How Virtual Assistants Get Their First Client
Feb 09, 2026
(Without Waiting Around or Feeling Awkward)
One of the biggest questions new virtual assistants ask is:
“How do I actually get my first client?”
Not your fifth client.
Not a referral six months from now.
Your first real client.
The truth is, getting your first client as a VA can feel uncomfortable — not because you’re doing something wrong, but because it’s new. You’re putting yourself out there, learning how to talk about what you do, and figuring out where clients even come from.
The good news?
There are proven ways VAs land their first client — and it doesn’t require waiting, hoping, or being “perfect” first.
First: Don't Wait Until You “Feel Ready”
A common misconception is that you need:
- more training
- more confidence
- more experience
- a perfect website
before you’re allowed to look for clients.
In reality, confidence comes from action, not the other way around.
Most VAs land their first client while they’re still learning — and that’s completely normal.
Where Virtual Assistants Actually Find Their First Client
There isn’t just one “right” way to find your first client. Most VAs use a mix of strategies, depending on what feels most natural to them.
Some common places first clients come from:
- People you already know
- Direct outreach
- Online communities
- Social platforms
- Simple conversations that turn into opportunities
What matters most isn’t where you look — it’s that you’re intentional and consistent.
Strategy Matters
Getting your first client isn’t about getting lucky.
It’s about:
- Knowing how to talk about what you do
- Choosing strategies that fit your personality
- Taking action instead of waiting to be discovered
When VAs struggle to land their first client, it’s usually not because they aren’t capable — it’s because they don’t have a clear strategy.
You Don’t Need to Do Everything at Once
One of the biggest mistakes new VAs make is trying to do all the things:
- every platform
- every strategy
- every method they see online
That usually leads to overwhelm and burnout before the first client ever shows up.
The most successful VAs focus on a few proven strategies, execute them well, and build momentum from there.
This Is Where Having a Plan Helps
Finding your first client is much easier when you’re not guessing.
When you have:
- clear options
- step-by-step direction
- and examples of what actually works
you can take action with confidence instead of second-guessing yourself.
That’s exactly why I created a free resource to help new VAs get started.
Free Resource: 5 Proven Strategies for Finding Clients
If you’re ready to land your first client (or your next one) but aren’t sure where to start, I put together a free guide that walks you through five proven strategies virtual assistants use to find clients.
Inside, you’ll learn:
- different ways VAs find clients (without relying on just one method)
- how to choose strategies that fit you
- where to focus your time so you’re not spinning your wheels
👉 Get the free guide: 5 Proven Strategies for Finding Clients
