Struggling to keep up with your marketing efforts while juggling other business priorities?
You’re not alone. Over 60% of businesses say they lack the time and resources to execute a full-scale marketing strategy effectively.
This is where a virtual marketing assistant can make a difference.
By outsourcing marketing tasks to a skilled remote professional, companies can streamline their operations, reduce overhead costs, and focus on growth. Whether you need help with social media, content creation, SEO, or paid advertising, a VMA can provide the expertise and flexibility your business needs.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hiring a virtual marketing assistant—from key benefits and essential skills to hiring strategies and cost considerations. Let’s dive in!
NEED A VIRTUAL MARKETING ASSISTANT?
Streamline your marketing efforts with a pre-vetted, cost-effective VMA from 1840 & Company.
What is a Virtual Marketing Assistant?
A virtual marketing assistant (VMA) is a remote professional who provides marketing support to businesses on a contract, part-time, or full-time basis.
Unlike in-house employees, VMAs work remotely, offering businesses a flexible and cost-effective solution for handling essential marketing tasks without the need for office space, benefits, or long-term commitments.
Key Responsibilities of a Virtual Marketing Assistant
Virtual marketing assistants can manage a wide range of marketing tasks, including:
- Social Media Management – Scheduling posts, engaging with followers, running social media ads, and analyzing performance metrics.
- Content Creation – Writing blog posts, creating website content, and producing marketing copy.
- Email Marketing – Designing and executing email campaigns, managing subscriber lists, and analyzing open/click-through rates.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – Keyword research, optimizing website content, and improving search rankings.
- Paid Advertising (PPC) – Managing Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and other pay-per-click campaigns.
- Graphic Design & Branding – Creating social media graphics, marketing materials, and brand assets.
- Market Research – Analyzing competitors, identifying market trends, and gathering insights for marketing strategies.
- Lead Generation & Outreach – Finding potential customers, nurturing leads, and supporting sales efforts.
How a Virtual Marketing Assistant Differs from an In-House Marketer
| Feature | Virtual Marketing Assistant | In-House Marketer |
|---|---|---|
| Work Location | Remote | On-site |
| Employment Type | Freelance, contract, part-time, or full-time | Salaried, full-time employee |
| Cost | Lower (no office space, benefits, or overhead costs) | Higher (salary, benefits, training expenses) |
| Flexibility | Scale up or down as needed | Fixed work schedule |
| Access to Global Talent | Yes | Limited to local hires |
Who Should Hire a Virtual Marketing Assistant?
Any business looking to improve its marketing efforts without the cost of a full-time, in-house team can benefit from hiring a virtual marketing assistant. While businesses of all sizes use VMAs, they are especially valuable for:
- Small Businesses & Startups – Need affordable marketing support to grow brand awareness and drive sales.
- E-Commerce Businesses – Require help with digital marketing, product listings, social media, and SEO.
- Marketing Agencies – Outsource specialized tasks like content writing, PPC management, or SEO optimization.
- Tech & SaaS Companies – Use VMAs for lead generation, content marketing, and product launches.
- Real Estate Agents & Consultants – Need assistance with social media marketing, email campaigns, and lead nurturing.
Whether you’re scaling your marketing efforts or need extra support, a VMA offers flexibility, expertise, and cost savings—making it an ideal solution for businesses wanting to stay competitive in the digital space.
When is the Right Time to Hire a Virtual Marketing Assistant?
Hiring a VMA can be a game-changer, but timing is key. If you’re experiencing any of the following challenges, it may be the right time to bring in a VMA:
Signs Your Business Needs a Virtual Marketing Assistant
- You’re falling behind on marketing tasks – If managing social media, content creation, or email marketing feels overwhelming, a VMA can take these off your plate.
- Your in-house team is stretched too thin – If your existing employees are juggling multiple roles, outsourcing marketing tasks can help them focus on core business functions.
