Tips on Starting a Successful Notary Business
Obtaining your notary commission in your state can open many doors to opportunities to diversify your income. When you have your notary, you indicate you have integrity since there are certain requirements to be eligible to receive your commission. One of the best parts about starting a notary business is that signings can take place at whatever time works best for you and your clients, so you can make notary work a side hustle. There are a few ways to make sure you are successful.
Have the Right Tools
Make sure you obtain the right tools so you can stay in compliance with laws in the area. That might include a certain type of stamp or seal, as well as a specific notebook. You need to ensure the information is correct and complete, the ink is the correct color, and that the size is right. It can cost a bit to get started with your business because of the cost of marketing, getting tools, and receiving training, so you may want to consider ways of offsetting the investment cost. One option would be to look to small business loans. That way, you will not be putting as much of your personal savings at risk, and you will have enough for any unexpected fees.
Identifying Your Clients
Consider who needs notary services in your area, as every region differs. You might start researching local groups or forums to see where current notaries are finding work. Everything from government offices to demographics to current employers will determine the need in your area. An area that has tourists coming in may be a great place to start a business, while it may be hard to find clients in a more rural area.
Consider also methods for dealing with unhappy customers and how to reach these potential clients. An older person who does not use technology will need to be reached differently than someone who is young and active on social media. By diversifying your marketing strategy, you will be able to reach a wide range of clients to ensure you receive steady business.
Develop Your Skills
As a notary, you are often liable if you make a mistake or don’t advise a client correctly, even if it’s just on the notary public fees, so it’s important to make sure you have enough information to be informed in this field. State laws differ, so make sure you know the laws in your area. See if your area offers a course. In some cases, you may be required to take a course in order to obtain your commission. Each state also has a website or part of a website for notaries, so stay familiar with it and keep up with any changes.
Some states allowed notaries to do remote signings after the pandemic started, but in other areas, this is not allowed. You will also want to know how to identify clients. In many cases, you may be required to view their driver license, even if you already know who they are. In other cases, you may need further documentation, so make sure you do your research.
