5 Best Places to Get Clients as a Virtual Assistant (That Actually Work in 2025)

You've probably been told to "just sign up for Upwork and start bidding."

And if you've tried that... you know how well that worked out. Endless bidding wars with people charging $5/hour, generic job posts that get 50+ applications in the first hour, and clients who disappear after you've spent an hour crafting the perfect proposal.

Here's what nobody talks about: Upwork is one of the most used platforms globally, but screening and management are up to you, and if you want full control, you need to be willing to put in the work to vet candidates. The real opportunities aren't where everyone else is looking.

After working with dozens of successful VAs, I've noticed a pattern. The ones making $50+ per hour aren't grinding it out on the big freelance platforms. They're finding clients in places most people don't even think to look.

And the best part? Less competition means better clients, higher rates, and actual relationships instead of just transactions.

Why Most VAs Are Looking in All the Wrong Places

Before we dive into where you SHOULD be looking, let's talk about why the "obvious" places aren't working for most people.

The Freelance Platform Problem:

• Everyone goes there, so competition is fierce
• Clients expect bargain-basement prices
• It's hard to build real relationships
• The platform takes a cut of your earnings
• You're always starting from scratch with new clients

The "Spray and Pray" Problem: Most VAs are casting the widest possible net, hoping something will stick. But think about it from a client's perspective - would you rather hire someone who found you through a generic job board, or someone who took the time to understand your business and reached out personally?

The VAs who thrive understand something crucial: the best clients aren't actively posting "VA needed" ads. They're busy running their businesses, wishing they had help, but not sure where to find it.

That's your opportunity.

#1: LinkedIn (But Not How You Think)

Everyone knows LinkedIn exists. But most VAs use it completely wrong.

What doesn't work: Connecting with random people and immediately pitching your services.

What actually works: A well-structured profile makes the difference, and making connections is one of the best ways to find new clients

The Strategic LinkedIn Approach

Phase 1: Your Profile as a Client Magnet

Your LinkedIn profile shouldn't say "Virtual Assistant seeking opportunities." It should say "Problem solver for busy entrepreneurs."

Headline that works: Instead of: "Experienced Virtual Assistant | Administrative Support | Data Entry" Try: "I help real estate agents close more deals by handling their administrative workload | 15+ hours saved per week"

Summary that converts: Don't list what you do. Describe the problems you solve:

"Entrepreneurs are losing 15+ hours per week to administrative tasks that could be handled by someone else. That's where I come in.

I specialize in helping real estate professionals focus on what they do best - building relationships and closing deals - while I handle the behind-the-scenes work that keeps their business running smoothly.

My clients typically save 15-20 hours per week and see a 30% increase in their available time for revenue-generating activities."

Phase 2: The Connection Strategy

Target your ideal clients specifically:

• Real estate agents in your city
• Small business owners in specific industries
• Entrepreneurs who post about being "overwhelmed"
• Business coaches and consultants

The connection request that works: "Hi [Name], I noticed you're a [their profession] in [location]. I specialize in helping professionals in your field streamline their administrative processes. I'd love to learn more about your business - would you be open to connecting?"

Phase 3: The Value-First Engagement

Instead of pitching immediately:

• Comment thoughtfully on their posts
• Share relevant articles with personalized notes
• Offer quick tips or insights
• Build relationships before asking for anything

After 2-3 meaningful interactions: "Hi [Name], I've enjoyed our conversations about [specific topic]. I work with [their profession] to handle [specific pain point they've mentioned]. Would you be interested in a brief conversation about how I might be able to help streamline some of your administrative processes?"

The LinkedIn Success Metrics

Quality over quantity:

• 10 strategic connections > 100 random ones
• 1 personalized message > 10 generic pitches
• 3 ongoing conversations > 30 ignored connection requests

Sarah's LinkedIn Success Story: Connected with 50 real estate agents in her city over 3 months. Engaged with their content, offered helpful insights, and built genuine relationships. Result: 4 long-term clients at $35-45/hour without ever bidding on a job posting.

