Startup cost
$500–$10k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Virtual Assistant Business
Decision Snapshot
Virtual Assistant
Idea Score
69
Profit margin
25%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Medium
Time commitment
Flexible
Part 1 - How to start a Virtual Assistant business - Background
A virtual assistant (VA) provides remote services to busy professionals who need someone to support their business, cause, or special event. The duties of a VA can include anything from answering emails to performing web development for a new website. VAs usually establish a specialty to help distinguish themselves in a somewhat flooded market.
You may also be interested in additional side hustle ideas.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Virtual Assistant business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a virtual assistant business?
Costs to get started are typically low, and may only include only a Wi-Fi connection and computer. A laptop in particular can be a huge advantage because virtual assistants may need to work from different places based on their to-do list. If you’re planning to do any type of graphic design, you may want to invest in better equipment to meet client expectations.
What are the ongoing expenses for a virtual assistant business?
Expenses for VAs tend to be low, and may include standard utility bills and equipment maintenance/replacement. Depending on your clients, you may be able to ask them to pay for specific materials based on their needs (e.g., special software, etc.)
Who is the target market?
There are plenty of professionals who want an assistant without having to pay a full-time employee (with benefits). The target market for VAs generally includes people in the blogging, real estate, and ecommerce industries. However, special event coordinators, entertainment professionals, or nonprofit leaders may also use a VA on a temporary basis. VAs may also assist general marketers in a variety of businesses with social media needs.
How does a virtual assistant business make money?
VAs may charge clients money for their time. They may do so either per hour or per task, depending on the scope of work.
How much can you charge customers?
It’s not unusual for established VAs with high-profile clients to charge $100 an hour. However, new professionals will typically earn money per task, with the average being about $3 for a 10-minute task. Average general rates may range anywhere from $20 – $40 an hour.
How much profit can a virtual assistant business make?
Because expenses are so low, most of a VA’s take-home pay is profit. At the upper end of the spectrum (assuming you charge $100+), this can easily be $200,000 or more. However, realistically, profits may be closer to $30,000 – $50,000 a year.
How can you make your business more profitable?
VAs may want to offer additional services, such as advertising or blogging services. Because most VAs will be familiar with standard office equipment and web-based promotion, they may be able to parlay those skills into additional profits for their business.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a virtual assistant business?
The day for a VA will be highly dependent on their clients and niche. However, a typical day can include any or all of the following:
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Managing emails
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Scheduling appointments
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Researching information
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Posting/campaigning on social media
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Writing/editing/transcribing
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Tracking/shipping packages
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Coordinating travel plans
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful virtual assistant business?
People who have some type of personal assistant experience will likely be able to slip into this role fairly easily. Executive or personal assistants will usually have the shortest learning curve. However, owners don’t necessarily need to have formal experience, as there are plenty of ways to learn organizational skills at home or in social situations. Owners need to be honest, discrete, personable, and punctual at the bare minimum. Additional skills that could help you stand out are graphic design, writing/editing experience, a marketing or business degree, or past positions in your chosen niche.
What is the growth potential for a virtual assistant business?
This is a growing niche as businesses look for ways to cut their staff to just the bare essentials. In fact, some put total industry estimates at close to $8 billion by the early 2020s. However, because the job can be done remotely, clients are often looking for VAs in other countries who may be willing to do the same tasks for mere pennies. For VAs looking to make this their full-time profession, they’ll need to look for every potential opportunity to prove their worth. For a VA to stand out, they need to provide services that can’t easily be found elsewhere.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a virtual assistant business?
Successful VAs will tell new professionals to choose a niche as quickly as possible. Doing so streamlines your brand and gets the word out about your services. For example, if you start off assisting one real estate agent, they can easily recommend you to other real estate agents. New owners should place heavy attention on their references and reviews at the very beginning.
VAs may need to start at extremely low rates to offset their lack of experience. Most companies prefer to hire a VA with an established reputation, so it can be difficult to get started. Because virtual assistants vary in terms of talent and expertise, owners may want to grant themselves a generous amount of lead time before they can count on their business to support their lifestyle.
How and when to build a team
Virtual assistants typically work on their own, though they may at some point need to hire someone for excess work. For owners who would eventually like to build a team of VAs that can be deployed for any number of jobs, look for people with different types of skills (e.g., artist, planner, travel coordinator, etc.) to get the best cross-section of employees.
Part 2 - Is a Virtual Assistant business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Virtual Assistant business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Virtual Assistant Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Virtual Assistant business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.