| A virtual assistant can easily make use of the free | | | | follow up to discuss the project specifics. |
| advertising services CraigsList (CraigsList.org) offers. | | | | It's also worthwhile to add to the discussions on the |
| Many Virtual Assistants forget to turn to CraigsList | | | | business forums and show your expertise when you |
| because they don't realize that it's free to advertise | | | | can. Make sure you answer relevant questions only |
| their business, and they don't realize that they can | | | | and ask questions when you have them, too. Like any |
| reach a very wide audience (i.e., they can focus on | | | | forum, active community members are always valued |
| one city or more a day if they change up the wording | | | | and appreciated. |
| of the ad each day.) In fact, the only charges that | | | | Don't skimp on your services just because you met |
| CraigsList makes when it comes to advertising is for | | | | your clients via CraigsList, as some people are apt to |
| job posts in certain market areas. Advertising your | | | | do. Remember that quality of your services should |
| virtual assistant services on this site is free. | | | | always be your top priority. If you only serve people |
| CraigsList as an advertising resource is essential for a | | | | with good quality in the beginning of your business and |
| solo professional such as a virtual assistant. As a | | | | you continue to do this over and over again, then your |
| website that easily garners about 10 million visitors | | | | business will grow based on your good reputation and |
| each month, VAs everywhere can reach a large | | | | standing. |
| target audience for their marketable skills at a very | | | | In your CraigsList ad, even if you are unable to convert |
| affordable (free!) price. | | | | your readers into a sale, you can still direct them to |
| How can you make your ad stand out? CraigsList | | | | your website and stay in contact with them. Reaching |
| supports HTML, so why not spice up your ads with | | | | out to more people is a good strategy that can help |
| some bullet points, bolding, and a detailed description of | | | | you make more money in your VA business. Try to |
| what your specific services you provide? How about | | | | advertise as much as you can on CraigsList - pay |
| offering a 10% off coupon for those who mention the | | | | attention to when your ad expires and put a new ad |
| CraigsList ad? Use CraigsList as a practical marketing | | | | up every week, varying the content. Send the readers |
| tool where you reach new customers and introduce | | | | to your website and encourage them to sign up to |
| them to your services in a professional manner, not in | | | | your newsletter - and once they do and you get a |
| a quick, unprofessional way. Check out how other | | | | hold of their contact information, always send them |
| people are advertising and vow that you'll take a more | | | | newsletters about your online business and the new |
| professional, creative route to achieve the results you | | | | services you are offering and discounts you may be |
| want. And please, make sure that you don't spam. | | | | able to give them. |
| If you're unsure how to market your Virtual Assistant | | | | CraigsList is an effective tool for both consumers and |
| services on CraigsList, why not "bundle" your hours | | | | businesses, as long as you follow the rules and learn to |
| and services on your website? For example, you can | | | | test the waters slowly but surely. Find what works for |
| easily bundle "8 hours of email customer service" for a | | | | your business, and what doesn't. And it doesn't work, |
| specific price on your website and use a PayPal | | | | try, try again. It's free exposure, and it's free success |
| button for your customers to "buy now" without having | | | | when you get your first, second, and third client from |
| to answer a lot of questions. Once they buy, you can | | | | one of the biggest websites in the world. |