How to Outsource Content Writing with Ease in 2023

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Why outsource content writing? Content is king. Everyone knows that. However, not everyone can manage their content writing by themselves or do it in-house. Here in this post, we outline the benefits of outsourcing content writing, the challenges, where you can start looking, and some best practices to get you started.

What Does a Content Writer Do?

The main goal of a content writer is to inform or educate readers about a person, company, product, service, process, etc. Content writing is typically associated with online articles, blogs, and long social media posts. However, you can hire a content writer for email campaigns, newsletters, whitepapers, reports, and much more.

Content writers can be hand-picked for their specialized knowledge in a particular industry, or technical knowledge like SEO. Some freelance content writers are incredibly flexible and able to write on a variety of different topics. The elite can write effectively on a range of topics and also properly optimize their posts so search engines will quickly pick them up.

How Does Content Writing Benefit My Business?

Advertising

Written content is advertising for your business. Content writers are necessary to create engaging content used in content marketing strategies.

Branding

You can effectively communicate your brand voice through content. The content you create builds your brand identity, too. It represents the personality that you want to convey to your target audience. It can also differentiate you from the competition.

Search Engine Visibility

You can rank higher on the SERPs with SEO-friendly content. A good content writer uses SEO best practices when writing blog posts, web page content, and the like. This increases your chances of appearing high on search engine results pages. The higher you rank on SERPs, the more people see your content, and the more clicks you get on your website. With quality content, you also have a higher chance of converting visitors to customers.

Recognition

High-quality content improves brand awareness and reputation. Content is valuable when it is written with an understanding of searcher intent. High-quality content answers searcher questions and anticipates what their next question will be and answers it in the same article.

Backlinks refer to when other websites link to your website content. This tells readers that other companies recognize your authority in the space. This is also a Google ranking factor.

Can I Do My Own Content Writing?

Absolutely, if that’s something you want to do! However, content writing can be demanding. If you are a small-medium-sized business owner, chances are, you will be better off if you outsource content writing. Even if you’re a good writer, this is true simply because you are probably juggling multiple roles at once. When you outsource content writing, your business will be able to produce the volume of content recommended to gain the visibility you need, and to acquire the number of customers you need. You will also be able to maintain the quality, which may not happen if you focus on all the content yourself. This also ensures that you focus on important business objectives.

When you outsource content writing, it provides you with the freedom and flexibility to use your expertise to grow your business.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Content Writing?

Pros

Expertise

As we mentioned previously, you can definitely do your own content writing, and do it well. However, you may not have access to specialized knowledge, such as SEO best practices, email marketing copy strategy, useful writing and research tools, etc.

Note: If you decide to write articles or other blog content yourself, we still recommend also hiring a writer well-versed in SEO. This gives you a better chance of getting that content in front of people.

Flexibility

With content, you want to be consistent and pump out content at a healthy pace. Sometimes, this can’t always happen because you and your team are focused on furthering other important business goals. Outsourcing it to a team can free up your time and human resources.

Cost

You can save on hiring and recruitment costs, in-house employee benefits, salaries, training, and more when you outsource content writing. Sometimes, hiring locally can be more costly than going international. Get the same quality and access to a larger pool of talent when you outsource content writing.

Efficiency

Freelance platforms make hiring and paying a content writer easier. This means you don’t waste time going through long recruitment processes. Content writers have years of experience and their own writing processes that make them more efficient at churning out excellent, relevant content at a faster pace. Not only that, but hiring a content writer who is an expert in your industry could cut the time between posts down even further.

Scaling

Outsourcing content writing can directly improve the rate at which your business grows. More writers mean more content. More high-quality content increases your reputation. Better email marketing language means more potential conversions. More conversions means more profit. More profit means the ability to scale different operations of your business.

Cons

Risk of misrepresentation

A content writer represents the voice of your company. When you outsource content writing, you are essentially allowing a person to speak to your audience on your behalf. Now imagine multiple different freelancers writing for you. There’s a risk that they could misrepresent the tone of your brand.

