A Filipino VA's Guide: How to find and get paid by direct international clients

If you’re looking for a flexible way to build a career from home, becoming a virtual assistant (VA) is one of the best paths to take. Working with an agency can be a good starting point, but finding your own clients can maximize your earnings and independence.

This guide will explain how to get a direct client for virtual assistant jobs, where to find clients for virtual assistant services, and the steps you can take to successfully grow your freelancing career. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

What is a direct client virtual assistant?

A direct client virtual assistant is a freelancer who works with business owners, entrepreneurs, or companies without an intermediary agency. Instead of receiving projects from a management firm or outsourcing company, a direct client virtual assistant connects with the client directly, negotiating their own contract and delivering their services.

Working with a direct client vs. an agency

When you work through an agency, you’re employed or subcontracted by a company that finds the clients on your behalf. The agency handles marketing, client acquisition, contracts, and payments, while you’re just responsible for delivering the work.

When you work with a direct client, you skip the middleman and connect with the business owner directly. Both setups have benefits and drawbacks.

How to become a VA and find direct clients in the Philippines

If you are looking for work as a VA and want to contact clients yourself, you first have to consider a few key factors.

Step 1: Identify your skills and niche

The first step to becoming a direct client virtual assistant is identifying your skills and interests so you can choose a niche. This can help you stand out in the saturated VA market and negotiate a higher rate.

Here are some niches to consider:

• Social media management
• Bookkeeping
• Customer service
• Content management
• Data entry
• E-commerce
• Real estate

Step 2: Build a professional portfolio and online presence

Clients typically want to see proof of your skills before hiring you. Even if you’re new, you can create a portfolio with sample projects to showcase your abilities. Include projects relevant to your niche, like mock social media posts, copywriting samples, or bookkeeping templates.

Then, build your online presence by:

• Creating a LinkedIn profile highlighting your relevant experience and services
• Setting up a profile on freelancing platforms to find clients
• Building a simple website or portfolio page with your services, samples, and testimonials

Step 3: Where to find direct clients

If you’re wondering where to find clients for virtual assistant services, you’re not alone. Here are some proven strategies:

• Freelancing platforms: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and OnlineJobs.ph can help you connect directly with clients looking for a virtual assistant.
• Social media outreach: Join relevant social media groups where business owners look for virtual assistants.
• Networking: Talk to past employers, colleagues, or friends about your services and ask for referrals.
• Cold pitching: While time-consuming, reaching out to businesses that might need your services directly can be rewarding.

Step 4: Crafting your pitch

Once you find clients you’re interested in working with, you’ll need to send them a pitch. A good pitch should include:

• Introduction: Explain who you are and what you specialize in.
• Value proposition: Identify the client’s problem, such as low social media engagement, and explain how you can solve it.
• Proof: Include links to your portfolio and testimonials to show clients you have the skills they’re looking for.
• Call to action: End with an invite to schedule a call or chat for more details.

What to look out for when working with direct clients

While working directly with clients is rewarding, it also comes with risks. Here are some things to keep in mind to keep you safe:

• Clear contracts: Always get your client to sign a written agreement that outlines tasks, deadlines, payment terms, and revisions if relevant.
• Payment security: Ask for upfront deposits, like 30% of the total project price, or use milestone payments.
• Working hours: State your working hours and ensure you stick to them to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Red flags: Watch out for clients who refuse contracts, delay payments, or ask for free work.

Get paid in USD, GBP and more with local account details and convert to PHP at the mid-market rate with Wise

Did you know that over 76%* of Filipinos cite low and transparent fees as an important factor when receiving money from abroad? With Wise, that's exactly what you're getting - all you need to get started is to sign up for a free Wise account, and you'll be able to manage your money with just a few taps of your phone.

You'll have access to 8+ local account details for major currencies including PHP, USD, GBP, AUD, and more, allowing you to receive money directly, in a cheap and convenient manner. After getting your money, you can easily convert it to 40+ currencies, with low fees, and the mid-market rate - also known as the rate you see on Google. This includes exchanging to PHP with a one-time conversion fee from 0.57% that's shown upfront, and no markups or additional fees.

Get paid and move your funds to your local bank account in PHP in a cheap and convenient manner with Wise to stretch every peso.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the most in-demand virtual assistant skills?
The most in-demand skills for virtual assistants are those related to social media management, digital marketing, and e-commerce, including¹:

• Project management
• Content creation
• Market research
• Communication
• SEO basics
• Copywriting

Do I need a degree to become a virtual assistant?
No, you don’t need a degree to become a virtual assistant. Clients care more about your skills, reliability, and ability to deliver results. Some technical VA roles may require certifications, though, so do research the requirements of your specific niche.

How do I handle taxes as a freelance VA in the Philippines?
As a freelancer, you’re considered self-employed under Philippine law. This means you’re responsible for registering for a tax identification number (TIN) with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), filing your taxes, and keeping records of your income and expenses.²

If your gross sales or receipts don’t exceed 3,000,000 PHP in a taxable year, you can opt for paying a flat 8% tax rate rather than navigating the graduated income tax rates.³ If this seems too complicated, you can always hire an accountant to make the process easier and avoid mistakes.

Find out more in our guide on how to pay taxes as a self-employed freelancer.

1. eVirtualAssistants: Most In-Demand and Highest Paid Skills for VAs
2. Taxumo: Taxes for Freelancers in the Philippines
3. Beppo: Essential Guide to 8% Tax for VAs