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July 5, 2019

The evolution of American commerce and Snapdocs

Filed under: Advertising — admin @ 2:41 am

In the old days, America used to have lots of mom & pop stores owned by regular American families. As demographics changed, these stores more and more got bought out by Jews, Koreans, Pakistanis, Palestinians, etc. And then as the chain stores took popularity due to their centralized and efficient management, the mom & pop stores had a harder time staying in business and most got absorbed or put under by the chain stores.

SnapDocs is doing the same thing. They have provided a very efficient way of doing business where inefficient service providers are being weeded out. Additionally, other directories like us are losing a lot of market share. Our search results are still vastly superior to SnapDocs, but the millennial users care tremendously about convenience and don’t care about quality probably because they can’t comprehend what quality is, especially if it takes more than three (consecutive) seconds to think about.

On a brighter note for those of us competing against SnapDocs, I have been hearing that their members are getting almost no work. So, maybe there is hope for the rest of us. Maybe they will fizzle out and live, but live small.

Additionally, SnapDocs has weeded out a lot of Notaries who are not that bad, who are just not as fast on the draw as the others. SnapDocs rewards you for being an iPhone slinger. If you are the Jesse James or Clint Eastwood of the Notary industry, you might cut it with SnapDocs. But, if you have to think before you draw — forget about it. Remember — the next signing is for Indio and his men. You can listen to the twangy melody from an antiquated music box as you imagine finally slaying Zapata as you draw for your iPhone the next time you get a text. The same melody that Zapata forced you to listen to as he slayed your family — remember that movie? Drop your iPhones and reach for the sky hombres!

The main thing to remember is that if you don’t want to be phased out, be a quality notary. Be at the top of your skill set, put a lot in your notes section, and do your maximum, not your minimum like the other 99.5% of Notaries who hide behind their years of experience instead of being evidence of real knowledge.

You might also like:

123notary vs. Snapdocs, Verizon vs. AT&T
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21258

What Notaries don’t like about Snapdocs
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21246

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December 19, 2018

Beginner Notary 103 — Advertising on 123notary

Filed under: Advertising — admin @ 1:23 pm

Beginner Notary 103: Advertising on 123notary
Return to Table of Contents – Beginner Notary 103

123notary is the sole most popular source of title company jobs in the industry. People get more high paying jobs here than from any other site simply because we systematically scrutinize our site to provide the highest quality possible.

Top Place Listings
It is common knowledge that those who do the best on 123notary have a high placement (generally in the top three spots) and have a well filled out profile. Top spots are not always available. However, if you get the highest spot that is available, and get certified by us and get reviews, if something does become available, you are likely to be promoted to that spot. 123notary promotes the best to the top of the list as much as we can. So, don’t worry about how fast it takes to get to the top, worry about being the best and proving it.

Certification
123notary certification has been around since around 2004. We have made it a lot harder and those who have this certification get an average of 25% more clicks to those in similar positions who don’t have the certification. However, newer Notaries get more than double the clicks by having our certification as it represents credibility for a Notary who does not yet have a name in the industry. You need to prove yourself and bragging doesn’t cut it. Having 123notary claim how good you are means a lot more as we are a highly experienced and impartial judge of quality. Your title companies reviews also speak louder than words (well, at least louder than your words.) Third party credibility is the way to move forward, so put your efforts into getting it through prudent means.

Listing Costs
We price listings based on a complicated formula. You will need to ask for a quote for particular spots. Let us know what city and county you are in as prices depend on your particular location.

What Can You Expect?
Most people who fill their listing out thoroughly on 123notary claim that their listing pays for itself quickly. Many of our clients have been with us for more than a decade which speaks volumes about our quality. Results vary from Notary to Notary. Additionally, some Notaries have multiple listings where one listing will perform well and another will perform sluggishly. There is an element of trial and error, so I hope you give us a legitimate try and only judge us after you get some reviews on your listing.

