free notary business plan template

• Sample Business Plans

Notary Business Plan

Notary businesses are in high demand, be it real estate developers, legal firms, government agencies, or educational institutions; all require notary assistance.

Building a notary business from scratch and standing toe-to-toe with big industry giants may feel overwhelming, but a detailed business plan can help you succeed.

Are you looking to start writing a business plan for your Notary business? Creating a business plan is essential to starting, growing, and securing funding for your business. So we have prepared a notary business plan template to help you start writing yours.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write a Notary Business Plan?

Writing a notary business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section of the business plan intended to provide an overview of the whole business plan. Generally, it is written after the entire business plan is ready. Here are some components to add to your summary:

Start with a brief introduction:

Market opportunity:, mention your services:, management team:, financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure you keep your executive summary concise and clear, use simple language, and avoid jargon.

Say goodbye to boring templates

Build your business plan faster and easier with AI

Plans starting from $7/month

2. Business Overview

Depending on what details of your business are important, you’ll need different elements in your business overview. Still, there are some foundational elements like business name, legal structure, location, history, and mission statement that every business overview should include:

About the business:

Provide all the basic information about your business in this section like:

• The name and type of your notary business: mention whether your clientele focuses on real estate agents, escrow officers, or title agents. Maybe, you serve all of them—so mention it.
• Company structure of your notary business, whether it is an LLC, partnership firm, or something else.
• Location of your notary business and why you selected that place.

Mission statement:

Business history:, future goals:.

This section should provide an in-depth understanding of your Notary business. Also, the business overview section should be engaging and precise.

3. Market Analysis

Market analysis provides a clear understanding of the market in which your Notary business will run along with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. Your market analysis should contain the following essential components:

Target market:

Market size and growth potential:, competitive analysis:, market trends:, regulatory environment:.

Some additional tips for writing the market analysis section of your business plan:

• Use various sources to gather data, including industry reports, market research studies, and surveys.
• Be specific and provide detailed information wherever possible.
• Include charts and graphs to help illustrate your key points.
• Keep your target audience in mind while writing the business plan

4. Products And Services

The product and services section of a Notary public business plan should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

List the services:

• Create a list of services your notary business will offer, including document authentication, legal advice, administering oaths and affirmations, notarizing real estate transactions, etc.
• Describe each service: Provide a detailed description of what it entails, the time required, and the qualifications of the professionals who will provide it. A notary signing agent, for instance, ensures that all documents are signed and notarized correctly during a real estate closing.

Transparency and confidentiality:

Overall, a business plan’s product and services section should be detailed, informative, and customer-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Develop your unique selling proposition (USP):

• Determine what sets your business apart from the competition and what benefits your target market.

Determine your pricing strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, the sales and marketing strategies section of your business plan should outline your plans to attract and retain customers and generate revenue. Be specific, realistic, and data-driven in your approach, and be prepared to adjust your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

When writing the operations plan section, it’s important to consider the various aspects of your business processes and procedures involved in operating a business. Here are the components to include in an operations plan:

Hiring plan:

Operational process:, technology & software:.

By including these key elements in your operations plan section, you can create a comprehensive plan that outlines how you will run your Notary business.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of the individuals responsible for running the Notary business. This section should provide a detailed description of the experience and qualifications of each manager, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Key managers:

Organizational structure:, compensation plan:, board of advisors:.

Describe your company’s key personnel and highlight why your business has the fittest team.

8. Financial Plan

When writing the financial plan section of a business plan, it’s important to provide a comprehensive overview of your financial projections for the first few years of your business.

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:, financing needs:.

Remember to be realistic with your financial projections and provide supporting evidence for your estimates.

9. Appendix

When writing the appendix section, you should include any additional information that supports the main content of your plan. This may include financial statements, market research data, legal documents, and other relevant information.

• Include a table of contents for the appendix section to make it easy for readers to find specific information.
• Include financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These should be up-to-date and show your financial projections for at least the first three years of your business.
• Provide market research data, such as statistics on the size of the legal industry, consumer demographics, and trends in the industry.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Provide any additional documentation related to your business plans, such as marketing materials, product brochures, and operational procedures.
• Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the information they need.

Remember, the appendix section of your Notary business should only include relevant and essential information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This Notary business plan sample will provide an idea for writing a successful Notary plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready notary business plan to impress your audience, download our notary business plan pdf .

Related Posts

Bookkeeping Business Plan

400+ Sample Business Plans

Investment Company Business Plan

Holding Company Business Plan

Tips for Creating Business Plan

Business Plan Template Google Docs

Frequently asked questions, why do you need a notary business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful notary business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your notary business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your notary business.

How to get funding for your Notary business?

There are several ways to get funding for your notary business, but one of the most efficient and speedy funding options is self-funding. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your notary business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought options for startups.
• Venture capital – Venture capitalists will invest in your business in exchange for a percentage of shares, so this funding option is also viable.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your Notary business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and idea better than you, so we recommend you write your notary public business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your Notary business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any notary business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

Plan your business in the shortest time possible

No Risk – Cancel at Any Time – 15 Day Money Back Guarantee

Create a great Business Plan with great price.

• 400+ Business plan templates & examples
• AI Assistance & step by step guidance
• 4.8 Star rating on Trustpilot

Streamline your business planning process with Upmetrics .

Notary Public Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Notary Public Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Notary Public business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Notary Public businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Notary Public business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

One-Day Notary Public Service is a startup notary public business located in Pierre, South Dakota. The company is founded by Kathy Porporia, a notary public who has been employed in the business sector for over ten years. She generated a thirty percent increase in her employer’s business by using her skills and social engagement talents to acquire and keep clients. Many businesses in Pierre have come to rely solely on Kathy for all notary public needs.

One-Day Notary Public Service will provide a wide selection of services from which customers may choose, including notarizing legal documents, affidavits, contracts, and more. As a result of the growth rate of clients who request her services, Kathy determined that it is the right and best time to launch her own business and capture the eager audience she already has slated as potential customers. Many of these same businesses and individuals have already committed to following Kathy to her new startup company.

Product Offering

The following are the services that One-Day Notary Public Service will provide:

• One-day service guarantee
• Mobile service within city and surrounding areas of Pierre
• Notarizing legal documents
• Legal contracts
• Identity verification
• Administration of oaths and affirmations
• Certifying copies of documents

Customer Focus

One-Day Notary Public Service will target all residents and businesses in Pierre and the surrounding areas of the city. They will target attorneys and law firms. They will target businesses who require legally-binding contracts. They will target individuals who are purchasing a home or traveling internationally. They will target residents who are required to verify their identity or affirm legal proceedings or documentation.

Management Team

One-Day Notary Public Service will be owned and operated by Kathy Porporia, a notary public who has been employed in the business sector for over ten years. She generated a thirty percent increase in her employer’s business by using her skills and social engagement talents to acquire and keep clients. Many businesses in Pierre have come to rely solely on Kathy for all notary public needs. Kathy has recruited Nahul Jahim and Cristy Baker to join her business.

Kathy Porporia holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota in business management. She has fifteen years of experience as a notary public and has an extensive background in management and scheduling within a notary public as a result of her last ten years of employment. Kathy was often placed in temporary management positions when her employers traveled extensively; as a result, her management skills were developed and well-positioned to lead her own company.

Nahul Jahim is a graduate of Pierre College, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He has been a notary public for five years and formerly worked with Kathy at the same business. His role will be as a Senior Notary Public, assisting in both serving as a notary public and managing the business on behalf of Kathy and her staff.

Cristy Baker is certified as an administrative assistant and formerly worked with Kathy. She is adept at booking clients, understanding the legal or documentation needs of each client and running a smooth operation. Her role will be as the Senior Administrative Associate.

Success Factors

One-Day Notary Public Service will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team of One-Day Notary Public Service
• Notarize legal documents, including contracts, affidavits, wills, and power of attorney documents.
• Verifying identity through identification checks and document verification.
• Administering oaths and affirmations for affidavits and statutory declarations.
• Providing certified copies of documents.
• Mobile notary services, offering on-site notarization for clients unable to visit our office.
• One-Day Notary Public Service offers the best pricing in town. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective when compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

One-Day Notary Public Service is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its One-Day Notary Public Service. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $20,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for One-Day Notary Public Service.

Company Overview

Who is one-day notary public service.

One-Day Notary Public Service is a newly established, full-service notary public service in Pierre, South Dakota. One-Day Notary Public Service will be the most reliable, cost-effective, and efficient choice for residents and businesses in Pierre and the surrounding communities. One-Day Notary Public Service will provide a comprehensive menu of notary services for any resident or business to utilize. Their full-service approach includes a comprehensive set of services relating to legal documentation, oaths, verifications and certifications.

  One-Day Notary Public Service will be able to serve customers with one-day service and mobile service. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in all notary services and the legal documents needed for completion. One-Day Notary Public Service removes all headaches and issues of finding and getting to a notary public and ensures all issues are taken care of expeditiously while delivering the best customer service.

One-Day Notary Public Service History

One-Day Notary Service is owned and operated by Kathy Porporia, a notary public who has been employed in the business sector for over ten years. She generated a thirty percent increase in her employer’s business by using her skills and social engagement talents to acquire and keep clients. Kathy Porporia holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota in business management. She has fifteen years of experience as a notary public and has an extensive background in management and scheduling within a notary public as a result of her last ten years of employment. Kathy was often placed in temporary management positions when her employers traveled extensively; as a result, her management skills were developed and well-positioned to lead her own company.

Since incorporation, One-Day Notary Public Service has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered One-Day Notary Public Service, LLC to transact business in the state of South Dakota.
• Has a contract in place to lease a 10,000 square foot office in a midtown office building in Pierre.
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include One-Day Notary Service as their primary notary public service.
• Began recruiting a staff of three and two office personnel to work at One-Day Notary Service.

