Sign & Thrive

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If you’re a notary wondering whether there’s a real future beyond loan signings, this episode will challenge how you think about your role, your business model, and the kind of work you want to be doing long-term.

Bill Soroka sits down with Dean Eason-Williams, a North Carolina Notary Public, estate signing specialist, educator, and founder of NotaryCLT Services—the first signing company built exclusively around estate signing ceremonies.

Dean’s story mirrors the experience of many notaries. He entered the industry focused on loan signings, skeptical of new opportunities, and unsure whether estate planning work was even a real niche. Through personal loss, hands-on experience at the signing table, and years of working directly with families and attorneys, he made a decisive pivot into estate planning and trust delivery—and never looked back.

We talk about why estate signings feel fundamentally different from transactional work, and why presence, empathy, and professionalism matter just as much as technical accuracy. Dean explains what notaries often underestimate about the emotional weight of estate planning appointments, and why he intentionally uses the phrase estate signing ceremony to describe the work.

You’ll also hear practical insights on:

• How notaries can stay compliant and confident without crossing into unauthorized practice of law
• The importance of understanding estate documents well enough to ethically redirect signer questions
• Why attorneys value notaries who can reduce friction instead of creating more work
• What led Dean to walk away from loan signings and build an estate-only signing company
• How quality assurance is becoming the defining factor for the next evolution of signing companies
• Why specialization creates stability, higher-value appointments, and stronger professional relationships

Dean also shares the motivation behind his book, From Trust to Transfer, a practical, plain-language guide written specifically for notaries who want to conduct estate planning signing ceremonies with clarity, confidence, and care. The book focuses on real-world scenarios, document familiarity, ethical redirection language, and helping notaries overcome fear when stepping into this work.

If you’re feeling burned out by low-pay signing services, race-to-the-bottom pricing, constant reprints, or work that feels purely transactional, this episode introduces a different model—one built on trust, service, and sustainable business growth.

We also close with a bigger conversation about legacy: what it means to raise the bar in the notary profession, why doing the work well matters decades later, and how notaries can become part of the solution instead of another point of failure for families.

This episode is especially relevant if you are:

• a new notary exploring alternatives to loan signings
• an experienced notary ready to pivot or specialize
• interested in estate planning, trust delivery, or working with attorneys
• curious about building a signing business around quality and professionalism

Before you move on to the next episode, remember this:

Insight alone doesn’t change a notary business.
 Execution does.

Join my free Skool community here

Contact Dean Here:

NotaryCLT Services

https://www.notaryclt.com

Apex Mentorship (Skool)

https://www.skool.com/notarycltapex

From Trust to Transfer on Amazon

https://a.co/d/06R9DjRq

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Fingerprinting is one of those businesses most people think they understand—until they actually look under the hood.

In this episode, Bill Soroka sits down with Brandon Edwards of Secure Biometrics for a candid, no-fluff conversation about what it really takes to build a fingerprinting business that lasts. Not a side hustle fantasy. Not a quick cash grab. A real, compliant, professional service business that grows alongside increasing demand for identity verification, background checks, and security.

What makes this conversation different is that it doesn’t start with tactics. It starts with truth.

Too many people assume fingerprinting is limited by state contracts, that Live Scan is the only path, or that if their state “has a provider,” there’s no room for them. Others believe the business is overregulated, impossible to break into, or only viable in a handful of locations. Some think demand is slowing, when in reality the opposite is happening as compliance requirements tighten across industries.

This episode dismantles those assumptions—not by hype, but by experience.

You’ll hear why federal background checks open the door nationwide, why ink fingerprinting is still very much alive and profitable, and how fingerprinting services quietly support everything from employment and licensing to immigration, healthcare, education, and professional credentials. This is not a shrinking market. It’s an expanding one—because trust, compliance, and identity security are becoming more important, not less.

Just as important, this conversation addresses the internal shifts required to succeed.

Entrepreneurship in fingerprinting (or any compliance-based business) demands a different mindset than gig work. You have to stop thinking like a technician waiting for assignments and start thinking like a service provider building relationships. You have to embrace structure instead of resisting it, understand regulations instead of fearing them, and play the long game instead of chasing quick wins.

