Starting as a virtual assistant, you will quickly understand two things. The first one is very obvious – without any clients, you won’t be able to pay your bills. The second one is that you need to find the best virtual assistant platforms ASAP.
Finding clients is and will always remain the most painful process when you start your VA business. And opening Google or TikTok to ask where to look for clients does not help. You will hear a lot of mixed opinions about certain popular platforms and rarely about those that actually work. It’s part of the gatekeeping mentality, unfortunately.
Common platforms such as Fiverr or Upwork might work. But they may also ruin your VA business before it even settles in. That is, if you wish to compete with thousands of other VAs or lower your prices. If I were starting as a virtual assistant today, I would absolutely look beyond the obvious platforms.
Let’s go over those painfully crowded ones as well as some underrated hidden gems that actually bring in clients.
Table of Contents
- Start With The Obvious Ones
- Carry On With Other Virtual Assistant Platforms That Actually Work
- Search The Hidden Gems
- Where Else to Look When Every Other Platform Fails
Start With The Obvious Ones
In my previous “How to Find Your First Clients as a Virtual Assistant” post, I explained the importance of understanding the whole psychology behind searching for clients. And you should keep all those principles in mind when using platforms or other companies to search for your clients.
The most common and highly popular platforms for VAs are Fiverr and Upwork. In my humble opinion, not only are they oversaturated, but also paid for. Unless you want to get stuck on the bottom of the client’s searches. And even if you pay…it still won’t matter.
Fiverr
Fiverr makes it super easy for you to post your first gig and set up packaged services with ideal prices. It’s great for niche-focused VAs (Pinterest, podcast editing, admin systems). But the biggest downfall is the pricing pressure and painfully slow growth if you don’t have reviews.
Not to be a hater, but I would not rely on Fiverr as your starting strategy. Instead, create a profile there and post 2-3 gigs, highlighting your best qualities, and THEN, after you are already established and well known, let your clients find you there.
Sounds a bit backwards, but the reality? This is exactly how Fiverr works. As a new seller, you get buried in spam and scams, messaging you to reach them outside the platform, saying things like, “I placed the order. Please reach me here or there.” Remember, unless you see an actual order in your inbox and profile, don’t respond!
Upwork
Someone should just buy platforms such as Upwork and LinkedIn and delete them permanently. It’s one huge client pool with a structured proposal system and long-term contract possibilities. But what if you are a complete beginner with an empty pocket? It becomes a complete nightmare.
Not only do you have to PAY for basic or premium features, such as viewing messages or the usual “see who checked your profile”, but it’s a literal bidding war. You compete with thousands of other people trying to get the same client. There is really nothing positive I have to say about Upwork. And I think people praising it are only those in their affiliate programme.
But hey, try for yourself. Maybe you will be the lucky one, surviving this horrific platform and landing your first client.
Even though it’s considered to be the fakest place on Earth for working professionals and people searching for jobs, it’s also extremely underrated for beginner VAs. However, you need to learn the game first. Most VAs send random DMs, then get ignored and quit after one week.
LinkedIn is a long-term game. You need to engage with people and build your community/network daily for months or even years. That means actively engaging, posting via their mini blog section, commenting thoughtfully, connecting deeply and THEN messaging proposals.
That’s it. No desperation or begging. You just sort of linger there until someone connects you to a potential client or asks you directly to work with/for them. LinkedIn can work, but it requires patience. And sooo much time. As a new VA, you have none of that. So it’s understandable if you give up on it after less than a month. I know I did.
Now I exist there just to keep that shiny, polished profile up if someone needs it as a background check.
Threads
Threads is still growing, and therefore, it’s a powerful platform to explore. But don’t expect too much from it. People use it for searches like “Looking for a VA” or “Need a virtual assistant”, then comment and drop their emails, portfolios or websites.
Although it’s an option to seek connections, this platform also attracts a lot of scammers. Beware of people asking you to contact them outside of the platform, clicking suspicious links, or unrealistic offers.
Facebook Groups (Strategic, Not Spammy)
Facebook is still a great platform to find clients for your VA business in 2026. A few people truly understand how it works, though. The most common strategy is to join random VA groups and then search for terms like “Need admin support…” or “Hiring part-time assistant…” and then spam people with DMs and comments.
Let’s be honest, that type of work is annoying and feels desperate. Instead, you can just try to network like a professional, not someone who does VA as a hobby. Search groups for entrepreneurs: coaches, small businesses or industry-specific communities. Then join the group and follow their rules. No spam. Be polite and don’t send a cold DM unless invited. Comment sparingly and be clear about what you offer.
Most new VAs don’t understand the long-run game, and it shows. Networking and getting clients is not about flooding people’s inboxes. It’s about building meaningful connections. People hire people, especially those they trust.
Clubhouse
During lockdown, Clubhouse exploded, and there is still some activity, especially inside women entrepreneur rooms. podcast communities and business growth rooms. When you speak in rooms and share what you do, it becomes very clear right away.
People can hear your voice and connect faster, which is a great start for positioning yourself. You’re not just another profile picture but a potential partner to work with.