One-Day Notary Public Services

The following will be the services One-Day Notary Public Service will provide:

Industry Analysis

The notary public industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $700 million. The growth will be driven by an increasing number of legal and regulatory requirements The growth will be driven by an increasing number of real estate transactions The growth will be driven by an increasing complexity of international transactions Costs will likely be reduced as paper and printing costs are eliminated Costs will likely be reduced as communication expenses drop Costs will likely be reduced as travel expenses drop

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Customer Segmentation

One-Day Notary Public Service will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Businesses and residents within the city of Pierre and its surrounding communities
• Law firms, attorneys, real estate agents, mortgage companies
• Travelers or others who need identity verification
• Residents settling wills or trust funds

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

One-Day Notary Public Service will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

SwiftNotary Company

SwiftNotary Company is established in a conveniently located office, where the sole proprietor, Jake Roberts, offers a range of notary services, including notarizing legal documents, affidavits, contracts, and more. With his commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and exceptional customer service, he aims to become the go-to notary public service provider in the Pierre area.

SwiftNotary Company was started in 2019 to provide a quick response for individuals who needed notary public service during the global pandemic. Jake used his vehicle to travel from homes to businesses and back again during several months before eventually opening an office in downtown Pierre. The one-man operation caters to a wide range of clients, including individuals requiring notarization for personal documents, real estate professionals, law firms, financial institutions, and businesses in need of notarized contracts and agreements.

Premier Notary Public

Premier Notary Public is owned and operated by Nick and Claus Swanson, brothers who went through notary public training at the same time with the intention to open a business that would provide their income for several years. They divided the business into two segments, one serving individuals and the other serving business clients. They do not have other employees and they provide primarily mobile service, with a home office serving as the place for administrative tasks. Nick and Claus Swanson network extensively throughout Pierre by joining community groups and philanthropic committees and both are dedicated to helping the residents of Pierre by acts of service on behalf of its residents

Attorney’s Public Notary

The Attorney’s Public Notary Company is known as the “Attorney’s Choice” for notary services. It is owned and operated by Tina Essex who started the specialized notary public dedicated to serving attorneys exclusively in 2020. The claim of the business is that it serves “the unique needs of legal professionals and the critical role notarization plays in their practice”. The claim of the company is that it provides efficient and dependable notary services tailored specifically to attorneys, ensuring their documents are properly authenticated and legally binding.

Attorney’s Notary Public offers an in-depth understanding of the state’s legal requirements and regulations, with notaries who understand the specific nuances of notarizing legal documents in South Dakota. We offer a comprehensive range of notary services exclusively to attorneys, including notarizing legal documents such as contracts, agreements, affidavits, and other vital legal instruments. The company will attest to the authenticity of signatures, and verify identities. They claim to prioritize accuracy and attention to detail to ensure the utmost validity and legality of each notarized document.

Competitive Advantage

One-Day Notary Public Service will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

One-Day Notary Public Service will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees who are able to provide a comprehensive set of notarized legal documents, including contracts, affidavits, wills, and power of attorney documents.
• Verify identity through identification checks and document verification.
• Administer oaths and affirmations for affidavits and statutory declarations.
• Provide certified copies of documents.
• Offer unbeatable pricing to its clients; they will offer the best pricing in town.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for One-Day Notary Public Service is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

One-Day Notary Public Service has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to all clients. Former clients will follow her to her new company and help spread the word of One-Day Notary Public Service.

Professional Associations and Networking

Community and national associations will be joined and networking will continue in all forums. Attendance and active participation when needed will be offered.

Print Advertising

Two weeks prior to the launch, One-Day Notary Public will send a direct-mail piece to all residents and businesses in Pierre county. The piece will announce the launch of the company, describe the services, and offer a discount on products or services purchased.

Website/SEO Marketing

One-Day Notary Public Service will fully utilize their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that One-Day Notary Public Service provide. The website will also list their contact information and list their available appointment times for One-Day overnight service. Customers can set their appointment times with confidence that One-Day Notary will show up on-time, every time. The website presence will utilize SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Notary company” or “notary service near me”, One-Day Notary Public Service will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of One-Day Notary Public Service will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for One-Day Notary Public Service. Operation Functions:

• Kathy Porporia will be the Owner and President of the company. She will oversee all staff and manage client relations. Kathy has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Nahul Jahim will become the Senior Notary Public and will manage the office administration when Kathy is not available.
• Cristy Baker will be the Senior Administrative Associate, overseeing the day-to-day management of filing, phone calls, emails, etc.

Milestones:

One-Day Notary Public Service will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel employment contracts for the One-Day Notary Public Service
• 6/1/202X – Prepare direct-mail piece for One-Day Notary Public Service clients
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into One-Day Notary Public Service office
• 7/1/202X – One-Day Notary Public Service opens its office for business

Cristy Baker is certified as an Administrative Assistant and formerly worked with Kathy. She is adept at booking clients, understanding the legal or documentation needs of each client and running a smooth operation. Her role will be as the Senior Administrative Associate.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for One-Day Notary Public Service are the fees they will charge to clients for the notary services they provide.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff One-Day Notary Public Service. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

One-Day Notary Public Service is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its notary public business. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Customers Per Month: 600
• Average Revenue per Month: $120,000
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Notary Public Business Plan FAQs

What is a notary public business plan.

A notary public business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your notary public business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Notary Public business plan using our Notary Public Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Notary Public Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of notary public businesses , some examples include: General Notary, Loan Signing Notary, and Non-Notary Services.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Notary Public Business Plan?

Notary Public businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Notary Public Business?

Starting a notary public business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Notary Public Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed notary public business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your notary public business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your notary public business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Notary Public Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your notary public business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your notary public business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Notary Public Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your notary public business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your notary public business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful notary public business:

• How to Start a Notary Business

Notary Public Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » B2C Sector

Do you want to start a notary public company and need to write a plan? If YES, here is a sample notary public business plan template & feasibility report.

A notary public works as a certified and legal witness, offering their signature as proof of identification. Standard notarized legal documents include contracts, mortgages, and property deeds. Notary public businesses serve customers either from a home office, brick-and-mortar establishment, mobile, or online.

Most of the 4.4 million Notaries in America become Notaries as part of their job duties or as a value-added skill on their resume. Others choose to become Notaries so they can have their own mobile Notary or Notary Signing Agent business.

But they all work as independent contractors who earn money by handling mortgage signings, notarizing trust documents and performing many other tasks. Note that apart from the additional income opportunities available, the office of the Notary Public has a long history and brings with it credibility to the individual Notary.

A Sample Notary Public Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Businesses in legal services industry provide the services of lawyers and other legal practitioners to individuals, businesses, government agencies, and non-profits. The US legal services industry includes about 180,000 establishments (single-location firms and units of multi-location firms).

The legal services industry in the united states generated approximately 288 billion in 2018. In 2018, over 1.1 million people were employed in legal occupations in the U.S. This number was set to rise to 1.38 million in 2023. The largest share of those working in legal occupations was comprised of lawyers. Lawyers also earned the most in this industry, with a mean annual wage of over 144,000 U.S. dollars.

Close to 47 percent of 2018 law graduates had taken up employment with law firms by April 2019 and 70.1 percent were working in occupations which required the passage of the bar exam. According to industry reports, the overall health of the global economy, and the corresponding volume of commercial transactions, heavily influences demand for legal services.

Bigger firms achieve success by working on cross-border cases for multinational clients and constantly expanding their industry practice areas.

Small firms rely on serving local clients and developing expertise in a few practice areas. Firms large and small stand out by touting pro bono work, diversity, and corporate social responsibility. The industry faces several potential disruptors. Client law firms are relying more on in-house legal teams.

2. Executive Summary

Authentic Docs is a legal notary public and paper shredding company, offering document notarization and cost effective destruction services to law firms, businesses, and individuals. We will offer a most secure, efficient, simple and cost effective plan available for authenticating and destroying a company’s confidential information.

At Authentic Docs, we all also provide complete on-site and off-site document verification and destruction services. We plan to service law firms and other businesses in Denver, Colorado. We boast of a massive industry experience in documentation as well as the shredding of microfilm, microfiche, credit cards, computer tapes and other forms of media storage.

We will keep an automated journal and issue certificate of notarization or destruction, as the case may be, with each invoice.

We also offer recycling programs for non-confidential documents. Authentic Docs has a 4,000 square foot facility located in Downtown Denver, Colorado.  The park anchors the industrial section of the city and is within easy access of 80 percent of potential customers.

Our start-up cost for Authentic Docs is focused primarily on disposal equipment, disposal bins, and disposal trucks. We will have the ability to draw up and certify contracts and other legal documents that require a notary’s seal and signature such as wills, mortgages, adoption papers, property deeds and financial transfers.

Mason Stevens and the silent partner will each make substantial investments in the company. In addition, Mason will secure a long-term business loan to cover most of the start up and running cost. Authentic Docs will also market an annual service contract at a 20 percent discount to small companies and a 15 percent discount to medium-size companies.

Our competitive edge will be our quick response to a customer’s request for services. Authentic Docs will respond within 24 hours of a request by a company for record verification and shredding services.

3. Our Products and Services

Authentic Docs is a legal notary public and paper shredding company, offering document notarization and cost effective destruction services to law firms, businesses, and individuals in Denver, Colorado. We will offer the following services:

• Document Notarization

Authentic Docs will offer notarization services to law firms, businesses, and individuals that have notary needs. The business will also sell a variety of pre-printed legal forms that will assist individuals with their ongoing legal filing needs.