This can be mitigated by onboarding them properly. Get them familiar with your brand, your goals, your values, and have them review previous content.

Loss of control

When you outsource content writing, or any task, for that matter, you surrender an amount of control. You cannot monitor the creation process as closely as you would with an in-house team.

Cost variation

While you don’t pay as much as you would with an in-house team, freelancer rates can fluctuate from person to person. Sometimes, freelancers will change different rates depending on the type of content, scope of responsibilities, their expertise, etc.

Risk of turnover

Freelancers aren’t bound to typical employee-employer contracts. Freelancers could drop the project without any notice. This could lead to business slowing down while you search for a replacement and begin the whole process of explaining the project all over again.

Communication

Communicating with remote teams can be a struggle. Miscommunication can lead to errors and wasted time. Ensure that you have an understanding with your hire about the channels of communication you will use during the course of your work relationship.

How Do I Outsource Content Writing?

Perhaps you are considering outsourcing as an option, but aren’t exactly sure how to go about doing so. Preparation on your part can make hiring an outsourced content writing team much less of a gamble. Below are some tips you can follow before you start canvassing for your content writer.

Scope of Work

One of the most important things to prepare is a list of tasks and responsibilities that the writer will be handling. What type of writing is it? Are they writing full articles or editing AI generated paragraphs? Do you want them to help you create a style guide to help maintain brand voice across multiple writers? Do they need to do research? How extensive is the research?

Additionally, you will also need to indicate:

The number of articles or posts you require
The length of each piece and the length of the whole project (short or long-term)
Milestones they should hit every month
Meeting schedules, timelines, and deadlines
Other deliverables

Getting A Good Fit

We mentioned earlier how you can be taking a risk when you outsource content writing. A writer could do bad research and taint the reliability of all the content you produce. This is why it’s important to screen your candidates. Thankfully, freelance marketplaces make this easy since most of them show reviews and ratings from other clients. This can give you an idea of their experience with the freelancer, and if you can expect satisfaction.

Even so, a highly-rated writer might not necessarily be the right person for you. You need to consider the type of content needed and if this person has experience with companies similar to yours.

Ideally, you want someone with extensive knowledge pertaining to your industry, however, a less experienced writer could surprise you. On top of reading reviews, ask them for samples of their work or a portfolio so you can assess their abilities and quality of work.

Setting up a test project for promising candidates can show you their ability to adapt to the topic given. You could be saving yourself some money by choosing a less specialized writer with a lower rate yet great writing quality and adaptability.

Determining Length and Frequency of Content

Whether it’s a weekly or a monthly objective, make sure to lay out how many articles, posts, newsletters, etc., you want the writer to complete in that time period. 3-4 articles per week is the typical amount to ensure your website remains updated. However, this number can vary depending on the industry you are in. If you are in a dynamic industry, you may want to create more frequent content to keep up with changes and new developments.

Now, sometimes business can pick up and the number of articles needed increases. Be sure to communicate this to your writer ahead of time. Ask if they can take on more pieces or hire more writers to accommodate the increase in volume.

When it comes to the length of posts, this can vary depending on the topic and audience. However, a general estimate is between 1,500-3,000 words. Quality does not always mean length, however, so make sure you have enough content to provide answers to a searcher’s questions.

Determining Your Budget

Freelancer rates can vary depending on the country, level of expertise, specialized skills and knowledge, and scope of the project. Make sure to do your research, compare rates, and get an estimate of fair compensation for outsourced content writing services.

Think about how much you are willing to spend for consistent content. Weigh your options. Is it better to pay for 2-3 articles a week from a good writer or spend for a more specialized writer that can do 1-2 articles a week? Assess your potential ROI and see if it’s worth digging a little deeper in your pockets for higher-quality content that’s more likely to perform well on search engines, attract customers, and drive conversions.

Final Thoughts on Outsourcing Content Writing

Outsourcing content writing can be a game-changer and give you the space you need to grow your brand and reach your goals. There are a number of freelance marketplaces online with hundreds of skilled content writers. Some of the most popular include UpWork, FreeUp, and Fiverr.