Carry On With Other Virtual Assistant Platforms That Actually Work
Once you pull the curtain to the virtual assistant world, you will quickly learn that most platforms are just toying with you. They either post fake jobs or exploit your attempts to find clients. Sometimes you run into legitimate listings, but you are unsure how to proceed. Here are some platforms that not only booked an interview with me immediately but also brought future clients as well.
Belay
Belay is a U.S.-based virtual staffing company focused on providing remote professional support to businesses and organisations. They actively hire executive assistants, social media managers and bookkeepers. The reason I absolutely adore them is that you apply ONCE. Then they match you with clients.
So once you complete the onboarding process and they are pleased with you, the chances of landing high-end clients double. However, I’d like to point out that this is not for beginner-level VAs. Because they focus on serious and professional work, they expect the same from you. Experience comes in handy, as the company’s emphasis is on trust, communication, and professional autonomy.
Time Etc
This company will let you apply even if you are a resident outside of the US. I was able to book an interview with them and work within the UK. They provide remote administrative and professional support to entrepreneurs and business leaders. And their VAs are directly matched with clients based on experience.
I can’t praise them enough, as they offer stable hourly work, no bidding, and their market is primarily US and UK-focused. Perfect if you want a consistent income rather than hunting clients daily. Head to the Time Etc website, fill out the application and wait for their hiring team to get in touch. I managed to book an interview with them in less than a week.
Boldly
Boldly offers long-term, flexible virtual support in executive assistance, marketing, project management, and other administrative areas for growing organisations. As they focus on premium-level support, they are in constant need of project managers, executive assistants and marketing assistants with high-level skills.
Do you have a corporate background? Can you speak clearly and confidently? And are you happy with the hourly pay? Then this company is a fantastic fit for you. But before you apply, you should know they require at least 7 years of experience.
PeoplePerHour
This one I call the “less saturated Upwork”, and it’s an online freelance marketplace that connects businesses with independent professionals offering digital services. It’s mainly a UK-focused platform, slightly less chaotic than Fiverr.
To me, it was still too competitive, as they offer hourly pay and on-demand work relationships across global markets. As a VA, you can showcase your portfolio, set rates, manage your boards and even receive feedback from clients. It also has some great filters to find perfect matches.
But again, unless your profile is super popular or you are willing to pay for a boost, your listings might get buried under thousands of similar offers. Marketing yourself is an absolute MUST on platforms like PeoplePerHour.
Contra
If you want to hear about an interesting platform to use, then Contra comes to my mind straight away. When I was a new VA, it stood out to me because they take 0% commission, tech and creative founders hang out there, and it’s portfolio-driven. Plus, it’s less saturated than Fiverr.
Contra is a commission-free marketplace, specialising in connecting independent contractors to their clients. Definitely not the traditional place to search “gigs”, more long-term client relationship-orientated. If you want to start differently from 90% of beginner VAs, make Contra your new hangout spot.
We Work Remotely and Dynamite Jobs
We Work Remotely is a Canadian-based online job board with a main focus on remote work opportunities. It works beautifully because it’s not “VA” branded. Which means that you can land higher-paying jobs than on freelance marketplaces. But like with any other platform that posts multiple listings weekly, be aware of scams and ghost jobs.
Alternatively, you can search for active job listings on Dynamite Jobs, which is a recruiting platform with a focus on startups. online businesses and marketing teams. It has slightly more serious founders and less spam than We Work Remotely.
Search The Hidden Gems
There are surprisingly still many platforms that are not popular and therefore overflown by thousands of applicants. Which is such a rare sight when it comes to hunting for VA clients or jobs. The reason I would like to share them here is that some of you already explored all the common platforms, and you need bigger guns.
AngelList Talent (Now Wellfound)
Wellfound (formerly AngelList Talent) is where startups actively hire. Filled with real SaaS companies, founders and remote teams, it’s not the type of place where clients search, “I need someone to format my Canva post.” Rather, they look for professional executive assistants, remote administrators, operations assistants and founders’ associates.
I keep explaining over and over why it is important for you as a VA to get your positioning right. Because the correct choice of job title matters, and it will match you with clients faster. Startups don’t seek general virtual assistants but rather executive partners, operations support and remote ops. And because many VAs have no idea how to position properly, they don’t even dare to apply.
That brings us to less competition. better pay and serious clients. It’s still an unexplored gold mine for VAs and often gets ignored.
Podjobs (For Podcast-Skilled VAs)
If you are good at writing show notes, editing podcast episodes, uploading them and managing guest outreach, you should give this platform a go. It’s ridiculously under-discussed, and many podcast creators use it instead of good old Upwork to seek help with their work.
Creators tend to search in podcast-orientated communities or podcast job boards, as they’re niche-focused. This is especially powerful if you want to position yourself as a “Podcast VA”. Podjobs mainly acts as a connector, so you will undergo the usual hiring process either via the creator’s website or another platform.
Recruiters or podcast owners create a listing describing the role, requirements, and application process. Podjobs mainly acts as a connector: applicants click through to “get more details” on the employer’s chosen application destination (their own site or another job service). The board does not mediate conversations or hiring, and it explicitly rejects unpaid roles, reinforcing a focus on compensated work.
