A VA's Marketing Kit

Whew! I know it has been a very, very long time in writing and am truly sorry - things have been hectic in the business as well as the personal life, but let's just say that I'M BACK and glad!!

So in the days, weeks, months that I have not been blogging, I tried to create a typical marketing kit any virtual assistant would want to have - especially if you are wanting to start a virtual assistant business. Here is what I have come up with:

Logo Design- There are many talented designers out there. Create a logo that is simple, yet easy to remember. The logo can be your name, initials, a graphic - just make sure it is something unique that describes YOU.

Tagline - The tagline is a catchy phrase that you can attract customers with and want to look at your website, marketing material, remember you by. It can also be put into your logo - if you would like. Again, think of something unique for this and although it is not required in the marketing kit - I think it is definitely useful in marketing out to potential customers.

Business Cards/Stationary - This is the fun part. You can design your business cards, order online from Office Depot, Office Max, Staples, or as most of my VA associates - order from VistaPrint!! Create your own design, incorporate from your logo design, and add your contact information, website information, and even your tagline!!

Brochures, Flyers, Postcards, and Door Hangers - This is another fun step in starting a business of your own. The joys of letting your imagination flow and being able to figure out what looks good here and what looks good there. Brochures are a great way to pass out to gain new clients while flyers, postcards, and door hangers are a great way to inform others of who you are and have others recognize your logo, catchy tagline...your business!!

Website Planning - This is a new one for me and still in the works. This step includes choosing a domain name, registering your domain, website goals, audiences, content, design, and search engine optimization. I think this will have to be another blog since it entails so many steps, but for domain hosting I have heard that GoDaddy.com and Yahoo Website Hosting are user friendly.

Networking - You thought you were done...actually I want to suggest two more steps. This is one of them. Networking is so important because you can obtain referrals through networking as well as meeting some pretty unique individuals while you are at it. Therefore, join your local chamber of commerce, meetup groups, other virtual assistant organizations, forums, etc. The more people recognize and see your name, you - the more clients you may get to inquire about your services. So do not be shy and start chatting!!

Press Releases - Personally, I think this is another good way to market your business out there in your local area. The press releases explain the core of your business - the who, what, where, when, and why. The article shows your ability to shine and assist other business owners or even busy parents that need assistance with personal and/or business tasks. So go ahead and start brainstorming and put some thought into writing your very own press release. You will be glad you did!!

Now I am sure there are other items to include in a marketing kit, but these are the basics that will do with any business starting in today's society. Please feel free to add more and provide feedback on ideas that did not work for you. Until next time, have a great week!!!