For information on listings, call Carmen at 310-210-6319 or email us at info@123notary.com

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You might also like:

When did Notary Cafe become decaffeinated?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21091

How does pricing for for top placements on 123notary?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19355

Compilation of posts about Snapdocs
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21531

Elite certification will benefit you for the rest of your life
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=20770

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October 10, 2018

Title companies use the top three on 123notary

Filed under: Advertising — Tags: — admin @ 11:39 am

I talked to a few title companies in the last week. And Carmen has been talking to them for years. What I am hearing from all available sources is consistent. Title companies love 123notary, but they don’t use all Notaries on our directory. They typically either start at the top and work their way down, or only pick from the top three or the top several on any search result.

Some of you are in the top several placements on 123notary, but some of you are not. It is not always possible to get a top spot on 123notary. However, we recommend getting the highest spot you can get and then hope for an upgrade. I control who can rise on our directory and I base this on merit. If you have good reviews. 123notary certification, a good notes section, answer your phone, and are generally good in most respects, you would be very likely to move up the list. You don’t even have to do anything. Just display merit, and I will do the rest.

When someone drops out of a high spot, I look for someone downstream who has demonstrated merit, but also shows that they are willing to pay for a top spot. If someone is only paying $99, I might give them a higher placement for a few months at no cost if there is nobody paying who also merits the spot. But, if a candidate has paid $200 or above, I would choose them even if their track record is not as great as someone paying less.

I need long term candidates for high spots. Since high spots are not for free, they have to be willing to pay, but they also have to be good. That narrows it down a bit as you can see. My suggestion to you guys is to develop merit. Don’t just pay yourself on the back and tell others how great you are. Your self-praise and inexpensively earned credibility means nothing in the real world. Reviews from title companies and my personal seal of approval means everything. So, stop bragging and start studying and asking for reviews. Good luck.

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You might also like:

How does pricing work for top placements on 123notary?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19355

Which notary directories get high paying signings?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19201

Do you compare yourself to others in the 123notary search results?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=18882

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July 24, 2017

How does pricing work for top placements on 123notary?

Filed under: Advertising,Popular on Facebook (very) — admin @ 10:50 am

Why get a top spot on 123notary? Do you really need one?
Top spots on 123notary get more calls on average than listings below. A top spot gets 30% more clicks than the #2 spot and double or triple than listings far down the line. But, quantity of calls is not all. Top listings get better quality calls too. People offering big bucks start calling at the top of the list. They only go down the list if nobody at the top answers, or if the top people make a bad impression (which is why we try to put our best folks at the top.) You will get more high paying business if you are at the top — isn’t that what everybody wants?

But, what does it cost and is it worth it?
Experienced Notaries on 123notary average about $110 per signing. Newer Notaries make less than this and I don’t have an average for them. If you pay $300 for a listing and you get three jobs, you have paid for your listing. And yes, the listing is a business expense and is tax deductible. How much of the revenue of new sales should you put into advertising? I say between 2% and 10%. So, if you pay $300 per year, that advertising should yield you $3000 to $15000 in new sales over the course of the term of the advertising. If it doesn’t, then you should discontinue whatever you did with that advertising.

How much do top listings cost?
Top listings are not always available. But, if we don’t have a #1 in a particular area, we might have a #2 or #3. EMAIL us for a quote at info@123notary.com if you are interested.

Remote areas:
$250 and up for top spots, but we do discount if you are 123notary certified or have a good track record with us which can bring the price down to $120-200 depending on conditions. Email us for a quote if you are sincerely interested.

Moderate Areas:
$350 and up for top spots. But, we have #2, #3, #4, etc. spots for $150-$300 in most cases. Once again, discounts are given to those who passed the 123notary certification test which only 20% of people pass.

Big Cities:
$500 and up for top spots which are rarely available. However, we normally will have something available, perhaps a fifth spot, or seventh spot. If you buy a fixed spot a few notches down, if people above you drop out due to non-renewal, injury, death, moving out of state, etc., you can take their spot. The proven method for getting on top on 123notary is to slowly but surely move notch by notch up the list. Many people have done it and you can too. We recommend this method because strangers cannot normally buy a top spot straight off as those spots are almost never available, and we give those spots only to people we trust as the service given by those top people affects our reputation.

