Writing articles is a low or no-cost and effective way to market yourself. Articles help direct people back to your website and are good for SEO. Make sure you also post your article on your own blog. Then be sure to share it across all your social media networks: Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

You can read some of my articles at Ezine Articles.

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• Research shows that businesses that blog 4 to 5 times a week get over twice the traffic than those that blog less than four times per month. So start writing!
• Be sure to include keywords relevant to your industry.
• Optimize your titles by including those relevant keywords.
• Write about solutions to problems your clients face.
• Use your blog to earn your client's trust.
• Don't forget the Call to Action!

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• JustTweetIt
• WeFollow
• Twellow

If you'd like to follow me and receive more tips, follow me on Twitter @SueAwesome.

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• Treated with respect as a fellow business owner. They are not employees.
• Clear communication of your expectations regarding the skills needed and time frames.
• For you, the business owner, to be open to the Virtual Assistant's feedback and suggestions.
• To be paid what they are worth and on time.

Be sure you go over these details before you sign a contact and insist these be included in the contract.

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Do you know what your clients expect from you? This is vital for a successful, long-term relationship.

A few client expectations are:

1. Your ability to meet their specific skill requirements
2. For you to work within a reasonable budget
3. A Contract outlining in detail expectations, money matters, and confidentiality requirements
4. For you to be a pro-active partner with them providing feedback, suggestions, advice
5. Timely responses to their inquiries
6. Reliability, trust and someone they can count on for the long haul

Next time we will discuss what a Virtual Assistant expects from a client.

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To help you create a blogging marketing strategy, I have created a special report that includes basic blogging information, resources and a questionnaire.

The topics covered include:

• Getting started with the basics of blogging including why you should have a blog and what the benefits are of having a blog
• Three keys to successful blogging
• When to post, finding time to write, ideas on what to write
• Promoting your blog via social networking sites
• My personal recommendation on which blogging platform to use and how to get started affordably

You can download this free report now. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have.

2. Encourage people to:

•  Like your posts
•  Comment on your posts
•  Share your posts

3. End your post asking your readers to comment and share with their network.

4. Ask fans to “Tell me how you feel…”

5. Share something about yourself and ask your fans to share something about themselves as well.

6. Encourage fans to ask questions and then be sure to answer them.

7. Ask your fans questions. Questions that ask ‘where,’ ‘when,’ and ‘should’ are more successful at engaging readers than asking ‘why.’

8. Use images to attract your reader’s eye and compel them to read your post.

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The 5 questions that will be answered in this free report are:

1.            What Kind of Investment Should I Expect to Make to Be a Successful Virtual Assistant in 6  Months?

2.            How Can I Market My Business?

3.            What About Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure?

4.            What Topics Should I Write About On My Blog?

5.            How Do I Raise Client Rates?

There is also a Bonus section with some ideas on how to proactively market your business. There are no strings attached to get this report. I don't even ask for your email. Just download the PDF of 5 Questions Commonly Asked by New Virtual Assistants by clicking here.

1. Consistency - Whatever you do in your business in 2013, be consistent. Create a marketing plan that shares your messages in a regular, consistent manner on a weekly basis. Clients will also appreciate knowing that they can depend on you to be consistent in always getting work done and reply to their inquiries in a timely manner.

2. Collaborate - Don't be afraid to collaborate with your colleagues - particularly if a client asks you to do something you haven't done before. Working with a fellow virtual assistant to provide the best possible service to your client is much better than trying to struggle to learn something you are unfamiliar with. If you need help finding a fellow virtual assistant to collaborate with, contact me at sue@chiefvirtualofficer.com and I will help you find someone - at no charge.

3. Commit - Commit to doing your very best every time. Commit to learning all you can this year to make 2013 your best year ever - even if that means investing in a book, a coach, or additional training. Commit to providing the best possible service to every one of your clients.

These are just 3 Quick Tips for success in your virtual assistant business. For more tips, continue following our blog.