How To Become a Virtual Assistant
This side hustle at a glance
| Earning Potential | Time to Start | Set-Up Cost | Location | Time Commitment | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Quick | Low | Home-Based | Moderate | Intermediate |
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How To Become a Virtual Assistant in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, the demand for online task management has never been higher, paving the way for a new breed of professionals: Virtual Assistants. These digital maestros offer not just their expertise but also the gift of convenience to businesses and individuals navigating the online world. Imagine the freedom of working from anywhere, coupled with the benefit of flexible hours and competitive pay – that's the life of a Virtual Assistant.
Are you ready to join this modern workforce revolution? Our comprehensive guide is tailored specifically for those in the UK, detailing everything from the skills required to the best platforms for finding work. Embark on a journey towards a fulfilling and flexible career as a Virtual Assistant.
What Is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant (VA) takes on the role of a traditional assistant, but the tasks are limited to the digital space. The VA’s job typically revolves around technical, administrative, or creative work. For example, a VA can schedule Zoom meetings, write copy for a new social media post, or reply to emails from a client’s customers. The niches are varied, and an employer may hire as many VAs as needed for specific roles.
If you do become a VA, you’re most likely to work with busy professionals, small businesses, and entrepreneurs who need support for their online operations. You can perform your role and accomplish tasks from a remote location, so an internet connection and a computer are minimum requirements.
Becoming a Virtual Assistant in the UK
There are a few things you need to have in order to become a VA based in the UK.
Skill Requirements
You need more than basic digital knowledge to start your VA career. Most of the tasks you’ll do will involve some level of technical understanding of various platforms, such as the Google Workspace of Zoom. Some niches, like graphic design, will require you to be savvy in software like Adobe or Canva.
Soft skills like time management and excellent verbal communication may be necessary, too. You might need to talk to people in different time zones, especially if you’re working with an overseas employer.
As an investment, you can take the many courses available for VAs. Having certifications for roles like bookkeeping, data entry, or customer service can help you boost your chances of getting hired as a VA.
Equipment Requirements
Another important set of requirements you need to have are VA equipment and software. As mentioned, you should have a computer and internet connection at the minimum. Others include:
- Headset
- Microphone
- Software (for project management, communication, niche-specific tasks, and others)
- Backup power supply
- Backup internet
Employment Requirements
As with any type of job, becoming a VA means paying taxes, insurance, and other employment requirements. Here’s what you may need to accomplish as a UK-based VA.
- Proof of right to work in the UK
- Registering as a sole trader or a limited company in the HMRC
- Insurance coverage (particularly professional indemnity insurance)
Training Courses for Aspiring Virtual Assistants in the UK
If you're considering a career as a Virtual Assistant in the UK, equipping yourself with the right skills and knowledge is crucial. The journey to becoming a successful VA often begins with comprehensive training.
Whether you prefer the flexibility of online courses or the structured environment of traditional classroom-based learning, there are several options available to suit your needs and preferences. From mastering essential administrative skills to honing specialised digital expertise, these training courses are designed to prepare you for the dynamic role of a VA.
Let's explore some of the top training opportunities available in the UK, both virtual and traditional, to kickstart your VA career.
Virtual Assistant Training by VACT
VACT offers comprehensive online training tailored for aspiring VAs in the UK. Their courses range from foundational lessons for beginners to advanced strategies for experienced VAs. These courses cover essential aspects like setting up your VA business, marketing your services, and mastering client management. The flexible online format makes it easy to learn at your own pace.
Udemy Virtual Assistant Courses
Udemy provides a variety of courses suitable for VAs. Whether you're looking to sharpen your administrative skills, learn about digital marketing, or enhance your proficiency in software like Microsoft Office or Adobe Suite, Udemy has a course for you. These self-paced courses are great for both beginners and seasoned professionals looking to expand their skill set.
Pitman Training Executive PA Diploma
Pitman Training offers an Executive PA Diploma that is highly regarded in the UK. This course provides training in essential office skills, effective communication, and organization. Although it's more focused on the traditional PA role, the skills learned are highly transferable to a VA position. Courses are available at various training centers across the UK.
City & Guilds Business and Administration Qualifications
For a more traditional educational route,
City & Guilds offers qualifications in Business and Administration. These courses provide a solid foundation in business communication, document production, and administration systems. Offered at various colleges and training centers, these qualifications can give you a comprehensive understanding of business administration, beneficial for a VA career.