#2: Industry-Specific Communities (The Hidden Goldmine)

This is where smart VAs are finding their best clients, and most people don't even know these communities exist.

Facebook Groups (But the RIGHT Ones)

Not general VA groups - those are full of other VAs competing with you. Instead, join groups where your ideal clients hang out:

For Real Estate VAs:

• Local real estate agent groups
• Real estate investor communities
• Property management groups

For E-commerce VAs:

• Shopify store owner groups
• Amazon seller communities
• Online business owner groups

For Coach/Consultant VAs:

• Business coach communities
• Online course creator groups
• Entrepreneur networking groups

The Community Strategy:

1. Join 5-10 relevant groups
2. Spend 2 weeks just listening - understand their pain points
3. Start adding value - answer questions, share helpful resources
4. Build relationships before ever mentioning your services
5. When someone asks for help with something you can do, step in

Business Networking Groups (Like WeMeetWednesdays.com)

The power of organized networking:

• Pre-qualified business owners
• Structured environment for relationship building
• Referral opportunities
• Less competition from other VAs

Online networking events to search for:

• Use Facebook search for "business networking" and "business connections"
• Filter by "Events" and toggle "Online events"
• Look for weekly or monthly recurring events

Reddit Communities (The Overlooked Opportunity):

• r/entrepreneur
• r/smallbusiness
• Industry-specific subreddits (r/realestate, r/ecommerce, etc.)
• r/marketing (for marketing-focused VAs)

Reddit Strategy:

• Never pitch directly - it will get you banned
• Provide helpful answers to questions
• Build a reputation as someone knowledgeable
• Let people come to you through DMs

#3: Direct Outreach (The Method That Scares Everyone)

This is where most VAs get nervous. "I don't want to be pushy." "What if they think I'm spam?"

Here's the truth: Done correctly, direct outreach isn't pushy - it's helpful.

The Cold Email That Actually Works

Research is everything:

• Spend 10 minutes researching each prospect
• Find something specific about their business
• Identify a genuine problem you can solve

Subject lines that get opened:

• "Quick question about [their business name]'s administrative processes"
• "Noticed you're hiring - alternative solution?"
• "15 minutes to discuss streamlining your [specific process]?"

The email structure:

Hi [Name],

I was looking at [their website/recent post/business] and noticed [specific observation about their business].

[Specific problem you observed] is something I've helped several [their profession] solve. For example, I recently helped [similar client] [specific result you achieved].

I'm not sure if this would be relevant for [their business name], but I'd be happy to have a brief conversation about [specific solution] if you're interested.

Best regards,
[Your name]

P.S. [Specific additional value or insight]

Example that works: Hi Sarah,

I was looking at your real estate listings and noticed you've closed 15 properties this quarter - congratulations! That's impressive growth.

Managing follow-ups and administrative tasks for that volume must be challenging. I recently helped another agent in Denver streamline their client communication process, which freed up 12 hours per week for more showings.

I'm not sure if this would be relevant for your business, but I'd be happy to have a brief conversation about how I might help you reclaim some time if you're interested.

Best regards, Jessica

P.S. I also noticed you're using DocuSign - I can help optimize that workflow to save even more time on paperwork.

The Follow-Up Sequence

Week 1: Send initial email Week 2: Follow-up with additional value (article, tip, resource) Week 3: Final follow-up, then move on

Most people give up after no response to the first email. The money is in the follow-up.

Local Business Outreach

The advantage of local:

• Face-to-face relationship building opportunities
• Less competition from overseas VAs
• Higher rates due to local market rates
• Easier to understand their business context

Target local businesses that need VA services:

• Law firms
• Medical practices
• Real estate agencies
• Insurance agencies
• Consulting firms
• Marketing agencies

The local approach:

1. Drive around business districts and make notes
2. Research each business online
3. Send personalized emails referencing their location/community involvement
4. Offer to meet for coffee instead of just a phone call

#4: Referrals and Past Client Reactivation (The Easiest Sales You'll Ever Make)

Any client you've worked well with in the past can be an opportunity to get more work. If they don't have any work for you themselves, they may be able to refer you to someone else

This is the strategy most VAs completely ignore, but it's often the most profitable.