• Document Security

Authentic Docs will offer on-site document destruction service which is the safest, most secure, and convenient means of disposing of sensitive documents. An assigned bonded and uniformed employee will take a customer’s classified documents from the security bins that we provide for the office directly to the mobile shredding unit where the materials will be destroyed.

• Document on-site destruction services

Authentic Docs will provide security bins to be placed throughout the office area. These bins have a built in lock to ensure documents cannot be removed without a key. The material will be destroyed on-site and the shredded paper will then be taken to our facility where it will be recycled.

• Document Off-site destruction services

We will also provide off-site document destruction. We will still supply our customers with security bins but the materials will be brought back to our facility to be shredded. In addition to the security consoles for the office, we offer 65-gallon Schafer containers.

These Schafer containers are used for high volume areas. Customers with large volumes of paper find this to be the most economical way to handle classified materials.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision at Authentic Docs is to develop into a foremost notary and business services agency within Colorado and all other neighbouring states.
• The mission of Authentic Docs is to provide a cost-effective document notarization and disposal service that protects our customers demand for assurance and security.

Our Business Structure

Our business structures at Authentic Docs will emphasize our standard in the industry. Mason Stevens will be responsible for day-to-day operation of the facility. He will also manage the sales team. An off-site facility team will manage the notarization of documents. They will also be tasked with the disposal of records at the Authentic Docs Facility.

The on-site team will manage collection of documents to be notarized, collection of documents for destruction and the disposal of documents at a customer site, as the case may be. Our business structure will include the following portfolios;

Attorney Coordinator

Paralegal/Legal Analyst

Lines Account Manager

Office manager

Security Officers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

• Review documents to determine if they meet notarization eligibility requirements as set forth in the Company’s policies
• Where an affidavit is provided in connection with the document, verify all of the information in the affidavit is true and accurate and, if it meets the standard, timely execute the affidavit in compliance with applicable laws and Company policies.
• Monitor the Company’s relationship with law firms and other clients to ensure they are performing in accordance with contractual expectations and represent Credit Acceptance professionally, compliantly and cost-effectively.
• Coaching, performance managing and auditing a defined group of clients to ensure all binding agreements are being worked in compliance with our policies and procedures and the contract.
• Evaluating data concerning clients performance and documenting observations based on that data
• Presenting performance results to clients, including Action Plans developed through the relationship management process
• Completing initial and annual due diligence reviews of clients to confirm that they understand and are capable of complying with the protection laws
• Oversee compliant and efficient progress of documents placed with the company
• Provide ongoing support to all other employees
• Drafting of powers of attorney for use worldwide.
• Ensure compliance with power of attorney process and standards.
• Coordinate apostille or legalization for powers of attorney.
• Maintain company database and records.
• Maintain contracts database and records
• Review and negotiate routine contracts (MSAs, Confidentiality Agreements, etc.)
• Manage online compliance program, including facilitation of third-party representative applications and approvals
• Prepare compliance-related communications
• In coordination with HR/Payroll, manage garnishments, including receiving notices, responding to interrogatories, and managing open garnishment orders
• Assists with matter management and litigation hold systems and assists with data entry and reporting within same
• Update company policies and standards related to legal and compliance matters
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators related to legal and compliance support of business initiatives
• Manage client accounts and client relationships, as well as generate new personal lines business
• Provide customer service via phone, fax, and email, including gathering information for all change requests
• Quote and issue new policies and market renewals
• Input claims
• Input / update client screen and policy screen information in the Agency Management System
• Process client payments as agency sweeps when necessary
• Invoice all agency-billed transactions within the department and follow up to collect payment from clients
• Maintain relationships with Personal Lines Carriers
• Drive and support cross-selling strategies for existing clients, as well as new relationships
• Foster and seek relationships with teammates across all levels
• Attend training sessions, courses, etc. to maintain up-to-date skills
• Other duties as needed
• In charge of preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the agency
• Prepares the income statement and balance sheet
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports
• In charge of financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• In charge of developing and managing financial systems and policies
• In charge of administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the Agency
• Serves as internal auditor for the agency
• Receive, sort, stamp and deliver all incoming documents and items.
• Interact by phone and web with the client and internal management and staff. Perform data entry using company-developed software and Microsoft Excel and perform basic work processing using Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Provide clerical support for the Attorney Coordinator including but not limited to: assist with the preparation and review of the monthly and quarterly deliverable reports for client; daily workload reports for management meetings and client meetings; as needed.
• Primary point of contact for Expense Reports including but not limited to training and review.
• Provide Notary Public services as requested.
• Maintain the office corporate calendars: Staff and Training in conjunction
• Provides courteous and prompt service to all internal and external customers.
• Prioritizes and addresses requests and assignments in a professional manner to develop cooperative relationships and to ensure that customer confidentiality is assured.
• Performs other duties and assignments as requested by the attorney coordinator.
• Ensures that the agency is secured at all time
• Controls traffic and organize parking
• Gives security tips to staff members from time to time
• Patrols around the agency on a 24 hours basis
• Any other duty as assigned by the school administrator.

6. SWOT Analysis

Our goal at Authentic Docs is to offer a most secure, efficient, simple and cost effective notarization for companies. We will possess the ability to draw up and certify contracts and other legal documents that require a notary’s seal and signature such as wills, mortgages, adoption papers, property deeds and financial transfers.

Our main objective is to achieve sales goal during first year of operation and also create a customer base of 100 companies. We hope to grow sales by 15 percent during the second year of operation.

To be able to achieve these milestones, we hired the services of well known professional in the area of business consulting and promotion with solid experience in the legal and law service sector to help us in establishing a standard and competitive notary and destruction business.

They had to work with the management of our agency in conducting our SWOT analysis. Outlined below is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis conducted for us at Authentic Docs.

Our strength in this industry is as follows; the experience and diverseness of our workforce will give us an olive branch in this industry.

Also, by creating an impeccable “trustworthy” relationship with our clients through the use of first class equipment and proper verification processes, clients will want to frequent our agency often and recommend it to their colleagues and friends.

Also by showing genuine concerns about the interests of our clients, we can make them feel comfortable and confident that we can meet all of their notarization and document destruction needs.

It will really take some time for our notarization and destruction agency to become well known. Notarization and document destruction is a sensitive venture that goes hand in hand with trust. The time it will take us to build this trust with our customers, according to our SWOT analysis, is the only perceived weakness for Authentic Docs.

• Opportunities

Theft, vandalism, and industrial espionage are becoming ever increasing security problems. There are too many horror stories resulting from unverified confidential information or these information getting into the wrong hands.

Today’s business environment is becoming very competitive and information explosion can be devastating to a business. With the increased use of office copiers and computers, staggering amounts of sensitive information is being generated and carelessly treated. It opens up a massive opportunity for us at Denver, Colorado.

At Authentic Docs, we understand that the notary and document destruction industry are well regulated and industry changes are bound to occur here and there. Also the sudden appearance of a competitor within our location of operation can threaten the success of our business.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trend

According to our research, the need for Notaries and document destruction continues to grow, and having performing these duties means that we’re not going to run out of work anytime soon.

• Loan & Mortgage Signings

Loan signings are one of the most common ways that notaries earn an income. In fact, reports have it that more than half of the notary public income comes from providing loan and mortgage signings services. The entire notary industry took a huge hit in 2008 during the housing crisis and subsequent Great Recession.

From 2008 until 2012, there was a loss of notary work as the industry experienced people being unable, or unwilling, to purchase houses during uncertain times. However, since 2013, the need for notaries has increased and is quickly surpassing pre-recession numbers. Recently, as homes change hands at an ever increasing rate, the need for notaries only continues to grow.

And as the United States population increases and ages, more people are purchasing homes, whether it’s a first time home purchase (Millennials) or Baby Boomers (selling their old home and potentially downsizing), the need for notaries will only increase.

• Debt Settlement Signings

Although it’s unfortunate that so many people find themselves getting into debt, that is good news for notaries who provide debt settlement signings. In addition, when notaries connect with reputable companies who provide debt settlement signings service, their ability to get work increases.

National Paralegal & Notary is a recognized leader in debt settlement signing services and welcomes qualified and detail oriented notaries into its nationwide network.

• Verifying I-9 Forms

As we know, the trend for employers hiring remote employees and contractors only grows. And as the federal government continues to audit more and more business to ensure they are adhering to the I-9 form requirement for every new employee, it is no surprise that there are more requests for notaries to help complete these forms.

Employers will often hire notaries in order to verify the identity of the prospective employee and fill out the proper paperwork, acting as a representative of the company.  These forms are issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in order to verify the identity of an employee and ensure that they are eligible for employment in the US.

While I-9 forms do not require an official notarization, it only makes sense to hire someone who is familiar with the identification documents required. Choosing a notary to work as an “authorized representative” is a no-brainer. Being a Notary Comes With Privileges.

8. Our Target Market

At Authentic Docs, we plan to focus on the following target customers:

• Law firms and individuals

These will include legal professionals, businesses, and individuals that need to have documents notarized for individuals with notary needs.

These law firms we believe have substantial document destruction needs. Individuals and their businesses that frequently file notarized business forms (especially among debt servicing and financial businesses.) will also be serviced.

• Second tier companies and Small businesses

These companies have 10 to 100 employees. They represent a significant market since internal document disposal is not cost-effective or efficient. Outsourcing disposal services is an excellent solution that will reduce the business disposal costs by 25 percent.

Record disposal to this audience is quickly becoming an important concern and is usually poorly organized and inefficient.

Our Competitive Advantage

We at Authentic Docs believe our agency has a very large potential market. Due to the uniqueness of our agency throughout Colorado, we strongly believe we can become the main notarization and document destruction agency quickly.

Our competitive advantage at Authentic Docs is our quick response to a customer’s request for services. We will respond within 24 hours of a request.

