When you’re starting out as a virtual assistant, the biggest question is usually:
“How do I actually find clients?”
I remember feeling exactly the same — unsure where to even begin, worried I’d need ads, a fancy website, or cold-pitching hundreds of strangers.
The truth? My first 5 clients came from family, friends, word of mouth, and Instagram.
Here’s exactly how it happened and what you can take from it.
1. My Family Were My First Cheerleaders
When I decided to launch my VA business, I told my family what I was doing and what kind of support I offered.
It sounds simple, but just sharing my plans out loud led to connections I wouldn’t have found otherwise.
- A family friend needed help organising training events → became my first client
- Someone else needed admin support and trusted me because of the referral
Family members might not need a VA themselves, but they often know someone who does.
2. Friends Spread the Word
I leaned on my existing network.
Friends recommended me to colleagues, small business owners they knew, and even past employers who needed admin support.
Because these connections came with trust already built in, it was easier to land the work and build confidence early on.
3. Word of Mouth Took Over
After those first couple of clients, word of mouth snowballed.
People I’d never met started reaching out, saying things like:
- “You helped X with their course launch — could you do something similar for me?”
- “I heard you’re great with managing social media. Can we chat?”
Happy clients naturally talked about my work, and that brought in more opportunities without me having to pitch myself constantly.
4. Instagram Helped Me Show Up
I started sharing small insights on Instagram — tips, behind-the-scenes posts, and a little about my journey as a new VA.
It didn’t blow up overnight, but it helped people see what I do and trust that I could help them too.
Some of my earliest clients came directly from DMs after seeing my posts or stories.
5. I Focused on Relationships, Not Selling
I didn’t start out with a polished sales pitch or complex funnels.
Instead, I:
- Had real conversations
- Offered genuine support
- Showed up consistently (even when small)
That approach built trust fast — and trust is what actually brings clients through the door.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting as a virtual assistant and wondering how to get clients, know this:
You don’t need to spend a fortune on ads or master cold pitching.
Start with the people you already know. Let friends and family help spread the word. Show up online, share what you do, and focus on building real connections.
That’s how I landed my first 5 clients — and how you can start building your own VA business too.
— Izzy
Written in partnership with ChatGPT
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