How to Get Your First VA Client in the Philippines (No Ads Needed)

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How to Get Your First Client as a Virtual Assistant (Without Paid Ads)

Getting your first client is the hardest step in any virtual assistant journey especially when you don’t want to spend money on ads or paid listings.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a big budget to get hired. You just need the right strategy, consistent action, and a little patience.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how Filipino VAs can land their first paying client using free tools, job boards, and organic outreach.

Step 1: Get Your Essentials Ready

Before you reach out to clients, you need to look professional and trustworthy. Set up these three things:

1.1 A Clear, Short Resume

Use a one-page VA resume that highlights your skills, tools, and availability. Don’t overthink it—clients want clarity, not fluff.

Include:

Contact info

Skills (e.g. email management, Canva, Trello)

Short work experience (even if it’s personal projects)

Education or online courses

Need help? Use our free VA resume template.

1.2 A Basic Portfolio

Even as a beginner, you can create a small portfolio with 3–4 samples:

A sample customer service email

A social media caption and graphic (Canva)

A spreadsheet or task tracker you made

A short Loom video introducing yourself

Use Google Drive or Notion to host your portfolio. Keep it clean and easy to navigate.

1.3 A Professional Email and Calendar

Create a Gmail with your name (e.g. jennava@gmail.com). Set up a Calendly link or Google Calendar for scheduling interviews.

Step 2: Use Job Platforms That Work for Filipino VAs

VA Bear

Sign up at VA Bear to access verified jobs posted by businesses that want skilled VAs. The platform includes time tracking and communication tools.

Step 3: Ask for Referrals and Help From Your Network

Many first-time VAs land their first client through someone they already know.

How to do it:

Post on Facebook or LinkedIn: “Hi! I’m starting my journey as a Virtual Assistant and looking for part-time work. I can help with admin tasks, Canva, email, and research. If you or someone you know needs help, message me!”

Message friends who own businesses (even small ones)

Offer to work on a small task for free or at a discount to gain experience

This works. People are more likely to hire someone they already trust—or someone a friend recommended.

Step 4: Try Direct Outreach (Cold Messaging)

If you want to be proactive, reach out directly to potential clients via LinkedIn, Instagram, or email.

Example approach:

Find small businesses or content creators who are active but overwhelmed.

Send a short message like:

“Hi [Name], I noticed your [business/blog/brand] is growing fast. I’m a virtual assistant based in the Philippines, and I’d love to help with admin, inbox, or social media tasks so you can focus on growth. Let me know if you’d be open to a quick chat!”

This works best when personalized. Mention their niche or compliment something specific.

Step 5: Join VA Communities for Support and Leads

There are many Facebook groups and communities where clients post jobs or other VAs share leads.

Join groups like:

Filipino Virtual Assistance Group

Online Filipino Freelancers (OFF)

VA Savvies PH

VA Bear Discord (if available)

Be active. Comment on posts. Share your story. Some clients check who’s helpful and reach out directly.

Step 6: Follow Up (Most VAs Don’t Do This!)

Many VAs apply once and never follow up. Don’t be that VA.

Send a message like this:

“Hi [Client Name], just checking in to follow up on the VA role you posted. I’d love to support your business and bring energy and organization to your day-to-day tasks. Let me know if you need more info from me!”

It shows initiative—and many clients appreciate persistence.

Final Tips for Getting Your First Client

Apply daily, even to small jobs

Keep improving your resume and proposals

Don’t compare your journey to others—focus on consistency

Keep track of every job you apply to and follow up after 3–5 days

Treat every interview or task like practice

Getting your first client takes work, but it’s worth it. Once you land that first gig, more opportunities will follow.

How to Find Virtual Assistant Jobs in 2025

How to Build a Winning VA Resume

VA Interview Tips: How to Impress Foreign Clients and Get Hired

👉 Ready to land your first VA job? Join VA Bear today and start applying to client-ready job listings built for Filipino virtual assistants.

How to Get Your First Client as a Virtual Assistant (Without Paid Ads)