Our verification processes will be automated and fast, while our disposal trucks will shred documents twice as fast as our competitors and has a greater load capacity. Also, Mason Stevens leadership is a tremendous competitive advantage to this business.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Authentic Docs is an agency developed with the aim of generating substantial incomes in the document notarization and destruction industry and we plan to do these by leveraging all available opportunities in the industry and within the proximity of the law in the United States.

We plan to sustain our business and make profits by charging a fee for each document we notarize or shred. We will strive to sustain relationship with organizations that require a notary and document destruction regularly to ensure a steady flow of income.

10. Sales Forecast

We at Authentic Docs assume that by the end of our first year, we must have connected with at least 30 businesses that need notarization and document destruction services. We also expect an enviable growth rate for several years, up to 200 members.

That will be the maximum number of clients that can be accommodated by this Agency. Further expansion of the grounds shall be considered in future. We project that we will be able to generate sufficient capital from operation to meet our initial needs.

However, our projections are based upon present real market conditions and data. Should revenue generated not meet projections, adjustments will be made in ordering and long-term commitments decreased or postponed. Below is our sales forecast at Authentic Docs;

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): $435,000
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $1,193,990
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $2,310,034
• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Note that our Sales (contract and services) at Authentic Docs will be based on the services provided by our agency. We plan to ensure that all the users of our agency must feel they are getting the best possible value for their money. If there is a better value for equal services, we will strive to match or beat that value for customers.

We will also market an annual service contract at a 25 percent discount to small companies and a 17 percent discount to medium-size companies. We will offer a free on-site survey of the company’s facility to determine the company’s exact needs. We plan to build our marketing plan around the following;

• Focus on service and support.
• Establish a relationship business.
• Focus on golf equipment as the key target market.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We at Authentic Docs explicitly understand the benefits of a good publicity strategy, which is why even though we have no specific marketing plan, we hope to leverage a lot of strategies to boost our business through publicity. We are very ready to become the number one choice when it comes to document verification and notarization and also documents shredding and destruction.

That is why Authentic Docs has made provisions for effective and direct publicity and advertisement of our document notarization and destruction Agency. Outlined below are the platforms we hope to leverage on to promote Authentic Docs;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Establish relationships with local law firms throughout the target market.
• Develop ongoing relationships with the Secretary of State
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards in strategic locations all around Denver, Colorado.
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around Denver, Colorado
• Passing general information via our agency’s social media handles like twitter, Facebook, Google hangouts etc.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Generally, notary and document destruction businesses in the United States charge clients a fee for each document notarized or destroyed. Our plan at Authentic Docs is to keep our fees below the average market rate by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.

We also hope to give out special discounted rates to all our clients at regular intervals. We also understand that there are some of our prospective clients that would need special assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services.

• Our Payment Options

We at Authentic Docs plan to establish different payment options that will suit our clients at any given time and place. We have also made plans and partnered with a well known banking platform in the United States of America in other to offer these diverse services. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment with cash

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

We understand that the cost of starting our business will depend on the approach and scale of the business. At Authentic Docs, we plan to establish a big scale document notarization and destruction agency that will provide trustworthy services to our clients.

We plan to spend our start-up costs on mostly equipment purchase, office building, stationery, legal costs, advertising and expenses associated with opening our first office. Below is a detailed cost analysis of starting Authentic Docs;

• Business incorporation fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $103,500
• Acquiring a large building and course that will accommodate our shredding and document destruction machines (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $600,000
• Equipping our office (computers, printers, shredders, notary stamps, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $3000,000
• Launching an official Website will cost – $500
• The budget for the payment of salaries for the first three months of operation: $120,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $50,000

From our detailed analysis above, we have come to the conclusion that we will need approximately $1,400,000 to start up Authentic Docs.

Generating Funding/Start-up Capital for Authentic Docs

Authentic Docs will be a Limited Liability Corporation financed partially by direct owner investment and a long-term loan. Mason Stevens will own 60 percent of the company, while the silent partner will own the remaining 40 percent. These are the areas we intend generating our startup capital;

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the start-up capital from the bank (loan facility).

We have been able to raise about $800,000 (Personal savings $670,000 and soft loan from family members $130,000) and we are at the finishing stage of getting a loan facility of $600,000 from our bank. We’ve made sure that all the required papers and documents have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

We at Authentic Docs will issue a certificate of completion for each document notarized and destroyed. We plan to aggressively expand during the first three years of operation by implementing marketing campaigns that will effectively target individuals, businesses, and law firms within Colorado.

We also intend to use a number of marketing strategies that will allow us to provide essential notary and document destruction services not just within Denver, but all over the state of Colorado. These strategies include traditional print advertisements and ads placed on search engines on the Internet. We will also use an internet based strategy.

This is very important as many people seeking local services, such as specialized legal support and notary services, use the Internet to conduct their preliminary searches. We will also maintain a sizable amount of print and traditional advertising methods within local markets to promote the notary and legal support services that we offer.

We’ve also been able to establish a concrete connection and understanding with The National Notary Association. With 55 years of expertise, the National Notary Association is the nation’s leader in providing Notary training and education in accordance with state-specific requirements and best practices.

The NNA offers comprehensive training programs designed to enable Notaries to perform their duties professionally and proficiently. We will leverage their training options which include live seminars, convenient self-paced online training, webinars, self-study courses, and certifications to further our claim as the Best of the best in the industry.

Checklist/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting feasibility studies: Completed
• Leasing, renovating and equipping our facility: Completed
• Generating part of the startup capital from the founder: Completed
• Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of software applications, furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with banks, financial lending institutions, vendors and key players in the industry: In Progress

Related Posts:

• Power Washing Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Digital Print Shop Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Counseling Private Practice Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Hardwood Flooring Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Transcription Service Business Plan [Sample Template]

How to Start a Notary Business

A notary public acts as a certified and legal witness, providing their signature in exchange for proof of identification. Standard notarized legal documents include contracts, mortgages, and property deeds. Notary public businesses serve customers either from a home office, brick-and-mortar establishment, mobile, or online.

Learn how to start your own Notary Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a notary business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Notary Business
• Form your Notary Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Notary Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Notary Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Notary Business
• Get Notary Business Insurance
• Define your Notary Business Brand
• Create your Notary Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your notary business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Notary Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your notary business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a notary business.

Training and licensure fees range from $90 to $225, depending upon the state in which you reside and its specific requirements. Bonds average $125 and last the life of your certification, which is typically four years.

In some cases, a notary mentor is required and may charge a fee for advising you. If this is the case, the NNA's LinkedIn discussion group is a great resource for finding a qualified mentor.

If your vision includes a brick-and-mortar establishment, you will incur the standard expenses that come with leasing a building. If yours is a mobile business, be sure you have reliable transportation and the insurance required to do so.

Regardless of which path you choose, a website should be included in your initial budget. A simple site should be sufficient, unless you wish to host an online notary business . Simple sites can be built for less than $1,000, while more complicated and secure websites can run $3,500 or above.

What are the ongoing expenses for a notary business?

If you decide to open a brick-and-mortar business, budget for the standard overhead expenses that come with leasing an office.

The following are expenses you should budget for on a monthly basis:

• Fuel costs - mobile notaries spend much of their time traveling from customer to customer
• Website maintenance
• Marketing materials
• Fees for local and national associations
• Payroll and taxes
• Continuing education requirements vary from state to state - the standard is every four years

Who is the target market?

Notary businesses are cautioned against pigeonholing themselves into serving just one type of client. There are a number of different types of documents that require a notary; it is recommended that you target as many as possible when marketing to the public.

How does a notary business make money?

A notary business charges a fee for each document they notarize. Building a relationship with organizations that require a notary regularly is a great way to ensure a steady flow of income.

This depends upon what type of document you are signing and who your client is. Banks and credit unions often make their notary services available to customers free of charge, while you might charge $5-$10 for the same service. Loan signing agents earn $75 to $200 per appointment.

How much profit can a notary business make?

Once you have built a referral base and are getting regular signings each week, the business can be very profitable. Full-time notary signing agents work an average of forty to forty-five hours a week, including driving to appointments. This works out to fifteen signings per month. If your fee is $100 per signing, you will bring in an average of $6,000 per month or $78,000 annually. Since your overhead is low, much of those earnings turn into profit. To maximize profits, carefully consider your fee structure and payroll costs before bringing on another team member.   

How can you make your business more profitable?

Implement the following strategies to maximize your profits:

• Offer bilingual notary public services
• Make your services available 24/7
• Offer additional services such as photocopying and printing
• Diversify to include as many specialties as possible. A few options are:
• Unclaimed assets
• Foreign documents
• Working with attorneys
• Working with structured settlement firms

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your notary business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a notary public business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Certificate of Occupancy

A notary public business is generally run out of an office. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

• If you plan to lease a location :
• It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
• Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a notary public business.
• After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
• If you plan to purchase or build a location :
• You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
• Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your notary public business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Notary Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Notary Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a notary business

Regardless of how you structure your business there are a number of affordable options for marketing your business. Social media is a great way to educate the public on the services you offer.

Online directories such as Yelp are another option for ensuring consumers in your community are aware of your presence, location, fees, and hours. Additionally, associations such as The American Society of Notaries offer members free professional profiles.

Once your marketing materials are printed, get out and network within the community. Visit local banks, mortgage companies, title companies, real estate offices, government offices, charitable organizations, and professional organizations, and notify them of your services. Attend small business events through your local Chamber of Commerce and community service enterprises. Building a referral base takes time, but is typically the foundation of every successful small business.

How to keep customers coming back

Your focus should be on delivering quality and timely service to each and every customer you serve. Keep in mind that your job is to notarize private and sensitive documents. If word travels that you were anything but professional, your business could take a permanent hit.   

