Think you need a ton of experience to build a killer virtual assistant portfolio? Nope, think again! The truth is, you already have valuable skills—yes, even those you use in everyday life—that can be marketed as a VA. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your business, you can create a standout portfolio that shows off your brilliance and attracts clients.
Building a Standout Portfolio
Ready to learn how? Let’s dive in and get you one step closer to that thriving VA business you’ve been dreaming about!
Why Every New Virtual Assistant Needs a Portfolio
In the freelancing world, things work a little differently—no resumes required! Instead, you share a portfolio. Why? Because your portfolio is like your business card and a showcase of your expertise all in one, It gives potential clients a glimpse of your skills, professionalism, and what you’re capable of creating for them. A portfolio is your chance to show clients what you can deliver, not just tell them. Unlike a resume that lists years of experience, a portfolio gives a visual snapshot of your skills and capabilities—proof that you can get the job done!
A strong portfolio builds trust and credibility. It showcases your strengths, highlights your unique talents, and helps you stand out as a VA. The right portfolio will attract the right clients—and that’s exactly what you want!
I can’t even count how many clients have told me that my portfolio was the game-changer—the reason I stood out from other VAs and the key factor in choosing to work with me over other candidates or connections. It really does make all the difference!
Show Off Your Superpowers: Identify the Skills You Want to Highlight
As moms, we’re already pros at managing emails, calendars, scheduling, and organizing—sound familiar? Those everyday skills are exactly what clients are looking for in a VA! Start by brainstorming a list of tasks you’re already managing every day.
Next, narrow it down to the skills you actually enjoy. This is key! If writing feels like torture, don’t include it in your portfolio. The goal is to create a business you love. Clients are often looking for VAs who are organized, tech-savvy, and have solid communication and writing skills, so highlight your strengths.
Love Canva, Google Workspace, Trello, or social media? Share those platforms you’re proficient in. And if your list is a little short right now, that’s okay! Start learning new tools and add to your portfolio as you grow.
Create Sample Work That Wows
No samples yet? No problem! Create your own. Think of tasks you’d love to offer, then design sample projects to match. Write a blog post, create an email newsletter, and design a social media content calendar or branded graphic. You can even organize your own email inbox and calendar.
Other great sample projects include creating an event planning checklist, compiling a research report, building a simple landing page, or putting together SOPs or an email inbox management plan. These show clients you can bring both organization and creativity to the table! Pretend you’re working for your dream client and add those projects to your portfolio.
You can also use volunteer work or personal projects. Did you help out at church or create a budget spreadsheet for your family? Maybe you made birthday party invitations or helped a friend organize their files—those count too! The goal is to show off the quality of your work. As you land clients and grow your VA business, you’ll update your portfolio with real client work, but for now, focus on creating strong samples that reflect your potential.
Showcase Your Brilliance: Assemble Your Portfolio Like a Pro
Ready to create your portfolio? Keep it clean, simple, and easy to navigate. Canva will be your best friend here—they have tons of customizable templates to make your portfolio look polished and professional. Start with a brief intro about who you are and what you offer. Then, showcase your best 3–5 pieces of work. Trust me, you don’t need 20 samples! Potential clients love a personal connection—include a picture of yourself in your portfolio to add that extra warm touch.
Don’t forget to include a section that highlights your skills and the platforms or tools you’re familiar with—this is a great way to boost your credibility! Clients want to know you’re equipped to hit the ground running. If you’re proficient in Canva, Trello, Google Workspace, or social media management tools, make sure that’s front and center. Think of it as a mini “skills spotlight” that helps clients see exactly how you can support their business. Even if you’re still learning new tools, adding the ones you’re confident with shows your current strengths and your potential to grow.
Don’t forget to include a section for testimonials and references! Kind words about your character, professionalism, or work ethic can make all the difference. Not sure how to get testimonials? Be brave and reach out to friends, family, past colleagues, or anyone you’ve done volunteer work for. Let them know you’re building your business and would be so grateful for their support. The key is to make it easy for them! Offer to send a few sentences they can quickly customize and return. Most people are happy to help, especially when you take the guesswork out of what to say. A solid testimonial highlighting your professionalism, work ethic, or character can do wonders to build trust with potential clients! Start gathering those testimonials and watch your portfolio shine!
Ensure Clients Can Contact You Easily
If potential clients can’t figure out how to contact you, they can’t hire you—it’s that simple! Make sure your contact info is front and center, crystal clear, and professional. Whether you prefer email, LinkedIn, or another method, choose something you check regularly. It needs to be easy for clients to reach you, and just as importantly, for you to respond quickly. Easy access means more opportunities, so don’t skip this step!
Share and Regularly Update Your Portfolio
Once your portfolio is done—and remember, done is better than perfect—download it as a PDF and start sharing it with potential clients. Get the word out by sharing it with your network and posting it on social media. The key is to start putting yourself out there!
As your business grows and you gain more experience, make time to update your portfolio regularly. Set a reminder on your phone to spend 30 minutes every 3–6 months refreshing it with your best work. That way, you’ll always be ready to impress a potential client at a moment’s notice.
Building a standout virtual assistant portfolio doesn’t require years of experience—it just takes a little creativity and confidence. Focus on your strengths, showcase your potential, and present yourself with professionalism. Remember, your portfolio is your golden ticket to attracting the right clients and building the business you’ve been dreaming of. So, take that first step today, start creating, and trust that you’ve got what it takes to succeed. The right clients are waiting for you!
