5 Tasks You Can Outsource to a Virtual Assistant Today
Running a business means spinning a lot of plates- from emails and admin to social media and finance. No wonder growth can feel out of reach. Up to 40% of a business owner’s time is lost to admin but, the good news is, you don’t have to do it all yourself. A Virtual Assistant (VA) can take the pressure off, handling tasks that drain your time so you can focus on what matters most.
What Does a Virtual Assistant Do?
Chances are you’ve already looked into what a VA does but with so many options available, it can be hard to get a clear picture. A VA provides remote business support by handling many of the everyday tasks that keep operations running smoothly.
Whether it’s admin, marketing, finance, or customer service, a VA can step in and lighten the load, giving you back valuable hours each week. The services a VA offers are usually flexible, meaning you can shape their support around whatever your business needs most.
Here are some of the tasks a VA can manage:
Managing your inbox and scheduling appointments
Organising documents and keeping CRM systems up to date
Scheduling and responding to social media posts
Creating and sending invoices, tracking payments
Drafting newsletters and managing email marketing
Researching suppliers, competitors, or content ideas
Handling basic customer service and general enquiries
Some VAs are even qualified to manage bookkeeping and given that micro-businesses can spend up to 10 weeks a year on finance admin, according to a recent survey by Starling Bank, this would be a definite added bonus.
Need help with finance admin?
What Can I Outsource to a Virtual Assistant?
1. Inbox and Calendar Management
Keeping up with emails and bookings can easily become overwhelming. A VA can sort through your inbox, reply to routine messages, flag anything urgent, and manage your diary- so nothing important gets missed.
💡 One of our clients, a personal trainer in Harlow, saves over five hours every week simply by outsourcing her inbox and diary management.
2. Admin and Documents
Admin jobs might seem small, but together they can pile up quickly. A VA can help with everything from formatting proposals and updating spreadsheets to managing client records and digital files - saving you both time and stress.
3. Social Media Scheduling and Engagement
Staying active online is important, but when you’re busy, it’s often the first thing to slip. A VA can plan and schedule posts, respond to messages, and keep your profiles active across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
4. Invoicing and Bookkeeping Support
Chasing payments and updating financial records takes up more time than it should. A VA can create invoices, track payments, log expenses, and keep your books tidy - whether you’re using Xero, QuickBooks, or simple spreadsheets.
5. Email Marketing and Newsletters
Your email list is an important asset - but only if you’re staying in touch. A VA can help create and send regular newsletters, build simple automations, and maintain your list to keep your audience engaged.
How to Work Effectively with a Virtual Assistant
Hiring a VA can make a huge difference to your day-to-day, but like any working relationship, it’s important to start off right. Clear communication and simple systems make all the difference. Ultimately, the stronger the foundation you build, the more value your VA can add to your business over time.
Here are a few ways to work well together:
Set clear expectations: Outline the tasks you’re delegating, preferred processes, and any deadlines upfront.
Use shared tools: Platforms like Google Drive, Trello, Slack, or Asana help keep everything organised and easy to track.
Start small, then build: Begin with a few regular tasks to establish trust, then grow the workload as you feel comfortable.
Check in regularly: A short weekly update call or email helps keep everyone aligned and things moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there anything a Virtual Assistant can't do?
While VAs cover a wide range of work, there are limits. A VA typically won’t take on tasks that require physical presence, like filing papers or running in-person errands. They also aren’t a replacement for professional services like legal advice, financial auditing, or complex HR management. However, many VAs work closely alongside your accountant, solicitor, or team to keep everything on track.
What can a Virtual Assistant actually help with?
Most VAs support businesses with admin, diary management, inbox organisation, social media, bookkeeping basics, content scheduling, customer enquiries, and more — depending on what you need most.
How much does a Virtual Assistant cost in the UK?
Rates usually range between £25 and £40 per hour, depending on the experience level and type of work. Many VAs also offer flexible support packages to suit different budgets and workloads.
Is it better to hire a VA rather than a part-time employee?
For lots of small businesses — yes. With a VA, you avoid payroll, employment contracts, holiday pay, and overheads. You simply pay for the time and work you need.
Time Reclaimed
You didn’t start your business to spend your days replying to emails or chasing unpaid invoices.If you’re feeling overwhelmed by admin, a Virtual Assistant could be just the solution you need to create space to grow.
With the ability to help with everything from inbox management and social media to bookkeeping and websites, a VA can help lift the weight and make your days run that little bit smoother.
Need a hand? We offer straightforward, flexible VA services to help you stay organised, consistent and in control. Learn more about our services here.