As the Virtual Assistant industry continues to expand, it is imperative that Virtual Assistants pay special attention to their online marketing endeavors. Since, the majority of a Virtual Assistant’s clients are found online, Virtual Assistants need to ensure that they are effectively promoting their services in a way to capture their target market. Lisa Wells, author of
E-Marketing Essentials for Virtual Assistants: How to grow your business online in less time and with less effort, candidly writes about her journey in how she successfully expanded her business through the use of various e-marketing techniques. Throughout the ebook, Wells enables readers to “test” the concepts she discusses. At the end of each chapter, she provides activities that readers can complete at their own pace.
I was definitely impressed with how Wells reiterated throughout the ebook that the goal of e-marketing is to build permission (emphasis added) based lists of prospects and customers that are interested in the services you have to offer. However, before you dive into the e-marketing arena, she stresses the importance of “…having a clear marketing message.” I liked and agreed with her statement that having a niche is, “…one of the most important decisions you will need to make as it will drive many of your other business decisions.” Wells did a terrific job stating the reasons why you must establish a niche before beginning your online marketing. Having a niche can prevent you from wasting time and energy on those that are outside your target market. When you have a clear marketing message, you will be able to effectively communicate what you have to offer; thus, catching the attention of prospects and reinforcing your brand to your current clients.
Wells acknowledges that most Virtual Assistants “…spend the majority of their time looking for clients.” However, this does not have to be the case. Virtual Assistants can decrease their time searching for leads by effectively incorporating a marketing funnel into their online marketing campaign. In other words, when you entice prospective clients into taking advantage of a free offer, this would encourage them to work their way down the funnel. Once they reach the bottom of the funnel, Wells thoroughly explains that, “They’ll [prospective clients] be much more likely to invest in one of your higher end products and services at that point versus when they have just stumbled upon your website for the first time.”
In order to successfully execute the aforementioned techniques (i.e. marketing funnel), Wells shares a myriad of tools you need to have in your e-marketing toolbox. I especially liked this section because one of the main tools to have in your e-marketing toolbox is a website. Although many Virtual Assistants have one, they may not know how or neglect to use the rest of the tools in their toolbox such as list managers, autoresponders, newsletters, etc. Wells did a fantastic job in choosing the tools for the toolbox, as well as explaining the various e-marketing tools that can be used to transport the message that you are trying to convey to your customers (i.e. blogs, newsletters, etc.).
Wells also mentioned the importance of implementing multimedia tools such as podcasts and teleseminars as alternatives for those who wish to speak instead of write. The tips offered in this section are incredibly helpful and will persuade those who are apprehensive in engaging in multimedia the courage to try. All of the tools and techniques discussed in this ebook will further increase your chances of making a lasting impression. The likelihood of people using your services increases when your target market feels that they know you and are someone they can trust.
Even though Wells has done the groundwork in documenting processes that have helped her create a successful brand, she is quick to point out that you cannot expect to achieve the same results as her if you are not consistent. Wells gives great insight to experienced as well as aspiring Virtual Assistants in how to effectively market your services online. I highly recommend this book for those seeking to take their online marketing to the next level. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
This ebook was published in 2008 and contains 61 pages. Although the regular price for this book is $27.00, the author is offering 25% off when you use the code vaf when you checkout.
If you are interested in purchasing this e-book, click here.
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E-Marketing Essentials for Virtual Assistants, by Lisa Wells
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