Email Marketing for VAs: Stop Relying on Platforms and Take Control

May 13

If you’re a VA who’s relying entirely on LinkedIn, Upwork, or social media to get clients, I’m about to drop a little reality check: You’re playing a risky game.

Let me break it down—when your entire client acquisition strategy is tied to one platform, you’re giving away control. One algorithm change, one account restriction, or one slow month on Upwork can derail your entire income.

That’s why email marketing is your secret weapon. It’s the piece of the puzzle that too many VAs are sleeping on, and it’s costing them consistent, high-quality leads.

💥 Why Email Marketing Is a Must for VAs

Social platforms are amazing for visibility—but they don’t belong to you. Your LinkedIn profile? Borrowed space. Your Upwork account? Can be suspended or flagged for the smallest issue.

But your email list? That’s yours. It’s direct, personal, and under your complete control. Building an email list means you’re not at the mercy of algorithms or platform changes. You can nurture potential clients, showcase your expertise, and build relationships—on your terms.

Think of it this way:

LinkedIn can introduce you.
Upwork can help you find gigs.
Social media can boost your visibility.
But email? That’s where you build a safety net.

When you have an email list, you’re not just hoping clients notice your post or stumble upon your profile—you’re actively nurturing a community that’s genuinely interested in what you offer. It’s about having a direct line to your audience that’s not controlled by algorithms or platform rules.

If LinkedIn goes quiet or Upwork slows down, your email list keeps working. It’s yours—unlike your social following, which can vanish with one platform change.

🚀 Hack #1: Start with a Simple Lead Magnet

The easiest way to get people on your email list is by giving them something valuable. But here’s the key: Keep it simple and directly relevant to your niche.

Example Ideas:

Client Onboarding Checklist: Perfect for business owners who want a smooth transition when hiring a VA.
5 Templates to Streamline Your Social Media Content: Great for entrepreneurs who struggle with consistent posting.
Quick Guide: Setting Up Your Email Automations in 10 Minutes: For small businesses looking to level up their communication.

How to Deliver:

Use tools like ConvertKit or MailerLite to set up a landing page where people can download your lead magnet.
Automate a welcome sequence that follows up with a “Did you find it useful?” email.

🌟 Hack #2: Automate Your Follow-Up Sequence

Once someone signs up, don’t just leave them hanging. Your first email should introduce yourself and deliver the lead magnet. But after that, you need a follow-up sequence that keeps the connection warm.

Your First 3 Emails Should Look Like This:

Welcome & Deliver: Introduce yourself and share the freebie.
Follow-Up & Value: A few days later, share a quick story or tip related to the lead magnet.
The Ask: After about a week, invite them to book a discovery call or ask how they’re implementing the tips.

Why It Works: You’re not just another VA—you’re someone who adds value from the start. That’s the kind of energy high-ticket clients notice.

🌱 Start Building Your Own Pipeline

When you have an email list, you’re not just waiting for LinkedIn messages or hoping for Upwork invites—you’re actively nurturing potential clients. It’s proactive, it’s professional, and it’s how you stop playing small.

If the idea of building an email strategy from scratch feels overwhelming, don’t worry—I break it all down in The Glow Lab. From crafting lead magnets to setting up automations and even building AI-driven email assistants, it’s all there. 👉 Learn more here: The Glow Lab

Don’t wait for clients to come to you—invite them in. Email marketing isn’t just a tool—it’s a mindset shift. It’s how you go from waiting for opportunities to creating them on your own terms.

You’ve got this—let’s make your business unshakeable.