As a small business owner, there comes a point when you realize you could use some extra help. Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) is a top option to consider, but you need to keep your budget in mind and decide which tasks to outsource.
To make the most of your investment, it's wise to start with VA tasks that provide a good return on investment (ROI). By choosing the right tasks, your assistant will not only save you time and resources but also generate value that pays for itself.
Here are a few quick virtual assistant tasks that can yield a high ROI for your business:
1. Craft and Send Pitches
A Virtual Assistant can research, craft and send pitches to potential referral partners, clients or even media outlets. As an example, a client of ours who is a professional speaker had us sent pitches to conference event planners where he could speak.
2. Create Email Funnels + Automation
Hiring a VA to handle this task is a smart move. Whether you've just conducted a webinar or offer an enticing opt-in to build your email list, email funnels can help you engage your audience and convert them into paying customers. The beauty of having a VA set up automatic email sequences is that you invest time in it once, and it continues to generate returns over time. While it may take a few hours to set up, the ROI can be substantial once you reach your target audience.
3. Manage Email Communication
Responding to emails is probably the most common task for VAs, yet it has the potential to significantly grow your business. When a prospect reaches out to your business, it is likely that they've sent out inquiries to several of your competitors, too. Speed matters here. Failing to respond promptly could mean missing out on valuable opportunities.
Hiring a VA to manage your email inbox enables you to seize more quality leads and capitalize on business prospects. Moreover, it frees up your time to focus on other crucial areas of your business.
4. Edit and Publish Blog Posts
For those who monetize their blogs, delegating the editing and publishing tasks to a VA can alleviate your workload. You won't have to compromise the quality of your blog content, which plays a vital role in generating revenue through ads, affiliate marketing, and product sales. Even if you have a small blog, it can still help you establish authority in your niche and boost product sales. A strong copywriting VA can help you improve older blog posts for SEO, conduct light research, manage your editorial calendar, and schedule posts in advance, among other tasks.
In summary, there are various Virtual Assistant tasks that can be outsourced, even if you have a tight budget. Consider the tasks you either dislike or lack time to complete. Assess their value to your business and determine whether they offer an immediate ROI or have the potential to generate long-term revenue.
By leveraging the skills of a virtual assistant effectively, you can save time, increase productivity, and see a tangible return on your investment.