HireMyMom (Hidden Gem for Flexible Work)
First of all, this platform is paid and focuses on North America–based virtual professionals. But if you choose it despite the fees, it’s a fantastic place for seeking flexible, work-from-home roles. And as the title suggests, it’s accommodating towards mums too.
It’s curated, not chaotic, and you can find admin roles, social media support, project management or executive assistant roles there. And the people hiring expect flexible remote work. The only downfall is the subscription-based part, really. Otherwise, it’s a supportive place for professional mums and anyone seeking to work from home.
Otta (Now Welcome to the Jungle)
Welcome to the Jungle (formerly Otta) is a platform for startups, tech companies and fast-growing online businesses. For you as a VA, it’s a great platform to explore roles such as remote operations manager, business support associate, operations coordinator or executive assistant.
And because most beginner VAs only search “virtual assistant jobs”, they completely miss these listings. But those are the real deal for boosting income and landing high-end clients, long-term contracts and dealing with less competition. Search smart, thinking like a founder, not a freelancer.
Where Else to Look When Every Other Platform Fails
Applying for jobs and searching for clients is such a pain in 2026. It requires iron will, patience and a lot more networking than ever before. And if you spent hours upon hours browsing different platforms with no luck, I know it can get frustrating.
Luckily, there are so many other options you haven’t tried or thought of yet. And every day, a new platform or community is popping up. Let’s go over some of the successful solutions to your headache.
Remote Job Fairs & VA Directories
Many VAs don’t even think about using an agency or a coach to subcontract their work. But if you are feeling lost, this might be your stepping stone. Paid networking events, VA directories and subcontractor job fairs are filled with potential clients. You may not get hired immediately, but the networking possibilities will easily make up for it.
One example in the agency space is Tasha Booth, who has hosted subcontractor job fairs for agency owners. This is about a long-term strategy and relationship-based opportunities.
Referrals (The Most Overlooked)
The best virtual assistants I know get constantly hired thanks to the referrals. And some don’t even have to lift a finger anymore; they get recommended by every client they had. If ONE client loves your work, they will talk, recommend and introduce you to someone else. And that’s how you get the wheel going until it’s impossible to stop it at once.
Learn to say things like, “I have extra capacity this month. If you know anyone needing support, feel free to connect us.” Collecting testimonials, reviews, and referrals from day one is my golden rule. Without people talking about you (and hopefully in a positive way, mostly), it might take months to connect with clients. And that’s a time you can’t afford to waste.
Specific Facebook Groups (And I mean very specific)
get asked by new VAs all the time what to do about Facebook groups. Most of the time, they join very generic communities that are targeted for virtual assistants. But that’s the last place you want to be. Because EVERYONE there is looking for clients and work. It’s a rare sight to spot an actual listing from a client or employer there, and 99% of the time it leads to some scam.
You want to search and join an insanely specified group. For example, if your goal is to become a business manager or project manager, you should be looking into “business manager” or “project manager” communities ONLY. And also local events that match your interests. Then be on the lookout for people in need of your services.
Direct outreach is still very powerful in 2026 if done correctly. As I explained earlier, don’t spam people with desperate messages, begging for a job. You have to be positioned as a highly respected professional who can help them sort their headache (even if you don’t feel like one at the moment).
On Facebook, you can also look for agencies that could potentially connect you with their clients. Many times, agencies look for competent people on behalf of their clients to save them from hiring management.
Support Driven Jobs
This is a professional community for remote support teams, operations specialists and customer support agents. Many clients are looking for a VA and disguising the role under titles such as ‘helpdesk manager’, ‘CRM expert’, ‘community support lead’ or ‘executive assistant’. It’s ultimately all about being a virtual assistant, but with a stable income.
The community often organises events with heavy emphasis on peer learning and networking. And because it’s a niche job board community, it’s way less chaotic than Upwork.
Final Thoughts
Diving into the virtual assistant world can sometimes feel chaotic, but it does not have to be for you. If you made it this far into my “How to become a virtual assistant” series, you understand better that it’s a long-term business model. And if you still believe you can turn it into a get-rich-quick scheme, it’s only for the best if you stop reading further.
There is so much I plan to share in the near future about why it’s important to get your initial communication right and how you can instantly improve your virtual assistant business. But for now, I would like to emphasise that you stop with “I’m a VA who can help with admin.” and start with “I help founders streamline operations, manage launches, and protect their time” instead.
To find your perfect high-end clients means going where they hang out, speaking the way they do (using terms they would use to position yourself), and being very strategic about how you present yourself. No desperation, resume attachment or long pitch. High-end clients hate desperation. Therefore, you won’t find them lurking in Facebook groups or on Fiverr.
Instead, they notice your online presence, observe you quietly, watch your engagement, calculate your consistency and then talk about you when you make some noise. That’s the real secret to a successful VA business. Playing the long game, networking and remaining professionally premium when others give up or go for easy money. That’s how 12-month contracts start. Or a lifetime partnership.
No chaos, or platform dependency, or $5 gigs. Just you, choosing ONE niche and sticking to your plans, not your mood. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter to never miss another helpful post. It might just be the one you needed to start!
