How to become a

General Virtual Assistant

A Step-by-step guide

Becoming a General Virtual Assistant (GVA) requires a combination of skills, experience, and a strategic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you become a successful General VA:


  • Assess Your Skills and Interests: Determine what skills you have that are applicable to virtual assistance. These can include administrative skills, communication skills, technical skills, and more. Also, consider your interests and strengths.


  • Gain Necessary Skills: If you lack any skills required for virtual assistance, such as proficiency in certain software or specific tasks like bookkeeping or social media management, consider taking online courses or getting certifications to build your skillset.


  • Set Up Your Workspace: Create a conducive workspace at home. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection, a quiet environment, and the necessary equipment like a computer, headset, and any other tools you might need.


  • Create a Professional Presence: Build a professional online presence. This includes creating a professional-looking website or online portfolio showcasing your skills, experience, and services. You should also have professional profiles on platforms like LinkedIn and freelance websites.


  • Define Your Services: Decide on the services you want to offer as a VA. General VAs typically offer a wide range of services including email management, calendar management, data entry, customer support, social media management, and more.


  • Set Your Rates: Determine your pricing structure. Research the rates charged by other VAs with similar experience and skills. Consider whether you will charge hourly, per project, or on a retainer basis.
  • Market Yourself: Start marketing your services. Use social media platforms, online forums, and freelance marketplaces to connect with potential clients. Networking is key - let friends, family, and professional contacts know about your new venture.


  • Apply for Jobs: Look for job opportunities on freelance websites like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and Remote.co. Apply to relevant job postings and tailor your applications to highlight your skills and experience.


  • Provide Excellent Service: Once you start working with clients, make sure to deliver high-quality work consistently. Communication is crucial - keep your clients updated on the progress of tasks and be responsive to their messages.


  • Seek Feedback and Improve: After completing tasks or projects, ask your clients for feedback. Use this feedback to improve your skills and services. Continuous learning and improvement are essential in the virtual assistance field.


  • Expand Your Skills and Services: As you gain experience, consider expanding your skills and services to meet the evolving needs of your clients. This could involve learning new software, taking on more specialized tasks, or even hiring subcontractors to help with workload.


  • Manage Your Time Efficiently: Effective time management is critical when working as a VA. Use tools like calendars, task managers, and time-tracking software to stay organized and ensure you meet deadlines.


Remember, becoming a successful General Virtual Assistant takes time and effort, but with dedication and persistence, you can build a thriving career in this field.


  1. Assess Your Skills and Interests:
  2. Administrative Skills: This includes tasks like email management, calendar scheduling, data entry, and file organization.


  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for interacting with clients and team members.


  • Technical Skills: Familiarize yourself with tools like Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets), project management software (like Asana or Trello), and communication tools (such as Slack or Zoom).


  • Specialized Skills: Depending on your interests or career goals, you might want to develop specialized skills such as social media management, graphic design, content writing, bookkeeping, or SEO.

2. Gain Necessary Skills:

  • Online Courses and Certifications: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on various topics relevant to virtual assistance.


  • Free Resources: Don't underestimate the value of free resources like YouTube tutorials, blogs, and forums where you can learn new skills at your own pace.+


3. Set Up Your Workspace:

  • Ergonomic Setup: Ensure your workspace is ergonomically friendly to prevent physical strain during long hours of work.


  • Distraction-Free Environment: Minimize distractions as much as possible to maintain focus and productivity.


4. Create a Professional Presence:

  • Website or Portfolio: Your website or portfolio should showcase your skills, experiences, testimonials from past clients, and contact information.


  • LinkedIn Profile: Optimize your LinkedIn profile to highlight your skills and experiences relevant to virtual assistance.


  • Professional Email Address: Use a professional email address for communication with clients.

5. Define Your Services:

  • General Administrative Support: Offer services such as email management, calendar organization, data entry, and travel arrangements.
  • Customer Service Support: Provide customer support via email, chat, or phone.


  • Content Creation and Management: Offer services like social media management, content creation, and blog management.


  • Specialized Services: Depending on your skills, you can offer specialized services such as graphic design, bookkeeping, or website maintenance.


6. Set Your Rates:

  • Hourly vs. Project-Based: Decide whether you'll charge hourly rates, project-based fees, or a combination of both.


  • Competitive Pricing: Research the rates charged by other VAs with similar skills and experience to ensure your pricing is competitive.

7. Market Yourself:

  • Networking: Join online communities, attend webinars, and participate in forums related to virtual assistance.


  • Content Creation: Write blog posts, create videos, or share tips on social media to demonstrate your expertise.


  • Referral Program: Offer incentives for clients who refer new business to you.


8. Apply for Jobs:

  • Customize Applications: Tailor your applications to each job posting to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.


  • Build Your Profile: Complete your profile on freelance platforms with detailed descriptions of your skills and experiences.


9. Provide Excellent Service:

  • Communication: Regularly communicate with clients to understand their needs and provide updates on task progress.


  • Quality Work: Strive to deliver high-quality work that meets or exceeds client expectations.


  • Professionalism: Maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions with clients.


10. Seek Feedback and Improve:

  • Feedback Loop: Regularly ask clients for feedback on your work to identify areas for improvement.


  • Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends and technologies to expand your skills and services.


11. Expand Your Skills and Services:

  • Upskilling: Continuously learn new skills to stay competitive in the market.


  • Specialization: Consider specializing in a niche area where you can offer unique value to clients.



12. Manage Your Time Efficiently:

  • Time-Tracking Tools: Use time-tracking software to monitor the time spent on different tasks and projects.


  • Prioritization: Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance to meet deadlines effectively.


By following these expanded steps, you can develop a strong foundation and excel as a General Virtual Assistant.


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Jennifer Schultz