Want help outsourcing & hiring virtual assistants? We make it easy! Learn More, Speak w/ an Expert, or Request a Callback.

Julia Valdez

Julia is a career freelancer and agency owner turned coach for those seeking abundance and victorious living. A professional teacher and decades-long lover of the art of words on paper and the stage, she loves sharing actionable advice on life-changing topics. When she’s not helping freelancers and other small business owners grow, you can find her sharing lots of laughs over little crazy things.

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Virtual Assistant Skills and Qualities to Focus on When Hiring

What virtual assistant skills and qualities should I look for when looking for my next team member? Hiring for a position is more than just looking for people with the right sets of hard skills to complete the tasks. You need more than a content writer who can churn out excellent articles quickly. You want more than a graphic designer who is proficient in 3 different art tools. These hard skills are great, and necessary, but you also need hires to have certain soft skills. This is what helps you to work well with them. In this post, we are going to talk about qualities to look for in pretty much every hire regardless of the position, and why they are essential. The Changing Landscape of Virtual Assistant Skills Earlier the concept of hiring remote or hybrid employees was a new concept and business owners found it difficult to expect results from them. Now it’s a thing of the past! Hiring virtual assistants has become the new normal, as 70% of companies have turned to VAs as they bring a pool of different skill sets. Being only good at their job, like creative writing or administrative work, is not enough anymore. VAs need to develop specialized skills like technical know-how or better decision-making skills to deliver results. There is also an increase in demand (62%) for VAs with specific skills in various industries as they bring fresh ideas to the table. The evolution shows the aggressive changes in workplace demands, technological advancements, and the shift to remote-first business models. Essential Skills of a Virtual Assistant to Look For As a business owner, you need a virtual assistant who can help your business grow with their unique skills. You need to look for a strategic partner rather than just a task manager. Here are the top skills and qualities of a virtual assistant to look for when hiring: 1. Communication Skills First on our virtual assistant skills list is probably the most important – communication. Imagine what would happen if hires did not pass information clearly or concisely. The work pipeline would get clogged up. Individual team members would get confused about tasks. Misunderstandings would occur frequently and nothing would get done properly. Beyond speaking the same language, there are several signs that a person is a good communicator. Listens well and is attentive Takes notes Asks good questions Clarifies Can speak back instructions Relays instructions accurately Can give clear instructions 2. Computer Literacy VAs naturally need to be able to navigate the digital space well. This includes software, apps, tools, and search engines. They typically need to know how to do video conferencing, emails, and the like. They Should also be familiar with the tools in the Google and/or Microsoft suites. At a minimum, they need to be adept in the technologies needed to accomplish their job. A great VA will keep learning how to increase productivity. They will also take steps to become more effective by using new tools and even automation. Additionally, freelancers also need to know how to navigate virtual assistant websites and freelance marketplaces. 3. Creativity These qualities don’t just apply to positions that require creative virtual assistant skills. For instance, you don’t need to be a graphics designer, content creator, editor, or advertiser. Innovation is not job specific. VAs can exercise their creative muscles together with their problem-solving skills. This way, they can come up with new ways of accomplishing tasks. 4. Interpersonal Skills Interpersonal skills go hand in hand with communication skills. VAs need to be able to interact and deal with people at different levels. Most VAs you hire will go under a manager. You will also hire some to be these managers. Either way, they need to be able to work well with others. They must do this to be able to complete projects and attain common goals. Arguably, the best at this are VAs that have worked with several different companies with different cultures. They know how to: Adapt to personalities and teams Identify strengths and weaknesses Build connections and rapport 5. Attention to Detail Virtual assistants need to be detail-oriented. They do this when checking emails, entering data, and creating content. They also apply this skill when assessing the job description and rundown of roles and responsibilities. Some of the best virtual assistants are those who can spot mistakes that their superiors make. Then they can point them out, ask if it was intentional, and make suggestions to solve them. These qualities should be valued. Attention to detail shows that the VA takes initiative, takes responsibility, and cares about the job being accomplished well. 6. Time Management Skills Time management is essential, not only in the case of getting things done in an efficient time frame. It’s more than just meeting a deadline. For VAs, there is another layer. A lot of VAs are hired from overseas. This means they don’t always have the same time zone as the hiring company. They need to be able to accomplish their tasks. Then, they must allow room for questions and other concerns they may not be able to ask at any time of day. 7. Decision-Making Skills Nobody enjoys working with passive actors. VAs need to be able to think on their feet. This is based on their prior knowledge, prior experience, and given SOPs and instructions. A VA should take initiative and shouldn’t be overly reliant on their managers for every decision. 8. Project/Task Management Skills Hiring a VA for a management position can be tricky. A manager needs to be able to organize teams and tasks well. This includes having skills in project management software like ASANA, Trello, Zoho Projects, etc. These individuals can: Create and organize workflows Plan tasks in advance Communicate goals, milestones, and deadlines Delegate tasks Communicate with individuals and teams Set up meetings Execute tasks together with the team Track progress Review results before submitting the final output 9. Independence The best virtual assistants possess

