Curious if you think it's necessary for a VA subcontractor to create and maintain their own website. What are the benefits for both the sub and the VA contracting them.

I'm not sure how you intended this question to be taken. If you were asking if a sub-contractor should have a website that they maintain the answer is a huge YES. I believe it's part of building a successful business and can't picture myself ever subbing to someone who didn't have a website.

If what you're asking is if it's necessary that you, yourself build and maintain the site,
It depends on the items a VA would be subbing out to you. In my case, if I ever get to the point where I'm comfortable doing so, it would absolutely be necessary that the person I subbed to showed their skills in the creation and maintenance of their own site. But most of my main services are geared toward WP website creation and assistance.

If you're not going to be doing that sort of thing, I don't think the fact that you had someone else create your website should reflect on whether you were capable of doing the job. It would actually show business savvy in the fact that you were willing to invest in having a job done right.

Note that this is just one VA's opinion and that at this point in time I refer out projects rather than sub.

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School

I was really asking if the sub should have a website. That's all I need in some opinions. I myself would have to agree it's a great way to build your name. I just would like others opinions on this subject.

Originally Posted by hbplifestyle

I was really asking if the sub should have a website. That's all I need in some opinions. I myself would have to agree it's a great way to build your name. I just would like others opinions on this subject.

Hmmm...Collette, as a VA business owner and a VA that also subs, and being that the nature of our business is based on being virtual, I feel a subcontractor should have their own site. I have my own clients besides subbing, so a website is a necessity to me. And you can really showcase your skills if you have your own site.

To me, whether one subs or not, you should have a website.

Curious to know how those feel that don't have "their own" clients per se and only do sub work?

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Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

Hi All. I agree with Jules that the nature of VA is based on being virtual and it seems that a website should be an absolute must! It would allow other VAs to get a quick glimpse of what they're able to offer and also show that they are professional and serious about their work

Hi

I truly believe it's beneficial. I know I work with a lot of subcontractors and one of the first things I'll do when deciding on a new sub is check out their site. It's definitely not the determining factor, but it often does tell me a lot about the sub. For example, I want to see their "about us" page and see if it's a good fit. Check out any testimonals. See the services they provide. (In the past I actually found a sub did something that I didn't realize they did initially by looking at the services page and then I was able to have her help with that too.)

Also, and again this isn't the determining factor at ALL, but if I see a ton of typos on the site that worries me a little. It's never stopped me from hiring someone, but it did have me look further into their qualifications.

Hope this helps!

Diana Ennen

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Diana Ennen, www.VirtualWordPublishing.com
Author of Virtual Assistant the Series 4th edition

I think any business should have a website - it builds credibility. It is the first thing I look for when considering working with an individual/company. Build your personal brand - perhaps your name as your domain.

So, what you are asking is - does the Subcontractor need to have work coming in or are they happy with the jobs they have and don't think they will EVER need more work?

Even a basic static site with one page stating who you are, what type of services you provide and your contact details can be worthwhile. Even if you don't have a business name and trade under your own name, that will probably make it easier to grab a domain name, but using a free Wordpress site will still help. You can provide potential clients or employers with the page like an online resume so they can 'check you out'. How a site is presented can say a lot about a person.

Basically, if you want to run a business, you need to have a web presence. If you don't expect to ever need anyone to know about you, then if you are comfortable not having a site, don't. Although - if you are asking the question I think you are already swaying towards setting one up ;p

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Marie Chandler - your virtual assistant
www.officesupportonline.com.au

Marie, you are right. A web presence is a must for a virtual business. It can be very basic or more elaborate depending on your business and how you want it to grow.

As Dianne mentioned, for subs, it is a place where VA looking to hire you can go and find out more about you. While maybe not the determining factor in this case, it is a great place to showcase your business.

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Sandra Milligen
The VA Success Coach