As a VA for five years, I never lacked for work until last year. I'm still trying to recover and taking on writing jobs until I find what I really want.

Do most of you feel a website really helps?

Hang in there Tammy! I can't tell you about a website and if it really helps, since I don't have one finished yet. But, in this day and age, a website is a must in my opinion with all the internet savvy people out there. Try and narrow down what you really want will help. When I came across the VA forum it helped me to narrow down what I wanted to do. I was working word of mouth, here and there on my own, but didn't have a clear understanding of putting it all together until I found VAF. Now, I'm fine tuning the package and am narrowing down a logo and if I finish my web page (it's 3/4's of the way done), or have someone else do it. A lot depends on costs for me right now. We have a son in college (and doesn't qualify for any $) - yet I was laid off my full-time job about 1 1/2 years ago after 20 years in the field. Three of my friends are also laid off, again after 20 and 25 years in the same field. We've cut back at home and I like having the flexibility to help offices (doctors) when and where I can. I'm working next week and maybe on retainer for the next four weeks, we'll see how it goes. But, really HANG in there, NETWORK and WRITE all you can!!! Good luck!

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The Doctor's Rx
"The Doctor's Prescription for Success"

Hi Tammy

I really want to echo what Robin said. Even if you intend to get your work through places like elance, I think in this day and age you still need a professional shopfront that clients can easily refer back to.

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Kittie
Indigo Girl - Your Girl Friday

With the growth in both our industry and the virtual world having a website is a must. You should approach it like this, to run a successful business there are certain pieces to the puzzle you must have, one is certainly a web presence. It does not have to be over the top or extremely expensive but it is needed.

Does my site pay off, I am not really sure since I get most clients from networking and referrals but it certainly does not hurt and I am able to get prospective clients information more quickly by referring them to my site.

Best of luck to you.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Wow, thanks for that great feedback. I've been doing this for five years and I've never had such a hard time landing a long term job as I have in the last five months. But I know it will come, but this is a hard profession.

Originally Posted by TammyVA

Wow, thanks for that great feedback. I've been doing this for five years and I've never had such a hard time landing a long term job as I have in the last five months. But I know it will come, but this is a hard profession.

I am glad you said that Tammy for all the new folks to take note. We are constantly hearing that the VA industry is top notch "work at home", but what they don't tell you is it is also a business. You are not "working" for anyone other than yourself and that includes marketing, development, branding, sales and customer service on top of your regular client duties.

I had freelanced since my son was born (15 years ago) and decided 2008 was the year to be full-time business woman. It is not an easy road but fortunately I am finding it rewarding and have gained many stready clients.

Best of luck to you, a new client will come soon.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I totally agree with the earlier comments. Most people this day in age start their buying process by first searching the internet. Websites have quite a few advantages.

1. Websites give consumers a since that you are a professional in your industry.
2. It's one of the cheapest advertising methods available.
3. It gives your business 24/7 visibility.
4. Websites allow you to market nationally and internationally.
5. Studies say that companies with websites typically earn more than those that don't.

I wish you and all other VA's much success in 2009. The industry is becoming so saturated now that it's vital you stay on your p's and q's. There are so many VAs out there now that are half doing things and giving the industry a bad name. If you're offering quality service I have no doubt that things will get better for you. Something that I've been doing lately is focusing on networking within my community. You'd be surprised at the outcome.

Happy Hunting.

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Trena Stubbs of Apex Virtual Solutions
& Author of The Road to Going Virtual

I would have to agree that a website is a must have. I know personally when I am looking at doing business with a new company I always look to see if they have a website.

One of the things that I plan on doing when my business actually opens is to track the number of hits my site and its individal pages generate. I also plan to ask potential clients how the heard about my business.

The answer to your question is hard to quantify. If you land one client from your website and that client generates a few hundred dollars in revenue for you, then yes, you can say it pays to have a website.

My personal feeling is that it is an expectation today that a business will have some type of online presence, be it a website or a blog.

Just my thoughts

Heather

With all the newspapers dying - it just may be our ONLY way to move information before too long.

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Daneille