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December 5, 2020

NNA’s Facebook page has been off the hook since November

Filed under: Social Media — admin @ 8:41 am

For a long time, perhaps years, Facebook pages for Notaries have been dead other than the private discussion forums which seem to be where the buzz is these days. But, I was just on NNA’s Facebook and they are having questions for the visitors to answer and getting a lot of interaction. The interaction is not just on one or two posts, but on many. So, this is a good sign that the industry is finally turning around!

I have someone really good managing our Facebook page. We have many members, but the Buzz has declined although it is picking up a little.

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March 28, 2020

Facebook policies about politics, and controversial issues

Filed under: Social Media — admin @ 8:43 am

I have had a little bit of trouble with Facebook over the years. It seems they think it is their right to stifle my American freedoms such as freedom of press.

We published an article with a tarot card. This got flagged since the card had several figures in it one of which was a naked doll that had no genitals. This is not offensive and does not contain any private parts, yet was arbitrarily banned. This is censorship, and similar to what is done in communist countries. I feel my rights have been stepped on.

Then, if I write anything about Trump, positive, negative or just commentary, it can get blocked by Facebook. Even photos of the white house can get banned.

All of this unnecessary heavy handed control tactics are very left-wing, are damaging to my click through rates, and also make me feel repressed or oppressed. I love my government, and my government is not doing any repression. Private businesses led by people with intolerant political points of view are undermining my basic human rights. Not fair. Facebook is a utility and should not hamper my freedom of expression.

I just wonder if the government will ever crack down on them.

However, I have another solution. Leave it to the user to set a filter. If they want to see any type of post, then fine. If they want to filter out political, right wing, moderate, or left wing oriented posts, race oriented posts, or whatever else bothers them — let them filter it themselves rather than having Facebook just ban all types of things.

Society has really changed and the new generation doesn’t seem to have American values or traditional values anymore. Hmmm.

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January 28, 2020

Facebook’s karma – freedom of speech violations

Filed under: Social Media — admin @ 11:20 am

Facebook was a popular way for 123notary get reach in our marketing and come into contact with a lot more people. But, in the last few years, Facebook got more and more restrictive in what you could post, especially on promoted posts. If anyone complained about a title being even slightly controversial or a photo used then I would get in trouble.

Facebook is a utility of sorts. In the USA, we have freedom of speech and press, and what we say on the phone or other communication utilities is our right. How I interact with my users on Facebook should be up to me. But, Facebook has intervened and told me that my image of a tarot card cannot be used because there is a figure of a naked person. It is so small I didn’t notice and it is a dummy person with no genitals, yet someone still complained.

It is a bit like living in a communist country where people are in a huge hurry to report you to the authorities for doing any tiny thing wrong. Why are Americans in such a hurry to limit another person’s freedom of expression? It baffles me. But, the current consciousness of Americans loves repression of freedom of speech, loves lynchings of people who have been accused of being racist or sexist whether the accusation is true or not, and even approves of torture of alleged terrorists. What is the world coming to? This is not the America I grew up in. It is getting very Marxist.

At any rate. a few years after Facebook became overly constrictive, I noticed that Facebook became a lot less popular in general, especially for 123notary. It is getting to the point where we might lower our involvement with Facebook or stop altogether. I feel that they developed bad karma from being too restrictive and that they lost a huge chunk of their business as a result.

I wonder if they will have a come back or whether they are just a has been who might be popular with an aging population but will never be popular with the millennials who run the country now. Hmmm.

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January 10, 2020

Some Facebook groups are speaking favorably about 123notary

Filed under: Social Media — admin @ 9:27 am

I remember back in 2017 I was testing Notaries by phone. Many were complaining very loudly. There were Facebook groups that would bash us daily just because I wanted to have quality standards. Most Notaries claim to be great, but without testing them it does not make sense to take their word for it.

In any case, I heard that recently (in 2019) Notaries are saying nice things about 123notary on a few Facebook groups. It’s about time! All I do is work hard to maintain quality on my site! I stopped testing people by phone in early 2018, so hopefully people will forget about how unpleasant it is.

The real problem with the testing is that people did not want to be tested, and furthermore, they mostly did not know the answers. We test now by email and most people just don’t respond. But, those who do respond have time to think about the questions and answer them at a time that is favorable to them. Many people learn something answering my questions too.

Notary Public 101 is a free course I created that is on the blog. It is free and you do not need a password. Learn all about notary procedure, confirming appointments, handling tough situations, and more. You need to know this information anyway, so try to set apart some time and master it.

