Marketing to Title Companies

Like most notary signing agents, I went through the drill of contacting all of the four- and five-star signing companies listed on one of the well known signing agent directories. After I got a couple of years of experience under my belt, I decided to narrow my marketing efforts to local title companies.

I created an email that was similar to an introduction letter, which provided a summary about myself and my business. The email included all of my contact information, a list of counties and zip codes I serve, and a link to my website. I then attached my notary package to the email. My notary package consisted of my notary commission certificate, a copy of my notary bond, my notary signing agent certificate, my background certificate, a copy of my notary E&O insurance (which I increased to $100,000), a resume, and a list of references.

Next, I did a Google search for local title companies. I started with the companies in my immediate area and moved out from there. Once I located the title company's website, I then located the page that listed the company's escrow officers. I would email each escrow officer individually, so the email was addressed directly to that escrow officer, and I attached my notary package to each email. I then located the escrow officer's assistants and did the same thing.

Some of you may think this was extreme. However, I can tell you that the response I received from the escrow officers was extremely positive. I received many thank you' responses for sending my information, and, yes, I got a lot of work and referrals (which led to more work) from this campaign. I was going to do the same thing with the local lenders, but I was so busy that I really didn't need to. In fact, the email campaign was so successful that I was able to cut ties with a lot of signing companies and work directly for title companies. Today, I can count on one hand the number of signing companies for which I work.

Please keep in mind that this was not a one-time email campaign. I continued to send follow-up emails to the escrow officers who responded to my initial email so that if they had any work in my area, they would think of me. Eventually I was in a position where I could be a lot more selective about the notary and signing agent assignments I accepted, and the hiring entities were more than willing to pay my asking price. I found myself turning down more assignments than I was accepting while my income continued to increase.

I wish I could take credit for coming up with this idea all on my own, but I have to admit I didn't. I stumbled across a book on Amazon titled Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in increasing their list of quality clientele. It's full of
great ideas that can be implemented right away. By the way, I don't receive any monetary compensation for promoting Mr. Port's book. I'm just a strong believer in paying it forward.

-- Phyllis Traylor, U.S. Army Retired is a Contributing Writer with the American Association of Notaries