Running a business is rewarding, but managing every task alone can be tedious and distracting. That’s why small and medium-sized businesses should hire a virtual assistant!
So that… they don’t have to do it all themselves!
From handling emails and customer inquiries to managing social media and bookkeeping, small business owners often find themselves overwhelmed with tasks.
By outsourcing repetitive or time-consuming work, they can free up their schedule, focus on business growth, and achieve a better work-life balance.
What Can a Virtual Assistant Do for Your Small Business?
Virtual assistants are your behind-the-scenes superheroes, transforming small businesses by taking over time-consuming tasks.
For example, a small eCommerce store owner struggling with customer service and order management could hire a VA to handle inquiries and process orders.
Within weeks, the business owner finds more time to focus on marketing and growth, leading to increased sales and a better customer experience.
Common Tasks VAs Handle
- Admin Support – Draft emails, schedule appointments, manage bookings, and handle data entry.
- Customer Service – Answer inquiries, resolve complaints, follow up with clients, and process orders.
- Social Media Management – Create content, schedule posts, engage with followers, and analyze performance.
- SEO & Marketing – Optimize your website, boost search rankings, create email campaigns, and run ads.
- Bookkeeping & Finance – Handle invoicing, track expenses, and manage financial records.
- E-commerce Support – Manage product listings, process orders, and assist with customer queries.
No matter your industry — eCommerce, real estate, coaching, consulting, healthcare, or IT—VAs fit right in. They can work as your personal assistant, project manager, or marketing strategist, depending on your business needs.
How Much Does a Virtual Assistant Cost?
The cost of hiring a VA varies based on experience, skills, and location. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Freelance VAs: $5-$30/hour (flexible, project-based work)
- VA Companies: Packages start at $200/month for part-time support
If you go for a Philippines or India based VA company, it starts below $150/month.
- Specialized VAs: SEO, marketing, or bookkeeping pros can charge $50+/hour
- Full-time VAs: Typically $800–$2,500/month, depending on expertise and region
Where to Find Cost-Effective VAs
- Freelance Marketplaces – Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, OnlineJobs.ph
- VA Agencies – MyTasker, BELAY, Fancy Hands, Zirtual
- Direct Hiring – LinkedIn, Facebook VA groups, referrals
Pro Tip: Many platforms, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and MyTasker, offer free trials or first-month discounts—always check their promotions or ask customer support for available deals!
How to Hire an Affordable Virtual Assistant
Hiring a VA isn’t just about finding the cheapest option—it’s about getting the best value for your investment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to hiring the right VA at the right price:
- Define Your Needs – Make a list of tasks you need help with (admin, social media, customer service, etc.).
- Set a Budget – Decide how much you can afford ($5–$10/hr for admin, $10–$20/hr for specialized tasks).
- Choose a Hiring Platform – Use Upwork, Fiverr, OnlineJobs.ph, or VA agencies like MyTasker.
- Test Before You Commit – Start with a small paid task to assess communication, speed, and quality.
- Use the Right Tools – Loom for clear instructions, Time Doctor for tracking, and Trello for project management.
- Get a Cost Breakdown – Always ask for an estimated number of hours and pricing structure.
- Negotiate and Ask for Discounts – Many agencies offer long-term contract discounts or welcome deals.
Hiring Overseas? Countries like India, the Philippines, and Pakistan offer top-tier talent at a fraction of the cost. However, time zone differences and language barriers can be challenges.
To navigate this, set clear communication expectations, use scheduling tools like Calendly for smooth coordination, and ensure your VA is comfortable with your preferred language.
Remember, cheap doesn’t mean low quality—experience and skill set matter more than price alone.
Top Traits to Look for in a Virtual Assistant
Hiring a rockstar VA? Make sure they have:
- Experience in your needed tasks (so there’s no learning curve)
- Strong communication skills (because clarity = efficiency)
- Reliability and consistency (check reviews and testimonials)
- Time management skills (a VA should be self-motivated and deadline-oriented)
- Tech-savviness (familiarity with tools like Slack, Zoom, and project management apps)
Best Virtual Assistant Companies for Small Businesses
Prefer a trusted agency over freelance hires? Agencies pre-vet, train, and manage VAs, saving you time. Here are some top-rated VA companies:
- MyTasker – Affordable & reliable for small businesses
- BELAY – High-end executive assistants
- Fancy Hands – Best for quick, simple tasks
- Time Etc – Flexible, high-quality support
- Zirtual – Ideal for startups & solo entrepreneurs
- OkayRelax – Budget-friendly for basic admin work
- UAssist.ME – Offers bilingual assistants
- WoodBows – Premium support for scaling businesses
- Outsource Workers – Specializes in real estate
- 24/7 Virtual Assistant – Round-the-clock global support
Should You Hire a Virtual Assistant?
If you’re tired of juggling everything yourself and want to scale your business without burning out, hiring a Virtual Assistant is the best investment you can make.
A great VA isn’t an expense—it’s an asset that helps you reclaim your time, focus on what matters, and grow faster.
Ready to find your perfect VA? Check out MyTasker and start delegating like a pro today! Sign up now and get a free consultation to kickstart your journey with expert virtual assistance.
