How To Make Money Being A Notary

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Updated 9-22-21. "How can I make money as a Notary?" That's one of the most common questions I hear from Notaries.

Whether you're a new Notary or a seasoned signing agent, here is a list of things you can do right now to boost your brand, make yourself known to more customers and earn more money as a Notary:

1. Tell people that you are a Notary.

This sounds so simple, but if you were to survey half the people you encounter each day, many of them do not know that you are a Notary who can help them.

2. Hand out promotional pens.

Make promotional pens with your business logo and and hand them out to bank tellers, post office clerks, insurance agents, financial advisors, FedEx/UPS personnel, restaurant staff, grocery cashiers and everywhere else you visit that sees a large group of people during the day that can use your service.

You will be surprised at how much business you will receive by doing this.

3. Attend networking meetings in your area.

Business and trade events are excellent opportunities to promote your Notary commission with other professionals.

4. Join your local Chamber of Commerce.

Attending Chamber of Commerce meetings regularly adds credibility to your business and your branding strategy. I would highly recommend volunteering for the Membership Committee and attending Ribbon Cutting Events for new businesses opening in your area. This will allow you to welcome the new business owners to the area and gives you yet another opportunity to share your services.

5. Provide free notarizations for local schools.

It keeps your business in the minds of your community and affects the civic-minded parents in your area.

6. Offer free notarizations for veterans.

Offering free services to veterans, such as members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, is a great way to give back to veterans and local leadership.

7. Organize a community shred day.

I am currently organizing one of these, and I'm surprised at how many people have expressed an interest in participating. (National Shred Days raise awareness of identity fraud.)

8. Co-sponsor financial literacy seminars.

This is a lot easier than you might think. Simply contact a business professional in these areas from a bank, real estate agency or other local financial service to host the event. You do all the (social media) marketing and they provide the expertise. This will be a win-win for all that involved.

9. Offer seminars about identity theft.

As Notaries, we are experts in our local area when it comes to identity, and this allows you to build an "expert" reputation in your community.

10. Advertise your holiday schedule.

Whether it's Columbus Day, Labor Day, President's Day or others, and all the banks and credit unions are closed. Usually on holidays, I receive the largest volume of calls for notarizations because people simply can't find anyone else.

11. Network with local mail delivery services.

At this time, FedEx stores are not offering Notary services, and many UPS stores only offer limited service. Connecting with UPS and FedEx store managers is a good way to find assignments. After receiving referrals, I have conducted Notary assignments for each.

12. Have logo shirts made and wear them to local events.

This is a great way to advertise that you are in the Notary business.

13. Join a Notary professional organization.

Joining an organization like the NNA offers opportunities to stay in touch with the latest changes in the industry and new marketing prospects.

14. Network with other Notaries in your area.

This is one of the most important things you can do to build your business. Professional Notaries network with other Notaries in surrounding towns in order to build their clientele.

15. Post a profile on Notary websites.

Doing this is like broadcasting your business with a megaphone to clients who use Notaries on a regular basis. Signingagent.com is an excellent example of a website where professional Notaries can post their profile. Make sure to include a professional picture in your profile when possible.

16. Find a mentor.

Having a business mentor will not only help you make more money as a Notary, but will also help keep you from making major business mistakes.

17. Become a mentor to another Notary.

I have personally grown as a professional after becoming a mentor, and this role has helped me build a more holistic, well-integrated business.

18. Develop a business page on social media.

Creating a business page on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn and inviting people to your page is extremely important to your business. It will build your professional network and can drive your business into increased profits and success. Feel free to invite me to your pages.

19. Follow up with your existing customers.

This is an often overlooked must-do, but maintaining and managing relationships with your existing customers is one key to your success.

20. Attend professional conferences and workshops.

I attended my first National Notary Association Conference several years ago in Las Vegas, and have attended every one since. I cannot stress how important it is to be in attendance each and every year to learn from the very best in the industry. It has helped me to grow my business and partner with some of the best in the field. What you will learn at these events will eliminate years of struggling as a notary entrepreneur.

21. Start accepting credit cards as payment.

Accepting all forms of payment opens more doors and revenue streams for your Notary business.

22. Place a large sign or Notary business logo on your car.

Notaries around the country frequently do this and report great successes.

Implementing just a few of these techniques is well worth the effort and will help you strategically grow your business.

Daniel Lewis of Carmel, Indiana, is the founder of Lewis Notary Services, Inc., a nationwide scheduling service. He is the 2010 NNA Notary of the Year and also the co-author of the Notary business guide book,"Make Your Business Our Business."