Brandon shares what it took to build his business in a state where people told him it couldn’t be done, how consistency beat shortcuts, and why professionalism is the true differentiator in a low-barrier industry. Bill adds the bigger picture—how notaries and service professionals who lean into compliance and credibility don’t just survive market shifts, they benefit from them.

By the end of this episode, listeners will understand why fingerprinting can be launched and operated in all 50 states, how demand is driven by forces much bigger than local contracts, and why this business rewards those who commit to doing it right.

If you’ve been looking for a specialty that aligns with trust, stability, and long-term opportunity—or if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines because of outdated assumptions—this conversation will change how you see fingerprinting.

To learn more about the complete Fingerprinting Business Launch Bundle and see exactly how Brandon teaches this step by step, visit:

www.SecureBiometrics.co/notarycoach

This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about positioning yourself where the world is already headed.

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If you’ve ever received a call to notarize documents in a hospital, hospice, nursing home, rehab center, or skilled nursing facility and felt that instant pressure, this episode is for you.

Because hospital notary work isn’t “just another appointment.”

It’s some of the most meaningful, high-impact work a notary can do. It can also be one of the highest risk environments in the entire profession, because you’re often dealing with vulnerable signers, emotional family dynamics, time pressure, and documents that are commonly contested after the fact.

In this episode of the Sign & Thrive Podcast, I’m joined by my longtime friend and colleague, Laura Biewer of CoachMeLaura.com. We call her the GOAT for a reason. Laura is a notary expert with over 22 years of experience, and she’s relentlessly committed to raising the level of competence and confidence in the notary industry.

Laura also just released her first standalone book, The Compassionate Notary, a field guide for notaries who operate inside medical facilities.

In this conversation, we break down what it really takes to show up professionally in high-stakes environments where you may only get one chance to do the job correctly.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why hospital notary work feels intimidating (and why that fear is valid)
• The most common documents notaries encounter in medical facilities, including powers of attorney and healthcare directives
• How to protect yourself with proper intake, screening, and documentation
• Why competence and “staying in your lane” matters more than ever in a hospital setting
• How to slow down, plan for interruptions, and avoid rushing the signer
• What medical facilities and staff actually value in a professional notary
• How to become the go-to notary in your community for bedside and facility appointments
• Simple, real-world marketing strategies to get consistent medical facility work through relationships and online visibility

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is simple:

Medical facility notary work isn’t intimidating because you’re not good enough.
 It’s intimidating because it matters.

If you’re a notary who cares about people, wants to do meaningful work, and also wants to operate with confidence, structure, and professionalism, you’re going to love this episode.

Learn more about Laura and her book:
 CoachMeLaura.com

Join Bill’s free High Performance Notary community:
 https://www.skool.com/notary

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In today’s episode, we dig into the three questions that determine the growth, stability, and long-term profitability of every notary business. These questions are simple, but they’re powerful—and most notaries aren’t asking them often enough, or deeply enough, to create the momentum they want.

We break down each one with clear, actionable steps you can implement today:

1. How do I get more customers?
Learn how to boost your hyperlocal visibility, optimize your Google Business Profile and website, strengthen your directory listings, and build an online presence that helps clients find you when they need you. We’ll also cover the role of outreach, prospecting, partnerships, and your existing network in attracting consistent business.

2. How do I earn more revenue per appointment?
Discover the skill sets and services that increase your value on the spot—from trust deliveries to apostilles to reverse mortgage signings—and how positioning yourself correctly can make every appointment more profitable.

3. How do I earn more revenue per customer over their lifetime?
This is where real business growth happens. We talk through the lifetime value of a client, how to build lasting relationships at every appointment, and the simple follow-up and content strategies that keep you top-of-mind for future business and referrals.

If you’re a notary entrepreneur looking for predictable revenue, stronger client relationships, and a business that doesn’t rely on luck or loan signing cycles, this episode gives you the roadmap.

