It should go without saying that all virtual assistants need a professionally designed website. Assuming that requirement has been met, what do you do with your website once it has been built? You've spent a great deal of time and/or expense to have a web presence; yet that was the easy part.
"If you build it, they will come" is a line out of an old movie; it doesn't apply here. Simply building it will not drive customers to your web site. Marketing your VA website will be vitally important to your business. You want it to be your spokesperson 24/7.
There are a number of ways to market a virtual assistant website online. The very first thing to do is ensure that your website is keyword rich and the meta tags are properly worded. If you don't know what that means, check with your web designer.
Always have your website URL listed in your signature line in all emails you send. Keep your signature line to four lines or less. It should include your name, company name or slogan, the web URL and a phone number.
You're going to get far more business if people know you. One of the best ways to meet potential clients is to join forums or networks such as Ryze, Yahoo or MSN groups, etc. When first joining a group, always briefly introduce yourself with a brief blurb about your business. You don't want your first expose to the group to be a big ad.
Proper netiquette says that you will not immediately start spamming the networks with your ads. Networking online takes time. People need to get to know you before they'll consider doing business with you.
Join in the discussions and contribute regularly. Most networks allow you to have your signature line in your posts and replies. The more you contribute to the online discussion groups, the more your website will be exposed.
Make sure you're a member of the networks that will bring you clients. If your target market is the male entrepreneur, ages 35-55, above average income with a secondary income, you're not going to find those people in a WAHM group.
Make yourself available to your potential clients. Even if you don't feel you have much to contribute to the group, if you participate long enough you will find that you can add value to the forum.
Take advantage of ad days on the forums; just make certain you are balancing your posts with non-advertising contributions. The trick to get your website seen by as many people within your target market as possible is to actively participate. Now go join an appropriate forum!