Generalist vs Specialist Virtual Assistant: A Guide To Help You Choose Which Is Best For You

Generalist vs Specialist Virtual Assistant

Choosing between being a generalist virtual assistant or a specialist virtual assistant is one of the most difficult parts of beginning your journey as a VA. Both come with perks and challenges, so understanding the roles is vital. Unlike a specialist virtual assistant, a generalist virtual assistant focuses on a specific niche.

Generalist Virtual Assistant

Think of a generalist virtual assistant as the Swiss army knife of VAs: versatile and ready for anything. You will handle various tasks, making for an interesting and varied workday. For example, one client may have you taking care of their email, and another might have you handling their calendar. This varied role makes you highly desirable to those needing a Jack or Jill of all trades.

You'll also continuously learn, so the chances of being stuck in a rut are very low. However, this can lead you to become spread too thin, having to handle multiple responsibilities. Below are some services you can offer as a generalist virtual assistant.

Administrative Tasks

Administrative tasks are the bread and butter of many virtual assistants. Here are three examples of the types of tasks you can offer.

• Email Management: Sorting, replying, and organizing emails to keep your client’s inbox under control.

• Calendar Management: Scheduling appointments, setting reminders, and ensuring your client never misses a meeting.

• Data Entry: Inputting data into spreadsheets, maintaining databases, and ensuring information is accurately recorded.

Research Services

Research is essential for businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to make informed decisions or gain insights into specific topics. Below are Some research services you can offer as a beginner generalist virtual assistant.

• Market Research: Researching industry trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscapes.

• Academic Research: Tailored for students, educators, and researchers, including data collection, literature research, and citation management.

• Business Research: Researching and analyzing industry dynamics such as industry trends, competitor landscape, and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats)

Customer Support

Providing exceptional customer support can make you an indispensable asset to clients. Here are a few customer support services you can offer.

• Email Support: Responding to customer inquiries and complaints and providing solutions via email.

• Live Chat Support: Assisting customers in real-time through chat services on websites or social media.

• Phone Support: Answering calls, resolving issues, and offering product or service information.

Generalist Virtual Assistant Salary

As a beginner generalist virtual assistant, you can expect to earn between $15 to $25 per hour. This range can vary depending on your skill set, experience, and the complexity of your tasks.

Becoming a generalist virtual assistant offers a world of opportunities. With a diverse range of services to offer and the flexibility to work from anywhere, it's no wonder this career path is so appealing.

Specialist Virtual Assistant

Unlike generalist virtual assistants, specialist virtual assistants focus on a specific niche area in which they have expertise and skills. This narrowed-down focus makes them highly desirable for clients looking for a specific type of service. Specialist VAs also tend to command higher rates than generalist virtual assistants. Below are a few services you can offer as a specialist virtual assistant.

Social Media Management

Social media management services could be ideal if you're social media savvy. Here are a few examples of social media management services you can provide.

• Content Creation: Designing graphics, writing posts, and creating engaging content for various platforms.

• Scheduling Posts: Planning and scheduling posts to ensure a consistent online presence.

• Engagement: Responding to comments and messages and interacting with followers to build and grow an online community.

Digital Marketing

In today's digital age, being skilled in digital marketing can help you shine as a specialist virtual assistant. Below are some of the digital marketing services you can provide.

• Email Marketing: Creating and managing email campaigns to nurture leads and retain customers.

• SEO Optimization: Enhancing a website’s content to improve search engine rankings.

• Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: Managing ad campaigns to drive traffic and sales.

Content Writing And Strategy

Content is king, and as a specialist virtual assistant offering content writing services, you can help clients create and strategize content that resonates with their desired audience. Below are a few examples of content writing and strategy services you can provide.

• Blog Writing: Crafting informative and engaging blog posts that align with your client's brand's voice.

• Copywriting: Writing persuasive copy for websites, landing pages, and sales materials.

• Content Strategy: Develop a comprehensive content plan that aligns with your client's business goals.

Specialist Virtual Assistant Salary Insights

The salary of a specialist virtual assistant can vary based on expertise and experience. They can earn between $20 and $50 per hour on average. However, this can go even higher in some cases, especially for those with highly specialized skills or extensive experience.

Where To Begin Offering Services

Once you've decided what type of virtual assistant you want to be, you can begin offering your services at plenty of places. Some of the more common places for beginners to start are listed below, including my primary contract, Time, etc., which I proudly state I am happy to be a part of. I've personally contracted with Upwork, Freelancer, Fivver, and Fancy Hands throughout the decade-plus I've been on this adventure. Each listing links to the application page.

• Upwork: Upwork is a popular freelancing platform where virtual assistants can find various gigs. Beginners benefit from its vast job postings, offering services like data entry, customer support, and administrative tasks. As you gain experience, you can access higher-paying opportunities and build a strong client base.

• Freelancer: Freelancer.com is another excellent platform for virtual assistants. It offers various job categories, including research, project management, and customer service. The bidding system helps beginners secure their first projects, while advanced users can leverage their experience for higher-paying roles.

• Fivver: Fiverr allows virtual assistants to offer specific services, known as 'gigs,' starting at $5. Popular services include social media management, email management, and content creation. This platform is ideal for beginners to showcase their skills and gradually increase their rates with positive reviews.

• People Per Hour: PeoplePerHour connects freelancers with clients looking for hourly or project-based work. Virtual assistants can offer bookkeeping, scheduling, and email marketing services. The platform's rating system helps beginners build credibility and attract more clients.

• Belay: Belay focuses on providing virtual assistant services to businesses. Services include executive assistance, bookkeeping, and social media management. Beginners benefit from training and support, while advanced VAs can enjoy long-term contracts and stable income.

• Task Rabbit: TaskRabbit specializes in local and virtual tasks. Virtual assistants can find data entry, research, and virtual event planning opportunities. This platform is great for those who prefer a mix of virtual and in-person tasks, helping to diversify their skill set.

• Time Etc: I'm proud to be a member of the Time Etc family! You can find my profile/portfolio here. Time Etc offers virtual assistant services to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Tasks include calendar management, travel booking, and transcription. The platform provides comprehensive training, ideal for beginners, and offers competitive rates for experienced VAs.

• Fancy Hands: Fancy Hands specializes in quick, task-based virtual assistant services. Examples include making phone calls, scheduling appointments, and internet research. This platform is perfect for beginners looking to gain experience with various tasks and build their client base.

• Zirtual: Zirtual focuses on providing dedicated virtual assistants to busy professionals. Tasks include inbox management, scheduling, and personal errands. Beginners can benefit from training and support, while advanced VAs enjoy steady work and higher pay rates.

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn offers a professional network for virtual assistants to connect with potential clients. Resume writing, LinkedIn profile optimization, and career coaching are popular. Beginners can leverage LinkedIn's networking opportunities to find clients, while advanced users can showcase their expertise and attract high-paying clients.

There you have it: a detailed comparison between a generalist and a specialist virtual assistant. Now that you know the differences, what types of services you can offer, and where to begin, you're ready to embark on your new, exciting adventure into the world of being a successful virtual assistant.