Best Side Hustles for Virtual Assistant

It offers flexibility, scalability, and the opportunity to work with businesses worldwide. Here, we explore the best side hustles for virtual assistants in Canada, including descriptions, income potential, tools and resources, and how to get started.

Social Media Management

Manage social media accounts for businesses or influencers by creating content, scheduling posts, and engaging with followers.

Income Potential:

Earn $20-$50 per hour depending on experience and the number of platforms managed.

Tools and Resources:

• Canva: For creating visually appealing social media graphics.
• Hootsuite: For scheduling posts and managing multiple accounts.
• Later: A user-friendly social media planning tool.

How to Get Started:

1. Create a portfolio showcasing your social media expertise.
2. Sign up on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
3. Network in social media management groups on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Email Marketing Assistance

Help businesses set up and manage email campaigns, segment email lists, and analyze campaign performance.

Income Potential:

Earn $25-$60 per hour, with higher rates for those proficient in advanced tools.

Tools and Resources:

• Mailchimp: For creating and managing email campaigns.
• ConvertKit: Ideal for bloggers and creators.
• HubSpot: A comprehensive marketing platform.

How to Get Started:

1. Learn email marketing fundamentals through courses on Coursera or Udemy.
2. Offer your services on platforms like Freelancer.
3. Reach out to small businesses in your area.

Administrative Support

Provide services such as data entry, calendar management, and document organization.

Income Potential:

Earn $15-$40 per hour, depending on the complexity of tasks.

Tools and Resources:

• Google Workspace: For organizing tasks and documents.
• Trello: For project and task management.
• Slack: For team communication.

How to Get Started:

1. Create a LinkedIn profile highlighting your administrative skills.
2. Join virtual assistant job boards like Belay or Time Etc.
3. Offer services on TaskRabbit.

Content Writing and Editing

Assist clients with blog posts, articles, or editing existing content for clarity and SEO.

Income Potential:

Earn $20-$75 per hour depending on expertise and niche.

Tools and Resources:

• Grammarly: For error-free writing.
• Yoast SEO: For optimizing content for search engines.
• Hemingway Editor: For improving readability.

How to Get Started:

1. Build a portfolio with sample writing pieces.
2. Apply for gigs on ProBlogger or iWriter.
3. Reach out to businesses needing content updates.

E-commerce Assistance

Assist online store owners with product listings, inventory updates, and customer service.

Income Potential:

Earn $18-$50 per hour depending on the platform and tasks.

Tools and Resources:

• Shopify: For managing online stores.
• Zendesk: For customer service management.
• Asana: For tracking e-commerce tasks.

How to Get Started:

1. Take e-commerce courses on Skillshare.
2. Look for opportunities on platforms like PeoplePerHour.
3. Connect with Shopify store owners on LinkedIn.

Bookkeeping

Help small businesses manage finances, track expenses, and prepare invoices.

Income Potential:

Earn $25-$60 per hour depending on experience and certifications.

Tools and Resources:

• QuickBooks: For small business accounting.
• Wave: A free accounting software.
• Xero: A cloud-based accounting solution.

How to Get Started:

1. Get certified in bookkeeping through courses on LinkedIn Learning.
2. Advertise services on Indeed and Kijiji.
3. Network with local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Virtual assisting offers endless possibilities for earning a steady income while working from home. Choose a niche that aligns with your skills and interests, invest in the right tools, and start offering your services today!