Keywords: notary business, mobile notary, notary entrepreneurship, apostille services, Google Business Profile, hyperlocal marketing, prospecting for notaries, outreach strategy, notary revenue, high performance notary, business growth for notaries, client lifetime value

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The Missing Piece of a Complete Estate Plan: How Notaries Are Building Legacy-Focused Businesses
with Bill Soroka and Jon Braddock

Are you a mobile notary public looking for new ways to increase your income, diversify your services, and offer something that truly matters?

In this episode of the Sign & Thrive Podcast for Notaries, host Bill Soroka is joined by Jon Braddock, the CEO of My Life & Wishes and creator of the Legacy Vault, to explore one of the most meaningful and profitable opportunities in the notary business today.

Together, they break down how the Legacy Vault is solving one of the most heartbreaking problems families face—disorganization and confusion after the death or incapacitation of a loved one—and how notaries are uniquely positioned to deliver the solution.

You’ll learn how this tool fits naturally into what notaries already do, how it elevates your professional value, and how it can help you build a purpose-driven business that stands out in a crowded market.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why most estate plans are incomplete—and how the Legacy Vault solves that problem
• How notaries are helping protect families by offering the missing piece of a complete estate plan
• How to create additional income streams as a notary using digital tools like the Legacy Vault
• Why notaries are trusted advisors in key life moments—and how to leverage that trust
• The business model behind the Notary-Partner Program (keep 100% of sales revenue, total pricing freedom, and no geographic limitations)
• How to position yourself as a trusted resource for attorneys, financial advisors, and families
• How to add value without sounding salesy—and why this service often “sells itself”

Who This Episode Is For:

• Mobile notaries looking to increase income outside of loan signings
• Notary signing agents who want to diversify their services and stand out
• Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agents (CNTDAs) looking to expand their estate planning offerings
• Apostille agents, fingerprinting professionals, and wedding officiants wanting to build long-term client relationships
• Notaries who want to get off the hamster wheel of low-fee appointments and inconsistent income

Why This Matters:

82% of Americans say estate planning is important. But only 31% have a will, and just 11% have a trust. Even fewer have all their vital information organized, stored securely, and accessible when it matters most. The result? Expensive court delays, family conflicts, and emotional chaos—at the worst possible time.

The Legacy Vault is a simple, secure platform that helps families organize documents, passwords, healthcare directives, final instructions, and even personal legacy messages. It’s peace of mind in a digital box—and it’s now available exclusively through trained notary partners.

As a notary, you already serve at the frontlines of life’s most important transitions. The Notary-Partner Program gives you a way to deepen those relationships, elevate your role, and build a recurring revenue stream that fits naturally into your business.

Whether you want to earn more per appointment, create passive income, or bring more purpose to your work, this episode will inspire new ways to grow your notary business with heart—and strategy.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more or become a Notary Partner: https://www.notarycoach.com/partner
  
  
• Explore the Legacy Vault: https://www.mylifeandwishes.com/
  
  
• Read Click Here When I Die by Jon Braddock on Amazon

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The mobile notary and loan signing industry is filled with opinions, misinformation, and yes, a whole lot of noise. Some say you need certification to succeed. Others say you’re being scammed if you even consider paying for education. So what’s the truth?

I’m here to tell you straight: Certifications are 100% voluntary—but for the right notary, they can be a total game-changer.

In this episode, I pull back the curtain on what certifications actually do (and what they don’t), why haters love to hate, and how to navigate the noise with integrity, strategy, and confidence. You’ll hear:

• Why certification is NOT required—but often helpful
• What continuing education actually does for your business (think: confidence, credibility, and conversations)
• How to spot toxic energy and hypocrisy in the industry
• The crabs-in-a-bucket mindset and why it’s holding good notaries back
• How to stop collecting certifications and start putting them to work
• Why implementation is the missing link in most notaries' growth

We’ve got notaries from all walks of life joining this industry—white-collar professionals, single parents, career switchers, retirees, and people starting over. So when someone says “You don’t need that,” they’re often speaking from their place of privilege and experience—not yours.

Education is how we shine the light back on the path we’ve walked so others can find their way, too.

