What Does a Virtual Assistant Do? 50+ Tasks You Can Outsource
One of the most common questions small business owners and entrepreneurs ask is: “What exactly can I outsource to a Virtual Assistant?”
The short answer: more than you think.
In 2025, 41% of U.S. small businesses are already working with a VA. These aren’t “extra hands” anymore; Virtual Assistants have become essential partners in helping entrepreneurs run lean, efficient operations.
Why Business Owners Outsource to Virtual Assistants
Outsourcing is no longer just about saving time. It’s a strategic move.
66% of U.S. businesses outsource at least one function, showing how widespread the practice has become. (Fuziatalent, 2025)
72% of businesses cite cost-efficiency as the top reason they rely on VAs, with scalability and access to specialized expertise close behind. (SQ Magazine, 2025)
For small businesses, this shift is about more than convenience. It’s about growth, resource allocation, and being able to focus on what matters most: clients and revenue.
50+ Tasks You Can Outsource to a Virtual Assistant
Here’s a breakdown of the most common (and effective) tasks handled by VAs in 2025:
1. Administrative Support
Inbox management and email filtering
Calendar scheduling and reminders
File organization and data entry
Travel bookings and itinerary planning
Meeting notes and document prep
2. Marketing & Social Media
Social media scheduling and engagement
Blog formatting and keyword optimization
Newsletter creation (Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
Competitor and trend research
Graphic design for posts and ads
3. Customer Support
Responding to client inquiries
Live chat management
Managing support tickets
CRM updates and follow-ups
4. Bookkeeping & Finance
Invoicing and payment reminders
Account reconciliation
Payroll support and reporting
Generating financial summaries
5. Website & Tech Support
Updating WordPress or Squarespace sites
Uploading products to Shopify or WooCommerce
Optimizing metadata, alt text, and basic SEO
Troubleshooting plugins or integrations
6. Sales & Lead Generation
Prospect list building
LinkedIn outreach
CRM data cleanup and pipeline updates
Preparing sales decks or proposals
7. Industry-Specific Support
Real Estate: listing coordination, lead follow-up, transaction management
Healthcare: HIPAA-compliant scheduling, billing assistance
E-commerce: inventory updates, order tracking, Amazon seller account support
Final Thoughts
A Virtual Assistant can be more than just a time-saver. For many small business owners in 2025, they’re the missing piece that keeps operations running smoothly and drives revenue growth.
If you’ve ever wondered which tasks you should delegate first, start with the ones that drain your time but don’t directly generate revenue, like your inbox, scheduling, or routine marketing tasks. The impact of outsourcing even a few of these can be huge.
If you’re thinking it might be time to bring in a VA, book a discovery call to determine if or how I can help.