The Past Client Reactivation Email

Every 3-4 months, reach out to past clients:

Subject: Quick check-in + availability update

Hi [Name],

Hope you're doing well! I wanted to touch base and see how things are going with [specific project/area you helped with].

I have some availability opening up in [month] and wanted to let you know in case you have any upcoming projects where you could use support.

Even if you don't have anything right now, I'd love to know if there's anyone in your network who might benefit from [specific service you provided]. Some of my best client relationships have come through referrals from people like you.

Hope to hear from you soon!

[Your name]

The Referral System That Works

Make it easy for clients to refer you:

1. Create a simple referral sheet with your services and contact info
2. Offer a referral bonus (discount on their next project or cash)
3. Follow up with referred prospects quickly
4. Always thank the referring client regardless of outcome

The referral ask that works: "I'm looking to work with 2-3 more clients like you. Do you know any [their profession] who might benefit from [specific service]? I'd be happy to offer them the same level of service I've provided you."

[Image suggestion: Referral process flowchart showing how one client can lead to multiple opportunities]

#5: VA-Specific Job Boards and Communities (The Quality Options)

Not all job boards are created equal. While everyone's fighting over scraps on the big platforms, there are smaller, higher-quality options with less competition.

The Premium Platforms

FlexJobs (Subscription-based):

• Higher quality postings
• Pre-screened opportunities
• Less competition due to subscription fee
• Better client expectations

We Work Remotely:

• Focus on legitimate remote work
• Companies serious about remote hiring
• Higher-paying opportunities
• Professional presentation

Remote.co:

• Curated job listings
• Established companies
• Clear job descriptions
• Professional environment

VA-Specific Communities

Virtual Assistant Forums and Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA):

• Job postings specifically for VAs
• Networking opportunities with other professionals
• Industry-specific discussions
• Referral opportunities

Belay and Similar VA Companies: While you're working for their clients, you're also building experience and potentially finding direct client relationships for the future.

The Application Strategy for Premium Platforms

Quality over quantity approach:

• Apply to 5-10 carefully selected positions per week
• Customize each application thoroughly
• Research the company extensively
• Follow up professionally

Stand out from other applicants:

• Include specific examples relevant to their industry
• Demonstrate knowledge of their business model
• Offer insights or suggestions in your cover letter
• Show genuine interest in their company mission

The Strategic Approach: Your 90-Day Client Acquisition Plan

Month 1: Foundation Building

Week 1: Set up LinkedIn profile and join 5 industry-specific communities Week 2: Research 50 potential clients and create target list Week 3: Start engaging in communities and connecting on LinkedIn Week 4: Send first batch of direct outreach emails (10-15)

Month 2: Relationship Building

Week 1: Continue community engagement and LinkedIn connections Week 2: Follow up on initial outreach and send second batch Week 3: Reach out to past clients for reactivation/referrals Week 4: Apply to premium job board opportunities

Month 3: Optimization and Scaling

Week 1: Analyze what's working and double down on successful strategies Week 2: Refine messaging based on client responses Week 3: Focus on converting conversations into contracts Week 4: Plan next quarter's client acquisition strategy

Leading indicators (activities you control):

• LinkedIn connections made per week
• Community posts/comments per week
• Direct outreach emails sent per week
• Follow-up emails sent per week

Lagging indicators (results):

• Response rates to outreach
• Discovery calls booked per week
• Conversion rate from call to client
• Average project value

Monthly review questions:

• Which strategies generated the most responses?
• What messaging resonated best with prospects?
• Which client sources provided the highest-value opportunities?
• Where should you focus more time next month?

