7 Places To Find Clients Outside Social Media

Finding clients doesn’t have to mean dancing on Instagram—this post shares 7 powerful ways to attract clients without using social media.

Let’s be real—trying to get clients through Instagram, TikTok, or even Facebook can feel like yelling into a void. You’re showing up every day, posting carousels, doing reels, and maybe even throwing in a trending sound or two… and still, crickets.

If that’s you—first, you’re not alone. Second, there are so many other places to find clients that don’t involve dancing on camera or obsessing over the algorithm. In fact, some of the best and most loyal clients are found outside of social media entirely.

In this post, I’m going to share 7 powerful places to find virtual assistant clients without using social media—including a few that most people overlook. These are beginner-friendly, practical, and ready for you to take action on today.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Social Media Alone

Social media has its place, but here’s the truth:

It’s unpredictable. One day your post pops, the next it flops.

It’s exhausting. Constant content creation with no guaranteed return.

Most importantly—it’s not where every paying client is hanging out.

Real business owners, especially the ones ready to invest in help, aren’t always scrolling their feeds looking for virtual assistants. They’re looking for solutions, not selfies. So let’s explore 7 other places where they actually are.

1. Online Job Boards (Not the Big, Crowded Ones)

Yes—job boards can be goldmines, but you’ve got to know where to look. Skip the overcrowded sites like Fiverr and Upwork (where prices race to the bottom) and head to:

• Dynamite Jobs (for remote startup teams)
• Remotive (for tech-forward businesses)
• Workello (great for marketing-based roles)

🔹Action Step: Set up job alerts using keywords like “virtual assistant,” “remote admin,” or your niche (like “email marketing”).

💡Pro Tip: Apply with a short, customized message—don’t just drop your resume. Speak directly to their pain points and how you can help.

2. Local Small Business Networking (Even Online!)

This is SO overlooked. Your next client could literally be a business owner down the street who’s drowning in emails and doesn’t even realize hiring a VA is an option.

Check out:

• Local Chamber of Commerce events
• Online networking events through Eventbrite
• Local coworking spaces (many host free virtual mixers!)

🔹Action Step: Attend one virtual local business event this month.

💡Unique Twist: Create a one-page “menu of services” you can quickly share in chats or after conversations—it looks professional and makes you memorable.

3. Freelance Directories That Let You Be The Expert

Some directories don’t just let you list your skills—they showcase them.

Look into:

• Toptal
• The Mom Project (especially great if you’re a mom looking to connect with family-friendly companies)
• Marketer Hire (for marketing-savvy VAs)

🔹Action Step: Create a profile that clearly states your specialty, not just “VA.” For example: “Executive VA specializing in operations and email management.”

💡Pro Tip: These platforms often attract clients with bigger budgets than social media browsers.

4. Cold Outreach to Niche-Based Businesses

Don’t be scared by the term “cold outreach.” This isn’t about spam—it’s about intentional, respectful pitching.

Start with niches like:

• Coaches
• Real estate agents
• Etsy/eCommerce shop owners
• Wedding planners

🔹Action Step: Pick one niche and find 5 businesses this week. Visit their websites. If they look overwhelmed, their site is outdated, or their inbox is likely a mess—it’s your time to shine.

💡Pro Tip: Send a kind, personalized email that highlights how you can solve a specific problem they might have. Keep it short, friendly, and human.

5. Podcasts & Guest Interviews (A Hidden Gem)

This one is so good and so underused. Podcasts that feature small business owners or entrepreneurs are full of potential clients—and they’re listening with intention.

🔹Action Step: Find 3 podcasts that speak to your ideal clients. Engage in the comments or community spaces.

💡Unique Angle: Reach out to podcasters offering to manage their guest bookings, inbox, or even transcribe and repurpose their episodes. Bonus: You’ll be working with someone who already values visibility and efficiency.

6. Online Course or Coaching Communities

This is a ninja strategy most people don’t talk about.

When people invest in coaching or courses, they’re usually growing fast—and growth means they need help.

Think:

• Kajabi or Teachable course Facebook groups
• Group coaching programs (often come with Slack or Circle communities)
• Private mastermind groups

🔹Action Step: Join a paid course or membership group that aligns with your niche or dream client.

💡Pro Tip: Show up and be helpful. Offer tips, answer questions, and build real relationships. You’ll be surprised how many DMs you’ll get asking, “Hey… what is it that you do again?”

7. Coworking Spaces & Remote Work Communities

Even if you’re fully remote, coworking communities are thriving online.

Look into:

• Women Who Cowork
• Indie Hackers (for tech startups)
• Remote OK Slack groups
• WeWork events (many virtual ones open to non-members)

🔹Action Step: Join one online coworking space or community and participate weekly. Ask questions. Offer help. Be visible.

💡Unique Twist: Offer a “1-hour trial task” for free or discounted to showcase your work and let them experience your magic.

Quick Tips for Success When You’re Off Social Media

• Stay organized: Track your outreach in a spreadsheet, Trello board, or Notion.
• Focus on relationships, not just cold leads.
• Follow up. Then follow up again.
• Use email templates but always personalize them.
• Don’t give up after one message. People are busy—not disinterested.

Final Thoughts

If social media hasn’t been your thing—or if it’s been more exhausting than empowering—please know this: You can absolutely build a thriving VA business without it.

Clients are out there, and many of them are searching for someone exactly like you—they just haven’t found you yet. These strategies give you the power to go find them.

You don’t need 10K followers to hit $10K months. You need strategy, effort, and heart—and I know you’ve got all three.

If you are ready to start attracting high-paying clients and bring the right people to you, then check out this post!