For years, I called myself a Virtual Assistant, and honestly, it made sense at the time. It was the easiest way to describe what I did: helping clients with admin tasks, content creation, some web design, and a bit of video editing. But lately, I’ve been asking myself if that title still represents what I actually do.
I’ve seen people online, mostly fellow freelancers, arguing with outsiders about what being a VA really means. At first, I thought those debates were a little petty. But when I looked closer, I realized there’s a huge misconception about what a Virtual Assistant actually does. It’s painful to see how others perceive us—as people who just do easy work yet get paid in dollars, supposedly earning more than a corporate employee.
Of course, we shouldn’t care what other people think, especially those who have never experienced being a VA. But still, I think it’s time we, as Virtual Assistants, stop viewing ourselves as mere task-doers. Instead, we should align our titles with the specific services we actually offer to our clients.
This year, I’ve made a lot of changes in my professional life. I even switched from hourly to packaged pricing because I know my value. And now, I’m updating my title from Virtual Assistant to Digital Creative Support, since I do more than just complete tasks. I used to feel uncomfortable telling people what I do, and looking back, that was ridiculous. Why should I feel insecure about something I’ve worked hard to build?
Here’s why I think it’s worth rethinking your title too:
1. The term “Virtual Assistant” is too broad.
When people hear “VA,” they usually think of email management, scheduling, or data entry. But many of us do so much more, like website updates, video editing, automation setup, or even light branding work. Using a more specific title, such as Digital Support Specialist, Creative Tech Assistant, or Content and Web Support, immediately helps potential clients understand what you really do.
2. It changes how clients see your value.
Titles influence perception. Calling yourself a Virtual Assistant can sometimes place you in a lower-rate category, even if your work requires specialized skills. A more aligned title helps attract clients who value expertise and are willing to pay fairly for it.
3. It reflects your growth.
Most of us started as general VAs, learning different tools and systems along the way. Over time, our roles expanded and our skills deepened. Updating your title isn’t about leaving behind where you started. It’s about recognizing how far you’ve come and owning your evolution.
The truth is, we’re not just assistants. We’re service providers. We offer valuable skills that make a real difference in our clients’ businesses. I still don’t care much about what outsiders say, but I’ve come to realize that what truly matters is how we see ourselves.
So if you’ve ever felt that “Virtual Assistant” doesn’t really capture what you do anymore, maybe it’s time to change it too. Not because we need validation from others, but because it gives us clarity and confidence in how we see ourselves. You’re not just helping out online. You’re building, supporting, and creating real impact for the businesses you work with.