- Step 1: Lay the Foundation for Your VA Business
- Step 2: Set Up Your VA Tools
- Step 3: Build a Simple VA Services Menu
- Step 4: Create a VA Pricing Strategy
- Step 5: Start Finding Clients (Even Without a Website)
- Bonus: Build a Weekly VA Routine
- Download the Printable Virtual Assistant Starter Checklist
- What to Read Next
Are you ready to launch a career as a virtual assistant but feel overwhelmed about where to start? This complete virtual assistant starter checklist is designed to walk you through everything you need โ even if you have no prior experience.
By following these steps, you’ll move from confusion to clarity, from planning to pitching โ and ultimately to getting paid. With a low barrier to entry and high demand across industries, VA work is one of the most accessible freelance career paths available.
Step 1: Lay the Foundation for Your VA Business
Start by getting the essentials in place. This foundation makes you look more professional and prepared when you begin applying for gigs or reaching out to clients.
Checklist:
- Choose your niche (e.g. admin, content, social media, Pinterest)
- Set up a business email address (e.g. Gmail or custom domain)
- Create a basic brand name or profile (optional but helpful)
- Organize your files using Notion or Google Workspace
๐ How to Become a Virtual Assistant From Home
๐ก Pro Tip: Picking a niche helps you stand out and attract the right clients. Moreover, clients searching for specialized help are more likely to hire quickly.
Step 2: Set Up Your VA Tools
Once your foundation is in place, it’s time to set up the tools that support your day-to-day tasks. Fortunately, most of what you need is free and easy to use.
Checklist:
- Google Docs & Google Sheets (document sharing)
- Canva (basic design work)
- Clockify or Toggl (track your time)
- Loom or Zoom (client video updates or meetings)
- Trello or Notion (manage tasks and deadlines)
๐ Top Tools for Freelancers
๐ Clockify โ Free time tracking for freelancers
๐ก Bonus Tip: Practice by setting up a mock project in each tool. That way, youโll feel more confident before working with real clients.
Step 3: Build a Simple VA Services Menu
Clients love clarity. Thatโs why a well-organized service menu is essential. It helps you look professional and shortens the time it takes to close a new client.
Checklist:
- Pick 3โ5 services you enjoy (and can learn easily)
- Create a 1-page doc or portfolio with those services
- Add turnaround time and estimated pricing
- Include a free discovery call option if possible
๐ก Sample Tasks: For admin: inbox cleanup, document formatting, and calendar management. For social: Pinterest design, Tailwind scheduling, and content curation. For blog support: basic WordPress uploads and formatting.
๐ Portfolio Building With No Experience
Even a Google Doc with clickable sections and mock samples is enough to get started. Thatโs more than many freelancers have when they begin.
Step 4: Create a VA Pricing Strategy
Now that your offers are ready, itโs time to decide how youโll charge. Having a pricing sheet sets expectations and builds trust.
Checklist:
- Choose between hourly ($15โ$25/hr) or package pricing
- Offer at least one simple package (e.g. โ10-hour admin retainerโ)
- Format it in a downloadable or sharable doc
- Include your payment options (PayPal, Wise, etc.)
๐ Freelance Pricing Guide
๐ PayPal Business Tools โ Set up invoices and receive payments
๐ก Smart Start: Begin with a clear offer. Overdeliver. Ask for a testimonial. Then raise your rate.
Step 5: Start Finding Clients (Even Without a Website)
Next, it’s time to take action. Rather than waiting for clients to find you, go where they already are and start pitching.
Checklist:
- Create a free Fiverr, Contra, or Upwork profile
- Join 3+ Facebook groups with job leads
- Draft a simple cold pitch email
- Apply to at least 5 VA gigs this week
๐ Best Freelance Platforms to Start With
๐ก Outreach Tip: Track your applications in a Google Sheet. Include columns for status, contact date, and follow-up.
Bonus: Build a Weekly VA Routine
Consistency builds momentum. By establishing a routine, you stay focused and grow faster.
Checklist:
- Pitch or apply to 3โ5 jobs weekly
- Review your time, income, and client notes every 2 weeks
- Update your offers, pricing, or tools monthly
Following these steps weekly will turn your freelance side hustle into a predictable income stream.
Download the Printable Virtual Assistant Starter Checklist
๐ฅ Download PDF
What to Read Next
- Freelance Portfolio With No Experience
- Tools for Freelancers
- Freelancer Starter Checklist
- Become a Virtual Assistant From Home
You donโt need to be perfect to become a successful VA.
You just need a checklist, a strategy, and the courage to start.
โ
Use this guide
โ
Keep learning
โ
Land your first client โ and grow from there!