How Referral Partners Can Help You Grow as a Remote Online Notary
If you’re an independent notary looking to grow your business, referral partners may be your most powerful untapped resource. At ProNotary, we work with notaries across the country who are eager to expand their client base, and one of the most effective ways to do that is by building strategic relationships with professionals who share your target audience.
What Is a Referral Partner?
A referral partner is someone in a complementary business who sends clients your way—and ideally, you do the same for them. These partnerships work best when they are mutually beneficial and built on trust.
Who Makes a Good Referral Partner?
Start by identifying your niche. If you focus on working with title companies, think about the professionals they regularly interact with, such as:
- Surveyors
- Inspectors
- Escrow agents
If you serve law firms, consider partnering with:
- Court reporters
- Process servers
- Paralegals
Sometimes the best referral partners come from unexpected places. One of my strongest referral sources is a local inflatable bounce house vendor—she’s active in moms’ groups and constantly sends people my way for general notary work. Never underestimate strong connectors.
Where to Find Referral Partners
- Local networking groups
- Chamber of Commerce meetings
- BNI chapters or open houses
- Real estate mixers and broker events
- Law firm or title company sponsored events
- Facebook groups and local community circles
If you’re invited to an event—go. Whether it’s a $5 meetup or a $100 mixer, the ROI can be massive when you’re consistent and intentional.
How to Start the Conversation
Keep it simple:
“Hi, I’m a remote online notary in the area. I work with [your target audience], and I’d love to connect and learn more about your business to see how we might support each other through referrals.”
Avoid jumping straight into a pitch. Focus on building a relationship first—this is a long game, not a quick sale.
Tools That Make You More Referable
- Digital business cards (e.g., Blinq): Instantly share your information with a quick phone tap.
- Social connections: Add contacts on LinkedIn, follow their pages, engage with their content, and stay top of mind.
- Follow-up systems: After meeting someone, send a brief message or email to thank them and keep the connection warm.
The Law of Reciprocity
One of the best ways to earn someone’s attention is to send them business first. When you refer someone, send a quick text or screenshot to let them know. It keeps you on their radar and increases the chance of them returning the favor.
You can also make soft introductions—simple emails connecting two people with a short explanation of why they should meet. Sending a few of these a day positions you as a connector in your network.
Final Thoughts
The goal is to have people talking about your notary services in rooms you’re not even in. That’s how you build consistent business without burning out on marketing.
The best time to start building your referral network? Yesterday. The next best time? Today.