Common Mistakes That Kill Your Client Acquisition Efforts

The Desperation Trap

What it looks like: Accepting any client at any rate just to get started Why it hurts: Sets low-rate expectations and attracts problem clients Better approach: Hold out for clients who value and pay for quality work

The Generic Outreach Problem

What it looks like: Copy-pasting the same message to everyone Why it hurts: Obviously generic messages get ignored or deleted Better approach: Spend time researching and personalizing each outreach

The One-Channel Mistake

What it looks like: Putting all effort into just one platform or strategy Why it hurts: Creates feast-or-famine cycles when that channel dries up Better approach: Use 3-4 different client acquisition methods simultaneously

The Follow-Up Failure

What it looks like: Sending one email and giving up when there's no response Why it hurts: Most deals happen after multiple touchpoints Better approach: Plan a 3-4 touchpoint follow-up sequence for every prospect

Pricing Strategy for Each Client Source

Different client sources typically support different price points:

Premium Pricing Sources ($50+/hour)

• Direct outreach to established businesses
• LinkedIn relationships
• Referrals from existing clients
• Industry-specific communities

Mid-Range Pricing Sources ($25-50/hour)

• Premium job boards (FlexJobs, etc.)
• Professional networking groups
• VA-specific communities
• Local business outreach

Entry-Level Pricing Sources ($15-25/hour)

• General freelance platforms (for building initial experience)
• Generic job boards
• Starting rates in new niches

The pricing progression strategy: Start where you can get clients, deliver exceptional value, raise rates every 3-6 months, and gradually shift to higher-paying client sources.

Success Stories: Real VAs, Real Results

Jennifer's LinkedIn Strategy: Started with 0 connections in her target market. Over 6 months, built relationships with 100+ business owners in her niche. Result: 5 steady clients at $40-60/hour, all from LinkedIn relationships.

Marcus's Community Approach: Joined 8 Facebook groups for e-commerce store owners. Spent 3 months building relationships and providing value. Result: Became the "go-to VA" in those communities, with consistent referrals and $45+/hour rates.

Priya's Direct Outreach Success: Researched and contacted 200 local businesses over 4 months. Got a 15% response rate and converted 8% to clients. Result: 6 local clients at premium rates with face-to-face relationship building.

The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Here's what most VAs get wrong: they think they're selling VA services.

You're not.

You're selling:

• Time freedom for busy entrepreneurs
• Peace of mind for overwhelmed business owners
• Growth capacity for scaling companies
• Professional representation for their brand

The difference in approach: Instead of: "I can do administrative tasks" Think: "I can give you back 15 hours per week to focus on growing your revenue"

Instead of: "I need work"
Think: "I solve problems for businesses like yours"

This mindset shift changes:

• How you present yourself
• Where you look for clients
• What you charge for your services
• How confident you feel in sales conversations

Your Next Steps (The Action Plan)

This week:

1. Choose ONE strategy from this list (LinkedIn, communities, or direct outreach)
2. Set up your profile/research for that strategy
3. Take the first 5 actions (connections, community joins, or research)

This month:

1. Implement your chosen strategy consistently
2. Track your metrics and response rates
3. Begin adding a second client acquisition method
4. Reach out to past clients for referrals

This quarter:

1. Have 3 different client acquisition methods running
2. Convert your first clients from these strategies
3. Raise your rates based on demand and results
4. Build systems for ongoing client acquisition

Remember: The goal isn't to get any client. It's to get the RIGHT clients at the RIGHT rates doing work you actually enjoy.

These strategies work because they focus on building relationships and solving real problems, not just competing on price with every other VA on the internet.

The virtual assistant market is growing, but so is the competition. The VAs who thrive are the ones who go where others aren't looking and build genuine relationships instead of just sending applications.

Your ideal clients are out there right now, wishing they had someone like you to help them. The question is: are you looking in the right places?

Ready to find better clients? Pick one strategy from this list and take action today. Six months from now, you'll wish you had started sooner.

Which strategy resonates most with you? Drop a comment and let's make this happen.