How to Succeed as a Mobile Notary Public

Create Marketing Materials

If you are venturing out on your own, you need to let people know that you and your business exist. One of the easiest, least expensive and most effective ways to do that is to create and distribute professional business cards.  The card itself should list you as a mobile notary public along with your certifications and your contact information. Small flyers or brochures that include information about the services you can provide, your hours of availability, and again, your certifications/licenses and your contact information can also be very beneficial. You can also have your business card reproduced as a giant magnet and place one on either side of your vehicle for increased visibility in your community.
 

Distribute Your Marketing Materials

Consider businesses that will use your services, such as mortgage companies, banks, credit unions, accountants, real estate agencies, title companies, physicians, hospitals, law firms, etc. Set up a few days to cold-call businesses where your services are most likely to be needed. Dress professionally and go into the businesses, introduce yourself very briefly, explain what you do, and drop off some business cards and brochures. Ask the business people to contact you if they ever need your services.

In some states or areas, many of these businesses provide free notarizing services to their clients and they may have several notary publics on-hand. But if situations arise such as: someone wants to close a real estate transaction on a Sunday; someone wants to have their Durable Power of Attorney notarized in the hospital; and the on-staff notary can’t be located, you want those businesses to remember you as their back-up!

Join Local Business and Professional Organizations

When you run your own business, establishing relationships with local businesses in the community is crucial. Even if the relationships built are not always with businesses that will use your services directly, chances are that they know someone or a business that will. This will help you get jobs.
Consider joining local business organizations such as your local area Chamber of Commerce.  This will help you to become recognized as a business in the eyes of your community. You also get instant opportunities to come to chamber functions—like meetings, mixers, social events, and fundraisers—which provide great opportunities to meet business people in your community and tell them what you do. Local organizations like the Kiwanis Club, the Lions, the Optimists, and others provide similar opportunities, so check out these excellent opportunities for networking, too!

Also consider joining professional organizations specifically for mobile notary publics such as the National Notary Association (www.nationalnotary.org) and the U.S. Mobile Notary Association (www.usmna.net) and getting listed in their directories. Many people look for services online these days, and you want to be sure they can find you quickly and easily to ensure jobs.

Market Yourself – Create Your Image

Always conduct yourself as a professional and develop a professional image. Remember to:

•    Set up a professional answering message for when you can’t take calls personally

•    Keep your cell phone, pager, and calendar with you at all times

•    Return all calls promptly

•    Dress in a businesslike manner

•    Set up a website for your business

•    Put an advertisement in the newspaper

•    List your business in the yellow pages (if you can afford it)

•    Use letterhead for all of your correspondence
Emphasize Your Flexibility

Generally, the most appealing thing about a mobile notary public’s services is the fact that the services are mobile! The second most appealing thing is that you can go to the client on the client’s schedule. Emphasize the benefits of your service and your flexibility. Let potential clients know that you will come to them and can witness the signing of their documents after normal business hours and on weekends—when it is most convenient for them.

Be Sure Your Rates Are Competitive

Some states will only allow notary publics to charge a set amount for witnessing a signing as a notary public and perhaps another set amount for travel. Compare your rates with those of other mobile notary publics in your area.

Upgrade Your Services

Check to see what it takes to become a loan document signing agent in your area. While there are some additional responsibilities involved, as a loan document signing agent, you will also be notarizing the signing of documents and you can emphasize your mobility and your flexibility, but you can charge a significantly larger fee for your services!

Become a Success

Becoming a successful mobile notary public won’t happen overnight – it takes time to establish relationships. However, once businesses and individuals realize all that you can offer them, your business will start to take off!