Virtual Assistant Rates - What are the best rates?
Deciding your virtual assistant rates today can be a bit challenging.
I know it was a very hard decision for me when I first started my Virtual Assistant business. If I charge too much will I scare away potential clients? What if I charge too little and clients assume my quality is not the best? Is the competition tough? Should I charge less than other virtual assistants to ensure I get enough clients?
If these questions have been going through your mind, you are in good company. Rest assured most self-employed professionals struggle with the question of how much to charge.
One of the easiest ways to determine the best rates is to simplify the process. Getting confused with all of these questions and worry about every little thing will only complicate things and make it more difficult than it needs to be.
Start with simply researching the rates of other virtual assistants that have similar credentials and are offering the same services you would like to offer. There are some good Virtual Assistant Associations and forums that can be a great place to start your research.
Rates do vary depending upon the industry you are targeting, and some will pay more than others. Another factor to consider is your skill set and level of proficiency. As with any profession, the more skilled and experienced you are the more you can charge.
Should you start low and raise your rates later once you have a client base? This is a tricky question with no correct answer; however, here are some things to consider:
If you start out with rates that are well below the standard for your services, it can be difficult to raise them later. No one wants to be told they have to start paying more for anything...including services. On the other hand, if you start a little low, you certainly can raise your rates down the road as your skills improve and you build an impressive portfolio.
Another factor to consider when determining your virtual assistant rates is your target market. What niche are you going after? What types of clients will you work with and how much will they be able and willing to pay?
For instance, a highly skilled virtual assistant certified to specialize in assisting real estate agents, legal or financial professionals will be able to charge more than a VA who works with entrepreneurs and new business start-ups that only need help with basic administrative tasks.
While I don't believe your rates should be determined by and virtual assistant certifications you have, you do need to consider your level of training and experience in the services you provide. If you are highly skilled with many years of experience, you will be able to provide an extremely high level of quality and you can charge a higher rate than someone just starting out with little experience or training.
One of the greatest challenges when starting your own home based business is learning to value yourself. Smart business owners know you get what you pay for and are will to pay for quality work. Don't be afraid to charge what you are worth.
Along with these factors, when determining your virtual assistant rates, you need to remember you are a business owner now and you must charge enough to make a profit.
Learn more about becoming a virtual assistant and how to run a successful home based business. There is nothing better than being your own boss and owner of a successful business. Download my free report and discover what you need to ensure your success.
I know it was a very hard decision for me when I first started my Virtual Assistant business. If I charge too much will I scare away potential clients? What if I charge too little and clients assume my quality is not the best? Is the competition tough? Should I charge less than other virtual assistants to ensure I get enough clients?
If these questions have been going through your mind, you are in good company. Rest assured most self-employed professionals struggle with the question of how much to charge.
One of the easiest ways to determine the best rates is to simplify the process. Getting confused with all of these questions and worry about every little thing will only complicate things and make it more difficult than it needs to be.
Start with simply researching the rates of other virtual assistants that have similar credentials and are offering the same services you would like to offer. There are some good Virtual Assistant Associations and forums that can be a great place to start your research.
Rates do vary depending upon the industry you are targeting, and some will pay more than others. Another factor to consider is your skill set and level of proficiency. As with any profession, the more skilled and experienced you are the more you can charge.
Should you start low and raise your rates later once you have a client base? This is a tricky question with no correct answer; however, here are some things to consider:
If you start out with rates that are well below the standard for your services, it can be difficult to raise them later. No one wants to be told they have to start paying more for anything...including services. On the other hand, if you start a little low, you certainly can raise your rates down the road as your skills improve and you build an impressive portfolio.
Another factor to consider when determining your virtual assistant rates is your target market. What niche are you going after? What types of clients will you work with and how much will they be able and willing to pay?
For instance, a highly skilled virtual assistant certified to specialize in assisting real estate agents, legal or financial professionals will be able to charge more than a VA who works with entrepreneurs and new business start-ups that only need help with basic administrative tasks.
While I don't believe your rates should be determined by and virtual assistant certifications you have, you do need to consider your level of training and experience in the services you provide. If you are highly skilled with many years of experience, you will be able to provide an extremely high level of quality and you can charge a higher rate than someone just starting out with little experience or training.
One of the greatest challenges when starting your own home based business is learning to value yourself. Smart business owners know you get what you pay for and are will to pay for quality work. Don't be afraid to charge what you are worth.
Along with these factors, when determining your virtual assistant rates, you need to remember you are a business owner now and you must charge enough to make a profit.
Learn more about becoming a virtual assistant and how to run a successful home based business. There is nothing better than being your own boss and owner of a successful business. Download my free report and discover what you need to ensure your success.
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