay premium rates for your services.

8 Real Ways to Find High Paying Virtual Assistant Clients (Even as a Beginner!)

Best Places to Find High Paying Virtual Assistant Clients