Getting Clients – Part 2: Where to Find Clients – Online and Off!
If Part 1 was all about how to get clients for your virtual assistant business, Part 2 answers the next natural question: where exactly do you find them?
If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, it’s worth circling back — but for now, let’s focus on the practical “where to look” strategies that consistently work for VAs at all stages of business.
The good news? Once you understand the how, the where becomes much clearer. Clients are everywhere — online, offline, in your existing networks, and in spaces you probably haven’t thought to look. You just need the right approach, the right visibility, and the consistency to be seen.
Let’s break it all down.
Finding Clients Online
For most virtual assistants, online marketing feels like the logical starting point. And rightly so — the online world is enormous, and it’s where many clients go first when they realise they need help. But not all online platforms are created equal, and not all are used the same way.
Here are the main online avenues that work beautifully for VAs.
1. Join VA Networks and Online Forums
There are countless virtual assistant networks online — some global, some local, some niche. A quick Google search for “virtual assistant network” plus your location will bring up plenty. And don’t just look locally; international networks expand your reach dramatically.
Most VA associations offer:
- A member directory
- Access to RFPs (Requests for Proposal)
- Workshops, events, and training
- Discussion forums
- Visibility through backlinks (great for SEO)
Should you join more than one?
Yes. Absolutely. You don’t need to join all of them, but becoming part of several increases your visibility across different platforms and audiences.
Here are a couple I suggest:
A word of caution (the big one)
Do not rely solely on your VA network memberships to bring you work.
Networks can be brilliant for credibility, referrals, and professional development — but they’re not your business development plan. Job leads are a perk, not a guarantee, and certainly not the responsibility of the network.
You are still responsible for marketing your own business.
2. Explore Industry-Specific Groups and Forums
One of the smartest (and most underused) ways to find clients is by going where your ideal clients hang out — not just where other VAs are.
Every industry has its own online spaces:
- Medical forums
- Legal professional groups
- Creative industry communities
- Accounting, engineering, property, tech — you name it
Your strategy here is simple:
Join → Lurk → Listen → Add value → Become known.
You’re not joining to pitch.
You’re joining to understand pain points and demonstrate your expertise in a natural, supportive way.
Offer insights on:
- Admin workflow efficiency
- Billing and invoicing tips
- Document management
- Time-saving processes
- Practice management systems
- Scheduling tips
- Anything in your specialist area
When people see you consistently contributing (not selling), trust forms naturally. And when they next need help — you’ll be top of mind.
3. Use Social Media Strategically
Social media is its own ecosystem and deserves a whole series of articles. But here’s the short version:
Arguably the platform for professional service providers. Join industry groups, share useful content, answer questions, and become known for your expertise. If you’re targeting executives, professionals, entrepreneurs, or SMEs — LinkedIn is a goldmine.
Like it or loathe it, people still ask for service recommendations here more than anywhere else. Join business groups, community groups, and industry-specific groups. Many clients first discover their VA through a Facebook thread or recommendation.
X (formerly Twitter)
Good for visibility and industry insights. If your clients are active here, it’s worth building a presence — but it’s not essential for every VA.
Remember: clients are more likely to hire the person they see regularly adding value than the person who only shows up to pitch.
Finding Clients Offline
While online marketing dominates the conversation, offline networking still holds enormous value — particularly in Australia where trust, rapport, and personal recommendations carry serious weight.
Many VAs overlook offline marketing because it feels intimidating. But the “in-person” community is often where the most loyal, long-term clients come from.
1. Business Groups and Clubs
Start by exploring:
- Chambers of Commerce
- Leads Clubs
- BNI groups (if the structure suits you)
- Women’s networking groups
- Local business associations
- View Clubs
- Industry-specific gatherings
These groups attract business owners, professionals, and decision-makers — exactly the people who typically need VAs.
Understand the real purpose of attending
Don’t walk in expecting to score a client on the spot. Networking is about becoming visible and building familiarity.
Show up regularly. Participate. Ask people about their businesses. When you become “a known face,” your credibility rises — and with that, trust.
People refer those they know, like, and trust.
They don’t refer the person who swoops in, throws business cards around like confetti, and vanishes.
2. Become Genuinely Involved
This can feel like a slow burn, but it’s incredibly effective.
Get involved by:
- Volunteering for event organisation
- Helping with newsletters
- Offering to manage membership databases
- Assisting with mailouts
- Helping with website updates, if that’s in your skillset
These tasks demonstrate your skills in action — far more persuasive than a sales pitch.
When I supported my local chamber, I exchanged admin work for free membership, advertising, and visibility. That alone generated new clients because people saw my work first-hand.
3. Offer to Present — but Not About Your Business
Many groups welcome guest speakers. A 10-minute presentation on the VA industry (not a sales pitch about your own services) positions you as an expert while educating members about what VAs can do.
And once they understand the value? They’ll come knocking on your door.
4. Volunteer Work (Done Strategically)
Volunteering can be a clever long-term marketing tactic when done intentionally. Consider offering help to:
- Local community groups
- Sporting clubs
- Your kids’ school
- Residents’ associations
- Church groups
- Local charities
Offer to help with newsletters; fundraising organisation; member databases; events and projects; website design and updates; social media management.
In exchange, ask if your business details can be included somewhere — usually easy for them, highly valuable for you.
I joined my local residents’ association and years after I left that location, an electrician I had met through the association contacted me via Google to ask if I was still providing VA services because he had a lead for me. True story.
Volunteering builds reputation, showcases your skillset, and grows your community roots — all of which build trust and lead to referrals.
5. Don’t Overlook Meetup Groups
Meetup.com has groups for nearly every interest and industry, from business networking to hobbies. They’re coordinated online but meet face-to-face.
Join up and then try searching by industry; skill; business topic; local area; or common interest.
It’s a relaxed, low-pressure way to meet people and build authentic relationships.
A Quick Word About Rates (and Why You Should Not Drop Them)
It’s common for new VAs to worry about rates — especially when potential clients hesitate or start negotiating. The instinct is often to lower your price or match whatever the client wants to pay.
Please don’t.
Here’s why lowering your rate harms you (and the industry):
Lowering your rate:
- signals you don’t value your own services.
- attracts the wrong type of clients — the bargain hunters.
- creates unrealistic expectations you’ll be stuck with forever.
- lowers industry standards for everyone.
- turns you into a commodity rather than a professional.
If someone says, “That’s a bit expensive,” try:
“My rates are based on my skills, experience, and qualifications. If you need a lower-cost option, I’m happy to recommend someone who might be a better fit.”
You’re not being rude. You’re being professional.
The only exception
Project-based work.
If a client has a clear budget, you can decide whether you want to meet it. But hourly or retainer rates are set by you and not negotiable — just like a nurse, mechanic, or plumber.
Setting your rate too low sends the message:
“I’m cheap because I’m not confident.”
Setting it properly sends a different message:
“I’m a skilled professional and I know the value I bring.”
Clients respond accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Finding clients for your virtual assistant business is a mix of strategy, visibility, consistency, and confidence. Clients are everywhere — in your networks, your industry circles, your local community, your social groups, and your online platforms.
To recap:
- Join relevant online networks and industry groups.
- Show up consistently and add value.
- Use social media intentionally, not desperately.
- Attend offline business groups and become genuinely involved.
- Educate people about the VA industry (not just your business).
- Explore volunteering and community involvement.
- Maintain your rates with confidence and clarity.
Part 2 gives you the where. Combined with Part 1, you now have the strategies and locations to build a sustainable, rewarding virtual assistant practice.
And yes — the clients really are out there. Now you know exactly where to find them.
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