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

The individual who has the drive and ambition to work hard at building a reputable and profitable career as their own boss.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a notary business?

When not notarizing documents for clients, business owners spend their time networking and implementing ideas defined in their marketing strategy. Mobile business owners spend a portion of each day traveling to meet their customer’s needs.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful notary business?

Notary publics must complete a state training course and pass the state exam (specific rules vary from state to state). Once you have done so, you will need to mail your application in, along with a fee, to the state notary commission. Upon acceptance, you will swear the oath and purchase any required bonds. Some states also require a notary seal. The National notary Association (NNA) provides details regarding each state’s notary requirements, as well as real-life examples of situations you could be faced with in your public servant position.

What is the growth potential for a notary business?

Before opening your business, research other notary services in the area. Is there a demand for it? What other services do they offer? What hours are they available? Is your area in need of a mobile service? How many online notaries are available in your state? Tailor your services and hours around what your community is lacking to ensure your company grows to meet your business goals.    

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a notary business?

Notary public business owners offer the following professional advice:

• Join a local or national notary association. Attend workshops. This membership will help you stay current on new laws, network within the community, and tweak your marketing strategy.
• Make yourself available when other notaries are not. After five, on weekends, and during holidays are the perfect times to land business your competition is missing out on.
• If you choose to have a physical location, make your business more profitable by offering additional services.
• Diversify - Look into the various notary specialties and expand your services to include as many as possible.

How and when to build a team

If you plan on having a physical location, there are a few questions you will need to consider: Do you want to be a notary or would you rather hire someone to take on that responsibility? What hours do you want the notary available? What other services do you plan to offer? Do you want to be in charge of the additional services or would you rather oversee the enterprise? In many cases, notary public business owners choose to start small, hiring more employees as the business grows. If this is the case, however, prepare yourself for long hours.

Mobile and online notaries have a little more flexibility, as they do not have the added pressure of higher overhead costs. In this case, you could hire additional employees as the need arises. Before hiring anyone, check with your state to ensure they meet the notary guidelines.  

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• National notary Association
• American Society of Notaries

Real World Examples

Further reading.

• How to become a notary public in Michigan
• How to start a notary public business
• Creating a successful Mobile notary Business

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

Notary Business Plan Template & Guidebook

How to write a notary business plan in 7 steps:, 1. describe the purpose of your notary business..

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Notary Business.

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your notary business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

Target market

Customer base , product or service description, competitive analysis, marketing channels, form an llc in your state, 4. write your operational plan., what equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a notary business, 5. management & organization of your notary business., 6. notary business startup expenses & captial needed..

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your notary business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Notary Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a notary business.

A business plan for a notary business is needed to outline the necessary steps to start, grow and maintain the business. It helps to identify target markets, develop strategies for reaching them, and create a budget for the startup costs and ongoing expenses. Finally, it allows potential investors and lenders to evaluate the potential success of the business.

Who should you ask for help with your notary business plan?

Can you write a notary business plan yourself.

Yes, you can. Creating a notary business plan is similar to creating a business plan for any other type of business. The process typically involves researching the current market, making an analysis of your competitors, creating a budget, outlining company goals and objectives, preparing a marketing plan, and detailing financial projections for the coming years. The time and effort required to create a business plan may vary depending on the complexity of the venture and your experience in writing such plans.

Related Business Plans

Home inventory business plan template & guidebook, home inspection business plan template & guidebook, home decor business plan template & guidebook, health and wellness business plan template & guidebook, hauling business plan template & guidebook, hardware business plan template & guidebook, handyman business plan template & guidebook, hair extension business plan template & guidebook, handbag business plan template & guidebook.

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Connecting Entrepreneurs with Business Consultants

• Explore Templates ★
• → Our Successful Use Cases
• Business Planning
• Pitch Decks To Learn From
• Business Ideas
• Business Reads (News)
• Toggle the search field

A Comprehensive Guide to Launching and Growing Your Notary Public Company

In today’s competitive business landscape, having a well-crafted business plan is crucial for the success of any venture. If you’re considering starting or expanding your notary public business, a carefully designed business plan can be your roadmap to achieving your goals. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to help you create an effective notary business plan that will attract potential investors, secure funding, and provide a solid foundation for your company’s growth.

Why You Need a Notary Business Plan [Download Template]

A notary business plan serves as a blueprint for your company’s future. It outlines your business goals, strategies, and financial projections, allowing you to make informed decisions and navigate challenges effectively. Here are some compelling reasons why having a notary business plan is essential:

Funding: A well-developed business plan is crucial if you require external funding to start or expand your notary public business. Investors and lenders will review your plan to assess the viability of your business and the potential return on their investment.

• Strategic Direction
• Market Research
• Performance Tracking
• Communication Tool

Before we embark on the exciting journey of crafting a notary business plan template, let’s equip ourselves with a powerful tool to guide us along the way. Download this ready-to-use business plan, meticulously designed to provide you with a seamless and effortless experience.

Notary Business Plan Template: Executive Summary

The executive summary is a vital component of a business plan, offering a concise overview of the notary public business. It should capture readers’ attention and provide key information, including an introduction to the business, industry overview, target market description, competitive analysis, marketing strategies, management team, and financial plan summary.

Company Overview

Specify whether your business is a general notary, handling various documents, or a loan signing notary specializing in mortgage and real estate transactions. You may also mention additional services like fingerprinting or courier services.

Share the background and establishment of your business, highlighting key milestones and achievements. Clearly state the legal structure, such as LLC, S-Corp, or sole proprietorship.

Identify the unique selling points that differentiate your business, such as exceptional customer service, convenient mobile services, or value-added offerings.

This information will give readers a comprehensive understanding of your notary public business, its services, specialization, background, legal structure, and unique advantages.

Industry Analysis

It is crucial to conduct a thorough analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the notary public industry and uncover growth opportunities. Here are the key elements to include:

Start by determining the size of the notary public industry in your target geographic area. Research industry reports and data to assess its growth potential and market size. Identify current and emerging trends in the notary public sector. Stay updated on technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifts in customer preferences to stay ahead of the curve.

Analyze your direct and indirect competitors to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning. This analysis will help you identify gaps in the market that your notary business can effectively fill.

Determine the suppliers you will need to support your notary services. Consider the necessary access to legal forms, printing services, or technology providers to ensure smooth operations. And evaluate any barriers to entry that could impact the establishment or growth of your notary business. This may include licensing requirements, intense competition, or compliance with legal regulations.

Marketing Plan

A clear marketing strategy is necessary to market your notary public firm properly and draw clients. When describing your marketing tactics, take into account the following factors:

Your notary service options should be precisely defined, and you should emphasize the advantages and value they bring to clients. Whether they are specialized offerings or extra services that set you apart from rivals, make sure to express the special features of your services clearly.

Market rates, competition, and cost structure should all be taken into account when choosing your pricing strategy . To reward loyal consumers, consider the potential of bundling services or providing discounts.

Determine the best methods for contacting your target audience. In order to do this, you might use local media advertising, search engine optimization for your website, social media marketing, email campaigns, or direct mail.

Look into joint ventures and partnerships with real estate brokerages, law offices, title companies, and other entities that can refer customers to your notary services. To grow your network and establish beneficial connections, attend networking events and consider joining organizations for professionals.

Create a website that displays your services, contact information, and client feedback to establish a professional internet presence. Use relevant keywords to optimize your website for search engines and draw in potential clients who are actively looking for notary services.

By putting these methods into practice, you may effectively market your notary public firm, raise brand awareness, and draw in and keep clients in a cutthroat industry.

Financial Plan

The financial plan provides an in-depth overview of all of your business’s financial expectations, including income, costs, and profitability. Take into account these components:

Find out how much money you would need to invest initially to launch your notary public firm. This covers costs for things like equipment, marketing, and legal fees, as well as license fees.

After that, create a sales projection based on your market analysis and the demand you anticipate from your customers. Make a revenue projection for the first year and describe your plans for future development. Calculate your running costs, including rent, utilities, insurance, marketing, and the wages or subcontractor fees of your employees. To ascertain your expected profitability, perform a detailed study of your income and costs. Think about elements like the break-even point, gross margin, and net profit margin.

If you require external funding, clearly outline your funding requirements and how the funds will be utilized. This includes any loans, lines of credit, or investment opportunities you’re pursuing.

Notary Business Plan Template: Implementation and Timeline

Create a timeline that outlines the key milestones and activities required to launch and grow your notary business. Assign responsibilities and set deadlines to ensure accountability and progress tracking. Include the following elements:

Pre-launch activities: Identify tasks such as obtaining necessary licenses and permits, setting up your office or mobile notary equipment, and establishing partnerships.

Launch activities: Outline your marketing and promotional strategies for launching your notary business. This could include hosting an opening event, distributing promotional materials, or launching online advertising campaigns.

Ongoing growth strategies: Develop strategies to continuously attract new customers, retain existing ones, and expand your service offerings. This could involve implementing referral programs, enhancing customer service, or expanding your geographic reach.

Final Thoughts: Notary Business Plan Template

Regularly monitor and evaluate your notary business’s performance to ensure you’re on track to achieve your goals. Refer to this checklist to ensure you’re heading in the right direction:

• Key performance indicators (KPIs): Define measurable KPIs that align with your business objectives. This could include the number of notary signings completed, customer satisfaction ratings, revenue growth, or market share.
• Reporting and analysis: Establish a system to track and analyze your KPIs. This could involve using accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, or other data analytics platforms.
• Review and adjustments: Regularly review your business plan and financial projections. Assess your performance against your goals and make necessary adjustments to your strategies, operations, or financial plans.