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19 Best Virtual Assistant Websites to Find Top Talent

Looking to hire the best talent from the top virtual assistant websites? There are millions of freelancers in the world. Yet, it can be difficult to find the right person for the job. Well, we’ve gathered the best freelance websites out there. This way, you can be sure you’re getting the real deal. TL;DR – Best Virtual Assistant Websites Here’s a quick view of the best virtual assistant websites that you can hire from: Fiverr Upwork Freelancer.com PeoplePerHour LinkedIn Zirtual Hello Rache OnlineJobsPH Virtalent 24/7 Virtual Assistants Virtual Staff Finder FreeUp Magic Woodbows Boldly VirtualStaff.ph Fancy Hands Indeed Time Etc With so many top-tier platforms to choose from, let’s find the perfect virtual assistant for your needs. Want to simplify the hiring process? Visit Outsource School and learn how to hire and manage skilled professionals seamlessly. Set up a consultation today! Perks of Hiring Through Virtual Assistant Platforms As a business owner, you know how overwhelming the workload can be. In such scenarios, you wish for an extra set of hands to handle your work. A website for virtual assistants (VA) might just be your most useful tool. These platforms are a treasure trove of skilled professionals ready to tackle tasks you simply don’t have time (or energy) for. Access to Global Talent: Why limit yourself to local talent when you can hire from any corner of the world? Virtual assistant platforms connect you to professionals worldwide, providing access to diverse skills and expertise. Cost Efficiency: Hiring through these platforms is usually cheaper than hiring a full-time employee. Many VAs work remotely, so you save on office space, benefits, and equipment. Flexibility: Need help for a one-time project or an ongoing task? Virtual assistant platforms offer the flexibility to hire talent on your terms—whether it’s for a few hours, weeks, or even long-term engagements. Time-saving: You can skip the hassle of traditional hiring and visit VA platforms. These websites streamline hiring and offer pre-vetted candidates, job templates, and recruitment support. Scalability: As your business grows, your workload will increase. Virtual assistant platforms let you scale your team without the long-term commitments of full-time staff, ensuring you’re always equipped to handle more. Things to Watch Out For When Using VA Websites While hiring a virtual assistant might take a lot of the pressure off your shoulders, there are some things to keep in mind to avoid outsourcing mistakes: Vetting Quality: Not all platforms offer the same standards when it comes to screening freelancers. Stick to platforms with strong vetting processes to ensure you’re getting professionals who deliver quality work. Communication Barriers: Time zones and language barriers can get tricky if your VAs are from different countries. Choose platforms that help with tools or tips to keep things smooth. Hidden Costs: Watch out for extra charges like posting fees or transactional costs. Always check for hidden costs upfront. Data Security: You might be sharing sensitive business information with your VA. Ensure the platform has strict security measures in place, and take extra steps like signing NDAs or using secure communication tools. Unclear Expectations: Miscommunication can harm your business. Be clear about your expectations, timelines, and deliverables from the start to avoid misunderstandings. 