- You lack specialized marketing expertise – Whether it’s SEO, PPC, or social media strategy, a VMA with specialized skills can fill the gaps in your marketing efforts.
- Your marketing efforts aren’t delivering results – If your campaigns aren’t generating engagement or leads, a VMA can bring fresh strategies and optimization techniques.
You need to scale but don’t want the cost of hiring full-time staff – A VMA allows you to scale your marketing efforts as needed without the expense of hiring an in-house employee.
Outsourcing vs. Hiring In-House: When Does It Make Sense?
If your business requires flexibility, cost savings, and access to diverse marketing skills, hiring a VMA is often a smarter choice than hiring a full-time employee. VMAs provide on-demand support, allowing you to scale up or down as needed while keeping overhead costs low.
By outsourcing or augmenting marketing talent at the right time, your business can stay ahead of the competition, improve brand visibility, and drive growth—without the burden of hiring and training an internal team.
Why Hire a Virtual Marketing Assistant? (Key Benefits)
A VMA offers a cost-effective and flexible solution for businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts. Whether you’re a startup, small business, or growing enterprise, hiring a VMA can help you save time, reduce operational costs, and improve efficiency without the commitment of hiring full-time staff.
1. Cost Savings Without Sacrificing Quality
Hiring an in-house marketing team involves significant expenses—salaries, benefits, office space, and training costs. With a VMA, you:
- Pay only for the work you need (hourly, part-time, or project-based).
- Avoid overhead costs such as office space, equipment, and employee benefits.
- Access top talent at a lower cost—many skilled VMAs are available at competitive global rates.
2. Access to Specialized Marketing Expertise
Marketing is broad, and one person can’t master everything. A VMA allows you to hire based on specific needs, such as:
- SEO & Content Marketing – Improve search rankings and website traffic.
- Social Media Management – Grow and engage your audience on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook platforms.
- Paid Advertising (PPC) – Optimize Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and other digital campaigns.
- Email Marketing – Create and automate campaigns that nurture leads and drive conversions.
Outsourcing to a specialist gives you access to expertise without the cost of hiring a full-time marketing strategist.
3. Increased Productivity & Efficiency
Many business owners and teams struggle to balance marketing with other responsibilities. A VMA helps by:
- Taking repetitive tasks off your plate, such as content scheduling and email campaigns.
- Allowing you to focus on strategy and business growth instead of day-to-day marketing execution.
- Ensuring consistency in marketing efforts is crucial for brand awareness and lead generation.
4. Scalability & Flexibility
Business needs change over time, and a VMA provides scalability without long-term commitment:
- Need more marketing support during peak seasons? Easily scale up.
- Is business slowing down? Reduce hours or shift priorities.
- Expanding to new marketing channels? Hire a VMA with the right expertise.
Unlike full-time hires, you only pay for what you need, making it a highly adaptable solution.
5. Faster Execution & Time-Saving
Marketing tasks, from content creation to campaign management, require time and consistency. A VMA:
- Handles time-consuming tasks so you don’t have to.
- Delivers faster turnaround on projects due to dedicated focus.
- Ensures marketing campaigns run smoothly, without delays caused by in-house workload bottlenecks.
6. Global Talent Pool & 24/7 Availability
When hiring remotely, you’re no longer limited to local talent. A VMA allows you to:
- Find the best candidates globally, often at lower costs.
- Hire based on skills, not location.
- Operate around the clock, especially if working across time zones.
7. Better ROI on Marketing Efforts
A skilled VMA optimizes marketing efforts, ensuring your business gets more leads, higher engagement, and better conversions without wasted budget.
Having the right person manage key marketing tasks maximizes your return on investment.
Where to Find and Hire a Virtual Marketing Assistant
The next step is finding the right talent. There are several ways to source a VMA, each with its own advantages depending on your business needs, budget, and preferred level of involvement in the hiring process.