Top Virtual Assistant Job Platforms
Once you have your requirements done, the next step is finding listings for VA jobs. Today, there are plenty of virtual assistant job platforms. These connect employers to VAs like you. Here are some of the most popular ones.
1. Time Etc
Many entrepreneurs and business professionals prefer Time Etc because it has highly skilled VAs. Many of these freelancers usually have around 12 years of experience on average in their niche. Be ready for a rigorous screening process when applying on this platform. Through this vetting method, they can ensure the highest standards when it comes to their VAs.
- Expected Average Salary: Minimum of £14 an hour
- Flexibility: Work based on your availability
- Other Notable Features:
Regular and on-time payments, specialised tasks, and varied clients
2. Upwork
Upwork is one of the most popular freelance websites around, so you may have some trouble standing out at first due to the sheer number of other VAs. However, there is plenty of work available too, and you can find hyper-niche jobs if you optimise your search.
There’s also the bidding system, where you can submit proposals for the jobs you want to take. Clients will review your bids and choose who they think is the best. Thanks to this system, you have more freedom to highlight your strengths and negotiate terms with a possible employer.
- Expected Average Salary: £11 an hour
- Flexibility: Your contract may set specific hours
- Other Notable Features:
Payment protection, Work Diary, and fixed price vs hourly jobs
3. Prialto
Those who are comfortable or skilled in administrative roles are ideal candidates for Prialto. This platform has the best system for companies that need help handling administrative tasks and needs.
Prialto brings in VAs and trains them as their own employees. Then, the company will assign the VAs to executives and their teams. If you become one of Prialto’s VAs, you will need to master a highly personalised VA service scheme for the team you’ll be assigned to.
- Expected Average Salary: £16 to £30 an hour
- Flexibility: Depends on the contract
- Other Notable Features:
Collaborative approach, onboarding training, and major emphasis on quality work
4. Fancy Hands
Fancy Hands is unique because it follows a task-based approach. VAs get to choose among the many tasks available, giving you plenty of flexibility and control over what you do. You won’t have to stick to a single client or stay in a single niche.
- Expected Average Salary: £14 an hour
- Flexibility: Yes lots of flexibility and control of task and client selection
- Other Notable Features:
Large client base, real-time notifications, and no contracts
5. Wood Bows
Wood Bows is another all-rounder VA platform connecting VAs to clients who need administrative, creative, and support services. The main advantage is that the website makes it easier for repeat services or repeat customers. This model is ideal if you want a consistent VA job with a client you like.
- Expected Average Salary: £14 an hour
- Flexibility: Depends on the contract
- Other Notable Features:
Specialised task assignments, high retention rate
FAQs
Is being a virtual assistant a Good Side Hustle?
Being a VA is a rewarding career path that offers substantial salaries, flexible hours, and lots of work opportunities. If you plan to become a VA, follow the steps we shared above and start finding your first client!
BEFORE YOU GO...
Venturing into the world of a Virtual Assistant is just the first step on your path to a successful home-based career. But why stop there? If you have an attentive ear and can type accurately, there's another rewarding opportunity waiting for you. Our next article delves into the ins and outs of transcribing from home, a flexible and engaging side hustle perfectly suited for the home office environment. So, before you close this chapter, take a moment to explore how you can further expand your work-from-home prospects. It's all about finding the right fit for your skills and lifestyle.
sidehustles.co.uk one-minute podcast
🎧 Listen Now: Sidehustles.co.uk One-Minute Podcast
How to Become a Virtual Assistant
Welcome to the Sidehustles.co.uk One Minute Podcast. In the next 60 seconds, we're sharing a real-world insight from our network of seasoned side hustlers. This quick tip is designed to offer you practical advice that you can apply immediately in your side hustle journey.
Today's insight comes from our network of small business owners, highlighting the experience of a single mum who found success with a flexible side hustle. Facing the challenge of balancing childcare responsibilities and the need for a stable income, she turned to becoming a Virtual Assistant. This choice offered her the flexibility to work from home and set her own hours, aligning perfectly with her family commitments. Her story is a testament to how being a virtual assistant can be an ideal solution for parents needing to juggle work and family life. She leveraged her organisational skills and familiarity with digital tools to provide administrative support to clients, proving that with the right side hustle, achieving work-life balance is not just a dream, but a feasible reality. For anyone in a similar situation, consider exploring virtual assistant side hustles — it could be the flexible and rewarding path you’re looking for.
That's your one-minute real-world insight. Stay tuned for more!
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