19 Top Virtual Assistant Websites With numerous virtual assistant platforms, how do you know which one’s right for you? Don’t worry—we’ve researched for you! Whether you need help with admin tasks, marketing, or specialized projects, there’s a platform tailored to your needs. Below are the 19 best virtual assistant websites covering a variety of industries, specialties, and budgets. Let’s dive in and explore! 1. Fiverr Fiverr is a freelance marketplace that allows you to choose from over 500 categories of jobs. The name comes from how they started offering online services for as low as $5. Now Fiverr is an industry giant offering long and short-term projects from affordable and competitive prices to premium rates. With Fiverr, you can quickly find talent, get to work, and accomplish tasks. You can also access Fiverr Business for teams and access exclusive features like talent matching, dedicated account managers, and collaboration tools. You can also upgrade to Fiverr Pro if you want access to the best vetted freelancers. 2. Upwork Upwork is one of, if not the best, virtual assistant websites on this list. This huge, award-winning marketplace offers a wide array of services. It’s home to millions of freelancers in almost 200 countries. You can access talent so easily in one of three ways. Talent Marketplace™ – Create a job post, review proposals, view freelancer profiles, read reviews on their profiles, and select the talent you want to work with Project Catalog™ – Pick the job you need from hundreds of project templates Talent Scout™ – For a project more than a month in duration, a recruiter can pair you with the best people for the job 3. Freelancer.com Freelancer.com is the largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace. They serve clients worldwide with millions of worldwide talent from almost 250 countries. You can easily create a job post for any of the 1800+ categories. Get bites quickly and examine profiles to find the best fit. They also offer recruitment help to find the best talent. If you need managerial help, they also offer “co-pilots” to help you with your projects. You pay when you are completely satisfied. 4. PeoplePerHour PeoplePerHour is a freelance community and marketplace that has connected over a million clients to global talent. Their anti-fraud and money-back guarantee perks mean that they are a secure and trusted place to conduct business. Hire from over 3 million freelancers offering 8,000+ skills in as fast as 10 minutes. You can post a job, search for freelancers yourself, or search through pre-set bundles created by freelancers. You can also manage and track your project through Project Stream. 5. LinkedIn LinkedIn is a widely used digital business network that connects companies with individuals looking for work. This platform is not designed specifically for finding virtual assistants. However, it does act as a

