Modern Marketing Blog

If you're a VA thinking of expanding your skillset, or are simply researching the field to decide if internet marketing virtual assistance is a worthwhile business then let me say this: there are an abundance of opportunities available for Internet Marketing Virtual Assistants (IMVA) because there is an increasing demand for our specialized skills. Since opening my business in 2007 I have seen a steady increase in both prospective and actual clients wanting my particular skill set of services. I think it's safe to say that entering the field of virtual assistance is a worthwhile pursuit. Specializing as an internet marketing virtual assistant is even more so.

Virtual Assistance is a "business" not a job. 

Let's be clear that Virtual Assistance is about owning and operating your own business. If you're looking to make a quick buck then virtual assistance is not what you need. You need a telecommuting temp job or something similar. I know there is debate about the meaning of virtual assistance but I'm not going to address that here.

What I will say is this; if you're looking to start your own business as a virtual assistant there is no better place to learn the ropes than VAnetworking and Virtual Assistant Forums. I belong to both forums and they provide invaluable information for aspiring and established virtual assistants. You'll learn what you need to know and develop an amazing support group of other virtual assistants at the same time. And it's all available for free! You simply need to invest the time in learning and researching.

Get training

The field of internet marketing virtual assistance is still newly emerging yet the demand for skilled IMVAs is overwhelming. Just recently VAClassroom started a training program for those VAs interested in offering internet marketing virtual assistance as a service to their clients. I checked out their 7 day free trial that was offered in June and I can honestly say it's an excellent program and I highly recommend it. It provides valuable hands on training for anyone wishing to pursue a career as an internet marketing virtual assistant.

Providing hands-on service is valuable. But, I also find value in knowing search engine optimization (SEO) and other aspects of increasing your online presence. There is an increasing demand for VAs who can effectively optimize a website for search engines and otherwise bring value to a client's website. This is a true specialty and if you can become an expert you can add this skill to your list of services and attract clients who need this valuable service. As more people turn to the internet for marketing their businesses they will appreciate a savvy VA who knows how to effectively optimize their website for search engines and potential customers.

If you have a limited or non-existent budget for receiving advanced internet marketing training you will be able to learn on your own by visiting Jill Whalen's High Rankings forum and Aaron Wall's SEOBook website. I learned most of what I know about SEO from these 2 experts and their forums.

Set up your Google Reader and subscribe to the HubSpot blog, Aaron Wall's Blog, Seth Godin's Blog and Marketing Profs. Then subscribe to other internet marketing blogs you find interesting.

What other IMVA services can you offer?

Lots! Old traditional outbound marketing is giving way to the new inbound marketing. This includes social media. Social Media marketing is a huge niche right now. Assist clients with creating, setting up, and maintaining their online profiles. Assist them with choosing the right social media for their business. Get your clients LinkedIn, Twittering and involved in Facebook and others.

Of course, there's also podcasting, videos, teleseminars, webinars, email marketing campaigns, blog installations, website maintenance, affiliate marketing, copywriting, etc.

Let me know if there's something you'd like to know about  becoming an internet marketing virtual assistant that I haven't covered here and I'll answer it for you! And if you're already an IMVA and have something to share please do. :)