How to Choose the Right Services to Offer as a Virtual Assistant

When you're starting (or growing) your VA business, one of the most important steps is deciding on the services you’ll offer.

Finding the right fit between what you enjoy, what you’re skilled at, and what’s in demand can make your work more meaningful and your business more sustainable.

Let’s explore how to choose VA services that fit your strengths, meet client needs, and allow you to enjoy the work you do.

As a virtual assistant, the range of services you could offer is extensive—everything from social media management to email marketing, from customer support to data entry. But trying to offer a wide range of services can dilute your focus and make it harder to find clients who align with your strengths. Instead, zeroing in on services that you enjoy and that are in demand can help you build lasting client relationships and a fulfilling business.

Start with an honest review of your own skills and experiences. Whether you’re a natural organiser, have a knack for marketing, or come from an administrative background, these skills provide a great foundation for your VA services. Write down what you do well and what you enjoy, and focus on services that highlight those strengths.

Ask yourself:

• What tasks make me feel accomplished and engaged?
  
• What skills have I been praised for in previous roles?
  
• Which tasks feel easy and natural to me?
  

When you focus on services that come naturally, you’re setting yourself up to do your best work. This also makes it easier to stand out in a crowded market.

After listing your strengths, the next step is to see which of these skills are most in demand. Here are a few popular options:

• Social Media Management 🗸 Perfect if you enjoy creativity and content creation.
  
• Email and Calendar Management 🗸 Ideal if you’re highly organised and efficient.
  
• Customer Service Support 🗸 Great if you have a natural way with people.
  
• Bookkeeping 🗸 A good fit if you’re detail-oriented and confident with numbers.
  

Research what clients are looking for in VA job boards, LinkedIn posts, and online groups. Even reaching out to any clients or mentors you have to ask about their biggest challenges can give you valuable insights into services that are in demand right now.

Choosing a niche—whether in social media, bookkeeping, or customer service—lets you become an expert in a particular area, which clients often value.

A few niche ideas might include:

• Tech Support VA: Assisting with tools like project management platforms and CRMs.
  
• Creative VA: Focusing on design, social media content, or writing.
  
• Real Estate VA: Supporting real estate agents with scheduling, client communication, and listings.
  

Why a Niche Helps:

• 🗸 You can often charge higher rates since clients see you as a specialist.
  
• 🗸 It’s easier to attract clients when you can clearly explain what you do.
  
• 🗸 You’ll get more referrals as clients recommend you to others with similar needs.

Once you’ve chosen a few services to offer, start testing them out with a few initial clients or short-term projects. Take note of client feedback, which tasks you enjoy, and where there’s steady demand. This gives you the chance to refine your offerings as your business grows.

Daily Practices to Refine Your Services:

• 🗸 Gather client feedback: What do clients value most about your work?
  
• 🗸 Review your workload regularly: Are you enjoying the tasks, or feeling drained?
  
• 🗸 Stay informed on trends: As the industry evolves, you can explore new services or tools.
  

Regularly reviewing and fine-tuning your offerings helps ensure your business continues to fit your needs and grow in meaningful ways.

Selecting the right services to offer as a virtual assistant is a key step in building a fulfilling, impactful business. By focusing on your strengths, understanding what’s in demand, and being open to adjusting as you go, you’ll be well on your way to creating a business that feels right for you.

This thoughtful approach will not only attract clients but will also make your work rewarding, setting you up for a long-lasting career as a VA.