How New Notaries Can Build a Successful Business With Signing Services and Direct Clients

One of my favorite parts of interviewing experienced notaries is hearing how they've built businesses that work for their lives, not someone else's definition of success.

In this conversation, I sat down with Laketa Alexander, an experienced Remote Online Notary, to talk about her journey, what she's learned along the way, and the advice she'd give to new notaries entering the industry today.

What I appreciated most about our conversation was how honest and practical her perspective was. She reminded me that there isn't just one "right" way to build a successful notary business.

Even Experienced Notaries Never Stop Learning

Laketa shared something that really stood out to me.

She was already completing Remote Online Notarizations before joining my Roadmap to RON course. Even though she had experience, she realized there were still gaps in her knowledge.

She explained that learning the details of different RON platforms, understanding how various title companies handle loan packages, and creating better workflows helped everything finally click.

One thing she mentioned is that while people often talk about using templates, every title company has its own processes and expectations. Being able to adapt instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all approach is what truly prepares you for real-world signings.

Hearing that meant a lot because my goal has always been to create a resource that notaries can come back to whenever they need it, whether they're learning a new platform or working on marketing their business.

Build the Business That Works for You

One topic that always comes up in the notary industry is signing service fees.

Laketa and I had a great conversation about this because we both understand there are many opinions.

She shared that a large portion of her Remote Online Notarizations comes through signing services, and she doesn't see that as a negative.

Her perspective was simple.

If you can complete a signing from your home office, spend around 20 to 30 minutes with a client, and earn $75 without driving anywhere, that can still be a great opportunity.

I couldn't agree more.

Of course, direct clients often pay more, and they're absolutely worth pursuing. But that doesn't mean signing services have no place in your business.

At the end of the day, your business should support your life, your goals, and your family.

My Advice for New Notaries

Toward the end of our conversation, I asked Laketa what advice she would give someone who is just getting started.

Her answer may surprise you.

Instead of telling every new notary to immediately focus on direct clients, she recommended starting with signing services.

Her reasoning made perfect sense.

Signing services give you the opportunity to gain experience, build confidence, and learn how real signings work while still earning income.

They also tend to offer repeat opportunities once you've proven yourself to be dependable.

I know many people recommend going direct immediately, and for some people that works.

But if you're still building confidence, there's absolutely nothing wrong with using signing services as a stepping stone.

Relationships Matter More Than Most People Realize

Another point Laketa shared was how valuable strong relationships can become.

She mentioned that one signing service regularly sends assignments to her first because they've built trust over time.

That didn't happen overnight.

It came from consistently showing up, providing great service, and being someone companies know they can rely on.

No matter where your work comes from, relationships are one of the most valuable assets you can build.

Don't Forget to Market Yourself

While signing services helped Laketa build experience, she also emphasized the importance of marketing your own business.

Some of her recommendations included:

• Setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile

• Creating a professional website

• Staying active on social media

• Marketing to law firms, hospitals, nursing homes, and other local businesses

I especially liked what she said about having a website.

Some new notaries hesitate because of the cost, but just a couple of direct signings can often pay for an entire year of website hosting.

A professional website helps establish credibility and gives potential clients confidence in your business.

Scripts Make Every Signing Easier

One piece of advice that both of us completely agreed on was using scripts.

Laketa shared that after so many appointments, she practically knows her scripts by heart.

Even so, she still practices them regularly because they help her stay consistent.

I laughed because I admitted that I still keep my scripts available during appointments too.

Unexpected things happen all the time.

Family members walk into the room.

Dogs bark.

Someone answers the door.

Technology decides to act up.

Having a script makes it much easier to stay on track and ensure nothing important gets missed.

Keep Learning After Every Signing

Laketa also encouraged new notaries to reflect on their work each week.

Instead of worrying about being perfect, she recommends asking yourself:

• What went well?

• What could I improve?

• What situations caught me off guard?

• How can I make my next signing smoother?

Those small improvements build confidence over time and help create a better experience for every client.

There Isn't Only One Path to Success

If there was one message I hope new notaries take away from this conversation, it's this:

You don't have to build your business exactly the way someone else did.

Some notaries thrive with direct clients.

Others build successful businesses using signing services.

Many do both.

Find the approach that fits your goals, your schedule, and your life.

As Laketa said during our conversation, take the advice that serves you, and don't let outside opinions keep you from building a business that works for you.

Ready to Grow Your Notary Business?

Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your Remote Online Notary business, remember that confidence comes with experience.

Keep learning.

Keep practicing.

Build strong relationships.

And most importantly, create a business that supports the life you want to live.

Every successful notary started exactly where you are today.