As a solopreneur or small business owner, hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) can be a game-changer for your business. Outsourcing tasks to a VA allows you to free up time, focus on growth, and boost your online presence—whether through Social Media Management, Email Marketing, or handling your Lead Magnets, Landing Pages, and Sales Funnels.
But when looking for a VA, it’s important to approach the hiring process ethically. Many business owners, unfortunately, expect highly skilled VAs to work for unfairly low rates. This not only devalues the work VAs do but also harms the overall business relationship. Let’s explore the best ways to find a VA and why hiring ethically is essential for both sides.
How to Hire a Virtual Assistant for Small Business
Where to Find a Virtual Assistant?
There are various places to search for a skilled Virtual Assistant, depending on your needs and budget. Here are some of the best places to find a virtual assistant:
1. Freelance Platforms: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are common places to hire Virtual Assistants. However, it’s important to be mindful of the rates you offer. Some business owners on these platforms offer VAs as low as $3–$5/hour, which is far below a fair wage, even in countries with a lower cost of living. While you can find a range of rates on these platforms, quality VAs with years of experience will charge professional rates, typically between $20–$50/hour or more, depending on their expertise.
2. Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and even Facebook can be great for finding VAs. There are specific groups, such as Virtual Assistant Savvies, where ethical hiring practices are enforced. In this group, for example, you must offer a minimum of $10/hour to post a job. Searching through hashtags like #VirtualAssistant or #VAServices on Instagram and LinkedIn can also help you find professionals who market their services directly.
3. Google Search: Sometimes the simplest solution is the best—do a quick Google search for Virtual Assistant services in your niche. Many VAs have their own websites where you can view their services, read testimonials, and check their portfolios. This allows you to research them thoroughly and ensure they are a good fit for your needs.
4. Local and Niche Facebook Groups: Join local Facebook groups or groups relevant to your industry. Many small business owners find VAs through referrals from trusted members in these groups. Posting an enquiry in a group can give you personalised recommendations from people who have had positive experiences working with a particular VA.
5. Networking & Recommendations: Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth referrals. Ask fellow business owners, particularly in your industry, if they’ve worked with a VA they recommend. VAs often come highly recommended when they’ve been reliable, efficient, and effective in helping other small businesses.
Ethical Hiring: Why You Should Pay VAs Fairly
VAs are not employees—they are independent contractors who run their own businesses. They handle their own taxes, pay for their equipment and software subscriptions, and cover their own sick days and holidays. This means their rates are carefully calculated to cover these costs, alongside offering their professional services.
In some regions like the Philippines, where many business owners assume the cost of living is lower, the reality is that living expenses have risen significantly in recent years. In fact, the average monthly cost of living in the Philippines can be anywhere from $700 to $1,500, depending on the area. Expecting VAs from such regions to work for $3/hour, especially when they have expertise, is not only unfair but unsustainable.
Additionally, when you hire a skilled VA, you’re not just paying for the hours worked—you’re paying for their experience, the quality of their work, and the value they bring to your business. Many VAs have spent years refining their skills, and for a client to expect all those skills at rock-bottom prices is unethical.
What to Expect from a VA
When you hire a VA, it’s important to recognise that they are professionals, not interns. You shouldn’t expect to receive a CV like you would from an employee. Instead, look at their portfolio, visit their website, and read client testimonials. A good VA will have their services, rates, and examples of their work clearly displayed for potential clients to view.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider these two helpful resources on outsourcing to a VA:
Why Paying Fair Rates Matters
When you hire a VA, you get what you pay for. Offering fair rates ensures you get quality work, timely delivery, and a positive working relationship. It also shows that you value their skills, expertise, and contribution to your business.
If your business isn’t ready to pay a fair, living wage for the services you require, it may not be the right time to hire a VA. Similarly, VAs should value their own work and avoid accepting low rates for too long. While it’s understandable for new VAs to take lower rates to gain experience, they should gradually increase their rates as they gain confidence and skill.
Focus on Growing Your Business
Hiring a Virtual Assistant can transform the way you do business. By outsourcing essential tasks to a professional, you can focus on growing your business while benefiting from their expertise. However, it’s crucial to approach the hiring process ethically, offer fair rates, and value the work your VA does.
By ensuring you pay for quality services, you’ll build a better working relationship, get better results, and contribute positively to the freelance economy.
Ready to Get Started with Outsourcing? Download My Free Guide!
If you’re thinking about outsourcing but aren’t sure where to start, my free guide, The Solopreneur’s Guide to Outsourcing: How to Get Started with a Virtual Assistant, is here to help! In this guide, you’ll discover why hiring a VA could be a game-changer for your business.
Learn about the key benefits of outsourcing, including saving time, reducing stress, and focusing on what matters most to you. Explore a list of tasks you can easily hand over to a VA and find practical tips on how to choose the right one. You'll also get insights on how to build a strong, collaborative relationship for long-term success.
Whether you’re new to outsourcing or looking to streamline your operations, this guide will give you everything you need to get started.
Think I Could Be a Good Fit for Your Business? Let’s Chat!
If you’re ready to take the next step and think I might be the right Virtual Assistant to support your business, I’d love to hear from you! Whether you need help with Social Media Management, Email Marketing, Blog Management, or any of the other services I offer, I’m here to help you free up your time and focus on growing your business.
You can learn more about my services here and see my rates here. Let’s work together to make your business more efficient and successful!
