Running a small business often means doing everything yourself—sales, marketing, admin, customer service, and strategy—sometimes all in the same hour. While hustle is part of entrepreneurship, burnout doesn’t have to be. One of the most effective ways small business owners reclaim time and scale sustainably is by hiring a virtual assistant (VA).
A virtual assistant isn’t just “extra help.” When used correctly, a VA becomes leverage—freeing you to focus on revenue, growth, and decision-making instead of repetitive tasks that drain your energy.
In this article, we’ll explore where small businesses can find reliable virtual assistants, what they typically cost, and how to use them strategically so they actually make your life easier—not more complicated.
Why Virtual Assistants Are a Smart Move for Small Businesses
Virtual assistants allow small businesses to delegate essential but time-consuming tasks without the overhead of hiring full-time, in-house staff. There’s no office rent, no payroll taxes, and no long-term commitment unless you want one.
When used properly, VAs help small businesses:
- Reduce operating costs
- Increase productivity
- Improve consistency
- Focus on growth instead of busywork
The real advantage isn’t just cost savings—it’s time leverage. Every hour you reclaim is an hour you can reinvest into strategy, sales, or customer relationships.
1. Upwork
Typical Cost: ~$10–$60+ per hour, depending on skill level
Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces in the world. It offers access to virtual assistants across a wide range of skills—from basic administrative support to advanced marketing, automation, and technical roles.
Advantages
- Large global talent pool
- Transparent profiles, reviews, and work history
- Flexible hiring (hourly, fixed-price, or ongoing)
How Small Businesses Use It Upwork is best suited for short-term projects or specialized tasks, such as CRM cleanup, campaign setup, or technical assistance. The downside is that business owners must invest time in screening, onboarding, and managing freelancers themselves.
2. Global Digital Media
Typical Cost: Well below $20/hour, depending on role and scope
Global Digital Media is built specifically for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want affordable, reliable, and long-term virtual assistant support—without the hassle of managing multiple freelancers.
Unlike marketplaces where you hire individual contractors one task at a time, Global Digital Media focuses on matching the right support to your business needs.
Advantages
- Rates well below $20/hour
- Support across admin, marketing, content, lead management, and back-office tasks
- Long-term, relationship-based support
- Structured workflows instead of ad-hoc task handling
Why This Works for Small Businesses Many small businesses struggle not because they lack help, but because they hire the wrong kind of help. Global Digital Media begins with a free discovery call, which helps clarify:
- Which tasks are consuming your time
- What support will actually move the needle
- How many hours you truly need
This approach prevents over hiring, underutilization, and wasted spend—making it one of the most practical choices for small business owners who value simplicity and efficiency.
3. Fiverr
Typical Cost: ~$5–$50 per task
Fiverr operates on a gig-based model, where services are sold as fixed-price packages rather than hourly work.
Advantages
- Very budget-friendly
- Clear deliverables
- Fast turnaround for simple tasks
How Small Businesses Use It Fiverr is ideal for one-off or clearly defined tasks such as basic data entry, simple graphics, inbox cleanup, or short research jobs. It’s less suitable for ongoing operational support or complex workflows.
4. OnlineJobs.ph
Typical Cost: ~$400–$1,300 per month
OnlineJobs.ph connects businesses directly with Filipino virtual assistants seeking long-term roles. Many candidates are highly experienced and accustomed to supporting Western companies.
Advantages
- Strong pool of long-term VA candidates
- Cost-effective monthly compensation
- Good fit for dedicated assistants
How Small Businesses Use It This platform is best for owners who want a full-time or part-time VA and are comfortable managing hiring, training, and supervision themselves. It offers control and continuity, but requires more hands-on involvement.
5. Time Etc
Typical Cost: ~$290–$1,080 per month
Time Etc provides experienced virtual assistants through structured monthly plans, often with an executive-level background.
Advantages
- Professional, polished support
- Predictable pricing
- Minimal hiring effort
How Small Businesses Use It Time Etc is often used by founders who want high-quality administrative support without managing freelancers directly, though costs tend to be higher than offshore solutions.
6. Wishup
Typical Cost: ~$8–$30 per hour
Wishup offers vetted virtual assistants and task management systems designed to streamline collaboration.
Advantages
- Pre-screened assistants
- Structured workflows
- Wide range of support roles
How Small Businesses Use It Wishup works well for businesses that want organized, part-time VA support without doing the vetting themselves.
How Small Businesses Should Use Virtual Assistants Strategically
Hiring a VA is only effective if you delegate the right work.
Tasks That Are Ideal to Delegate
- Email and calendar management
- CRM updates and lead follow-ups
- Research and data organization
- Social media scheduling
- Reporting and documentation
Tasks Owners Should Keep
- Sales conversations
- Strategic decisions
- Partnerships and negotiations
- Vision and long-term planning
The goal isn’t to give away control—it’s to remove friction from your daily operations so your energy is spent where it matters most.
How Small Businesses Can Hire the Right Virtual Assistant
Leverage Beats Hustle
Virtual assistants are no longer a luxury for big companies—they’re a competitive advantage for small businesses. The right VA can reclaim 10–20 hours per week, reduce stress, and help your business operate with clarity and consistency.
For small business owners looking for reliable support at well below $20/hour, combined with guidance and structure, Global Digital Media stands out as a strong option. Starting with a free discovery call ensures the support you receive is aligned with your real needs—not guesswork.
When you stop trying to do everything yourself, you don’t lose control. You gain momentum.
