Start Up Costs for a Virtual Assistant Business

Starting a VA Business is a lot less expensive than starting a traditional brick and mortar business.

Here are some costs to consider when starting up a virtual assistant business:

• Office Equipment and Software

Computer/Laptop, Fax, Printer, Business Telephone Line, Software

• Office Furniture
   
• Office Supplies

• Business License and Registrations (Depending on where you live)

You may be required to obtain a business license or registration depending on where you live. The best thing to do is contact your local state and county to find out what is required to start a home based business.

•  Forming a Corporation, Partnership, or Limited Liability Company, or being a Sole Proprietor

Depending on what business entity you're wanting to start there will be costs associated with it. Most virtual assistants are Sole Proprietors and this business entity is probably the most easy and most cost effective one to start.

For a Quick Comparison of each business entity mentioned above:

http://www.legalzoom.com/business-formations/compare-documents.html

• Domain Name and Registration

A domain name is what your website visitors type in the find your website. For example my website domain name is virtualassistantbusiness.com

You want to choose a domain name that is descriptive. It needs to let your visitors know what your site is about and it should be easy for people to remember and to spell.

• Web Hosting 

There are so many web hosting companies out there, it’s unreal. Choosing the right one takes time and research. I personally use Host Gator for most of my websites, and I am satisfied with them.

• Your Business Website (Have it Built or Do It Yourself)

Having a website is comparable to having business cards. A website is your online business card so to speak. It is an extension of your business image. So of course you want your website to be professional, easy to navigate, and bring in clients.  It's important to do it right the first time.

The most cost effective way to have a website built is to build it yourself. Even if you have zero website building experience there are many website builders like Internet Based Family, that make building a website as easy as 1..2..3.. even for novices.

• Marketing and Advertising 
   
• Business Cards and Other Marketing Material (e.g. brochures and flyers)
   
• Virtual Assistant Training (Optional) 
   
• Virtual Assistant Certification (Optional)

Some important steps in starting a VA Business also include Business and Financial Planning. Like any business it takes time to see a profit so by having clearly defined business goals and planning well financially will help your business be successful.