How to Start a Virtual Assistant Business with No Experience

Written By Dalaina Knight

So you’ve been Googling “how to work from home” or “ways to make money online as a mom”... and you keep coming across the term Virtual Assistant (VA).

But then the doubt creeps in…

“I don’t have admin experience.”

“I’ve never worked online before.”

“Is this even something I can actually do?”

Let me tell you right now: YES. You can.

I started my VA business with no clue what I was doing—but within 4 weeks, I had paying clients. Within 4 months, I had replaced my nursing income… all while working part-time with my baby by my side.

If you're ready for freedom, flexibility, and financial peace I’m about to show you exactly how to get started as a Virtual Assistant with zero experience.

What is a Virtual Assistant, really?

A Virtual Assistant is someone who helps business owners with day-to-day tasks like:

  • Email & calendar management

  • Social media support

  • Customer service

  • Tech setup

  • Research & data entry

  • Scheduling & inbox clean-up

  • Content creation

  • And so much more

You don’t need to be an expert in all of these areas. You just need to start with one thing you’re good at or willing to learn.

Step 1: Identify Your Strengths

Think about what comes naturally to you:

  • Are you organized?

  • Good at writing or communication?

  • Tech-savvy or willing to follow a YouTube tutorial?

  • Do you love planning, creating Canva graphics, or encouraging others?

You likely already have transferable skills from motherhood, past jobs, or life experience. You don’t need to be a pro, just willing to show up and serve.

Tip: Inside my VA Starter Kit, I help you identify your “starter skillset” so you can offer services with confidence. You can grab it here!

Step 2: Choose 1-3 Starter Services

Start simple. You do NOT need to offer everything. Some beginner-friendly services include:

  • Social media scheduling (using tools like Planoly or Meta Scheduler)

  • Managing an inbox

  • Creating Canva graphics for Instagram

  • Updating blog posts

  • Booking podcast guests

  • Data entry or spreadsheet updates

Start where you feel most comfortable, and grow from there.

Step 3: Set Up Your Basics

Here’s what you don’t need to get started:

  • A fancy website

  • A business name or LLC

  • A degree or certification

Here’s what you do need:

  • A way for clients to contact you (email or Instagram DMs)

  • A list of the services you offer

  • A basic pricing structure

  • A PayPal, Stripe, or bank account to get paid

You can literally start booking clients with just an Instagram account and a service guide.

Step 4: Learn How to Market Yourself

If you build it, they won’t come…unless you tell them about it.

Start by:

  • Posting on social media about your new business

  • Letting your friends and family know you’re available for hire

  • Joining Facebook groups where your ideal clients hang out

  • Sending a DM to 5 people a day offering help

It’s not about being pushy. It’s about showing up and serving.

Step 5: Get Support So You Don’t Burn Out

Starting something new can feel overwhelming. That’s why I created two free resources just for you:

Download the VA Starter Kit – I’ll help you pick your services, price yourself, and show up online with confidence.

Register for the Free Workshop: Work from Home as a Virtual Assistant – I’ll walk you through the step-by-step roadmap to building your own VA business from scratch. You’ll learn what to offer, how to land clients, and how to build a business that fits your life, not the other way around.

You don’t need to be the most experienced.
You just need to be willing.

If you’re a mom who wants more…more time, more freedom, more income…you don’t have to wait for “someday.”

You can start now.

And I’ll walk with you every step of the way.


Dalaina Knight
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