Notary Sources NotarySources.com
Home
-
Basic Notary Public Info
-
What is a Notary
- Why become a Notary
- How to become a Notary
- What does it cost
- 50 States Notary Sites
- Why become a Notary
-
Mobile Notary Start-up Guide
-
Introduction
- Getting Started
- Setting Your Fees
- Finding Clients
- Advertising
- Competition
- Repeat Business
- Being Professional
- Keeping Records
- Taxes
- Confidentiality
- Conclusion
- Getting Started
Training for Notaries & Signing Agents
Notary Supplies
About this Site
Newsletter/Blog
Mobile Notary Business Information
Attracting Repeat Business
Repeat business is another way to describe building a clientele, which is what you need in order to turn this into a full-time job. Once you start seeing repeat business, you know you're on your way. You're establishing yourself and building a good reputation. It takes some time to build, but you'll be surprised at how it can snowball.The most important thing you can do, of course, is to do a good job. People remember you if you're professional, don't make mistakes (or if you do, resolve them quickly), and inspire trust.
The most important thing you need to do is to be sure to leave that business card. They may remember you, but it won't do any good unless they know how to reach you. That second business card mentioned before helps in more ways than originally intended (getting referrals from their friends). It also serves as a backup if they forget where they put the first one.
The next important thing to do is to follow up with a thank you. You can do this inexpensively by using prepaid postal cards available from the post office. The card is free when you pay the postage. It's pre-stamped and ready to go. Make it a habit to jot a quick and sincere thank you within a day or two. It should only be a line or two. Not many Notaries do this. This is one of those things that will set you apart from the competition. Again, print or stamp your name and number, tell them it was a pleasure, and that you hope to serve them again with their Notary needs. This simple act that costs about a quarter will give you hundreds of dollars of repeat business in time.
Don't stop here. You have everyone's name and address in your Notary Journal. Contact them at least twice a year, probably not more. You could remember their birthday, since that is recorded from their ID in your Journal (the expiration date of their license). Don't become a pest. But this is an inexpensive and appropriate way to market this type of business. This is where you'll capture your clients, whereas if you just notarize them and leave it at that, they'll most likely start looking for a Notary all over again next time they need one. Don't leave money on the table.
Start to think of yourself like an insurance agent or Realtor. These are your clients. Be available to them when they need you. Make it easy for them to reach you, without pressuring them in any way.
One of your contacts to them during the year could be a coupon for a discount on their next notarization, or a calendar; or a brochure, worthy of keeping, with useful information about something like filing important papers, or things to keep in mind when a notarization is needed for the ill or elderly.
One more marketing idea. When you can afford to, buy something like pens, ice scrapers, emergency items, or Post-it Notes with your name and number imprinted on them. There are many promotional items available. Just do a search online. Make sure they are inexpensive, but a quality product that will actually be used often, keeping your name in front of them. A cheap pen that skips will be tossed, along with your name and phone number. Worse than that, they'll identify you with a cheap pen! Leave the item when you actually notarize them. This is better than mailing it to them, since the postage costs more.
Also, keep in mind that you might actually have clients on two levels. What I mean is, if an attorney asks you to go notarize one of his clients at home, you have two clients, the attorney and the people you notarize. Make sure your thank-you cards and occasional reminders go to both.
This should get you started. You can't do everything at once, but don't let those valuable contacts go without nurturing them!
Next - Being Professional
-
Notary Loan Signing Agent
Comprehensive Certification Course
& Reference Manual
198 pages, including a final exam
Professionally-bound course delivered by Priority Mail