With your carefully created business plan as your primary tool, enter the world of notary public enterprise. This road map will assist you in navigating the turns and curves of this fascinating market and help you stand out from the competition. Imagine it as your dependable compass, guiding you in the correct direction at all times while you overcome obstacles and take advantage of opportunities. Keep in mind to nurture and update your strategy frequently, utilizing it as a potent weapon to mobilize your team and get the support of stakeholders. You’ll be well-positioned to achieve outstanding success in the notary industry with this strong foundation.

Meet The Author Of This Article

Hi! I’m Elsa

I’m a Growth Marketer specializing in supporting small to medium-sized companies to thrive.

I focus on brand, business, and team growth to drive accelerated success. Currently, I leverage content creation to share my personal growth journey and expertise.

Related Posts

The 2023 Entrepreneurship Vocabulary List

Maximizing your startup’s fundraising potential with a crm.

Secrets To A Successful Stationery Business 2024

A Rocksolid Event Space Business Plan Example [2024]

10 Steps to Launching a Successful Mobile Notary Business

Related blogs.

• The Lucrative Business of Mobile Notary: Why it's a Profitable Venture worth Pursuing
• From 1K to 10K: The Real Cost of Starting a Mobile Notary Business
• 7 Must-Track KPIs for Mobile Notaries: Stay Ahead of the Competition!

1. Research Mobile Notary Financial Model & Business Plan

Before starting any business, it is essential to research and comprehend its financial model and business plan. The same goes for a mobile notary business, which provides notary services in the client's location, making it more convenient for the customers. In this chapter, we will discuss the critical elements of a financial model and a business plan for a mobile notary business.

Financial Model

A financial model is a projection of a company's financial performance for a given period. It includes income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. Here are some vital elements to consider while developing a financial model for a mobile notary business:

• Revenue Streams: Determine the sources of revenue, such as travel fees, notarial fees, and printing fees.
• Costs: Estimate the expenses, including transportation, marketing, insurance, and supplies.
• Pricing: Set competitive prices based on market research and target audience.
• Profit Margin: Calculate the profit margin to ensure a positive cash flow.

Business Plan

A business plan outlines the company's goals, mission, vision, strategy, and operational details. It serves as a roadmap to guide the business's growth and development. Here are some key components of a business plan for a mobile notary business:

• Executive Summary: An overview of the company's services, target market, and financial projections.
• Market Analysis: Define the target market, competitors, and marketing strategies.
• Service Offering: Describe the types of notary services offered and pricing.
• Financial Projections: Include a financial model with estimated revenue and expenses.
• Operational Plan: Define the process flow, scheduling, and customer service.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Tips & Tricks

• A mobile notary business can be operated as a part-time or full-time venture, depending on personal preferences and demand for services.
• Networking with local real estate agents, law firms, and businesses can help expand the client base.
• A local online presence such as creating social media profiles and listing the business on Google MY Business can increase visibility and attract clients.

Developing a comprehensive financial model and business plan is crucial for a successful mobile notary business. It can help identify potential challenges before they occur and provide a roadmap for growth and profitability.

2. Locate Potential Client Base

Identifying your target audience or potential clients is crucial for the success of any business, including a mobile notary business. In order to effectively market and promote your services, you need to know who your ideal clients are and where to find them. Here are some steps to help you locate your potential client base:

• Research your local area: Start by looking up the number of real estate agents, attorneys, and other professionals who may require notary services in your local area. Check the phonebook, online directories, and local business listings of your city or town.
• Create a client profile: Based on your research, identify the characteristics of your ideal clients, such as demographics, income, education, profession, etc. Use this information to create a client profile.
• Join online directories: Register with online business directories such as Google My Business, Yelp, and others. This helps potential clients to find your services more easily.
• Attend networking events: Attend networking events organized by local business groups and professional associations that your potential clients are likely to attend. This will provide you with opportunities to introduce yourself and your services to potential clients.
• Develop partnerships: Partner with other professionals who often require notary services, such as real estate agents, mortgage brokers, accountants, and attorneys. By establishing a good working relationship with these professionals, you can gain access to their clients and build your client base.
• Advertise your services: Use advertising methods such as flyers, signs, business cards, social media, and other online marketing platforms to reach your target audience. Ensure that your advertising material is appealing and informative to attract potential clients.
• Use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, to promote your services and connect with potential clients.
• Offer referral programs to encourage existing clients to refer new clients to your business.
• Provide high-quality and reliable services to your clients to build a good reputation and earn repeat business.

By following these steps, you can successfully identify your potential client base and effectively market your services to them. Remember to constantly evaluate and improve your marketing strategies to ensure continued success in your mobile notary business.

3. Research Notary Laws & Necessary Permits

Before starting a mobile notary business, it is crucial to research the notary laws and obtain the necessary permits. This will ensure that you are running a legitimate and legal business. Here are the steps to research notary laws and necessary permits:

• Check your state's notary requirements: Each state has its own notary laws, so it is important to research the requirements in your state.
• Complete notary training: Many states require notary training before operating as a notary. Consider taking courses through the National Notary Association or your state's notary commission.
• Apply for a notary commission: Contact your state's notary commission to apply for a notary commission and receive your notary seal.
• Obtain necessary permits: Depending on your location, there may be additional permits required such as a business license or home occupation permit. Check with your local government to ensure compliance.

Tips & Tricks:

• If you plan on offering services outside of your state, research that state's notary laws as well.
• Set up an appointment to meet with your state's notary commission to ask any questions and ensure that you have completed all necessary steps.
• Keep track of notary law updates and renewals to stay compliant with the law.

4. Obtain Funding & Start-Up Capital

Starting a mobile notary business will require adequate funding to cover initial expenses such as licensing, insurance, equipment, marketing, and other overhead costs. Here are ten steps to help you obtain funding and start-up capital:

• Determine your start-up costs: Before you begin searching for funding, you need to determine how much money you will need to start your business. You should consider all expenses, such as licensing, equipment, insurance, branding, and marketing.
• Consider self-funding: You might be able to fund your start-up yourself by using savings, personal loans, or credit cards. This option is ideal for entrepreneurs who have a strong credit score.
• Consult with a business consultant: A business consultant can help you identify funding sources. They can help you develop a business plan and a cash flow forecast to present to potential lenders.
• Look for grants: Some small business grants are available for entrepreneurs looking to start their own mobile notary business. You can search for grants offered by the federal government, state, or local government agencies, and private foundations.
• Explore small business loans: You can apply for a small business loan from a bank or credit union. These loans can provide you with the necessary start-up capital to get your mobile notary business off the ground. However, be prepared to provide collateral.
• Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding platforms can also be a source of start-up funding. You can create a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds from individual investors who believe in your business idea.
• Seek investors: You can seek out investors who are willing to provide start-up capital for your mobile notary business. However, you will need to create a solid business plan and demonstrate a viable revenue stream.
• Consider purchasing a franchise: If you don't want to start a mobile notary business from scratch, you might consider purchasing a franchise. Most franchises offer start-up funding as part of the initial investment.
• Think outside the box: You can also explore alternative funding options such as bartering services or getting a line of credit from a supplier.
• Make sure you're prepared to repay any loans: Regardless of the funding source, it is important to have a plan for repaying the money. You should have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions of any loans and be prepared to repay them in a timely manner to avoid penalties.
• Research your options: There are a variety of funding sources available, so be sure to do your research and find the one that works best for you.
• Have a solid business plan: Having a detailed business plan will help you secure funding. Make sure your business plan includes your mission, target market, marketing plan, and financial projections.
• Be prepared to negotiate: When seeking funding, be prepared to negotiate the terms of the loan. This can help you get better interest rates and repayment terms that work for your business.

By following these steps and exploring different funding options, you can secure the funding you need to start your mobile notary business. Remember to have a solid business plan and be prepared to repay any loans you take out to avoid penalties.

5. Purchase Required Equipment & Software

Once you have completed the legal formalities and marketing research, it's time to start setting up your mobile notary business. The most important step is to purchase the necessary equipment and software that will help you run your business. Here are some essential things you will need:

• A reliable laptop or desktop computer to manage your business operations, such as bookkeeping, record-keeping, and communication. You can also use a tablet, but it might be inconvenient to use as your primary device.
• A printer that can handle legal size documents as most notary signings require notarization of legal papers. Therefore, you must purchase a high-quality laser printer that can handle legal-sized documents efficiently.
• High-speed internet connectivity, whether it is at an office or home. You can't have glitches in communication while dealing with critical legal documents.
• A dedicated cellphone for business communication, emails, and scheduling appointments. You should also invest in a separate business phone line to make your professional image more credible.
• A notary seal and journal for recording your notarial acts. You must purchase a journal to record all the activities performed by you as a notary public.
• A cloud-based document storage system such as Google Drive or Dropbox to store all sensitive legal documents such as background checks and client data.
• Notary-specific software to manage your appointments, invoices, and client data such as NotaryGadget, NotaryAssist, or NotaryCam.
• TIP 1: Look for package deals that include software, printer, and notary seal. Some vendors provide comprehensive packages that have essential business equipment altogether, giving discounts on individual deals.
• TIP 2: Don't skimp while purchasing equipment. Always invest in high-quality hardware, especially when it comes to printers and computers.
• TIP 3: Don't forget to buy general supplies such as pens, paper, and post-it notes. You will also require paperclips, staplers, rubber bands, and file folders to keep everything organized.

After purchasing equipment and software, don't forget to subscribe to an e-notary service provider that will enable you to perform notarial duties electronically. Depending on which state you operate in, this might be mandatory. Before choosing a service provider, make sure to check your state's legal requirements and guidelines.

In conclusion, purchasing equipment and software is an essential step in starting your mobile notary business. As a mobile notary, you need to stay organized and ensure that you have all the necessary tools available at all times. Therefore, take the time to purchase the right equipment to establish a successful mobile notary business.