Employee Engagement and Retention Strategies for Ecommerce Businesses

Employee Engagement and Retention Strategies for Ecommerce Businesses Image source Success in the fast-moving world e-commerce is greatly dependent on employee engagement – and engagement is the key to employee retention. Employee engagement refers to the level of commitment, enthusiasm, and emotional investment that employees have towards their work and organization, which influences their performance and overall job satisfaction. Engaged employees drive innovation, productivity, and loyalty to the business for growth. High turnover, on the other hand, disrupts operations and increases costs. To lead in the competitive e-commerce space, organizations need to create an environment that makes employees feel valued, motivated, and committed. This article considers some practical strategies for doing so. This article is published as part of a sponsored collaboration. Build a Strong and Inclusive Workplace Culture Strong workplace culture forms the backbone of employee engagement. It shapes how employees relate to the company and their colleagues, informing their overall experience. The first step toward lasting engagement is defining the mission and values of your organization. Employees are more engaged in their work if they clearly see how it serves a greater purpose. Leaders can help promote this mindset by embodying those values themselves—that is, establishing trust and alignment with workplace core values. Inclusivity is equally important. An environment that celebrates diversity fosters innovation and teamwork. Establish policies that promote equity and ensure every voice is heard. A workplace where employees feel they belong encourages collaboration and loyalty. Transparency and open communication further strengthen culture. Regular updates, team meetings, and open-door policies create a sense of shared purpose and ensure employees feel their opinions matter. Invest in Employee Growth and Development Opportunities for growth rank highly as a driver of employee retention. Clear career advancement paths ensure motivation and loyalty among employees. Start with continuous learning opportunities. Given that eCommerce is highly dynamic, employees must always be able to evolve to cope with changes in both the industry and technology. As an employer, focusing on employee professional growth is essential to promote loyalty and employee retention. Provide access to workshops, online courses, and certifications that match company needs with individual aspirations. Another important investment is in the area of career development plans. Work with your employees to map out individualized roadmaps that detail their aspirations, along with actions required to achieve them. All this calls for regular check-ins to review progress and adjust plans if needed. Another main area of recognition is in personal growth. Recognize a job well done through promotions, bonuses, or words of praise. Employees who feel valued will be more likely to stay and contribute at higher levels as they grow their skill sets. Focus on Employee Well-being Ecommerce businesses are characterized by a fast-paced, high-pressure environment – placing employers under significant stress. It’s essential to support the physical and mental well-being of employees for long-term engagement. Equally necessary is mental health support. Share resources such as counseling services, mental health workshops, and stress management programs. Create a culture where talking about mental health is normalized and supported. Physical wellness initiatives can go a step further: ergonomic workstations, wellness programs, or fitness challenges. Employees whose health is considered in their work are more inclined to stay steadfast at their respective jobs. Leverage Technology for Engagement Image source Technology can greatly improve employee engagement in ecommerce businesses. Since most teams work remotely or across locations, digital tools help to keep them connected and collaborative. Collaboration platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams make communication much easier, so everybody is on the same page. Project management tools like Trello or Asana enhance the tracking of tasks and accountability. Standardized mechanisms for feedback are important uses of this technology. This may entail feedback from employee surveys, which provide the means of observing levels of staff engagement and permit active problems-solving in a way that is very proactive. Mechanisms for automating repetitive tasks would involve reducing the more mundane tasks typically performed by human labor through the use of AI or digital alternatives. However, it is important that this technology is not perceived by employees as threatening their job security. Where necessary upskilling of employees to leverage these technologies should be prioritized. Strengthen Leadership and Management It is leadership that determines how engaged employees will be. Great leaders instill confidence, lead, and motivate their teams effectively. First, developing leaders to adopt a coach-like attitude is essential. Leaders should approach their people with a personal touch when providing guidance, focusing not just on task completion but also on individual growth and development. Some basic skills that help build trust and rapport include empathy, active listening, and effective communication. These skills foster an environment where employees feel valued and understood. Transparency in decision-making is also critical. When leaders are open with employees about the company’s goals, challenges, and successes, it creates a sense of shared responsibility and trust among the workforce. This openness encourages employees to contribute ideas and solutions, enhancing their engagement. Lastly, strong leaders lead by example. By demonstrating commitment, positivity, and alignment with company values, they inspire employees to emulate these behaviors. This reinforcement of a culture of engagement not only boosts morale but also optimizes team performance, leading to greater overall success for the organization. Engaged employees are more likely to go above and beyond in their roles, driving innovation and productivity. Monitor and Adapt Engagement Strategies Employee engagement is not a once-off. It calls for continuous review and adaptation to changing needs and an ever-evolving marketplace. Key engagement metrics are important, as the saying goes – if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. Variables such as turnover rates, levels of absenteeism, and employee satisfaction scores are vital metrics. Review and analyze these data points regularly to spot trends and areas for improvement. Conduct exit interviews to understand why employees leave and use the feedback to sharpen your strategies. Listening to employees, even as they leave, gives insight into how to retain others. Be agile in approach. Ecommerce is a fast-changing industry, and the needs of

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How to Hire an Email Management Virtual Assistant (+ Benefits)

