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You finally find what you want to do for a career, and you decide to become a Notary Public. You are so excited, all you have to do is get commissioned, get your supplies, buy that Notary Bond, and get E&O Insurance, and you are off to the races. Right? Oh, how do I get jobs? How much should I charge? I signed up for Snapdocs and Signing order, but I barely get any notices for loan signings. What am I doing wrong? If the above paragraph describes you, you are not alone, but do not worry, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and we are here to help you. Today we are going to discuss The 3 Biggest Mistakes Notaries Make When Starting a Business. NO CLEAR PRICING STRUCTURE“Hello, is this DHS Mobile Notary Service? I have a Power of Attorney that needs to be notarized. I would like to know can you come to Chula Vista Nursing Home and notarize? How much do you charge?” Many a new Notary without a clear pricing strategy stops in fear when they get a call and they ask how much do they charge. Many notaries, especially when starting out, do not realize the risks of not having a clear pricing strategy. Here are some of the negatives and consequences of not knowing how much to charge as a notary: Negatives of Not Knowing How Much to Charge as a Notary Loss of Income: Without clear pricing, you may undercharge and leave money on the table. Over time, this adds up to significant lost revenue that could have been reinvested in your business. Lack of Professionalism: Clients can sense uncertainty when a notary hesitates or guesses their fee. This can reduce client confidence and make your business appear unprepared or unprofessional. Inconsistent Earnings: Randomly charging different rates creates instability. It becomes impossible to predict monthly income, set financial goals, or measure growth. Damaged Reputation: Charging one client too little and another too much can create distrust. Word-of-mouth is powerful, and inconsistency can make you look unreliable. Difficulty Competing in the Market: If you do not know local market rates, you risk being either far too low (undervaluing your work) or too high (pricing yourself out of jobs). Competitors with clear, consistent pricing will attract more clients. Stress and Burnout: Constantly questioning “What should I charge?” adds unnecessary stress. Without structure, you may accept low-paying work that drains your time and energy. Failure to Cover Business Costs: Not accounting for expenses (travel, supplies, insurance, training, marketing) means you may be working at a loss. A clear pricing plan ensures you cover costs and actually make a profit. In summary, not knowing how much to charge creates financial, professional, and reputational risks. A clear pricing structure is more than a number on paper, it is the foundation of building a sustainable, respected, and profitable notary business. NO MARKETING PLANMany first-time Notary Loan Signing Agents think all they have to do is sign up for one or two Signing Services and their phone will be ringing off the hook. I would love to tell you that is true but it simply isn’t. You need to sign up for as many ‘Signing Services' (Hiring companies that match Notary Publics with someone needing a Mobile Notary for a Loan Signing) as you possibly can. What Is a Marketing Plan? A marketing plan is a simple roadmap that outlines how you will promote your notary services, attract clients, and grow your business. It usually includes: Your Target Market – Who you want to serve (for example, real estate professionals, attorneys, or the general public). Your Services and Pricing – What you offer and how much you charge. Your Messaging – How you want people to view your business (professional, reliable, available when others are not). Marketing Strategies – The methods you will use to reach potential clients (networking, social media, Google Business Profile, referrals, and more). Action Steps and Timeline – The tasks you will complete each week or month to promote your business.
Think of it as your game plan to ensure people know you
exist, trust you, and choose to hire you. Benefits of a Marketing Plan for a Notary Public Clarity – A marketing plan provides focus by identifying exactly who you serve, how you reach them, and how to present your services. Consistency – It keeps you on track so that your marketing efforts are steady and reliable. Consistency builds visibility and credibility in your community. Professionalism – A marketing plan demonstrates that you view your notary commission as a true business, not simply a side job. Clients respect that level of commitment. Efficiency – It saves both time and money by focusing your efforts on proven strategies instead of wasting energy on random activities that do not deliver results. Confidence – Having a plan allows you to feel in control of your business growth rather than waiting for opportunities to appear. Growth – A strong plan helps you steadily build your business, attract repeat clients, and earn referrals. A marketing plan does not need to be complicated to be effective. For a notary public, it is the difference between hoping that someone finds your services and intentionally building a business that is designed to succeed. THE RISK OF RELYING SOLELY ON SIGNING SERVICES When many notaries first enter the industry, it can feel convenient to depend on signing services for work. These companies connect notaries with loan signings and other assignments, often removing the burden of finding clients directly. While signing services can provide valuable opportunities, building your business on them alone has serious limitations. Lower Pay Signing services act as the middleman. They collect a fee from the title company or lender, then pass along a portion to the notary. This often means the notary receives less than what the title company would have paid directly.
Inconsistent Work Work volume depends on the signing service’s client relationships, not your own. When the real estate market slows, signing services have fewer assignments, and your income suffers.
Little Control Over Your Business You must accept the fees, timelines, and expectations of the service. There is little room to negotiate, and you are often one of many notaries competing for the same order.
Limited Professional Growth Without building your own client base, you are not truly establishing a business. Long-term success comes from relationships with title companies, law firms, businesses, and the general public who return to you directly.
Potential for Delayed or Missed Payments Not all signing services are equal. Some pay late, some underpay, and others develop reputations for not paying at all. Relying on them leaves you vulnerable to financial instability.
A Better Approach Signing services can be part of your strategy, especially when you are new. However, they should not be the foundation of your notary business. The strongest notaries combine signing service work with direct client relationships, consistent local marketing, and a clear business plan. This balance allows you to keep control of your income, your time, and your reputation. Don’t let these mistakes stall your business. Download your FREE Notary Business Planner Starter Guide today and start building with confidence. CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS NOW
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