Updated 6-6-22. One of the most overlooked aspects of starting and building a Notary Signing Agent business is marketing. But where do you start, and what do you do to keep your business thriving?
Here are 5 easy tips that require little more than your time and effort:
- Create profiles on as many Notary listing websites as possible
- Create a social media presence
- Create a Google ad for your business
- Form a Notary network
- Reach out directly to potential clients
Tip 1: Create profiles on Notary listing websites
Once you get your background screening and certification as an NSA, one of the first and easiest starting points is to create profiles on as many Notary forums and listing websites as possible. They include:
Remember to create professional profiles on each of these sites. They should include more than your name and an email address.
If the site allows you to post a photo of yourself be sure to include a picture. Be sure that your photo looks professional — you should wear business-appropriate clothes, have your hair combed, etc. Also be sure to list background details about your work as a Notary and Signing Agent, such as your NSA certification and any other applicable training or experience like fluency in foreign languages.
Tip 2: Create a social media presence
Set up a Facebook page and join as many Notary groups as you can. Start a LinkedIn page and a profile on Alienable. Having a big presence on Social Media sites is important in today’s world.
Similar to your profile on Notary listing websites, your social media presence should include a good professional photograph of yourself and list certification, skills and qualifications relevant to your Notary business.
When communicating with customers, signing services, lenders and other Notaries on social media, it is extremely important to follow good “Netiquette” because your social media posts can be seen by many people, including companies that offer Notary assignments. If they see you posting rude and negative messages about other Notaries, signers or companies you have worked with, they will not want to approach you for work. Always be positive, professional and courteous when communicating on social media.
Tip 3: Create a Google ad
The cost is minimal to create a Google ad for your Notary business. Google also has dedicated staff available who can help you set up your business ad at no additional cost. A Google ad can also be helpful for managing incoming business calls, because you can use other Google services such as Google Voice with your ad, which allows you to receive customer messages and texts without publicizing your private phone number if you don’t have a separate business number.
Tip 4: Form a Notary networking group
Form a network of Notaries you trust who service your area. You can find other Notaries by reaching out to them through email, social media, or by attending Notary gatherings and discussion groups. If you meet other Notaries who strike you as trustworthy and good people, ask if they’d like to be in a network with you.
Networking provides helpful resources for your Notary business. If you are unable to take an assignment due to a schedule conflict, you can refer the customer to another available Notary in your network, and they can do the same for you. Networks are also a great way to share updates to state Notary laws and regulations and stay current on the latest developments.
Tip 5: Reach out directly to potential clients
For NSA work, graduates of Notary2Pro have access to a list of about 125 4- and 5-star companies that I worked with in my 14 years as an NSA. Many of these companies support my grads by hiring them even if they have no experience whatsoever. Notary Rotary also has a list of 4- and 5-star rated companies.
Call or send emails with your credentials and follow up with periodic phone calls to remind them that you are anxious to be placed in their database and would love to be given the opportunity to work with them.
For both NSA work and general Notary work, be sure and hand out business cards to family, friends, business acquaintances. You should also inform the local businesses in your area that you are a Notary Public and spread your cards all over.
Final Thoughts
The best things you can do to be a great NSA is to always be professional and sincere. You should always dress appropriately and be well-groomed. This doesn’t mean you have to wear formal business attire to every signing, but you should look respectable and inspire confidence in your signers. When my husband and I went on assignments, we wore slacks and polo shirts with our business name on them.
Always strive to be on time for every appointment, and let the signer know if you will be delayed—even if only by 5 minutes. Remember, the loan signing process is long and difficult, and your signers are feeling a lot of pressure. Being timely and staying in contact with your signers will help prevent unnecessary stress for them.
Check your documents twice at the table when the signing is completed and again when in your car parked around the corner. A last check before shipping docs back is also immensely helpful!
Last, don’t try to pretend you are more experienced than you are, or try to put on airs pretending to be a “super loan professional” if you are still new. If you pretend to be something you’re not, customers will sense that, become nervous, and your signing will go haywire. Just be yourself and act professional. Borrowers will notice that, relax and your signings will go much better as a result.
Going beyond expectations will result in long time clients, better pay and loyalty to you and your business.
Carol Ray was the owner of Notary2Pro, a training service for Notaries and Signing Agents in operation since 2009.
