What does a virtual assistant do?
When people first hear about virtual assistants, they often ask the same question: What does a virtual assistant do? Many imagine someone who helps with emails or scheduling, but the role is much broader than that. A virtual assistant supports your business by handling the tasks that take up time, create pressure, or distract you from the work you actually enjoy. In my own work as a virtual assistant, I help clients across the UK manage organisation, communication, planning, admin, and general business support in a way that fits their needs and working style.
I have more than ten years of experience as a personal assistant and coordinator. Before launching VirtuHolly, I supported professionals in the hair, beauty, and wellness industries and worked as a wedding coordinator. These roles taught me how to stay calm under pressure, create structure, and help people feel supported. If you would like to know more about my background, you can read my about me page where I share my story in more detail.
The simple answer to “What does a virtual assistant do?”
A virtual assistant provides remote administrative and organisational support to individuals and businesses. Instead of hiring someone in person, you work with a trained professional who supports you online. The tasks can vary from simple admin to more detailed or ongoing responsibilities. The goal is always the same: to save you time, reduce stress, and create more space for the parts of your business that need your focus.
Virtual assistants are used by small business owners, solo entrepreneurs, managers, creative professionals, service providers, and growing companies. Many people choose this kind of support because it is flexible, cost effective, and easy to adapt as your workload changes.
The tasks a virtual assistant can take on
Virtual assistants help with a wide variety of tasks. The support I provide depends on what each client needs and how they prefer to work. You can find a full breakdown on my services page, but here are some of the most common areas.
Email and inbox organisation
This includes sorting messages, replying to enquiries, clearing old emails, organising folders, and making sure important messages are not missed. Many clients say this alone transforms their daily stress levels.
Diary and scheduling support
I help manage appointments, meetings, bookings, reminders, and time planning. This ensures your days stay organised and nothing clashes.
Document support
This includes formatting, editing, proofreading, preparing reports, updating templates, and creating organised systems for important documents.
Customer communication
I can assist with message replies, client follow ups, appointment confirmations, and general communication that keeps your business running smoothly.
Research and information gathering
This could be looking into suppliers, sourcing information for a project, gathering prices, or helping with planning.
Event or meeting coordination
My background in wedding and event coordination means I can assist with planning, organising details, preparing schedules, and keeping track of tasks.
Social media support
Some clients ask for help with scheduling posts, gathering content ideas, or handling basic interactions, depending on their needs.
The main benefit is not just what I do, but the space it gives you. When you no longer have to manage every detail, you can focus on the work you actually enjoy.
Why people choose to work with virtual assistants
A growing number of people in the UK are choosing virtual support because it offers flexibility without the commitment of hiring a full time employee. You can choose the hours you need, adjust your support as your business grows, and receive professional help without the overheads that come with employment.
Another major reason is time. Tasks like email management, scheduling, and document sorting take more time than people realise. By handing these tasks over, you regain hours each week that you can use for client work or personal time.
Cost is another factor. Instead of paying a salary, you pay only for the support you actually need. You can see all pricing on my pricing page, which explains each option clearly.
Finally, many people want consistency and calm in their daily work. A virtual assistant helps create structure, reduces pressure, and keeps everything flowing in the background.
My approach as a virtual assistant
When someone asks me, What does a virtual assistant do?, I always explain that the work goes beyond tasks. It is about support, communication, and building a strong working relationship. I focus on understanding each client’s style, preferences, and priorities. Some like regular updates, while others prefer quiet, steady support in the background.
I usually suggest a monthly catch up, whether it is a call, a Teams meeting, or a coffee. These conversations help us stay aligned and make sure you always feel supported. Many clients share their experience on my testimonials page, where you can see how this approach has helped them.
My experience as a coordinator means I work with care and precision. Whether I am organising your inbox, planning your schedule, or preparing documents, I treat each task as important. I enjoy creating order, solving problems, and keeping everything running smoothly.
Pricing options to suit different working styles
I offer several ways to work together, depending on what you need. These include hourly options, urgent support, and monthly packages that suit different levels of workload. Here is a summary, with full details available on my pricing page.
The hourly rate is twenty five pounds per hour. This is ideal for occasional tasks or one off jobs.
The premium rate is thirty five pounds per hour for urgent tasks that need same day completion.
Monthly packages offer regular support, from five hours a month to forty hours a month. These options give clients peace of mind and consistent help.
I also offer Inbox Mastery for clients who want daily email checks from Monday to Friday, and the Talent Solution service for help with job ads, candidate screening, and onboarding documents.
If you are unsure which option is right for you, you can schedule a free consultation so we can talk through your needs and choose the best approach.
Staying connected with clients
Good communication is essential in this role. I stay connected with clients through email, calls, and regular updates. Many also follow me on Instagram or connect with me on LinkedIn where I share insights and updates about my work.
If you would like to begin working together or ask any questions, you can contact me and I will be happy to help.
Conclusion
So, What does a virtual assistant do? In simple terms, a virtual assistant helps you stay organised, remove stress, and work with more focus by taking on the tasks that weigh you down. My aim is to provide reliable, calm, and thoughtful support that gives you more space to grow your business. If you feel this type of help would benefit you, you are welcome to contact me or schedule a free consultation so we can explore the best way forward.