Time to Ditch Upwork: 5 Virtual Assistant Alternatives

Did you know that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there were over 3.9 million secretaries and administrative assistants in 2016?

Only online virtual assistant platforms such as Upwork can truly account for that number. And it is surely rising. Now that remote work is becoming increasingly common, more and more companies are finding that virtual assistants can complete their duties just as well as in-person assistants.

However, the struggle to find one is just as prescient. It’s hard to find experienced, trustworthy assistants among the influx of applicants Upwork receives.

Read on to learn some of the best Upwork alternatives to make your virtual assistant search an easier one!

[Considering a Virtual Assistant?]

MyOutDesk

MyOutDesk is the gold standard for hiring virtual assistants. As an American-owned business based in Sacramento, California, we believe in representing high-quality candidates with experience and professionalism. Unlike job board sites and even LinkedIn, we have an extensive screening and background check process. This ensures that all of our candidates are who they say they are.

With over 14 years of experience, we service industries spanning from real estate to property management. Our virtual assistants are ready to be a partner on your team. From email and calendar management to bookkeeping and database management.

Our virtual assistants cost less than a full-time employee, and you won’t be overwhelmed by wading through hundreds of applicants that aren’t a good fit. We do that for you by finding talent that matches your industry, business goals, and needs.

Freelancer

According to the site, Freelancer gives you access to over 32 million freelancers. If your business is on a tight budget, you’ll find that you’re able to find freelancers with lower rates on this job board. However, there’s no guarantee that many of the applicants you’re looking at are experienced.

However, the platform offers more ways for you to communicate with the person you hire so that everything is transparent. They give you the option of using text, video calls, or voice calls. It also offers a variety of payment systems.

When it comes to virtual assistant work, you’ll be able to find this category, as it’s one of approximately 1800 other job categories offered.

Guru

If you’re on a budget but want to be able to find more skilled virtual assistants easier, Guru may be worth a try. This platform has millions of users daily and offers a wide gamut of categories, including virtual assistants. While you’ll be paying a bit more than you would with Upwork, the trade-off is gaining access to more skilled assistants.

This platform does come with the risk of getting scammed. It can be hard to determine whether the reviews on freelancer’s profiles are genuine and authentic. You also shouldn’t expect timely customer service because the company is so large.

This site is best used by businesses willing to do some extra legwork, to ensure that the freelancers they’re working with have legitimate backgrounds.

[Considering a Virtual Assistant?]

Fiverr

If you’ve ever needed a job done quickly, then you’ve probably heard of Fiverr. With some services starting as cheap as $5, this job network is most budget-friendly. Fiverr provides more talented freelancers who have been hand-verified in the system for their experience, professionalism, and quality of work.

This can be the best alternative to Upwork if you’re looking for one of the most affordable job boards out there. However, what you pay for is what you get, and you’ll have a harder time finding skilled workers with which you can build a long-term relationship. If you have a short project that needs to be done fast and with little oversight, Fiverr is the best choice.

We don’t recommend Fiverr if you need a virtual assistant for more complicated tasks that require ample communication. Because of the nature of the site, avoid tasks that take multiple steps and time.

Don’t forget about the most popular professional networking platform, LinkedIn. You can use your network to find people who are seeking virtual assistant positions. There is also a level of authenticity on this site that you can’t get from other job board sites, as it’s often used for networking.

You may be able to find candidates on LinkedIn groups. You can even post your job listing directly on LinkedIn to attract qualified candidates.

LinkedIn also has the ability to send people messages directly. You can connect with potential virtual assistants without needing to exchange personal contact information.

However, this does require you to do more work than other job board sites.

[Considering a Virtual Assistant?]

Upwork Alternatives: Take Your Time

When it comes for hiring, you need to take the time and decide on what you need from a virtual assistant. Upwork alternatives like Fiverr or Freelancer are your best bet if you’re looking for someone to handle a short, simple job.

However, if you’re seeking a VA that can become a long-term partner on your team, then you’ll need to take extra time to find the right fit. Contact MyOutDesk today for a job like this.

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