What should I do before purchasing a top spot?
123notary wants you to get your money’s worth so you will renew year after year. Most of our business is repeat business. Some of our clients are repeat users who have been with us for up to fifteen years. To get a good return on a top listing it is imperative that you pass our 123notary certification test. You should also get some reviews on your listing (ask for them and send a link to your review page.) Additionally, you need a well written notes section — ask for help and we will give you a free makeover and tips. On top of making your listing look good, you should be at the top of your game in Notary knowledge and skills. If you have the right foundation as we call it, your top placed listing will normally be a profitable investment. If you don’t do the proper groundwork, it is a toss-up.

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You might also like:

The 24 hour icon and what it means
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19455

What directories get high paying signings?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19201

When did Notary Cafe become decaffeinated?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19238

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July 3, 2017

Snapdocs’ Business Model Doesn’t Add Up

Filed under: Advertising,Popular on Facebook (very),Popular on Linked In — Tags: , — admin @ 9:15 am

SNAPDOCS’ BUSINESS MODEL DOESN’T ADD UP

It was the best of times, and the worst of times. SnapDocs has the best technology but the worst notaries. Their business model should last as long as the careers of the accountants who gave Warren Beatty the wrong envelope. A chain of Notaries is as good as its weakest link. Just ask the crummiest McDonalds about that. So in the long run, how good can SnapDocs’ service be?

Two out of three notaries interviewed can’t stand them. And these weren’t SNAP decisions! Will SnapDocs’ ship come in, or did it never leave the docks? Hold on – I’m getting a text. Let’s see… thirty dollars for a signing a hundred miles away, with two hundred pages and 120 fax backs… no thanks! Four out of five notaries surveyed agree that one out of five notaries… is an idiot! And recommend sugarless gum for the borrowers who step in it on their way to a signing.

On the other hand (apologies to the amputees) one out of three notaries (and I was never great at fractions) really like the convenience and quantity of work they get from SnapDocs. And the signing companies love the technology and the convenience. But the love won’t last any longer than the rescission period if they don’t maintain critical mass. The question is… with such a small number of notaries who like them, can this business model last over the long haul? Another factor to consider is that out of SnapDocs’ roughly 6000 notaries, only about 800 of them have logged in in the last thirty days. SnapDocs’ technology can text dozens of nearby notaries, but if each area averages only 7 notaries that actually log in, how effective can this technology be if a critical mass of notaries aren’t cooperating with it?

We also notice SnapDocs’ web stats were down 70% in December, while 123notary was only down 25%.How long before their business model SNAPS?

Whoops, I’m getting another text. Can’t you see I’m driving??

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You might also like:

If everyone complains about Snapdocs, why do they continue to grow?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19034

The Uber principle at Snapdocs — new blood
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=18868

When did Notary Cafe become decaffeinated?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=20770

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April 24, 2017

If everyone complains about Snapdocs, why do they continue to grow?

Filed under: Advertising,Popular on Facebook (A little),Popular on Linked In — Tags: — admin @ 7:07 am

Despite constant bickering on the part of Notaries, Snapdocs continues to grow. Perhaps it is the convenience. You can send a message to twenty people simultaneously. But, it’s not convenient for the Notaries, and they don’t get paid well either.

Should Notaries continue to be signed up on Snapdocs? If they are desperate! It just seems like a huge headache. But, if you thrive on quantity of low paying and annoying jobs, it sounds like low-ball heaven.

The fact is that Snapdocs grew all year. They had a slow month in August or September according to some webstats I saw. I have no idea why. Perhaps some technical issues? Or perhaps their competitors (me) did something good!

How long will Notaries put up with cattle calls, low fees, fax backs and micromanaging? And how much will Snapdocs continue to grow?

123notary is going to have to compete a little harder and add some new high-tech features to regain some of the market share lost to Snapdocs. But, what type of features will we use? Find out!

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You might also like:

Snapdocs is a bigger operation than what I thought
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19192

I felt like I was being used (Snapdocs assignment)
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=18852

The Uber principle at Snapdocs — new blood
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=18868

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March 6, 2017

How do I advertise as a Notary Public?

