This morning, I told this incredibly talented video editor that he would fail to work on my content because of the common VA mistake.
Despite all his experience editing videos and all the tools he knows very well, he would fail.
Because what matters most is understanding the content.
Let me put it in perspective. Imagine you’re a Greek language instructor well-versed in advanced conversational techniques.
Now, someone who doesn’t speak a word of Greek confidently claims they can create killer short-form videos to boost your presence on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
What would your response be?
It’s like an SEO expert or agency promising to drive you 100 more monthly leads. If they don’t understand your business, it doesn’t matter how many years of experience they have doing whatever.
Plus, the AI tools are already doing a better job at their mechanical processes—editing videos, writing articles, managing your PPC campaigns, etc…
Marketing companies aren’t intentionally trying to scam you; they genuinely believe they’re qualified.
That’s why those in SEO, social media, or digital marketing need to choose a niche and stick to it– like plumbers.
And do it over and over for just plumbers.
Where they understand exactly what works for plumbers, instead of trying to build something that’s never been done before, no matter how cool.
Digital marketing for local service businesses is a matter of copy and paste– since marketing for a plumber in Vancouver, WA is not much different than a plumber in Las Vegas or Dallas.
However, the ingredients for success must come from the plumber—their reviews, proven experience fixing leaky valves, and reputation in their community.
The role of anyone in the digital space is to understand these elements and repurpose them effectively on social media, websites, and everywhere else.
Then boost it to make the phone ring more, whether through Local Service Ads (LSA), Facebook ads, SEO, email/text campaigns, direct mail, etc.
Now, here’s where the danger lurks. An eager young individual armed with the latest AI tools but lacking strategic understanding can wreak havoc.
The strategy is not just about posting content randomly; it is about deeply understanding what the client does (goals, content, targeting) and amplifying what’s already working through the four phases of Content Factory (produce, process, post, promote).
To wrap up, virtual assistants and digital marketers, take heed. It’s not just about your technical prowess or the tools you wield. It’s about understanding the unique goals, content, and targeting of the businesses you work with.
Choose a niche, dive deep, and follow the GCT strategy to avoid falling into the #1 VA mistake. Your success lies in becoming not just a master of tools but a true craftsman of content.