While three out of four Notaries polled in an NNA survey reported that they use social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, surprisingly few Notaries are taking advantage of the networking opportunities social media offers to expand their business.
Only 40 percent of participants in the July 2012 online questionnaire said they use social media to promote their Notary business or network with potential customers. Fifty percent of surveyed Notaries said they used social media for socializing with friends and family, with another 10 percent stating they use it primarily playing games online, obtaining shopping discounts or special offers, or do not use social media at all.
When asked what NNA social media site they visited the most often, 56 percent of those surveyed said the NNA’s Facebook page was their most frequent stop.
The most in-demand information Notaries requested from NNA sites was updates on new state laws at 34 percent, followed by Notary-related news and videos in second at 18 percent and discussion with other Notaries in third at 12 percent.
Social media sites can provide Notaries with a venue to meet and contact new customers, stay current on news and information relevant to their profession and discuss work issues with their colleagues online. Facebook, one of the largest social media sites, has 800 million users. The NNA provides social media communities for Notaries on Facebook,Twitter and LinkedIn. If you haven’t used social media sites before, be sure to check out our upcoming article, “Social Media: A Growing Force In The Professional World,” in the September 2012 issue of The National Notary magazine.
David Thun is an Associate Editor at the National Notary Association.