What marketing strategies have worked best for you, both online and offline?

Thank you!
Amy

Hi Amy! Welcome to the forums and thank you for being brave and getting the ball rolling!

Personally, I started my VA business in 2001 and having just left the 'dot-bomb' world, I knew I wanted to market 100% online. I had my hubby design a website for me and had a client (from an IVAA rfp) within the first month.

I knew right away that good SEO would be the key to my success, so I diligently researched SEO methods and examined what worked for other VAs. As a result, I'm usually #1 or #2 for many keywords at Google and have many sites.

So, online - ya gotta have a website and it has to have unique content and good SEO.

Offline, the best method would be networking. You can also browse Craigslist for jobs & gigs to respond to - create a letter template explaining the benefits of hiring a VA over an in-house admin and point them back to your website.

You can also join free networking groups in your local area - Virtual Assistance is still considered a bit of a 'novelty' so you'll spark interest.

Finally, I'd suggest online social networking at sites like Facebook & Twitter. I've gotten many positions this way!

Come on folks! Let's keep this thread going! What has worked for you?

This is a topic I will follow with interest. I am trying to find creative ways to market my skills. (Sheesh, if I could market anything, that's what I would be doing - marketing.)

The problem right now is money - or lack thereof). I have been on SS Disability for over three years now, and because of other assistance I was receiving that set limits on my allowable resources, my bank account is very low (just about enough to pay rent, food, and utilities). Now that I'm feeling chipper enough to want to become useful and productive again, I am finding it hard to start from scratch.

I've tried networking, and I don't seem to be taken seriously. I can't afford a website (not something the Department of Rehabilitation is willing to help with), nor can I afford a mailing blitz.

So, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Beth