123notary strives hard to benefit Notaries even if we are tough sometimes. If we are demanding it is for a good reason — so we can please the users by offering them the best quality notaries possible. Thanks to those who say nice things about us on social media.

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April 14, 2013

7 ways to use Facebook to market your notary services

Filed under: Social Media — Tags: , , , — admin @ 7:35 am

“The Dalai Lama likes Edna’s Notary Services.”

That would be an endorsement any businessperson would ki–errr…work very, very hard for. Though it is unlikely that His Holiness would indicate a preference for any one notary service over another, almost anything is possible when you use Facebook wisely.

1. Envision the Future. What do you want to get out of your online presence, and your Facebook presence in particular? Do you want more customers? Do you want to raise your status in the notary community? Do you want to promote certain causes related to your business? Your plan determines the cost and amount of resources needed to use Facebook as a marketing tool.

2. Do not rely on Facebook alone. Just as you would not rely on an attack cat as the sole component of your home security system, you should not rely on the world’s largest social media platform as your only means of promotion. Every business needs a website, and every business website should have its own domain name, for example: ednasnotarypublic.com, as opposed to www.bighugenotarysite.org/ednasnotarypublic. Domains cost in the low-to-
mid two digits annually, and you can just build a free blog site on WordPress or Blogger and point your domain to that. Your website should contain easily accessible contact information, directions, a list of services, and regularly updated News and/or Blog sections.

3. Create a Facebook page. It’s free, it’s easy, and Facebook walks you through the process with pretty pictures. Start here.

4. Promote your site from your Facebook page. Unless your website features copious amounts of nudity, your Facebook page is likely to see the most traffic of your online endeavors. But as the primary means of Facebook communication are short status updates (which may include links) and image or video posts, your website is the place for blog posts, file downloads, and types of content that you are unable to offer via a Facebook page. Whenever you update your website, post a link to the new content on Facebook. Be sure to use images in your website content, as this creates a more compelling Facebook post.

5. Get “Like”d. There are few things as uplifting in this modern age as a Facebook “Like.” When someone Likes your page, it is posted on their wall (see paragraph one of this post) for all their friends to see, admire, and emulate. Begin your quest for Likes by Liking other pages–other notary services for sure, but mainly target people, businesses, and organizations that reflect the type of customers you desire and/or those that reflect or compliment the values and mission of your business. The more Likes you give, the more you are likely to receive, Grasshopper.

6. Update regularly. In the case of a small notary business, every two to three days is a good rule of thumb. Let’s be honest–most folks do not want five updates a day from their notary. Your updates can be links to your own site, links to sites of interest to your preferred customer base, an event your business is hosting, a quote from one of history’s great notaries, a photo of a particularly fetching seal, or anything that will catch someone’s eye. Remember to use images
whenever possible.

7. Use Facebook Ads. Up until now, you have not had to pay Facebook one thin dime. All that is about to change. Facebook Ads let you create ads that target customers according to your criteria.

Al Natanagara is a writer, journalist, and blogger whose career includes stints with ZDNet, CNet, CBS, LexisNexis, and Law Enforcement. http://www.findatitlecompany.com/

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July 17, 2012

Fees at the door MISUNDERSTOOD on Facebook

Filed under: Business Tips,Hospital & Jail Signings,Tips for Getting Paid — Tags: , , — admin @ 7:22 am

Fees at the door MISUNDERSTOOD on facebook 

Tisk tisk: notaries on Facebook.  You mostly misunderstood my discussion question about getting fees at the door for signings to prevent beneficial interest. this discussion took place in Jan 2012. I was NOT talking about loan signings.  At Loan signings they pay you three or four months AFTER the signing if you are lucky, not in cash at the signing. It is very obvious that I was talking about doing a traveling notary job for an individual person.  The problem is that most of you depend solely on loan signings for your living when there are many jobs for individuals which you either don’t know how to handle or reject because you are not familiar with it.
 

A typical botched jail notary job
Let’s say you drive 45 minutes to a jail to meet the girlfriend of a criminal.  You meet her in the parking lot or in the front door of the jail.  Let’s say you don’t collect your travel fee of $50 at the door.  Let’s say that hypothetically you walk to the guard, fill out the forms, but lo and behold, the prisoner has been moved to another jail 90 miles away.  Then you say, may I have my travel fee please.  The girlfriend says, “BUT YOU DIDN’T DO ANYTHING”.  And then you say, “Sure I did, I drove 45 minutes, talked to you on the phone, walked in here, and now I have to drive 45 minutes back home, and also go to the gas station which takes more time and money.  Pay up!!!  You will get stiffed, because they will feel that they do not owe you if you didn’t quote unquote DO ANYTHING. 
 

