How to Showcase Your Value as a VA and Attract New Clients
As a Virtual Assistant, it’s not just about what you can do, it’s about how you communicate the value you offer. Here’s how you can make your profile stand out and attract the right clients.
1. Identify and Highlight Your Most Relevant Skills
As a VA, you likely have a wide range of skills: from managing social media to organizing schedules and handling complex administrative tasks. The first step is to identify the specific skills that will be most attractive to potential clients.
Tip: Create a list of your skills and categorize them by area. This will make it easier for you to emphasize those that align best with each client’s needs.
2. Tell a Story in Your Profile or Introduction
A well-told story is more memorable than a list of skills. Have you helped a company save time or increase productivity? Have you worked with clients from various industries? These details will help clients envision what it would be like to work with you.
Tip: Use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure work experiences. This format, recommended by many university career programs, allows you to clearly and concisely share examples of how you addressed specific situations.
3. Build a Visual Portfolio
A portfolio is an ideal way to showcase your achievements in a tangible way. You can include examples of tasks you’ve completed, project screenshots, or even client testimonials. A visual portfolio also makes it easier for clients to understand your experience at a glance.
Tip: If you work in areas like graphic design or marketing, platforms like Behance or Canva can help you build a professional, visually appealing portfolio. For more insights into why building a portfolio is essential for your career, check out the article "Why a Portfolio is Important for Your Career” from Capella University
4. Add Links to Your CV to Showcase Your Skills and Experience
In today’s digital job market, adding links to your CV or portfolio can significantly enhance your profile and make it easier for clients to verify your experience. With hyperlinks to certificates, past projects, and even LinkedIn profiles, clients get a quick, credible view of your qualifications. Here are some reasons why adding links to you CV is a good idea:
Verification: Links to certificates, past employers’ websites, and social profiles help clients quickly confirm your credentials.
Professionalism and Attention to Detail: A CV with links demonstrates a tech-savvy, organized approach, which is especially valuable in remote roles like virtual assistance.
SEO and Personal Branding: Traffic to your LinkedIn or portfolio through these links boosts your visibility and professional footprint online.
Client Convenience: Links give clients easy access to deeper details on your skills and experience, enhancing their user experience and building trust.
Here are some ideas for useful links to add to your CV as a Virtual Assistant:
Certification Programs: Links to official certification programs, such as a project management course or a VA-specific training program, help validate specialized skills.
Company Websites: If you’ve worked with recognizable brands or companies, linking to their websites provides clients with a clearer idea of your experience.
Project Samples or Portfolio: Links to a personal website or platforms like Behance can showcase specific projects you’ve managed or creative work samples.
Professional Profiles: Link to your LinkedIn profile for a comprehensive view of your work history, endorsements, and recommendations.
Online Events or Webinars: If you’ve presented at an industry event or attended a reputable workshop, linking to its website can show your commitment to continuous learning.
5. Showcase Your Soft Skills
“Soft” skills are becoming more valuable than ever. Studies from Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education reveal that skills like analytical and creative thinking are ranked among the top skills sought by employers in 2024. Highlighting these skills in your interactions or portfolio—such as by describing how you creatively solved past client issues—can show clients you’re capable of both analytical and out-of-the-box solutions
Tip: Include examples that demonstrate how your soft skills have helped you handle challenging situations, adapt to rapid changes, or maintain good client relationships. To explore which human skills are most critical in remote work, check out our guide on “Human Skills Every VA Needs in Remote Work”.
6. Be Clear and Concise in Your Introductory Messages
When reaching out to a new client, clarity and precision are your allies. Avoid unnecessary jargon, and organize your points so the client can quickly identify your value proposition.
Tip: Before sending a proposal, make sure it is brief and clear, focusing on how you can help the client achieve their goals. Mention specific results you’ve achieved in similar projects.
Conclusion
Showcasing your value as a Virtual Assistant is about highlighting your skills, demonstrating results, and communicating clearly and strategically. Leverage your experience, emphasize your most relevant skills, and don’t hesitate to showcase your professional personality. These tips will help you capture your next clients’ interest and stand out as the reliable VA they’re seeking. Good luck!
Want to elevate your VA profile and stand out to more clients? Contact us today for a personalized consultation!