Mentioned in This Episode:

💼 High Performance Notary (HPN)
Join our results-driven notary entrepreneur community and build the business—and habits—that get you clients.
Try it FREE for 7 days → https://www.notarycoach.com/hpn

📘 Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent
Want to work directly with estate planning attorneys and help families with one of life’s most important documents?
Become a Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent 

🌎 Certified Apostille Agent
Want to help people navigate international document authentication? This is a high-value, low-competition niche.
Get certified as an Apostille Agent 

🏡 Reverse Mortgage Signing Professional
Love working with seniors? Learn how to guide them through reverse mortgage transactions with confidence and compassion.
Become a Certified Reverse Mortgage Signing Professional  

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why certifications are tools—not trophies
• How to think critically about who you’re following online
• What “crab in a bucket” energy looks like (and how to escape it)
• The difference between having knowledge and using knowledge
• Why investing in yourself scares some people—and why you should do it anyway
• How certification sparked new revenue and opportunities in my business
• What makes a program legit (and how to tell when it’s not)
• How to build a notary business that reflects your values, skills, and goals

And if you’ve got a certification (or five) sitting on your desk that you haven’t put into action yet… consider this your nudge to DO something with it.

Want my personal blueprint for consistency, growth, and getting in front of more clients?

It’s called the Daily Do’s, and I teach them inside High Performance Notary. You’ll build the habits, systems, and mindset that create lasting success in this business—and I’ll guide you every step of the way.

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Are you a notary who cringes at the idea of networking mixers, small talk, or cold outreach? Same.

I’m Bill Soroka, and in this episode of the Sign & Thrive Podcast, I peel back the curtain on how I built a multiple six-figure notary business—as a hardcore introvert. I’m not the “hide under the table” kind of introvert (okay, sometimes I am), but I am someone who needs a nap and some Golden Girls after too much peopling.

If the idea of marketing yourself to estate planning attorneys makes you want to melt into your couch cushions, this episode is for you. And good news: your introversion isn’t a problem—it’s your unfair advantage.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why introverts make exceptional notary entrepreneurs—and how to use your quiet strengths to win;
• How Warren Buffett and Bill Gates used their introversion to quietly dominate their industries;
• The three V’s that define your dream attorney clients: Vision, Value, and Volume;
• The exact email strategy I used to start 98 real conversations with attorneys (that turned into 16 paying clients);
• Why you need a referral list before you ask for a referral—and how to build one using my free template;
• Where to find estate planning attorneys (hint: LinkedIn, bar association directories, Google, and more);
• My proven follow-up sequence that converts silence into opportunity;
• What to say in that first meeting—without pitching, posturing, or panic attacks;
• And how to clearly and confidently explain your services using John Ruhlin’s “Big 4” Clarity Statement.

This episode is part pep talk, part how-to guide, and 100% permission for you to market your notary business without pretending to be an extrovert.

You don’t have to be loud to build a thriving notary business—you just have to be thoughtful, consistent, and willing to send that first message.

If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’m too introverted to market my business,” I challenge you to listen to this episode all the way through. Then, send one email. That’s all.

You’ll be amazed what happens when you show up—not as someone else—but as you.

Episode Resources:

• 📝 Referral List Template
  Download the exact referral list template I recommend you build before reaching out to estate planning attorneys:
  https://www.notarycoach.com/blog/the-3-lists-that-will-transform-your-notary-business-and-how-to-build-them 
• 📖 Blog Article: The Introverted Notary’s Guide to Marketing to Estate Planning Professionals
  Missed the original article this episode is based on? You can read the full blog here (Releases 4/4/25):
  https://www.notarycoach.com/blog/the-introverted-notary-s-guide-for-marketing-to-estate-planning-professionals 
• 💡 Learn More About High Performance Notary
  Join a community of thoughtful, motivated notary entrepreneurs building profitable businesses on their own terms:
  https://www.notarycoach.com/hpn 