1. Freelance Platforms
Freelance marketplaces connect businesses with independent contractors specializing in various marketing tasks. These platforms allow you to browse profiles, review ratings, and hire on a project or hourly basis.
While this offers flexibility, the downside is that quality can vary and often requires extra time for vetting and onboarding.
2. Outsourcing Companies & Remote Staffing Agencies
For businesses looking for pre-vetted, professional marketing assistants, outsourcing companies and remote staffing agencies offer a more reliable and streamlined hiring process.
These providers handle recruitment, skill assessment, and compliance, ensuring you get qualified talent without the hassle of screening candidates yourself.
Outsourcing companies like 1840 & Company specialize in providing highly skilled, remote marketing professionals, helping businesses scale efficiently while maintaining quality and productivity.
3. Job Boards & Professional Networks
Posting a job listing on marketing-specific job boards or professional networking sites allows businesses to attract a broader pool of candidates.
This method works well for companies that want direct control over the hiring process but may require more effort in screening and interviews.
4. Referrals & Industry Connections
Sometimes, the best hires come from trusted recommendations within your professional network. Asking for referrals from other business owners, marketing professionals, or industry groups can help you find reliable, experienced VMAs with proven track records.
Choosing the Right Hiring Method
Each hiring method has its pros and cons, and the best option depends on your needs:
REMEMBER: No matter where you hire, clearly defining your needs, expectations, and budget will help you find a virtual marketing assistant that fits your business.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Virtual Marketing Assistant?
The cost of hiring a VMA varies based on factors like location, experience, and employment type. In general, businesses can save significantly by outsourcing rather than hiring in-house.
Cost Comparison: In-House vs. Outsourced VMA
| Hiring Model | Average Hourly Rate | Annual Cost (Full-Time, 40 hrs/week) |
|---|---|---|
| In-House (USA) | $24/hr | $49,920 (including benefits, office space, and overhead) |
| Outsourced (Philippines, South Africa, etc.) | $7/hr | $14,560 (contract-based, no overhead) |
How Outsourcing Reduces Costs
By hiring a contract-based VMA in cost-effective regions through outsourcing companies like 1840 & Company, businesses can:
- Reduce labor costs by up to 70% without sacrificing quality.
- Eliminate expenses for benefits, office space, and equipment.
- Scale marketing efforts efficiently without long-term commitments.
For companies looking to maximize their budget while still accessing skilled marketing talent, outsourcing to global professionals is a cost-effective solution.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Virtual Marketing Assistant
Hiring a VMA can be a game-changer for your business, but only if done correctly. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a smooth and effective hiring process:
- Not Defining Clear Roles & Responsibilities – Failing to outline specific tasks can lead to confusion and unmet expectations.
- Hiring Based Solely on Cost – Choosing the cheapest option often results in lower quality work and inefficiency.
- Skipping the Vetting Process – Not assessing skills, experience, and communication abilities can lead to hiring the wrong fit.
- Lack of Onboarding & Training – Even experienced VMAs need clear guidelines, tools, and processes to succeed.
- Poor Communication & Management – Inconsistent check-ins and unclear expectations can cause misunderstandings and delays.
- Not Setting Measurable Goals – It’s hard to track success and ROI without KPIs or performance metrics.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Avoiding these pitfalls ensures that your VMA delivers value, drives marketing success, and seamlessly integrates into your business.
Conclusion
Hiring a virtual marketing assistant is a smart, cost-effective way to scale your marketing efforts, improve efficiency, and access specialized skills without the overhead of a full-time hire.
Whether you need help with social media, SEO, content creation, or paid advertising, a VMA can provide the flexibility and expertise your business needs to stay competitive.
By outsourcing, you can streamline the hiring process, reduce costs, and ensure you’re working with pre-vetted, top-tier marketing professionals.
If you’re ready to boost your marketing efforts without the hassle of in-house hiring, schedule a call today to discuss hiring your perfect remote VMA!
