A Step-by-Step Guide for Work-from-Home Moms
Are you dreaming of working from home, being present for your family, and still contributing financially? Becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA) could be the life-changing opportunity you’ve been searching for.
In 2018, I was in your shoes—wanting freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment, but unsure where to even begin. Fast forward to today: I’ve built a six-figure VA business and now help other women (just like you!) do the same through courses, resume services, and tons of free resources.
If you’re wondering how to actually get started as a Virtual Assistant, this post is for you. Whether you’re totally new to the idea or you’ve dabbled in freelance work before, here’s your beginner-friendly guide to launching your VA business—with links to everything you need to hit the ground running.
Step 1: Understand What a Virtual Assistant Really Does
Before you jump in, make sure you understand the role. A Virtual Assistant provides support services remotely—think email management, customer service, data entry, social media, or calendar scheduling.
There are different types of VAs:
- Generalist VAs handle a little of everything.
- Niche-Specific VAs specialize in areas like podcast production, social media, or real estate.
- Executive VAs support CEOs or entrepreneurs at a high level.
Take my FREE course: What is a Virtual Assistant?
Or read the full blog post guide here.
Step 2: Make the Mindset Shift
Working from home isn’t just about flexibility—it requires focus, boundaries, and self-discipline. You’ll be your own boss, which means you set your schedule, deadlines, and deliverables.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.
Grab my FREE VA Starter Kit here to get step-by-step guidance.
It includes checklists, mindset tips, and a roadmap to help you figure out if this is the right path for you.
Step 3: Set Up Your Business Foundation
To work legally and protect yourself, you’ll want to make your business official.
- Choose between a Sole Proprietorship (simple setup) or an LLC (more protection).
- Register your business with your state.
- Get business insurance (look at Next Insurance or Hiscox for VA-friendly options).
- Write a simple contract using a VA template to outline scope, payment, and timelines.
Step 4: Create a Professional Presence Online
You don’t need a fancy website to start, but you do need to look legit. That includes:
- A polished resume (with keywords specific to VA work)
- A clean, updated LinkedIn profile
- An optional 1-page website or portfolio
Need help updating your resume? Start with this blog post.
Or get personalized help with my Resume Revamp mini-course.
Step 5: Set Up Your Systems
Before you take on clients, make sure you have your tools and finances ready:
- Use PayPal, Stripe, or QuickBooks for invoicing.
- Track income and expenses from day one—Google Sheets works to start!
- Research self-employment taxes and quarterly payments (check IRS.gov – Self-Employed Individuals).
Step 6: Build Your Home Office Setup
You don’t need a full-blown studio—but having the right tools will make a huge difference.
Here’s what I recommend for new VAs:
- A fast, reliable laptop
- Comfortable desk and chair
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Strong WiFi (and a backup plan like a mobile hotspot)
- Tools like Zoom, Trello, Canva, and Calendly
Check out my full list of recommended tech + gear on my Amazon Storefront.
Step 7: Find Clients
There are several ways to start finding work:
- Sign up for platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Belay, or The Mom Project.
- Join Facebook groups for entrepreneurs or business owners
- Use LinkedIn to connect with small businesses
- Try cold pitching (emailing leads directly)
Remember: the first client is the hardest to land. Once you’ve got a win under your belt, it gets easier from there!
Step 8: Price Your Services With Confidence
You can charge:
- Hourly ($25–$50/hr for beginners)
- Retainer (e.g., $500/month for a set number of hours)
- Project-based (great for one-time tasks like website updates)
Start with a rate that feels fair to your skills and adjust as you gain experience. Don’t be afraid to raise your prices as your value grows!
Step 9: Balance Work and Life
Especially if you’re a stay-at-home or work-from-home mom, this matters. Set boundaries. Protect nap time. Ask for help when needed.
Time-blocking, batching tasks, and keeping a loose daily rhythm can help you thrive without burning out.
Step 10: Launch Your VA Career with Purpose
You don’t have to wait until everything is perfect. Just start. Use this post as a checklist and revisit it as you go.
If you haven’t already, here are your next steps:
✔️ Download the free VA Starter Kit
✔️ Take the free “What is a VA?” course
✔️ Update your resume with this guide
✔️ Get expert help with your resume
✔️ Shop my Amazon must-haves for work-from-home success
You’ve got this. I believe in you. And I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.
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