digital marketing virtual assistant
April 17, 2025

Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant

By Jacob Jhon-2 Views-No Comment

Running a business in the digital age requires more than just a great product or service—it demands a strong online presence, consistent engagement, and ongoing marketing efforts across multiple channels. But let’s be real: managing all of that is a full-time job on its own. If you’re feeling stretched thin juggling social media, content creation, email campaigns, and analytics, you’re not alone. That’s why more entrepreneurs, startups, and even large companies are turning to a smart solution: hiring a digital marketing virtual assistant ( DMVA).

A DMVA is a remote professional trained to support your business’s online marketing activities. From scheduling posts and running email campaigns to optimizing content for SEO and reporting performance metrics, they help you stay visible and competitive without burning out. Whether you’re just starting your business or scaling fast, a digital marketing VA can free up your time so you can focus on high-level strategy and growth.

In fact, the demand for digital virtual assistant jobs has skyrocketed in recent years, with thousands of businesses realizing the benefits of outsourcing repetitive and time-consuming marketing tasks. Hiring a virtual assistant isn’t just a trend—it’s a cost-effective, flexible, and scalable way to build your brand online.

This ultimate guide will discover exactly what a  DMVA does, how much you should expect to pay, what qualifications or digital virtual assistant courses are worth considering, and where to find the best talent—whether you’re looking for a freelance marketing assistant or someone to take over email marketing tasks. Also help you create a clear marketing virtual assistant job description and avoid common hiring mistakes.

Why Hire a Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant?

Hiring a digital marketing virtual assistant (DMVA) is a strategic move for businesses that want to stay competitive while maximizing efficiency and minimizing overhead. Marketing today involves a wide range of tasks—content creation, SEO, analytics, email marketing, social media management, and more. Trying to manage all of these as a business owner or even with a small in-house team can quickly lead to burnout and stagnation. A DMVA allows you to delegate these time-consuming, repetitive, yet essential activities to a trained remote professional who can execute them with precision. Not only does this free up your time to focus on business growth and strategy, but it also ensures that no part of your marketing funnel is neglected. Plus, digital marketing virtual assistant jobs tend to be flexible and cost-effective, especially when compared to hiring a full-time employee. You can find VAs with specialized skills—like email marketing virtual assistants or those experienced in running ad campaigns—without the long-term commitment or expense of building out an entire team. Whether you need help for 10 hours a week or a full-time remote assistant, the scalability of working with a freelance marketing assistant or contractor gives you more control over your budget and workload. Many VAs have already completed a digital virtual assistant course or bring experience from past marketing VA jobs, so they can hit the ground running. Ultimately, hiring a digital marketing VA is not just about saving time—it’s about enhancing productivity, increasing consistency across platforms, and accelerating your business’s online visibility and growth.

What Does a Marketing Assistant Do?

Before hiring, it’s crucial to understand what a  DMVA actually does. In essence, they support your marketing goals by handling tasks such as:

  • Creating and scheduling social media posts

  • Managing email marketing campaigns (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, etc.)

  • Conducting basic keyword research

  • Writing SEO-friendly blog posts

  • Monitoring analytics (Google Analytics, social media insights)

  • Responding to comments and DMs

  • Setting up paid ad campaigns

  • Updating website content and landing pages

While some digital marketing VAs are generalists, others specialize in areas like content creation, PPC, or CRM management. You’ll even find email marketing virtual assistant who focus solely on growing and managing your email list.

Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant Salary: What to Expect

Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Entry-Level VAs: $5–$15/hour (usually offshore or new to the field)

  • Mid-Level VAs: $15–$30/hour (2–4 years of experience)

  • Specialized or Senior VAs: $30–$60+/hour (extensive experience in tools like HubSpot, Facebook Ads, or advanced analytics)

Monthly rates for part-time VAs may range from $500 to $1,500, while full-time, highly skilled assistants could earn upwards of $3,000/month.

Find the Right Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant

Finding the right digital marketing virtual assistant starts with clearly identifying your needs and goals. Before jumping into the hiring process, take time to outline exactly what tasks you want to delegate—this could include social media scheduling, blog writing, email marketing, running paid ads, or analyzing performance metrics. Once you’ve crafted a clear digital marketing virtual assistant job description, you’ll know what skills and tools your ideal candidate must be proficient in (e.g., Canva, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Hootsuite, etc.). Next, decide whether you want to hire a freelancer, contract through an agency, or work with someone part-time or full-time. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, OnlineJobs.ph, and Fiverr are great for finding freelance marketing assistants, while LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and VA-specific job boards are ideal for sourcing more experienced candidates. When reviewing applicants, look for a combination of relevant experience and strong communication skills. Don’t just focus on resumes—ask for portfolios or past work samples like email sequences, social media calendars, or blog posts. It’s also smart to start with a small paid trial project to evaluate their turnaround time, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions. If possible, look for candidates who have completed a digital virtual assistant course, as this indicates they’re trained in current best practices. Lastly, consider time zones, communication preferences, and compatibility with your team’s workflow. The right digital marketing VA won’t just check tasks off your to-do list—they’ll become a valuable extension of your marketing efforts, contributing fresh ideas, improving consistency, and helping your brand grow faster and smarter.