Yet another hospital notary job
Let’s say you drive an hour to a hospital at 3am to accommodate some desperate people.  You don’t get your travel fee at the door in cash like I recommend.  You go upstairs with the signer’s son in law only to find that the signer is on morphene, fast asleep, and in no position to sign anything or even sit up.  You ask for your travel fee for your 2 hour round trip, and the son in law says, “Sorry, but I’ll pay you when you come back next time, I didn’t realize that the nurse drugged Shelly’s dad”.  You just got stiffed again.
 
This isn’t rocket science. If you work with the public, they will leave you high and dry if you don’t protect yourself.
 
3rd example… beneficial interest
Lets say you go to a notary job.  You do NOT collect travel fees up front. Let’s say that the signer’s name on their ID doesn’t match the name on the document enough for you to legally or ethically notarize them.  They say, “Oh come on — you are being unreasonable”.  They say they won’t pay you a penny unless you notarize the signer. They have you by the balls because you didn’t think ahead.  If you have the travel fee up front, then you are in control and will not be persuaded under duress to break the law so you can get your lousy fee!
 
Last example:  The law office.
You are called into a law office 10 minutes away. You are instructed to show up at 1pm for a signing. Your trip fee is $30 and your waiting time fee is $20 per half hour with the first ten minutes complementary.  Let’s say that you never collected your $30.  The attorney says they won’t be ready for another 10 minutes.  But, 10 becomes 20, and 20 becomes an hour, and then finally after 90 minutes, you finally do the signing, and then they pay you, but they won’t pay for the waiting time.  If you had gotten your $30 at the door, you could threaten to leave if they don’t pay the wait time up front for each 30 minute increment.  If you don’t have the trip fee, you have no leverage. This has happened half a dozen times to me in my notary career!

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January 23, 2011

Notaries on Facebook groups — the blind leading the blind

Filed under: Social Media — Tags: , — admin @ 10:31 am

I hear this from multiple sources. There are a lot of Notaries on a lot of private Facebook groups who get together and bash people. I am one of the people who gets bashed the most because those Notaries were rude to me or failed my test, or both. If you are rude to me, I normally let it slide the first time, but if you just don’t stop, then I get forceful in return and then the Notaries who receive my reciprocal wrath run to Facebook (like babies) to slander me. This is a pattern that has been going on a lot in the last year, and somewhat less before that. You can’t just cause trouble, run away and stab someone in the back online. Those type of people get kicked off my site, get no work and drop out of the industry — it is their karma.

Asking Questions on Facebook
Since bad Notaries hate me, and wouldn’t turn to their Notary Handbook for knowledge if God himself told them to at gunpoint, they resort to Facebook. I do not monitor my personal Facebook group, so asking questions there will get responses from those who do use it. This is a nice network for discussions and opinions, but not for law and practices related questions. Here is why asking questions on Facebook is a bad idea.

1. You do not know the competency or level of experience of the person answering you. Even those with 20 years signing experience fail my test the majority of the time. So, the more experience you have, the worse you usually are. You get stuck in this industry since no other industry will have you. You don’t even know the identity of the person you are corresponding with on Facebook either.

2. People who use Facebook will give you wrong answers to Notary questions more than half the time and probably give you bad marketing advice too.

3. People on Facebook do, however know where their business is coming from (if they keep track) and what the gossip is about who is paying, and who is mean (I am generally on that list even though I am nice to those who treat me with respect which is a factor never considered by slanderers.)

4. People on Facebook can tell you what their experience is. They might not interpret their experience in a way that makes sense, but they know what they experienced, and whether they liked it or not.

5. I recommend against asking technical questions on Facebook. The NNA, your Notary Division, or perhaps 123notary (we do not know state specific laws though.) are not bad entities to ask notary questions. 123notary steers people in the right direction all day long in many aspects of the notary profession. But, those on the private groups on Facebook choose to ignore our help which is free of charge and bash us instead. It tells you what type of people you are dealing with on the private groups.

Basically, private groups on Facebook are for frustrated low-IQ people to commiserate, bash people and exchange a lot of erroneous technical notary knowledge. I recommend that your first recourse is to consult your state notary handbook. The NNA might still have their hotline which has state specific knowledge. There are notary law primers available for most states. Additionally, there are many articles online about various notary topics — but beware, those articles might also have wrong or outdated information. So, if the information is for a job that has legal liability, your state is the only official source for up to date and correct information — not Facebook.

