CloseWise

How Notaries Can Leverage Google My Business for Success?

Introduction

In today’s digital-first world, people instinctively search for businesses online first. This is why having an online presence is not just a bonus but an absolute necessity. But, how would you mark your online presence? Most people believe that having a website and a social media presence is enough. While this is true to some extent, it overlooks one crucial aspect: “Google Maps“.  In 2024, people rely heavily on Google Maps to find local services. Think about it – when you need a pizza place or looking for gasoline on your trip, you instantly turn to Google Maps. This is why having a “Google My Business” profile is equally important. It allows enterprise owners to manage the online presence on Google Maps and Search. Being a notary, the presence of your business’s geolocation means a lot to your potential clients. A well-optimized GMB profile ensures your notary business stands out from the competition. It not only increases your visibility but also builds trust through client reviews and easy access to your contact information. Let’s look in detail, how having a GMB profile can help your business.

How A GMB Profile Can Benefit Notaries?

  1. Increased Visibility In Your Locality By Boosting Local SEO

    When potential clients search for “notary near me” on Google, your GMB profile significantly increases your chances of appearing in the top local SEO results. This prime placement puts you directly in front of people actively seeking your services, making it easier for them to find and choose you.
  2. Exact Location Information To The Clients 

    By accurately displaying your service area and address on your GMB profile, you provide valuable information to potential clients. This helps them easily determine if you serve their location and plan their visit accordingly, saving them time and effort in finding a notary.
  3. Present Your Credibility

    Positive client reviews on your GMB profile act as social proof, building trust with potential customers. When they see that other clients have had positive experiences with you, they are more likely to choose your services. Additionally, displaying your license number and professional certifications on your profile further enhances your credibility and professionalism.
  4. Direct Contact To You

    Your GMB profile provides easy access to your contact information, including phone number, email, and website. This allows potential clients to quickly and easily reach out to you with inquiries or to schedule appointments, streamlining the process and making it convenient for them to connect with you.
  5. Showcase Service Catalogue 

    Google My Business allows you to highlight the specific notary services you offer, such as loan document signings, estate planning documents, and apostille services. By clearly showcasing your expertise, you can attract clients who specifically need those services, increasing your chances of securing business from those who are a good fit for your services.
  6. Gain Detailed Analytics

    Google offers valuable insights into how and when people discover your business. This information enables you to better understand your audience, evaluate the success of your SEO strategy, and uncover growth opportunities.

How to Set Up Your Google My Business Profile

  1. Visit Google My Business, and click on “Manage Now”.
  2. Sign in with your Google account.
  3. Click on “Add your Business”. Enter your business name and address. Ensure that the information matches what’s on your website and other directories to maintain consistency.
  4. Select your business category (e.g., “Notary Public”).
  5. Verify your business listing via postcard, phone, or email. Verification is essential to manage your profile and ensure its authenticity.

How Can You Enhance Google My Business Profile?

Like every business, notaries can enhance their Google My Business profile. This is how you can optimize your business profile on Google Maps.

Complete Your Profile Thoroughly

You need to provide accurate and detailed information. Ensure consistency across all platforms to build trust and improve local search rankings. Here are the details you need to fill. 
  • Business Name: Use your official name (e.g., Closewise Notary Services).
  • Address: Provide a physical location or service area if you operate remotely.
  • Phone Number: Use a local number to boost trust and SEO.
  • Website: Link to your official website or booking page.
  • Business Hours: Include regular and holiday hours.
  • Services: List specific notary services you offer (e.g., mobile notary, loan signing, estate planning).

Strategic Keywords Inclusion

While writing your business description, incorporate relevant keywords like “notary near me,” “mobile notary,” or “document notarization”. It will help you to optimize your profile for local search visibility.

Encourage and Respond to Reviews

Satisfied clients are your biggest advertisers. You can ask satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on your business profile.By responding to their feedback professionally, you can build credibility and show your commitment to excellent service.

Add High-Quality Photos and Videos

By uploading clear, professional images of your office, setup, or any unique aspects of your service, you will be drawing the attention of the visitors. Visuals help clients trust your business and improve the appeal of your profile.

Mention NotaryNearMe Website

Link your customized website to your Google My Business profile. This linking will allow potential clients to seamlessly navigate to your site– powered by Closewise. It will help them to learn more about your services, or contact you directly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Information

One of the most common mistakes is providing inconsistent information across platforms. For instance, if your address or phone number differs between your website, GMB profile, and social media accounts, it can confuse clients and hurt your local SEO rankings.

2. Neglecting Reviews

Ignoring reviews—both positive and negative—can damage your reputation. Clients expect engagement. Failing to respond to negative reviews can escalate dissatisfaction, while ignoring positive ones may seem ungrateful.

3. Using Stock Photos

Authenticity is crucial in building trust. Relying on stock photos instead of real images of your workspace or staff can make your business appear less credible.

4. Leaving Profiles Incomplete

An incomplete GMB profile is a missed opportunity. Ensure every section, from business hours to services offered, is filled out accurately to boost your ranking and client trust.

5. Failing to Update Regularly

Outdated profiles suggest inactivity and can deter potential clients. Regular updates, such as posting new photos, adding recent promotions, or adjusting hours during holidays, keep your profile fresh and engaging.

6. Overlooking Insights

Google provides valuable analytics through GMB. Ignoring these insights can lead to missed opportunities for refining your marketing strategies and targeting your audience effectively.

In Conclusion, setting up a Google Business Profile is necessary for Notaries

To effectively grow your notary business, leveraging free advertising opportunities is essential—and Google My Business (GMB) plays a prominent role in this effort. Optimizing your GMB profile allows you to boost local visibility, connect with clients effortlessly, and stand out in your locality.

GMB offers a powerful way to scale your notary business. Regularly updating your profile with fresh content, promptly responding to client queries, and analyzing performance data are proven strategies to keep you ahead of the competition.


Complementing this, Closewise is the ultimate software solution tailored for notary signing agents, signing services, and Title & Escrow companies. It streamlines your operations, helping