FAQs

What is a digital marketing virtual assistant?

A digital marketing virtual assistant (VA) is a remote professional who assists businesses with various online marketing tasks, such as managing social media accounts, content creation, email campaigns, keyword research, analytics tracking, and paid advertising. They work independently, offering flexible, cost-effective support, often with specialized training.digital marketing virtual assistant

What do digital marketing assistants do?

Digital marketing assistants assist companies in building brand awareness, driving traffic, and generating leads through various tasks such as social media posts, blog content, email marketing, SEO, paid ad setups, and competitor analysis, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across all digital marketing channels.

How much do digital marketing assistants get paid?

DMVA salaries vary based on experience, location, and task complexity, with entry-level rates ranging from $5 to $15 per hour, and monthly rates ranging from $500 to $3,000.

What is a digital virtual assistant?

A digital marketing virtual assistant (VA) manages various online marketing tasks, streamlining workflows, improving brand visibility, and saving time for businesses without hiring a full in-house team.

How do I become a digital virtual assistant?

To become a DMVA, develop foundational skills in social media management, email marketing, content creation, SEO, and analytics through online courses. Build a portfolio, familiarize yourself with tools like Canva, Mailchimp, and Google Analytics. Set up a professional profile on freelance platforms or network through LinkedIn and VA communities. With consistent practice, you can land flexible, rewarding jobs worldwide.

 Red Flags to Watch For

While hiring a  DMVA can be a major asset to your business, choosing the wrong person can lead to miscommunication, missed deadlines, and wasted resources. That’s why it’s crucial to watch out for red flags during the hiring process. One of the biggest warning signs is poor communication—if a candidate is slow to respond, vague in their answers, or struggles to articulate their process, it may indicate issues down the line. Another red flag is overpromising results, such as guaranteeing thousands of followers or instant traffic boosts; ethical and skilled VAs understand that digital marketing success takes time and strategic effort. Be cautious of candidates who lack a portfolio or cannot provide work samples—this makes it difficult to assess the quality and relevance of their experience. Inconsistent availability, missed deadlines during a trial project, or frequent excuses can also signal reliability issues. You’ll also want to ensure that their skill set matches your job description; for instance, someone who’s only done basic admin tasks may not be ready to take on the more strategic components of email marketing or SEO. It’s also worth being wary of candidates who haven’t invested in their own growth, such as those who haven’t taken any marketing virtual assistant courses or shown initiative in staying updated with trends. Ultimately, the right digital marketing VA should be proactive, detail-oriented, and genuinely interested in helping your business grow. Trust your instincts—if something feels off during the interview process, it’s okay to move on and keep looking.

Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant Courses: Training & Upskilling

In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, staying up to date with the latest tools, trends, and strategies is essential. That’s why digital virtual assistant courses are a game-changer—not just for aspiring VAs, but also for business owners looking to train their existing assistants. These courses provide structured, practical training in core areas like social media management, email marketing, SEO, content creation, graphic design, paid advertising, and analytics. Many also include tutorials on industry-standard platforms such as Mailchimp, Canva, HubSpot, Google Analytics, WordPress, and Facebook Ads Manager. Popular learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare offer affordable, beginner-friendly options, while specialized providers like HubSpot Academy, DigitalMarketer, and Google Skillshop deliver more advanced certifications. For someone new to the field, completing a marketing virtual assistant course not only builds skill but also boosts credibility and increases chances of landing higher-paying marketing VA jobs. For employers, hiring a VA who has pursued training shows initiative, self-discipline, and a commitment to professional development—qualities that are crucial for remote work success. Investing in upskilling also benefits ongoing projects; for example, a VA trained in email marketing strategy can significantly improve open rates and conversions, while one trained in SEO can drive more organic traffic to your website. Whether you’re hiring or working as a freelance marketing assistant, continuous learning through these courses ensures that your skills—and your marketing campaigns—stay sharp and competitive in a fast-changing digital environment.

In the end, Hiring a digital marketing virtual assistant can be the key to unlocking new growth without burnout. Whether you’re overwhelmed with daily marketing tasks, looking to scale your campaigns, or just want more hours in the day, a qualified marketing VA is your go-to solution. With a clear job description, realistic salary expectations, and the right onboarding process, you’ll find the perfect assistant to boost your productivity and elevate your brand. Need help with email campaigns, social media, or content creation? A  DMVA might just be the best-kept secret in your growth strategy.