Lisa Olakunle 
We live in a digital age because the world keeps advancing every day.
As remote jobs continue to gain popularity, digital connectivity is becoming the norm, particularly in the demand for virtual assistants by small businesses and large companies.
It’s a booming remote career path that Nigerians are uniquely positioned to tap into.
Becoming a virtual assistant is the best thing that can happen to you as a student, a stay-at-home parent or you’re trying to escape the traditional 9-5 job.
You may also want to check out the 15 Online Side Hustles You Can Start With Zero Capital. You can start most of those side hustles with zero capital and virtual assistant is one of them.
In this article, I’ll take you on a step-by-step guide of exactly how to work from home as a virtual assistant, the skillset you need to be successful at it, and the insights to help you get international clients.
Let’s get this. Shall we?
What Is A Virtual Assistant (VA)?
A virtual assistant, also known as a VA, is an online personal assistant who works round-the-clock by providing administrative tasks, technical skills, or creative support to clients, business owners, and entrepreneurs.
The market for virtual assistants is growing widely, because businesses greatly rely on them to manage their workload for easy workflow, and sometimes their specific tasks can depend on what the client needs that may include, emails and calendars management, social media scheduling, travel booking, event planning, online research, etc.
Some VAs specialize in social media, e-commerce, real estate, and executive virtual assistants respectively.
One of the key advantages of hiring a virtual assistant is their ability to leverage technology such as communication tools, writing materials, graphic design programmes, software, etc. so as to collaborate with the clients and carry out their responsibilities effectively from the comfort of their room or workplace.
A virtual assistant works in the online office, and can be a part-time or a full-time employee for the business owner which opens up new doors to flexible income and career growth.
This online side hustle in Nigeria could change your financial story.
The best part?
You don’t need years of experience or a degree.
All you need is a stable internet connection, skills, and the right strategy, and you’re ready to start earning in dollars.
SEE ALSO: 7 Content Creation Skills That Can Pay You Monthly in Nigeria
How To Become A Virtual Assistant In Nigeria And Earn In Dollars
Step 1: Understand What Virtual Assistants Do
There are different services VAs offer to businesses.
You can start by researching these areas of specialization, such as, content creation, social media management, customer service, e-commerce, etc.
Step 2: Pick A Niche
Don’t try to be a jack of all trades.
You must choose a niche you’re passionate about. Guess what? You don’t need to start from scratch.
For instance: are you an organized person who can also communicate clearly, administrative assistance is your calling. Or do you know the basics of social media? Content management is where you belong.
SEE ALSO: 11 Best Apps for Content Creation (Our Experts Picks)
Step 3: Learn The Required VA Skills
Even if it’s your first time, you can start learning how to use tools like Google Workspace, Canva, Asana, some AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, etc. from online platforms such as Google, Coursera, Udemy, Alison, all for free.
Other essential skills you also need are time management, communication, organization, etc.
Step 4: Set Up Your Online Presence
If you have no experience, you can create a portfolio to showcase your work, because clients care about proof.
Build your visibility through Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, so that clients can see who they’re hiring.
Step 5: Find Virtual Assistants Jobs That Pay In Dollars
Don’t overthink it.
Start applying for jobs where you can find dollar-paying clients on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn Jobs, and PeoplePerHour.
You can also join different Facebook groups for virtual assistant jobs in Nigeria. Or pitch directly to content creators, real estate agents, and coaches, via phone or email.
SEE ALSO: Social Media Content Creation Formula to Stand Out and Crush the Competition Online
How Much Can You Earn As A Virtual Assistant?
Let’s talk about money!
Your income depends on your experience, skills, niche, and the location of your clients.
Virtual Assistants at the beginner level
Some Virtual Assistants at the beginner level earn $3/$5 to $7/$10 per hour or $500 monthly on a part-time basis.
Virtual Assistants at the intermediates level
Intermediates earn between $10 to $20 per hour or more than such as $1,500 to $3,000 per month on a full-time level.
Experienced or specialized Virtual Assistants
While experienced or specialized VAs usually earn between $10/$25 per hour or $5,000+ every month or higher.
Regardless, the goal is to be strategic about your rates. You don’t have to reduce your price forever.
Instead grow value, with positioning and consistency, you can increase your earning power if you can consider specializing in these high-income VAs services such as, sales funnel management, email marketing, podcast management, virtual event coordination, content management, project management, customer relations management, digital marketing assistant, language translation services etc.
SEE ALSO: Complete Social Media Content Creation Toolkit Every Creator Needs to Succeed
What Skills Does A Virtual Assistant Need?
There are many skills you can develop if you want to thrive as a VA, and they are:
- Editorial Skills: Your writing matters, it’s important that any work you must have written must be original and error-free. Make friends with typing and research, because they’re beneficial.
- Basic Bookkeeping: Clients often need you to manage their finances, keep records of their daily activities, and expenses. So, knowing some basics in bookkeeping can help you grow your own business smoothly.
- Computer Prowess: If you want to succeed as a virtual assistant, you need to be familiar with some computer tools, such as file sharing, managing email inboxes, teleconferencing, the internet, creating spreadsheets, etc., so as to carry out your duties.
Other skills you need to develop in the virtual assistance industry are: problem-solving, professionalism, confidentiality, reliability, etc.
How to Make Money As A Virtual Assistant FAQs
How do I receive payments in Dollars?
After completion of your task, you can receive payments through Wise, Payoneer, PayPal, or directly from platforms on the freelance websites.
How long does it take to get your first client?
It depends on your effort and strategy. You can get your clients in the space of one to three weeks. Others may take months or even years, the important thing is to keep going, no matter what.
Is virtual assistance a legit online side hustle?
Yes, it is. Businesses all over the world need virtual assistants and thousands are earning a full income remotely.
Do I need money to start?
No, you don’t. At zero cost, you can start your journey into a virtual assistant with only your smartphone, internet access, and a laptop if you have one.
Can I work as a virtual assistant while maintaining my day job?
Yes, you can. Becoming a virtual assistant doesn’t affect your 9 – 5, because it’s remote. Every task you embark on begins and ends online.
Final Tips To Succeed As A Virtual Assistance
Being a virtual assistant isn’t a Ponzi scheme.
You have to work for it, because it’s a digital career field that requires the right skills, with little or no capital, without a degree.
If you can invest in yourself by learning, upgrading your skills, communicating well, and being punctual, with the right strategy and the power of consistency, you can turn this into a thriving remote business, earning in dollars anytime, any day, wherever you are.
Becoming a Virtual Assistant in Nigeria is one of the smartest choices you can make if you desire to earn money online.
Don’t wait for the perfect time, because the time to start is today.
It may be hard, you know. The road would be muddy and rough, but you will get there. And, when the time comes, you will look back and realize you made the right move at the right time.
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