If so, what does it entail? Do you have a budget for marketing? Would you mind sharing how much?

I just put my first ad on Craigslist and, although I know nothing could come of it I still am excited that I finally did something in the area of marketing. Now I want to do more and more!

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Sarah
Accurate Office Help

Hi Sarah

Here's a link which gives you an idea of what to think about for your marketing plan.

I think it's important to consider both online & offline marketing for a VA business. Limiting to only one method does limit your target market.

Also, before jumping into the marketing it is a great idea to have a plan. It makes it more structured and you know which direction you are headed in - do your market research & a competitor analysis. What are your competitors (online & offline) offering and what is unique about your business that you can offer.

I have a very small budget at the moment so am going to use Facebook ads & Google adwords for advertising - as you only pay per click you are not being charged unless you ad is working.

Later I plan on advertising in online magazines & websites that are targeted to my market.

Hope this helps!

Carol

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RESULTS Virtual Assistant
www.resultsva.com

I have nothing written out, just in my head. I would agree with Carol that research is #1, otherwise it's rather like buying a car because it's a pretty colour, then finding out it's a gas-guzzling lemon. Having recently moved to a smaller city I'm working up a database of local lawyers (done over 25 years in law firms) to send a direct mailing to. There are several hundred of them but researching contact information is time consuming as, compared to the major city I came from, very few have a website and I know people whose dog has a website of his own! On the other hand, there are a few VA/typing services around and not one offers any legal experience so maybe I've found the niche here - time will tell.

Different place, somewhat different ballgame. I suspect a lot depends on things such as your target market and location. Good luck!

Lynne

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The Wordpro Wizard
www.wordprowizard.com