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More non-traditional advertising attempts from the running man...

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Services for Real Estate Pros with "A Quick Note" ...in Tennessee! Expires May 16, 2023

What methods of non-traditional advertising have I tried in order to promote my Notary Signing business? 

Short answer: you name it, I've probably tried it...

Long answer: Business cards, direct mail (post-cards), local publications-telephone directory, community maps with coupons, cold-calling, Website creation, email marketing, magnetic vehicle signage, vinyl window lettering, spinner signage (kids on corners), bootleg signage at offramps and major cross-streets, purchased notary listings on notary websites, joined and active member of various notary-related and real estate websites, purchased paid listings for targeted areas across Southern California, and information/free listings on every free website listing service that I can find.     

My latest folly?  I'm co-oping for flyer/coupon placement on delivery pizza boxes with a well-known national chain for distribution in an area I can easily service. 

My greatest difficulty has been getting to my target audience (escrow officers, mortgage brokers and attorneys) by figuring out how to get past their receptionist/gatekeepers.  I've tried bribes like Starbucks Coffee, Krispy Kremes, Chocolate Covered Macademia Nuts and even bottles of wine during the holidays.

Please note that all of these methods have been relatively inexpensive.  I'm looking for ways to expand my exposure to John Q. Public and perhaps then reach my target by way of ...well...by accident.

What inexpensive methods of advertising have you had successes with?

"A Quick Note"

www.aquicknote.net   

Eric Reid
Renaissance Realty Group of Keller Williams Atlanta Partners - Lawrenceville, GA

So what are you top ten .. odd ball marketing ideas.

and rank them best to dud

Aug 20, 2008 03:22 PM
Shannon Ziccardi
"A Quick Note" ...in Tennessee! - Clarksville, TN
"A Quick Note" Mobile Notary ...in Tennessee!

1. Active Rain-cost $0 big boost on google

2. 123 Notary (approx) $400/yr -best return on investment ROI

3.Business Cards- I give them out everywhere!

4. Vinyl lettering on vehicle windows

5. Magnetic auto signs

6. Website

7. email marketing- if you avoid being a spammer, success is limited

8. Post-cards-tons spent on postage (I'm sure I made the round file)

9. Telephone Directory (worst ROI)

10. City maps (total waste of money)

 

Aug 20, 2008 03:47 PM
Carey Pott
January Financial - Foothill Ranch, CA

It can be a real challenge to decide what works best for your business. We have found in ours that NO advertising is best! What I mean is, we're by referral only so we make sure to give excellent service and then ask our clients to refer their friends. Something like that would be harder in the notary field, I'm sure. Interesting topic, thanks!

Aug 21, 2008 06:36 AM
Eric Reid
Renaissance Realty Group of Keller Williams Atlanta Partners - Lawrenceville, GA

Thanks the ne that I seem to have had a high ROI is or t-shirt I bought a bunch for me to waer at the gym ... as our company tag is imagine the possibilites

So I have that across the back and the Renaissance Realty Group wear the  pocket would be.

everyone wants the back and deals with the front.

 

Aug 22, 2008 08:29 AM
Joan Bergstrom
Joan Bergstrom Mobile Notary - Riverside, CA
Mobile Notary, Riverside CA

I am trying something new for me and have committed to the Internet Yellow Pages for a 1 year ad.

It cost $85 per month and it will be interesting to see if it will be successful.  I agree with Shannon's list order.  I haven't tried the map ad but everything else I have tried.

 

Sep 24, 2008 03:52 AM
Renee Kovacs
Renee A. Kovacs NSA Services - Northville, MI

In a nutshell - relationships.  For the past several months, I've made a focused effort on the 'human connection'.  Avoiding e-mails and picking up the phone, mostly.  Grabbing every opportunity to connect on a personal level.  I've always been aware of this being so important, but it gets so EASY to choose 'fast/quick' (e-mail) over actually speaking with another human being.  The more I focus on speaking to people - the MORE CALLS I find the opportunity to make.

When I perform a closing - and now these are almost all purchases, so often there are RE Agents and L.O.'s present - my goal is to be ASKED for my card.  When they ASK, I have succeeded.  Keeping that as my goal, focusing on that - works.  It also opens the door for a small 'commercial' - I let them know that I can be used again at THEIR request, and that their feedback of my services to my client would be GREATLY appreciated.

Same applies to my colleagues - I network, belong to an organized state network, and this too is all about relationships, talking on the PHONE, meeting for coffee, avoiding e-mails whenever possible.

Sep 24, 2008 11:08 PM
Denise OnullDell
Santa Clarita Mobile Notary - Santa Clarita, CA
Mobile Notary Public/Real Estate Agent

I have an 800# which cost me about $30 a month.  I have listings in the white pages which cost about another $50/mo.  I do get business from this and the advertising pretty much pays for itself.  If anyone calls 411 information for a mobile notary in my area, they are given my 800#.  I also do #s 1, 2, 3 and 6 above.

 

Sep 27, 2008 04:54 PM