Key words and phrases:  introverted notary marketing strategies, mobile notary marketing plan, how to get estate planning attorney clients, notary referral list template, email marketing for notaries, notary cold outreach examples, how to get more notary clients, how to be a successful notary without networking, notary prospecting email script, trust delivery agent training, local notary marketing tips, LinkedIn for notaries, how to find attorney clients as a notary, introvert business success story 

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 Are you showing up in local search, or are you invisible online? In this episode of The Sign & Thrive Podcast for Notaries, Bill Soroka breaks down the critical mistakes most notaries make on directory profiles, and how to fix them using today’s SEO and AI-driven search best practices. Whether you’re listed on Google, Yelp, or a notary-specific directory like Gotary.com, these tips will help you attract more clients and make your profile work for you 24/7. 

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why most notary directory profiles are failing to show up in search
• How AI and local SEO are changing the game for mobile notaries
• Five simple, powerful tweaks to boost your visibility (without hiring a copywriter)
• Why your headshot and headline matter more than you think
• How to write an “About” section that speaks to both clients and search engines
• The truth about keyword stuffing and how to use natural language instead
• How reviews, certifications, and up-to-date contact info build trust fast
• What to do today to make your listings stand out from the sea of sameness

Who This Episode Is For:

• Mobile notaries and loan signing agents who rely on local SEO to attract clients
• Apostille agents, trust delivery notaries, and general notary work pros
• Notaries listed on Gotary.com, Google Business Profile, Yelp, or other directories
• Any notary entrepreneur who wants to future-proof their visibility in an AI-first world

Your Profile Might Be Costing You Business

Most clients won’t search for you by name. They’ll type in things like:

• “Mobile notary near me”
• “Apostille service in [City]”
• “Notary for trust documents in [State]”

If your listing doesn’t clearly communicate what you do, where you do it, and who you help, you’re missing out on leads that should’ve been yours.

This episode helps you fix that, fast.

Why Gotary.com Is Different

Bill also shares how Gotary.com, the directory he founded, is specifically designed to feature the most reliable, professionally trained notaries—and how he actively promotes it to estate planning attorneys, law firms, and title companies nationwide.

Unlike other passive directories, Gotary.com is proactively marketed to decision-makers—the actual people hiring notaries for trust deliveries, apostilles, real estate closings, and more.

You’ll also learn about:

• The Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent (CNTDA) credential and how it positions you as a premium notary for estate planning pros
• The benefits of Gold and Platinum Gotary listings (like client reviews, custom links, priority placement, and outreach inclusion)
• Why it’s not too early to get listed—especially with a free Basic profile available for notaries just getting started
• How to take advantage of limited-time upgrade deals for more visibility, trust, and leads

Ready to Get Found by the Right People?

Claim your free listing and start optimizing your online presence today:
 https://www.gotary.com/join

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Referrals are the secret weapon of business growth, but not in the way most people think. In this episode of The Sign & Thrive Podcast for Notaries, host Bill Soroka reveals the power of smart referrals—not just getting them, but giving them.

When you become the person who connects people, solves problems, and makes life easier for others, you don’t just get referrals—you build a reputation that brings opportunities you never saw coming.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why giving referrals is the fastest way to get them
✔️ How to position yourself as a trusted resource in any network
✔️ The Trust Triangle—why strategic introductions lead to more business
✔️ The 3-Tier Estate Planning Referral System that sets you apart
✔️ How to avoid common networking mistakes that sabotage relationships

Why This Matters for Notaries

Loan signings aren’t falling from the sky like they used to, but billions of documents still need notarization every year. By leveraging referrals, you can build a sustainable business that thrives no matter what’s happening in the market.

Bill shares real-life stories of how simple introductions have led to high-value clients, unexpected income streams, and long-term partnerships. Whether you're an introvert or a natural networker, these insights will help you become the notary everyone remembers.

The 3-Tier Estate Planning Referral System

Want to break into the lucrative world of estate planning notarizations? This framework helps you create easy referral pathways for clients and professionals:

🟢 Tier 1: Estate Planning Attorneys – Find and build relationships with multiple attorneys to match clients with the right fit.

🟢 Tier 2: Legal Document Preparers – Offer a budget-friendly alternative for clients who don’t need an attorney.