Are emails bogging you down? Do you feel like you’re spending way too much time at your desk answering them? Do you feel like your inbox could use some sprucing up? Maybe you need a complete email spring cleaning! Whichever it is, it sounds to us like you’re in need of an inbox management virtual assistant. The good news is that you can actually hire one today! But before you go there, we put together a few things that we think you should know about hiring an inbox management virtual assistant. In this article, we are going to be covering What Is an Email Management Virtual Assistant? Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant for Email Management 11 Tasks to Hire an Inbox Management Virtual Assistant For How Much Does an Email Management VA Cost? What Are the Best Virtual Assistant Websites to Hire From? Case Study: How John Hired an Email VA & Saved 2 Hours Per Day Sign up for Outsource School and unlock our free hiring packet to help you get the best email management virtual assistant. What Is an Email Management Virtual Assistant? Also known as an inbox management virtual assistant, these individuals are responsible for handling your emails. Their duties involve organizing and sorting emails, creating folders and labels to categorize emails, color coding emails to make them easier to locate, and even deleting unnecessary emails or spam. An outsourced inbox VA will even do all of this for you before you get on in the morning! This way, you can start your with a clean and beautiful inbox and avoid all the stress that unkept email will usually cause. Now, that’s just the categorizing part of the job. You also have the replying side of things, which a more specialized email assistant can handle, too. When you think about all of that and the amount of time it could take you to accomplish a single day’s worth of emails, you start to see the value of hiring an email assistant. These people typically have developed efficient methods. They will implement proven processes to clean up your inbox and keep it that way. They may also use software programs, as needed and if you prefer, to help manage all the online correspondence. Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant for Email Management Outsourcing email management impacts both your professional and personal well-being. It frees up your time, so you can undertake other tasks with less strain. Below, let’s highlight the main incentives for hiring an email management virtual assistant. Improved Productivity The average user spends about two and a half hours checking their work email daily, which increases to six hours when you include personal inboxes. This reduces the time spent on productive tasks. Hiring an email management VA frees up these hours, some of which you can allocate to your core business functions, improving productivity. Timely Responses Entrepreneurs understand the hassle of replying to daily client inquiries. Oftentimes, you might get overwhelmed and fail to reply to potential clients, losing business. Email management VAs monitor your inbox for new messages and quickly respond to customer inquiries and feedback. Confidentiality and Security Hiring an email management VA lets you control how many people access your messages, especially those containing sensitive business information. This is safer than allowing the whole in-house team to access your email. It also simplifies following up on security incidents like data breaches. Improved Work-Life Balance You should hire an email management VA if you often check your email when out of the office, including during social gatherings. The VA will respond to incoming emails and only contact you for issues that require your attention. This lets you enjoy your breaks from work and take up hobbies, improving your overall well-being. Professional Communication Email management VAs are trained in effective communication as part of their virtual assistant skills. They are proficient at handling customers, including using the right tone and observing cultural sensitivity. They also align the email responses with your brand communication strategy to give your business a professional image. Cost Advantages Hiring an email management VA is more cost-effective than recruiting an in-house personal assistant. The VA works remotely, so you need not increase your office space or invest in infrastructure to accommodate them. Tasks to Outsource to a Virtual Assistant for Email Management Deleting junk emails and keeping your inbox clear of any unwanted newsletters, subscriptions, or promos. Forwarding emails to the necessary people within your team or others Archiving old emails that might be useful later so you main box isn’t filled with old mail Responding to emails and setting up automatic replies Some email marketing like sending out mass emails such as newsletters and introductory emails to the selected list of customers Managing your contact list which involves sorting contacts in order of importance or priority, categorizing them with labels (customers, business partners, suppliers, internal team, etc.), adding new contacts, and deleting old ones Sorting emails in order of priority so you know which emails are urgent and which can wait Some customer support duties like answering customer inquiries Creating folders and applying labels to emails. Labels add specificity. Folders organize old and new emails for future reference. Setting up filters ensuring incoming emails go into the applicable folders tidying up your main inbox Answering emails about meetings and adding them to schedule How Much Does an Email Management VA Cost? Virtual assistants have a range of prices depending on a number of factors such as skill level, level of experience, scope of work, specialized knowledge, length of project, are you hiring a VA full-time or a part-time VA, and what country they come from. If you want an inbox management virtual assistant who does only the admin side of things, then in the U.S. you’re looking at an average of $10-$12 per hour. VAs from the Philippines and India are less costly both averaging around $6-$7 per hour. Now if you’re looking for a VA who can