Which tasks can you outsource to a virtual assistant?
A virtual assistant takes over virtually all recurring and time-consuming tasks that aren't your core work: administration, calendar management, email management, customer service, online marketing & SEO, social media, travel management, planning, webshop management and website support. Below, what those tasks concretely are, per category.
A virtual assistant takes over virtually all recurring and time-consuming tasks that aren't your core work: administration, calendar management, email management, customer service, online marketing & SEO, social media, travel management, planning, webshop management and website support. Below, what those tasks concretely are, per category.
The rule of thumb: anything that costs you a lot of time, repeats and doesn't require your specialist entrepreneurial insight can be outsourced. Below the most commonly outsourced tasks, grouped by specialism.
Administration & finance
- Drawing up and sending invoices, tracking payments
- Bank transactions and expense management
- Bookkeeping data entry and VAT return preparation
- Organising and archiving documents
More about this on the Administration page.
Calendar, email & planning
- Calendar management — scheduling appointments, preventing double bookings, reminders
- Email management — sorting your inbox, cleaning up and handling standard messages
- Planning & organisation — structuring projects and guarding deadlines
- Travel management — arranging trips, hotels and appointments
Customer & communication
- Customer service — answering questions by email, chat or phone
- Keeping customer data up to date in your CRM
- Sending quotes and order confirmations
Marketing, social media & web
- Online marketing & SEO — content, newsletters and visibility in Google
- Social media management — scheduling posts, responding and growth
- Webshop management — products, stock and orders
- Website support — updates, maintenance and small changes
Where do you start?
Start with the tasks that cost you the most time and require the least explanation — often your inbox and your calendar. Once you've handed those over, room opens up to delegate more complex work too. The step-by-step plan to hire a VA helps you on your way.
Frequently asked questions
Which task is best to outsource first?
Start with tasks that cost a lot of time and require little explanation, such as your email management and calendar management. They bring immediate calm and are quick to hand over.
Can a virtual assistant do specialised work too?
Yes. Besides routine tasks, a VA can take on specialised work such as SEO, social media management, webshop management and website support.
What is better not to outsource?
Tasks that require your core expertise or ultimate responsibility — such as strategic decisions or director-level client relationships — you keep yourself. The executional and supporting tasks around them you outsource.
Can I place multiple types of tasks with one VA?
Yes, that's exactly the advantage. One fixed point of contact can combine multiple specialisms, from administration to marketing.
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