Where do you find Transcription Clients?

[Monarch Virtual Assistance LLC]

Hi, I would love to niche as a Virtual Transcriptionist. I have a lot of years experience doing transcription work for various employers and I love the work. But I'm at a loss as to where to market my transcription services as a Virtual Assistant. I'm trying to think who would need a transcriptionist? I'm talking business transcription, corporate transcription, academic transcription, dictation (one on one) transcription, etc.
Thanks!
Lisa Salem

[The Perfect Word]

These are the types of clients I have for transcription: Insurance companies' recorded telephone interviews; marketing companies recorded focus groups; local county government board meetings; individuals dictating a book or interviewing for a book; university students whose interviews for dissertation must be transcribed.

Hope this helps!

[Monarch Virtual Assistance LLC]

Thanks Pam...I never thought of those industries...I am also intrigued by webinars and am wondering if that would be a good niche. I'm not sure if folks who put on webinars would need transcripts of them, but I would think it would be a good idea for them to have a hard copy to use as a reference, or perhaps repurpose the webinar into an ebook, or special report. I am a fast typist and since most webinars are usually one speaker, I'm sure I could offer this service at an affordable rate.

[Shellea]

I live in a University town, and there are tons of new freelance attorneys that need transcriptions. They are a good opportunity.

[kathiemt]

Lisa, if you have a website set up that promotes and advertises this line of work then clients will find you. And mixing and mingling locally with business people in your region will also help pass the word around. Even advertising in your local yellow pages.

I get a lot of transcription work coming through from clients via my website and this is through online and printed advertising and word-of-mouth referrals. In fact, the very first transcription job that ever came to me was via the web in October 1997 - they found me. I've never had to go in search of these types of jobs.

Make sure you check all RFPs listed at this forum from clients and also register with 2 or 3 other VA networks where clients place job requests or requests for work to be done. Many transcription clients come via these sources.

[Monarch Virtual Assistance LLC]

Hi. Thank you for the information. The funny thing is I have a website (although it's not specific to transcription) and I have never received one call from anybody who found me from my website. I have an ad in the yellow pages in my local area -- I'm actually in two books for my entire county, I'm also in the online yellow pages (part of the package deal), and I've never gotten one call yet from the ad! It's very expensive too! I am a member of the local Chamber, but the folks in my area are not ready for Virtual Assistance yet, and need to be educated. My local economy is not great, which is why I am marketing outside of my local area mostly. Unfortunately, I am an introvert, and am not comfortable with face to face marketing. I am much better at communicating via the written word than spoken word (i'm working on it though!). I know my website needs more work, and I don't have it optimized yet which is probably most of the problem. I belong to IVAA and VA Networking and respond to RFP's often. I received 1 transcription client that way, but it was a one time project. I received three other clients for my VA work, one didn't work out, one is ending at the end of this month, and the other is a gem, my ideal client, and working out beautifully, but they can only commit to 30 hours per month right now (with the potential for more in the future, but not sure when that will be). It's been a struggle, but I'm not a quitter!! :-) I though of trying target marketing to a list of folks I want to work with. Maybe send intro letters and keep in touch with postcards, social media, newsletters, etc. Also networking online with other VA's, etc.

[kathiemt]

Targetting your advertising is important. It's paramount that both your website and your Yellow Pages advertising promote your transcription services otherwise you won't be attracting the type of clients you want. Same with your 'message' whenever speaking to people at networking events or passing out information, even in your newsletters. Sounds like you have some work to do to get that word out - keep at it, it will happen.

[annella]

I found that most clients came from web advertising and referrals

[bridiej]

I've recently started building my business back up after a break to have my two children, and I actually Googled for transcription companies and emailed them directly. I've had three who are now sending me work, one of whom will also act as back up if I get swamped or take a break at any time. OK not ideal as you make more money with your own clients BUT it's a good start and also a back up if things go quiet at any point.

[Roxie]

I've just started getting into the transcription end of my VA business and I have to say the advice here is invaluable! Thank you all so much!