6. Design A Brand Identity & Collateral Material

Designing a strong brand identity is crucial to stand out from the competition and establish a professional image. Collateral materials such as business cards, brochures, and flyers can help promote the mobile notary business and attract potential clients. Follow these steps to create a memorable and effective brand identity and collateral material:

• Define the target audience: Identify the ideal customer and tailor the brand image and collateral material to their preferences and needs. Consider factors such as age, gender, income, and location.
• Create a logo: A logo should be simple, memorable, and relevant to the business. Hire a professional designer or use online logo makers to create a high-quality logo that represents the brand.
• Choose brand colors and fonts: Consistent use of colors and fonts across all collateral materials creates visual cohesion and brand recognition. Use colors and fonts that evoke the desired tone and emotions.
• Design business cards: Business cards should include the business name, logo, contact information, and a tagline if applicable. Use high-quality paper and consider adding a professional headshot.
• Create brochures and flyers: Brochures and flyers can be used to detail the services offered, pricing, and contact information. Use attention-grabbing headlines and images to make the material stand out.
• Create a website: A website is a powerful marketing tool that can expand the reach of the business. Hire a web designer or use website builders such as Wix or Squarespace to create a professional website. Include the logo, brand colors, and contact information on the website.
• Use branded stationery: Use branded stationery such as letterheads and envelopes to create a consistent brand image. Print the logo and contact information on the stationery.
• Create social media profiles: Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can be used to promote the business and connect with potential clients. Use the same brand image and messaging across all social media profiles.

Design Tips & Tricks

• Keep the logo simple and avoid complicated designs that may be difficult to reproduce or recognize.
• Choose colors and fonts that are legible and easy on the eyes. Avoid using too many colors and fonts that may clash.
• Make sure the website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate on a small screen.

By following these steps and tips, a mobile notary business can create a professional and memorable brand identity that will help attract and retain clients.

7. Establish Notary Bonds & Insurance Coverage

As a mobile notary business owner, it is important to establish notary bonds and insurance coverage to protect yourself and your clients. Notary bonds provide a layer of protection for your clients in the event that you make an error while performing a notarial act. Insurance coverage can help protect you from liability if you are sued by a client.

Notary Bonds

To establish notary bonds, you will need to find a reliable surety company. Notary bonds are typically required by state law and can vary in amount depending on your state. These bonds are purchased annually and can range from $5,000 to $25,000.

• Research surety companies
• Check state requirements for bond amount
• Purchase notary bond annually

Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage can protect you in the event of a lawsuit. It is important to find an insurance policy that specifically covers notary public services. Factors to consider when selecting insurance coverage include coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums.

• Find insurance policy that covers notary public services
• Consider coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums
• Purchase insurance policy
• Consider obtaining an errors and omissions insurance policy to provide additional protection.
• Be sure to read and understand the terms and conditions of your notary bond and insurance policy.
• Review your notary bond and insurance policy annually to ensure that you have adequate coverage.

Establishing notary bonds and insurance coverage is a crucial step in starting a mobile notary business. By obtaining these protections, you can operate your business with peace of mind and provide professional notarial acts to your clients knowing that they are protected.

8. Form Legal Entity & Register For Taxes

One of the crucial steps to launching your mobile notary business is to form a legal entity and register for taxes. This is important for protecting your personal assets, setting up your business structure, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Chapter 1: Choosing Your Business Structure

One of the first decisions you need to make is choosing the right business structure for your mobile notary business. Here are the most common options:

• Sole proprietorship: This is the simplest and easiest structure. You are the only owner and are personally responsible for all aspects of your business.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): This structure provides protection of your personal assets and separates your personal finances from your business finances. You can also choose to be taxed as a sole proprietor or a corporation.
• Corporation: A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners. It provides the highest level of protection for your personal assets.

Chapter 2: Registering Your Business

Once you have chosen your business structure, you need to register your business with the appropriate state and local agencies. This may include registering with the Secretary of State, obtaining business licenses and permits, and registering for sales tax.

Chapter 3: Obtaining an EIN

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a unique identifier for your business that is used for tax purposes. Even if you don't plan on hiring employees, you still need to obtain an EIN. You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website.

Chapter 4: Filing Taxes

As a mobile notary business owner, you will need to file taxes on a regular basis. This may include income taxes, payroll taxes, and sales taxes. It's important to keep detailed records of all your business expenses and income throughout the year to make tax filing easier.

• Consider consulting with a tax professional to advise you on tax compliance regulations for your business.
• Keep all your business records organized and in one place to make tax filing easier and efficient.
• Don't forget to file your taxes on time to avoid penalties and to maintain your good standing with the IRS and other government agencies.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your mobile notary business is set up for success and that you are complying with all legal and regulatory requirements. Forming a legal entity and registering for taxes can be time-consuming and confusing, so don't hesitate to get professional help if you need it.

9. Investigate & Implement Marketing Strategy

Marketing is a critical element for any business, and your mobile notary business is no exception. Without an effective marketing strategy, it will be challenging to attract customers and grow your business. Here are some chapters to help you investigate and implement a marketing strategy for your mobile notary business:

Chapter 1: Identify Your Target Market

The first step in developing an effective marketing strategy is to identify who your target market is. As a mobile notary business, you can serve a variety of clients, from individuals who need documents notarized to businesses that require notary services. Identify your target market, and then tailor your marketing efforts to reach them.

• Research the demographics of your target market, including their age, gender, income, and location
• Understand the needs and pain points of your target market
• Identify where your target market spends most of their time, both online and offline

Chapter 2: Establish Your Brand

Your brand is your business's identity, and it is what sets you apart from your competition. Building a strong and recognizable brand is crucial for building trust with your target audience.

• Create a logo and visual identity that reflects your brand values
• Develop a strong brand message that communicates your value proposition
• Ensure that your brand is consistent across all marketing channels

Chapter 3: Develop Your Marketing Channels

Once you have identified your target market and established your brand, the next step is to develop your marketing channels. There are several channels you can use to reach your target audience effectively.

• Create a mobile-friendly website that highlights your services, rates, and contact information
• Utilize social media to connect with potential clients and promote your services
• Partner with other businesses to reach their clients
• Consider advertising through Google or Facebook
• Be consistent in your messaging across all channels to build brand recognition
• Utilize local SEO to increase visibility in local search results
• Stay up to date on industry trends and adjust your marketing strategy accordingly

Chapter 4: Measure Your Results

Measuring your marketing efforts is crucial to determining what works and what doesn't. Without measurement, you won't be able to refine your marketing strategy to ensure continued growth.

• Utilize Google Analytics to track website traffic and user behavior
• Track leads and conversions using a CRM system
• Collect feedback from clients to gauge satisfaction and adjust your services accordingly

By following these chapters, you will be able to investigate and implement a marketing strategy that will help you attract and retain clients for your mobile notary business. Remember that marketing is an ongoing effort and requires regular adjustments to meet the changing needs of your target market.

10. Create Operations Process & Procedures

Creating a streamlined operations process is essential for the success of any business, including a mobile notary business. This process will ensure consistency and efficiency in your day-to-day operations, which will lead to happier clients and increased profits. Here are the steps to create a successful operations process:

• Define your services: Start by creating a comprehensive list of the services you will offer as a mobile notary business. Be specific about the type of documents you will notarize and any additional services such as loan signing or document translation.
• Create a pricing structure: Determine how much you will charge for your notary services. Make sure to include any extra fees for travel or rush service.
• Establish business policies: Set expectations for your clients by creating policies for cancellations, rescheduling, and payment. Make sure to clearly communicate these policies to clients.
• Develop standard operating procedures: Create a step-by-step guide for your daily operations, including scheduling appointments, preparing documents, and handling payments.
• Choose technology tools: Consider using software or mobile apps to help with scheduling, invoicing, and document management. This will help you stay organized and save time.
• Train employees: If you plan to hire employees, make sure to train them on your operations process and policies. This will ensure consistency in your services and avoid any confusion or mistakes.
• Consider outsourcing your administrative tasks such as bookkeeping, taxes, and marketing to a freelancer or virtual assistant to free up your time.
• Create a client database or CRM to keep track of appointments, contact information, and notes about each client.
• Regularly review and update your operations process to ensure it remains current and effective.

By following these steps, you will be able to create a solid operations process for your mobile notary business. This will help you streamline and standardize your processes, leading to greater client satisfaction, increased efficiency, and ultimately, more business success.

5-Year Excel

MAC & PC Compatible

Immediate Download

Related Articles

The surprising truth about profitability in the appliance store industry: a deep dive into the numbers, why investing in an alcohol treatment center is more profitable than you think, counting the profits: a closer look at the profitability of accounting agencies, the art of boosting profits in your a la carte restaurant: a comprehensive guide, airbnb: unpacking the profitability of one of the world's most successful companies., the untold story of how car washes are making a fortune: discover the profit potential today, pedaling to profit: unveiling the lucrative world of bicycle couriers, thirsty for success discover the untapped profit potential of running a beer bar, the beauty within profits: discovering the lucrative world of beauty salons, unlocking the profit potential: how to make your beach hotel more profitable, leave a comment.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

FREE Notary Templates

Ensure authenticity with our Notary Templates from Template.net. Streamline the certification process with our editable and customizable collection, crafted for precision and trustworthiness.