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June 28, 2024

How to Get More Signings in Less Time for a Notary Business

Filed under: Notary Public 101 — Tags: — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

In today’s fast-paced world, time is of the essence, especially for notary businesses aiming to maximize their efficiency and profitability. For homeowners and business owners, understanding how to get more signings in less time can make a significant difference in managing legal documents smoothly and effectively. Here are some practical tips and strategies to help you streamline your notary business operations.

1. Leverage Technology

One of the most effective ways to get more signings in less time is to harness the power of technology. Use scheduling software to manage appointments and avoid double bookings. Notary-specific software like NotaryAssist or NotaryGadget can help track signings, expenses, and mileage, ensuring you stay organized and efficient.

2. Offer Mobile Notary Services

By offering mobile notary services, you can significantly increase your signings. When you travel to your clients’ homes or offices, you provide convenience and save them the hassle of coming to you. This service, combined with a strong understanding of the importance of the notary oath, can be especially attractive to busy business owners.

3. Network with Real Estate Agents and Mortgage Brokers

Building relationships with real estate agents and mortgage brokers can lead to steady signing opportunities. These professionals frequently require notary services for closing documents, making them valuable partners for your business. Attend local networking events and join professional organizations to meet potential collaborators.

4. Improve Your Online Presence

In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is crucial. Ensure your website is user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and optimized for search engines. Use SEO keywords like “get more signings in less time” to attract potential clients. Additionally, consider creating a Google My Business profile and encouraging satisfied clients to leave positive reviews, enhancing your visibility and credibility.

5. Specialize in High-Demand Notary Services

Focusing on high-demand notary services such as loan signings, estate planning documents, and power of attorney can help you attract more clients. These services often require multiple signings, providing more opportunities to get more signings in less time. Obtain the necessary certifications and training to become a trusted expert.

6. Utilize Marketing Strategies

Effective marketing can significantly boost your notary business. Use social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to promote your services. Share informative content, client testimonials, and updates about your business. Additionally, consider investing in paid advertising to reach a broader audience.

7. Optimize Your Workflow

Streamlining your workflow can save valuable time. Prepare a checklist for each type of signing to ensure you have all necessary documents and supplies ready. Develop a standard procedure for signings, from initial client contact to document completion. Refining your processes can reduce errors and complete signings more efficiently.

8. Offer Excellent Customer Service

Providing exceptional customer service can lead to repeat business and referrals. Be punctual, professional, and responsive to client inquiries. Going the extra mile to ensure clients are satisfied can result in positive word-of-mouth, helping you get more signings in less time.

Maximize Your Efficiency and Profitability

Leveraging technology, offering mobile services, networking with real estate professionals, and improving your online presence are key strategies to get more signings quickly. Specializing in high-demand services, utilizing effective marketing strategies, optimizing your workflow, and providing excellent customer service can further enhance your notary business’s efficiency and profitability. By implementing these tips, homeowners and business owners can ensure their notary needs are met quickly and efficiently.

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June 21, 2024

Networking Ideas for Mobile Notaries

Filed under: Comprehensive Guides — Tags: — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

In the competitive world of mobile notary services, mastering networking ideas for mobile notary businesses is key to growing your business. Effective networking strategies can set you apart whether you’re a novice just starting or an experienced professional looking to expand your client base. This post will explore various networking ideas for mobile notaries that can help you build meaningful connections and grow your business.

The Importance of Networking for Mobile Notaries

Networking is often the backbone of any successful business, and mobile notary services are no exception. Building strong connections can lead to more referrals, partnerships, and opportunities to swear before a notary. Establishing a network of trusted contacts is essential for sustaining and growing your business.

Leveraging Social Media for Networking

Social media platforms are powerful for mobile notaries to connect with potential clients and other industry professionals.

  1. Create a Professional Profile: Ensure your LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram profiles are professional and current. Showcase your notary skills, experience, and unique offerings to reflect your brand.
  2. Join Relevant Groups: Participate in social media groups focused on notary services and real estate. Engage actively by posting insights, answering questions, and providing advice to establish yourself as an industry expert.
  3. Host Live Sessions: To build trust and showcase your expertise, conduct live Q&A sessions or webinars about notary services and their importance in real estate transactions.

Attending Local Networking Events

Local networking events are excellent opportunities to meet potential clients and partners face-to-face. Look for events tailored to real estate, legal services, or small business owners.