Filed under: Advertising,Popular on Linked In — Tags: — admin @ 9:34 pm

General Advertising
If you are a Notary Public or a Mobile Notary Public, it is critical that clients know how to find you. Some Notaries have a store front. In such a case, you just put a large sign saying Notary Public. You could put a sign on your car saying Notary Public and a phone number as well. It’s generally a good idea to pass our business cards to people in the neighborhood or your town so they know where to go if they need a Notary. Additionally hospitals and nursing homes need Notaries regularly.

Yellow Pages
The yellow pages online and offline sometimes get good results for Mobile Notaries although not always.You can gets out various yellow pages and see which ones get results.

Online Directories
These days, the way mobile notaries get most of their work is through online directories. 123notary, Notary Rotary, and Snapdocs and the three most popular in 2016. 123notary offers free listings, but also has paid listings where you can be at the top of the list in your area. Notary Rotary also has free and paid listings and lists Notaries in order of proximity to the zip code being queried. Snapdocs charges the Lender or Signing Company a small fee ($8 last I heard) to seach for a Notary and send docs using their system. Snapdocs pays Notaries the least and has cattle calls via text to alert mass amounts of Notaries for each job. But, on a brighter note, it is a great opportunity for newer Notaries to get work.

Websites
A Notary website of your own can be a huge money drain. On the other hand, it is a great way to show the world you are serious about the business and show all of your specialties, contact information, and more.

That is pretty much it as far as how you advertise as a Notary Public. If you have any further questions, email us at info@123notary.com

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You might also like:

Additions to policies regarding listings, certification and elite
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19431

Notary Marketing 102 – a comprehensive guide to marketing your services
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19774

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February 13, 2017

Ideas for 24 hour Notary services

Filed under: Advertising,Popular on Twitter — admin @ 7:24 am

Naming your business is never easy. But, here are some ideas of how to name a late-night notary service.

Moonlight Notary might be a good name for someone 24/7.

Nocturne Mobile Notary — a classical approach to late night notarizations!
Ninja Late Night Notary Services
The Signing Owl
Orion’s Belt 24 Hour Notary Service
Vampire Notary Service — we answer the phone, “Good evening…..(heavy breathing)”
Around the Clock Mobile Notary
Twilight Notary Services
Sun & Moon Notary Services
Day & Night Mobile Notary
Last Minute Mobile Notary
Minute-Man 24 Hour Notary Services
Out The Door 24 Hour Notary Services
Good Evening Notary Services
Dusk to Dawn Signing Services
John Hancock 24 Hour Signing Services
Owl Mobile Notary Services
Half-Moon Mobile Notary
Crescent Moon Mobile Notary
Up All Night Mobile Notary
NiteLite Mobile Notary
Gas Lamp 24 Hour Mobile Notary — classy
Night Watchman Mobile Notary — 1 O’clock and all is well.
Night Sky Mobile Notary
Nocturnal Mobile Notary
Sunset Mobile Notary
Nightfall Mobile Notary
Sleepwalker Mobile Notary
Dream 24 Hour Notary Service

Names to avoid
Clair de Lune Notary
Moonlight Sonata Notary
Opus 27 Mobile Notary — Opus 27 = the moonlight sonata. I’m sure your customers will know that by heart if they hang out with my parents.
Hoo-Hoo Late Night Services
Howl of the wolf late night notary services
Mayan Mobile Notary — We’ll keep Notarizing until the end of the world!
Mayan Notary Services — We’ll notarize you then sacrifice you! But, not necessarily in that order.
Lunar Mobile Notary — We based our appointments on the lunar calendar.
Looney Mobile Notary – Get looney with us and your signatures.
Slumber Party Mobile Notary
Snooze Mobile Notary
Brass Candle Holder Mobile Notary
Geisha Notary Services — Notary service and traditional entertainment
Night Life Mobile Notary
Nighty-Night Mobile Notary
Waxing & Waning Mobile Notary and spa services
Lunar Eclipse Mobile Notary
In The Dark Mobile Notary — we’ll notarize you, but you won’t know what you’re signing (or paying.)
Incessant Mobile Notary
Phantom Mobile Notary — make sure your ghost has ID

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You might also like:

Compilation of posts about Snapdocs
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21531

Names for Notaries to name their children
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21044

Names for Notary businesses with commentary
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=20765

Names for Notary businesses that can get you in trouble
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19064

Geographic Notary Business Names
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19060

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>

January 19, 2017

Geographic Notary Business Names

Filed under: Advertising — admin @ 7:23 am

The classiest business names I have seen Notaries do involve some referencing to geographic icons. Here are some ideas I had, or existing business names. I’ll mix them together. If you choose a business name, make sure to check with your county clerk to make sure the name is not already in use!

