Design VAs: A Small Business Owner's Bestie
- Nicola McMillan
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Running a small business is a bit like juggling flaming torches whilst riding a unicycle – impressive when it works, but absolutely exhausting (I know, I've been there). Between managing customers, handling finances, and trying to keep up with the day-to-day, design often gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list. But you should know that good design isn't just about making things look pretty. It's about making your business look professional, trustworthy and memorable.
That's where a design virtual assistant comes in. It's your secret weapon for creating brilliant visuals without the overhead of a full-time employee.

What Exactly Does a Design VA Do?
Think of a creative or design VA (virtual assistant) as your creative right-hand person, working remotely to handle all your design needs. We are skilled professionals who can tackle everything from social media graphics and website banners to brochures, presentations, and even website glow-ups.
Unlike traditional employees, design VAs work flexibly, often across different time zones, which means your projects can progress even whilst you're catching up on sleep. They bring professional design expertise to your business without the commitment of permanent staff.
The Real Benefits for Small Business Owners
Save Money (yes, really!)
Hiring a full-time designer in the UK can cost anywhere from £25,000 to £50,000 per year, plus benefits, office space and equipment. A design VA gives you access to the same level of expertise for a fraction of the cost. You only pay for the work you need, when you need it.
Get Your Time Back
How many hours have you spent faffing with Canva or trying to make your presentations look less like they were designed in 1995? We handle all of this, freeing you up to focus on what you do best – running your business and make more money.
Professional Results Every Time
Let's be honest, there's a huge difference between your best attempt at a flyer and what a professional designer can create. We have the skills, software, and experience to make your business look polished and professional.
Scale Up or Down as Needed
Launching a new product and need loads of marketing materials? Your design VA can handle the surge in work. Quiet period where you only need the occasional social media post? No problem. This flexibility is perfect for small businesses with fluctuating needs.
When You Know It's Time to Hire a Design VA
I've got my own VA in my other business, I realised I was spending too much time on tasks that could be done better and faster by a someone else with specific skills. By freeing up that time I was able to jump right into this one - something I'm good at and it makes me more money. I don't just talk the talk.
It might be time to bring in some professional help if:
Your marketing materials look inconsistent or amateur
You're missing opportunities because you don't have the visual content ready when you need it.
You're competitors' branding makes yours look like it was created by a child.
You're avoiding marketing activities because creating the visuals feels overwhelming.
If you are too busy and your customer service is dropping, income is slowing or you are just completely overwhelmed then start looking for help.
Hiring a design virtual assistant isn't just about getting prettier graphics – it's about presenting your business in the best possible light whilst freeing up your time to focus on growth.
Your customers make split-second judgements based on visual first impressions. Don't let poor design be the reason they choose your competitor instead (this actually does happen).
A design VA might just be the smartest investment you make this year. After all, you wouldn't let an amateur handle your accounts or legal matters so why settle for amateur design when professional help is more affordable and accessible than ever?
The question isn't whether you can afford to hire a design VA. It's whether you can afford not to.
Interested in hiring me as your secret weapon? Contact me here.



If you’re into elegant and stylish fonts, the Italian font on Typetype is a great choice. I tested italia font on a small flyer I made, and it gave the whole design a classic, sophisticated feel. I love how versatile it is—works for headings, logos, or even invitations. The best part is that Typetype allows you to preview it before downloading, which made it easy for me to see how it would look in my project. Definitely worth a try if you want a timeless look.