🟢 Tier 3: DIY Estate Planning Platforms – Provide resources for self-directed clients while earning passive referral income.

Common Networking Mistakes to Avoid:

🚫 The Transactional Tactician – Only reaching out when you need something
🚫 The Referral Hoarder – Afraid to share contacts, thinking it reduces your own business
🚫 The Lazy Connector – Saying, "Just Google them" instead of making a warm introduction

Your Homework: Start Giving Referrals Today

1️⃣ Pay attention to conversations – Listen for phrases like “I need a good [attorney, CPA, real estate agent]”
2️⃣ Make thoughtful introductions – A quick email or text can set the foundation for lasting business relationships
3️⃣ Give first, receive later – Build your social capital, and the referrals will come back like a boomerang

Resources & Next Steps

Download Bill’s Free Referral List Template – Stay organized and make better referrals effortlessly

Learn More About Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agents – The most profitable niche for mobile notaries  

Join High Performance Notary – Get access to Bill’s personal referral network inside the Prosperity Hub

Gotary.com 

Article: How to Make Memorable Introductions in Your Network

Article: 3 Critical Lists for Your Notary Business and How to Use Them

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If someone in your city asks ChatGPT for a notary recommendation, would your name come up? If not, you could be losing business without even knowing it.

AI-driven search is changing the way people find local services, including mobile notaries, loan signing agents, and apostille professionals. While most businesses are still focused on Google SEO, the real game-changer is understanding how AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity decide which businesses to recommend.

AI search doesn’t work like Google. Instead of relying solely on keywords and business listings, it scans the internet for businesses that have:
✅ Consistent business information across multiple platforms
✅ Strong, recent reviews on multiple sites, not just Google Business Profile
✅ Mentions in blogs, articles, and “best of” lists
✅ A conversational, well-structured website optimized for AI search queries

🚀 6 Ways to Get AI to Recommend Your Notary Business:

📌 1. Optimize for Conversational AI Search
AI responds to full, natural language queries—not just keywords. Instead of stuffing your website with “mobile notary [city],” optimize for real questions.

✔ Write FAQ-style content on your website
✔ Create blog posts that answer common notary questions
✔ Structure your site with clear headings and easy-to-read sections

📌 2. Keep Your Google Business Profile Updated
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is still critical—but AI looks beyond just Google.

✔ Ensure your business name, address, and phone (NAP) are 100% consistent across Google, Yelp, and business directories
✔ Use the Q&A feature in GBP to add relevant, AI-friendly questions and answers
✔ Regularly post updates and service highlights

📌 3. Get Reviews on Multiple Platforms
AI trusts businesses that have strong, recent reviews across multiple sources.

✔ Get reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Thumbtack
✔ Encourage clients to leave detailed, natural-sounding reviews (not just “Great service!” but full sentences about their experience)
✔ Respond to every review—AI values businesses that engage with their customers

📌 4. Get Featured on “Best Notary” Lists
AI loves “best of” lists. If someone searches “best mobile notary in [city],” AI will likely recommend whoever appears on these lists.

✔ Apply to be listed on local business ranking sites
✔ If no list exists—create your own blog post on your website! 

📌 5. Get Mentioned in Blogs & Online Articles
AI pulls from news articles, blogs, and business directories to determine credibility. The more mentions you have online, the higher you’ll rank.

✔ Get featured in local blogs, news articles, or business spotlights
✔ Contribute guest posts to local business websites
✔ Engage in LinkedIn and Alignable discussions where professionals recommend notaries

📌 6. Ask AI Why You’re Not Ranking & Fix It
Here’s the ultimate AI SEO hack—just ask ChatGPT why your business isn’t ranking.

🛠 Try this prompt:
 “If I were looking for a mobile notary in [city], which businesses would you recommend and why?”

AI will tell you exactly who is ranking and what they’re doing right. Then use that information to optimize your business and outrank competitors.

AI search isn’t coming—it’s already here. The notaries who start optimizing for AI-driven local search today will be the ones dominating the market in the next 3-5 years.

Join High Performance Notary Here