I know there is alot of ways to market yourself like facebook and myspace but i was wondering what is the best way to do it.

sarah

Hi Sarah,

This question is a tough one. I think the answer depends on who your target market is and where they can be found. However, since the nature of our business is via our websites then I think your best bet for marketing your business is through your website.

A well structured and search engine optimized website can help your marketing efforts tremendously. Once you've got the structure in place then you can go about advertising and marketing. Read the SEO section of the forum for information on how to structure your website for search engines and then read our Marketing section for ideas on how to promote.

Social media is one way to market yourself but having a call to action on your website that offers a newsletter or some other freebie download is also a very effective way of demonstrating your knowledge and abilities to potential clients. Blogging is also a must. It demonstrates your knowledge, allows people to see your personality, and draws traffic to your website. The marketing possibilities really are endless and are limited only by your imagination.

Best wishes!

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Thanks Shari, for the information, I was looking for an answer to that question myself. I don't know much about blogging yet but I hear it really is vital. Can you recommend a good site with information about blogging?

Originally Posted by EliteVA

Thanks Shari, for the information, I was looking for an answer to that question myself. I don't know much about blogging yet but I hear it really is vital. Can you recommend a good site with information about blogging?

We have a great Blogging forum right here. You'll find a ton of information to get you started.

Alternatively, HubSpot has some excellent blog posts and archived webinars. You need to register to download them but they are free. You can access them from this link

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Thanks a lot for the links, I really appreciate it.

Originally Posted by sarahjane

I know there is alot of ways to market yourself like facebook and myspace but i was wondering what is the best way to do it. sarah

It's great that you started this thread Sarah. Many VA's are finding ways to gain more clients, especially long-term ones to sustain a full-time income.

Hi Sarah!

What an awesome thread! For me over the past few months, I've learned that most employers want to look at some type of resume, right? So if you were applying for a job that you need to commute to, they would ask for a resume?

However, when applying to jobs, your website is a "resume." If you join other social networking groups, ensure that your profile is as complete as possible. Add pictures, your website link, your blog link, information about you, your services.

I think not all profiles should be identical, but make each one unique. You never know which type of market you are trying to target and you may gain a new skill here or there. Good luck!

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Aspiring VA - Jean
http://network.govirtualwithjean.com

Always think of you website as your 24 hour spokesperson. As if they were there 24 hours a day to tell people about you!

Great suggestions. I am just starting out and a website or blogging are a bit scary right now. But like you said, consider your website your 24 hour spokesperson. That is something I can actually understand!!! Thanks.

I started a blog too so I can market my services online. It's kinda hard getting clients these days.