Why do I need a website?
A website gives a Virtual Assistant one clear, reliable place to run their business online. It provides a home for essential legal policies such as privacy policies and terms and conditions, which supports compliance and professionalism from the outset. A well built website also allows search engines like Google and AI to find and index the business, helping potential clients discover VA services through search rather than relying solely on social media. Unlike social platforms, where information can be hard to find or disappear entirely if an account is restricted, a post is removed or a platform changes or closes, a website allows clients to quickly access everything they need in one place. It is also a powerful way to demonstrate expertise through service pages, blogs or resources that remain searchable over time. Many VAs choose to include pricing information and clear terms on their website too, making the process simpler for clients and reducing unnecessary back and forth. Ultimately, a website makes life easier for clients (who are time poor) and supports a more professional, resilient business.
So where do I start?
Don’t panic. No new VA should feel they have to rush out and pay thousands of pounds for a
fancy website! When you are starting out, even a holding page is good enough to get you going.
But once you are established with clients and you have more money coming in, you want to aim aspire to a clear, helpful and client focused website.
Again, this does not need to break the bank! It does not need lots of pages or clever wording. It needs to answer questions quickly and guide visitors towards getting in touch.
VAs either build their site themselves if they have that skill set or they ask someone to build it for them, and there are lots of options out there for that. You can find a link to helpful web designers on our Affiliates and Helpful Suppliers page here to get your started.
So what’s essential for a virtual assistant website?
Domain: The domain is the www address of your website and you buy it in annual blocks. You should ideally aim to have the .co.uk or .com version of your chosen name, plus any other names which you’d be upset if another VA used. E.g. you might want to buy the .uk, .org and .net versions of the name to stop anyone else using them. Buying your domain is a little like renting your shop front on the high street, location is everything!
Hosting: If domains are like renting a shop front, then hosting is like renting the stuff which makes your shop work (electricity, staff, tills etc.). Your hosting provides the web space you need for your site and if it goes down your site will disappear. Get a reliable host, preferably UK based so you can phone them if something goes wrong. Stuff which adds to the cost will be MySQL databases (these power wordpress sites/forums), sitebuilders, multiple email addresses, large amount of storage space, high visitor numbers. Most VAs will be able to spend less than £100/year on hosting and get great service.
Proper email: You want to have a domain specific email address e.g. [email protected] There’s a few reasons for this: Firstly it means that if
someone misspells your name, the email won’t get directed to someone else like it would if you were using a generic email like @gmail.com or @outlook.com, and cause a data breach. So it’s much more secure. Secondly, a lot of the free email providers allow adverts to target their users by scanning the content of emails to serve up relevant adverts. This is a wide open backdoor for hackers to be able to access your email accounts. Don’t let them! Thirdly, domain specific email addresses are not expensive. It definitely portrays the value and professionalism that you place on your business if you have a freebie email address.
Make it easy: The idea of a website is to make it as easy as possible for your potential clients to find the information they need and to take action. Ensure your contact details or method of contact are clear from every page. Have clear ‘Call to Action (CTA)’ buttons everywhere and make sure everything is tidy, clear and easy to follow.
The site should work well on mobile devices, as many visitors will be viewing it on a phone or tablet. A website that is difficult to use quickly loses credibility.
Pictures: People buy from people, so they don’t want to see lots of stock photography on your website. After all, you could be anyone and they need someone they can trust to hand over the reins of their business to. Put a nice photo of yourself on there, a little bit about your background and what you do. Nowadays, websites that rely on stock photography alone tend to raise red flags, as it’s a technique used regularly by scammers.
Services: Lots of people think having a VA do their admin is a great idea, but aren’t 100% sure on what it would involve, how you do it or how they start outsourcing. Putting a little bit about what services you can provide, how you do it and how much it costs will save you time! Some people show their prices on their website, and some prefer not to, that is up to you entirely – there is no right or wrong answer to that one, but we would add, would you buy from a shop with no prices on anything?
SEO: Sorry all, but this isn’t optional any more! You need to build this into your website in order that it’s found online by the search engines. Small business owners should be working to make their site as user-friendly to Google as possible; not just focusing on making it look good for their clients. You can find out more about SEO here.
Legal stuff: You will need to use your website to store your legal policies such as what you do in your business to protect people’s personal data (a cookie and privacy policy if using
WordPress or Google Analytics or collecting data for newsletters). SVA ask Approved VAs to include your Terms & Conditions on the website so clients can compare like with like when hiring a VA.
If you are a Limited Company you will be legally bound to show your address on your website, and full business name. Equally, if you are VAT registered, you are legally obliged to show your VAT number.
As well as all of the above, you may want to consider the following:
- Buy now buttons for fixed priced services
- Blog: These are great for SEO as it introduces new keywords and creates fresh content, it also demonstrates your expertise.
- Calendars or call set up links, either for yourself to show availability.
File upload facility – such as WeTransfer, SendGB or Dropbox or similar.
Social media links or feeds, so people can see your profiles and also so they can share your content with their followers. - Video content is great to add to your website and is easy to host on www.youtube.com
- Links to affiliate sites/programmes
A website can grow with the business
A website does not need to be perfect on day one. It needs to be clear, accurate and professional. Pages can be added, wording refined and features expanded as the business develops.
A VA website is a key tool in your kit. It supports marketing, builds trust and helps attract the right clients. Getting the basics right from the start gives the business a strong foundation to grow from.