Struggling to Find Clients as a Virtual Assistant? Here’s How to Change That

Finding clients is one thing.
Finding dream clients—the kind who respect your time, value your expertise, and pay $50–$100 per hour upfront on a monthly retainer—is another game entirely.

Most virtual assistants don’t struggle because they lack talent. They struggle because they’re fishing in the wrong pond or showing up like every other VA online. If you’ve been chasing clients on low-budget platforms, you already know how that story ends: lots of effort, little return, and no real sustainability.

It’s time to shift from hustling for clients to attracting premium ones.
Here are three strategies to help you move into the space where clients see you as an investment, not an expense — and happily pay for the value you bring.

1. Connect With Potential Clients Authentically

Many virtual assistants struggle to land premium clients because they focus too much on selling instead of building genuine relationships. Dream clients aren’t just looking for another contractor—they want a trusted partner who understands their business and can provide real solutions.

Instead of constantly “pitching” your services, focus on relationship-building first.

Ways to Connect Authentically:

Engage in Online Communities – Participate in industry-related Facebook groups, LinkedIn discussions, or mastermind groups where your ideal clients are already networking. Offer value instead of just selling your services.

Provide Insightful Content – Share your expertise by posting valuable tips, case studies, or behind-the-scenes looks at your work. Clients want to see your knowledge in action before they hire you.

Leverage Warm Introductions – Reach out to people in your network and ask if they know any business owners who could benefit from your services. Referrals from trusted sources carry more weight than cold pitches.

Building genuine relationships takes time, but dream clients are more likely to invest in someone they know, trust, and have seen in action.

2. Be Ready Before You Start Looking for Clients

Too many VAs jump into the client search without getting the fundamentals in place first. If you’re reaching out to potential clients but don’t have clear systems for onboarding, contracts, or how you’ll actually work with them, you risk looking unprofessional—and premium clients won’t take you seriously.

Before you start searching for clients, make sure you have:

A Simple Website – Even a basic site that outlines your services, testimonials, and portfolio can go a long way in establishing trust and professionalism.

Proposal and Contract Templates – These documents not only clarify your services and fees but also protect both you and your clients. Having a clear, professional proposal and contract can differentiate you from competitors.

Client Onboarding System – Establish a seamless process for welcoming new clients, setting expectations, and managing projects. Whether it’s an automated system or a personal touch, ensure you have a reliable way to get started smoothly with every new client.

Being ready means you’re not just chasing clients—you’re prepared to deliver premium service from the very first interaction.

3. Be Realistic: The Process is Ongoing and Takes Time

One of the biggest mistakes virtual assistants make is expecting quick results. They search for shortcuts—"hacks" or "secrets"—that will magically bring in high-paying clients overnight. But dream clients don’t come from shortcuts; they come from consistency, credibility, and time.

Reality Check:

There are no tips, tricks, or hacks that replace doing the daily work. Success comes from showing up, putting in effort, and staying visible.

You won’t build a full roster of dream clients in a month. It takes time to establish yourself and gain trust.

Client acquisition is never “done.” Even when your calendar is full, you need to keep marketing, networking, and refining your processes.

The key to building a business that attracts premium clients isn’t about finding a magic formula—it’s about committing to the work every single day.

The Bottom Line

Landing premium clients isn’t about luck — it’s about positioning, strategy, and clarity. When you start showing up as a professional who runs a structured, high-value business, you attract clients who treat you that way.

Stop chasing low-budget leads. Start building relationships with clients who respect your time, trust your process, and pay you what you’re worth.

You already have the skills. Now it’s time to refine the strategy.

Download The Booked Solid Playbook: Systems for Solopreneurs™ to learn the exact systems, scripts, and workflows that help you attract high-quality clients — and keep them.

About Mia Borja

Mia Borja is an Online Business Manager, Executive Virtual Assistant, and Systems Strategist based in Long Beach, California. Through her Systems for Solopreneurs™ framework, she helps coaches, consultants, and founders build the structure, strategy, and style behind a business that runs beautifully.

When she’s not streamlining workflows or designing branded dashboards, Mia’s creating tools that help entrepreneurs work smarter — not harder.
Learn more at miaborja.com.