In today’s competitive notary world, it’s tempting to stand out by offering “24/7 service.” It looks impressive on a website, business card, or social media profile. After all, being available anytime, day or night, seems like the ultimate way to show commitment to clients.

But here’s the catch: if you claim you’re available 24/7, you really need to mean it. Otherwise, you risk damaging your credibility—and your reputation as a professional.

The Reality of 24/7 Availability

When someone calls a notary at 2 AM or on a holiday, it’s rarely for something casual. More often than not, they’re in the middle of a crisis, an emergency, or an urgent deadline. They’re reaching out because they need immediate help.

If your voicemail picks up instead of you, that client feels misled. And in that moment of frustration, they may not just move on to the next notary—they may lose trust in the profession as a whole.

Why It Hurts More Than It Helps

• Credibility suffers: Saying you’re available 24/7 but not answering late-night calls makes you look unreliable.
• Word of mouth can turn negative: Clients talk, and unmet expectations spread quickly.
• It dilutes professionalism: When clients can’t count on what you advertise, it reflects poorly on all notaries.

The Smarter Alternative: Be Honest and Clear

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to advertise 24/7 service to win clients. In fact, honesty is more powerful than exaggerated promises.

• If your hours are 8 AM – 8 PM, say so.
• If you’re open to emergencies but prefer appointments, make that clear.
• If you take calls “after hours” by request, advertise that instead.

When clients know exactly what to expect, they’re more likely to trust you—and return to you for future work.

The Takeaway

Marketing gimmicks may get attention, but they can also backfire. If you say you’re available 24/7, you need to actually be available around the clock. If that’s not realistic for you, that’s perfectly fine.

What’s not fine is overpromising and underdelivering.

✅ Be realistic.
✅ Be transparent.
✅ Be dependable.

That’s how you build a strong notary business with a reputation that lasts.