A question that I often get asked in my VA Coaching sessions is whether VAs need to have a website to launch their business. The simple answer is no, it’s not a legal requirement. However, having a website can be a game-changer in establishing your professional presence and attracting your ideal clients.
However - you do not need it straight away! I have worked with VAs who have been fully booked just from word of mouth, and others who have successfully used social media as their sole networking tool.
In the early days, it is more than acceptable to create a lovely slide deck which you can share digitally, which contains the same information a website would. (Of far greater importance is buying a domain so you can have a business email address). The reason I suggest getting started in your business first is threefold:
It can hold you back from actively finding clients - a form of positive procrastination
It can prevent someone from getting started as it’s not an insignificant sum
It is VERY likely the content will be out of date fast
That’s why, although a website is an amazing thing to have, I recommend getting started with attracting your first client - you’ll learn a huge amount from that experience.
Once you are slightly more established (and I’m not talking forever, just a couple of months!) then treat yourself to a beautiful branded website.
This will serve as your virtual storefront. It's the place where potential clients can learn about who you are, what your business does, and how you can support them. By this point, you’ll have a clearer idea of your policies, have refined your branding, and will hopefully have testimonials to share! You’ll also have a bit more 💷 to invest.
One of the key benefits of having a website is that it enhances your visibility and establishes trust with both potential and existing clients. Investing in a high-quality website signals to potential clients that you are serious about your business and are in it for the long haul. This can help to increase trust and make clients more likely to choose your services over someone who doesn’t have a web presence.
If you’re wondering how to help your VA website rank higher in search engine results, having a relevant and engaging blog is a fantastic way to achieve this. Use your blog to showcase your knowledge and expertise in particular areas and help potential clients build trust in you. Consistently updated content can help improve your website’s SEO, making it easier for clients to find you online.
Your website is also the perfect place to clearly outline the services you offer. Potential clients can get a detailed understanding of what you provide without needing to go back and forth in emails. This not only saves time but also sets clear expectations from the get-go.
Don’t forget to include a strong call to action on your website. Whether it's to book a consultation call, download a free resource, sign up for your newsletter - or all of the above, guiding visitors towards taking the next step can convert traffic into leads and clients.
Ensuring your website’s content is up to date as your business evolves is vital. Don’t just set it up and then sit back. Regularly updating your site adds value to your business and ensures you are continually appealing to your ideal clients.
Lastly, your website acts as a cost-effective marketing tool. Unlike paid ads that require continuous investment, a website can be a one-time investment that keeps paying dividends as you grow your business.
My top tips for creating your website:
Wait a couple of months before investing
Find a website developer who will hand it over to you fully - domain, hosting, editing etc. If they will teach you to make basic edits, brilliant!
Avoid using any coding or developer tools
Plan out your content and write it first. Take the time for SEO
Connect your website to Google Analytics and Google my Business
Get your branding - logo, colours, fonts, graphics, and photos sorted first
Update it regularly - once a month is great
Need more help with what to include on your website and how to go about it? Come and join the Virtual Assistant Visibility Club and check out our amazing masterclasses and trainings - you’ll be ready in no time!
Comments