  1. Real Estate Meetups: Engage with real estate professionals by attending local meetups. Introduce your mobile notary services to agents and brokers, highlighting how you can streamline their transactions.
  2. Business Expos: Utilize expos and trade shows to demonstrate your services. Set up a booth, hand out brochures, and discuss the time-saving benefits of mobile notary services with attendees.
  3. Chamber of Commerce: Join your local Chamber to access varied networking opportunities. Participate in their events and committees to establish your reputation as a reliable and accessible notary in the community.

Collaborating with Other Professionals

Building solid relationships with professionals frequently requiring notary services is a key networking strategy for mobile notaries.

  1. Attorneys and Law Firms: Become the preferred mobile notary for local law firms by sharing business cards and detailing the benefits of your services for their legal operations.
  2. Real Estate Agents: Forge partnerships with agents to handle notarizing transaction documents. Demonstrating your commitment by attending open houses and property closings can enhance your reliability.
  3. Financial Advisors and Accountants: Connect with financial experts who need documents notarized. Consider co-hosting seminars to educate clients about the essential role of notarized documents and how to swear before a notary.

Utilizing Online Directories and Reviews

Online directories and reviews can significantly enhance your visibility and credibility.

  1. Online Directories: Ensure your mobile notary service is listed on key directories like Google My Business, Yelp, and specialized notary directories. This will enhance your visibility to potential clients.
  2. Encourage Client Reviews: Actively encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews, which build credibility and attract more business. Always respond to reviews to demonstrate your engagement and appreciation.
  3. Website Optimization: To improve search engine rankings, optimize your website with relevant keywords, such as “networking ideas for mobile notary business.” Ensure the site is user-friendly and provides essential details about your services and contact information.

Boost Your Mobile Notary Business with Strategic Networking

Effective networking is crucial for any mobile notary aiming to thrive. Engage actively in local and professional networks, leverage digital tools, and participate in community events, embracing networking ideas for mobile notary business success. Form strategic partnerships to extend your reach and strengthen your business. Through these dedicated efforts, you can become indispensable to homeowners and business owners, building a resilient and successful mobile notary business.

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June 7, 2024

6 Ways to Get More Local Business for a Notary

Filed under: (6) Marketing — Tags: — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

Running a notary business can be both rewarding and challenging. As a notary, your role is crucial in facilitating legal processes, but attracting more clients requires strategic effort. In this post, we’ll explore six effective ways to get more local business for a notary. These tips help homeowners and business owners understand how to make their notary services more visible and appealing within their local communities.

1. Leverage Local SEO

Optimizing your online presence for local searches is essential to getting more local business for a notary. Start by ensuring your business is listed on Google My Business. Complete all the details, including your location, services, and business hours. Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews, boosting your visibility in local search results. Additionally, incorporate local keywords on your website and blog posts to attract traffic from people searching for notary services in your area.

2. Network with Local Businesses

Building relationships with other local businesses can be incredibly beneficial in getting more local business for a notary. Attend local business networking events, join your local chamber of commerce, and connect with real estate agents, law firms, and financial institutions. These industries often require notary services, and establishing a referral network can lead to a steady stream of clients.

3. Offer Mobile Notary Services

Convenience is a significant selling point. Offering mobile notary services can set you apart from competitors who require clients to visit their offices. Promote this service through your website, social media, and local advertising platforms. Highlighting the convenience factor can attract busy homeowners and business owners who need notary services but have tight schedules. Additionally, understanding processes like swears before notary can further enhance your appeal to clients seeking comprehensive and accessible notary services.

4. Utilize Social Media

Social media platforms are powerful tools for increasing visibility and engaging with your community. Create profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and regularly post content that showcases your expertise. Share tips about the notary process, success stories, and any special promotions you offer. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages promptly. Being active on social media helps build trust and keeps your services top-of-mind.

5. Partner with Community Organizations

Getting involved with community organizations is another excellent way for a notary to attract more local business. Offer your services at local events or partner with non-profits that may need notary services for their operations. Sponsoring local events or offering free workshops on the importance of notarizations can also increase your visibility and credibility within the community.

6. Invest in Online Advertising

While organic reach is valuable, investing in online advertising can substantially enhance your visibility. You can precisely target specific audiences and regions using platforms such as Google Ads and Facebook Ads. Craft ads that emphasize the advantages of your services, including convenience, reliability, and professional knowledge. A strategic advertising campaign can effectively increase local engagement with your notary business.

Boost Your Local Notary Business

To successfully attract more local clients as a notary, it’s essential to effectively blend online and offline strategies to get more local business for a notary. Implementing these methods can substantially boost your local client base and position your notary services as a dependable and trusted resource within your community. The keys to success are visibility and reliability—make it easy for potential clients to find you and demonstrate the dependability of your services to build trust and credibility.

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