Hi All!

Gosh, I really hope i am posting in the right place. I am considering lowering my hourly rate. While i've had one client in the form of an old employer, i haven't had any "virtual" clients yet. I'm not quite sure what to do other than lower my pricing. Perhaps it just takes more time. My website is not searchable yet, unfortunately. So...is this a viable option? Or should i up my marketing?

Thanks all!

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Gia S.

Hi Gia!

I asked the same question not too long ago. Here's the thread I started. It may help you get some answers to your question.

http://www.virtualassistantforums.co...my-rates-13143

Good luck and let me know what you decide!

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Kathya Kalinine
http://www.emeraldvirtual.com

Gia how long have you been in business? What marketing have you done? Are you only marketing virtually or are you marketing locally also? Have you compared your rates to others in your area? I know a lot of questions but the answers will help us steer you in the right direction.

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Lisa Olinda of Olinda Services
Keeping you on the path to success!
www.olindaservices.com

Originally Posted by D'Helper

Hi All! Gosh, I really hope i am posting in the right place. I am considering lowering my hourly rate. While i've had one client in the form of an old employer, i haven't had any "virtual" clients yet. I'm not quite sure what to do other than lower my pricing. Perhaps it just takes more time. My website is not searchable yet, unfortunately. So...is this a viable option? Or should i up my marketing? Thanks all!

If your hourly rate is reasonable and inline with VAs offering similar services, my answer is a resounding NO! Up your marketing, focus on networking and be patient. As I just posted in another place, working for a low rate (in your case just to get clients, but for WHATEVER reason) devalues everyone.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Don't do it! My rates were actually below normal because I too was discouraged by comments of bids being to high however I soon realized that the buyer without stating it in the bid request is actually looking for overseas workers so they can pay .50 - $2 an hour unfortunately it is truly a waste of time when they don't post accordingly.

Hello Gia,

I wouldn't recommend lowering your rates. I would definitely ramp up your marketing and concentrate on your website.

Are you getting any interest right now from your marketing that would indicate you are missing out on clients due to your rates? If that's the case, I can understand why you might think lowering your rates might help. But, if you're having trouble even getting potential clients interested in knowing more about what you can do for them, I would say your marketing needs more work.

It can be discouraging at start up to find clients, but narrowing down your niche, discovering your target market and making sure your business plan is up to date are all things that are worthwhile spending time on.

Good luck and keep us posted!

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

I'm going to echo the others here. Don't lower the rate unless it is much higher than other VA's in your area. You are better off uping the marketing etc that you are doing. While it can be disheartening marketing unfortunately very rarely pays off immediately. Keep it up and you'll soon have your clients in.

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Trish Donmall
http://conorsadmin.co.za