Golden Gate Mobile Notary
Bay Area Mobile Notary
Golden Coast Mobile Notary
Hollywood Sign Mobile Notary
Sunset Strip Mobile Notary
Gaslamp District Mobile Notary
Puget Sound Mobile Notary
Columbia River Mobile Notary
Rocky Mountain Notary
Yellowstone Mobile Notary
Grizzly Bear Mobile Notary
American Eagle Mobile Notary
Lakota Notary Services — you might get in trouble with the tribe for jacking their name!
Everglades Mobile Notary
The Alamo Mobile Notary
Saguaro Mobile Notary
Grand Canyon Mobile Notary
Hoover Dam Mobile Notary
Salt Lake Mobile Notary
Windy City Mobile Notary
Iroquois Mobile Notary
Vacation State Mobile Notary
White Mountains Mobile Notary
Blue Hills Mobile Notary
Smokey Mountains Mobile Notary
Beacon Hill Mobile Notary
Harvard Square Mobile Notary – Geographically limiting
Sequoia Mobile Notary
Minuteman Mobile Notary — Good in Massachusetts
Plymouth Rock Mobile Notary

I’m having a brain freeze, so I’ll end the list here. Not all of these would make good business names, but it gets you thinking at least.

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You might also like:

Compilation of posts about notary business names
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21760

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January 18, 2017

Snapdocs grew tremendously in 2016, but NotaryRotary shrank!

Filed under: Advertising — Tags: — admin @ 7:21 am

I took a look at the stats of Snapdocs, NotaryRotary, and 123notary over the last few months. Here is what I noticed.

1. Snapdocs got increasing amounts of traffic during 2016 while 123notary & NotaryRotary lost traffic. My stats indicate that this December I got about 17% less visits to 123notary than last December for example. Alexa.com showed a huge increase in site rank in Snapdocs while showing a small decline in 123notary’s and NotaryRotary’s site rank which is based on overall traffic.

2. In September 2016, based on similarweb.com 123notary experienced a huge surge in traffic while Snapdocs & NotaryRotary experienced a huge decline. My Google Analytics showed a surge in traffic on 123notary, but in August, not September. So, perhaps similarweb.com is a little bit off (or completely off) in its reporting.

My personal stats show that 123notary lost 8% of traffic in 2016 as a whole compared to 2015 as a whole. Part of that is due to Snapdocs. But, Snapdocs traffic grew a lot over 2016 which means that we lost more during the last few months of the year. According to one stats site, Snapdocs traffic was double what 123notary’s was. However, their traffic is low-ball where 123notary gets a lot more high quality traffic.

On the other hand, Alexa.com shows that 123notary’s rank is roughly equal to Snapdocs. So, which source of information is the most reliable? In my experience Google Analytics is the most reliable and detailed source of web stats information. Unfofortunately, I do not have Google analytics on my competitors’ stats.

New Profiles
I’m trying to make sense of what is happening, but it is so complicated. 123notary added several hundred new profiles in August which could have lead to a rise in stats for us in September. But, our stats show that our spike was in August, not September which leads me to feel that there is a lag in the reporting on the other stats site

Social Media
Our social media took a huge dive in clicks starting around August and our Facebook performance affects our general web traffic.

What to do?
I am looking at this information completely baffled. I work hard every day to ensure the best quality search experience on 123notary. We get traffic that pays notaries well on 123notary. But, the total clicks matter to me as well, and clicks are far down. Do I add more profiles? Do I do more on social media? Do I create a better mobile site experience? Should we try to get more reviews? Or should I emphasize different information than I do now? I think the answer is all of the above!

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You might also like:

See our string on Snapdocs posts
http://blog.123notary.com/?tag=snapdocs

Which directories get the high paying signings?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19201

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