• Notary Template
• Notary Letter
• Notary Invoice
• Notary Acknowledgement

Get Access to World's largest Template Library & Tools

• Access to 1 Million+ Templates & Tools
• Unlimited access to Design & Documents AI editors
• Professionally Made Content and Beautifully Designed
• Instant Download & 100% Customizable

• Customer Reviews
• Net 30 Account
• Wise Services
• Steps & Timeline
• Work at a Glance
• Market Research at a Glance
• Business Plan Writing Services
• Bank Business Plan
• Investor Business Plan
• Franchise Business Plan
• Cannabis Business Plan
• Strategic Business Plan
• Corporate Business Plan
• Merge and Acquisition Business Plan (M&A)
• Private Placement Memorandums (PPM)
• Sample Business Plans
• Professional Feasibility Study
• PowerPoint Presentations
• Pitch Deck Presentation Services
• Business Plan Printing
• Market Research
• L-1 Business Plan
• E-2 Business Plan
• EB-5 Business Plan
• EB-5 Regional Centers
• Immigration Attorneys
• Nonprofit Business Plan
• Exit Business Planning
• Business Planning
• Business Formation
• Business License
• Business Website
• Business Branding
• Business Bank Account
• Digital Marketing
• Business Funding Resources
• Small Business Loans
• Venture Capital
• Net 30 Apply

Mobile Notary Business Plan

Are you looking to start your own mobile notary business? Becoming a mobile notary can be a rewarding and profitable venture. With the flexibility to work on your own schedule and the opportunity to assist individuals with their legal documentation needs, this profession offers great potential. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to create a successful mobile notary business plan.

Executive Summary

Market analysis, business description, services offered, marketing and promotion, pricing and revenue model, operational plan, legal and licensing requirements, technology and tools, financial projections, risk assessment, growth strategies.

The executive summary provides a brief overview of your mobile notary business plan. It should outline the key points and goals you aim to achieve. This section is typically written after the entire business plan is completed, as it summarizes the main highlights.

• Business Name and Location: Start by mentioning the name of your mobile notary business and the area where you plan to operate. This helps establish your presence and target market.
• Mission Statement: Clearly state the mission of your business. What is the purpose of your mobile notary services? Highlight how you aim to provide reliable, efficient, and convenient notary services to clients.
• Market Opportunity: Briefly discuss the market opportunity for mobile notary services in your target area. Explain the demand for such services and how you plan to capitalize on this opportunity.
• Unique Selling Proposition: Emphasize the unique aspects of your mobile notary business that differentiate you from competitors. Highlight any specialized services, expertise, or technology you bring to the table.

Want to write a business plan?

Hire professional business plan writers now!

Performing a thorough market analysis is essential before starting any business. Research the demand for mobile notary services in your target area. Identify the existing competition and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. Determine the market trends, potential growth opportunities, and any barriers to entry.

• Demand Assessment: Research the demand for mobile notary services in your target area. Analyze factors such as real estate activity, legal transactions, and population density to gauge the need for notary services.
• Competitor Analysis: Identify competitors in the market and evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and unique offerings. Understand their pricing, service quality, and customer satisfaction levels.
• Market Trends: Stay informed about current trends in the notary services industry, such as remote online notarization and changes in legal regulations. Adapt your business strategy to align with emerging trends.
• Growth Opportunities: Identify potential areas for growth, such as targeting underserved niches or forming partnerships with complementary businesses. Assess emerging industries or demographics with increased notary service needs.
• Barriers to Entry: Understand any regulatory requirements, licensing processes, and certifications necessary to enter the market. Overcome these barriers to establish a legally compliant and trustworthy business.

In this section, provide a detailed description of your mobile notary business. Explain the nature of your services and the benefits you offer to clients. Highlight what sets you apart from competitors and emphasize your unique selling points.

In this section, provide a detailed description of your mobile notary business. Explain the nature of your services and the benefits you offer to clients. Highlight what sets you apart from competitors and emphasize your unique selling points. Outline the services you will offer as a mobile notary. This may include notarizing legal documents, administering oaths, and witnessing signatures. Specify the geographical area you will cover and any limitations on your services. SwiftSign Notary Services is proud to offer a comprehensive range of mobile notary services to meet the diverse needs of our clients throughout the United States. Our experienced and professional notaries are committed to delivering efficient, reliable, and confidential services. Here are the key services we provide:

• Notarization of Legal Documents: We specialize in notarizing various legal documents, including:
• Real estate contracts, leases, and deeds
• Loan agreements, promissory notes, and mortgages
• Powers of attorney, affidavits, and consent forms
• Trusts, wills, and estate planning documents
• Business agreements, contracts, and partnership documents
• Oath Administration: Our skilled notaries are authorized to administer oaths and affirmations. We can assist with executing affidavits, depositions, and other legal documents that require a sworn statement.
• Signature Witnessing: We offer witnessing services for the signing of important documents. Our notaries verify the identity of the signatories and witness the signing process to ensure its validity.
• Mobile Services: As a mobile notary service, we understand the value of convenience for our clients. We are pleased to travel to their preferred locations, including homes, offices, hospitals, or any other mutually agreed-upon venue within the United States.
• Geographical Coverage: SwiftSign Notary Services operates nationwide, covering all states within the United States. We are dedicated to serving clients in every state, ensuring prompt and accessible notary services regardless of location.
• Limitations: While we strive to provide exceptional service, it’s important to note certain limitations:
• We are not licensed attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or guidance.
• Notarization requires the presence of all signatories and valid identification documents.
• We reserve the right to refuse notarization if the documents are incomplete, improperly prepared, or violate any legal requirements.
• Target Market Identify your target market based on demographic, geographic, and psychographic factors. Determine who your ideal clients are, such as real estate professionals, law firms, or individuals in need of notary services. Tailor your marketing efforts to reach this specific audience effectively.
• Real Estate Professionals: This includes realtors, brokers, property managers, and developers who require notarization services for real estate transactions.
• Legal Firms and Attorneys: We serve law firms and attorneys needing accurate notarization for legal documents.
• Small Business Owners: We cater to small business owners in need of notary services for their contracts and agreements.
• Individuals Needing Notary Services: We provide notarization for personal documents, such as wills, trusts, and medical directives.

Hire professional who can help write a business plan!

Develop a comprehensive marketing and promotion strategy to reach your target market. Consider utilizing online platforms, social media, and traditional advertising methods. Build a professional website and create informative content to establish yourself as an authority in the field.

Professional Website: A user-friendly website will be developed to showcase the services, expertise, and resources offered by SwiftSign Notary Services.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): The website will be optimized with relevant keywords to improve search engine rankings and increase online visibility.

Social Media Engagement: Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn will be utilized to engage the target audience through informative content and industry updates.

Content Marketing: Valuable content in the form of blog articles, guides, and videos will be created to position SwiftSign Notary Services as a trusted authority.

Online Advertising: Targeted online ads on platforms like Google and social media will be used to effectively reach the desired target market.

Partnerships and Referrals: Strategic partnerships will be established with real estate agencies, law firms, and other businesses to generate referrals and facilitate mutual growth.

Online Reviews and Testimonials: Clients will be encouraged to provide positive reviews and testimonials, enhancing trust and credibility in the services provided by SwiftSign Notary Services.

Determine your pricing structure and revenue model. Research the average rates for mobile notary services in your area and set competitive prices. Decide whether you will charge a flat fee or hourly rate and establish any additional charges for travel or document handling.

Market Research: We researched average rates in the local area to set competitive prices.

Flat Fee Pricing: We offer a flat fee pricing model for clarity and simplicity.

Additional Charges: Additional charges may apply for travel or document handling, communicated upfront.

Competitive Rates: We aim to provide competitive pricing while ensuring profitability.

Value-added Services: Optional value-added services, like expedited processing, may be available at an additional cost.

Revenue Generation: Revenue is generated through the provision of notary services.

Regular Evaluation: We periodically review and adjust pricing to remain competitive.

Outline the day-to-day operations of your mobile notary business. Define your working hours, appointment scheduling process, and customer service procedures. Consider the tools and resources you will need to operate efficiently, such as a reliable vehicle, notary supplies, and appointment management software.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexible scheduling options available.

Appointment Scheduling: Clients can schedule appointments online, by phone, or via email using our appointment management system.

Customer Service: Our responsive and knowledgeable team assists clients throughout the notarization process, addressing inquiries and concerns promptly.

Tools and Resources: We have a reliable vehicle, notary supplies, and utilize appointment management software for efficient service delivery.

Mobile Service: We travel to clients’ preferred locations, ensuring convenience and providing all necessary notary supplies.

Document Handling: We prioritize document security and confidentiality throughout the notarization process.

Continuous Improvement: We regularly evaluate and refine our processes, adopting industry best practices and incorporating client feedback.

Understand the legal and licensing requirements for mobile notaries in your jurisdiction. Research the qualifications, certifications, and any continuing education necessary to practice as a notary public. Ensure compliance with state regulations and obtain the required licenses and permits.

Research and Compliance: We thoroughly research and comply with the legal requirements specific to our jurisdiction.

Qualifications and Certifications: Our notaries meet the necessary qualifications and maintain up-to-date certifications.

Continuing Education: We prioritize ongoing professional development to stay updated on changes in laws and best practices.

Licenses and Permits: We obtain the required licenses and permits to operate as a mobile notary.

Recordkeeping and Compliance: We maintain meticulous recordkeeping practices and comply with all recordkeeping regulations.

Insurance Coverage: We consider obtaining professional liability insurance coverage for added protection.

Obtain appropriate insurance coverage to protect your business and clients. Consider professional liability insurance and general liability insurance to safeguard against potential claims or damages.

Professional Liability Insurance: We consider errors and omissions insurance to safeguard against potential claims or damages resulting from errors, omissions, or negligence during the notarization process.

General Liability Insurance: We evaluate the need for general liability insurance, which covers bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury claims that may occur during our mobile notary operations.

Coverage Limits: We carefully assess the appropriate coverage limits for both professional liability and general liability insurance based on our business needs and potential risks.

Insurance Provider Selection: We research and select reputable insurance providers with experience serving notary businesses, considering coverage options, policy terms, customer service, and pricing.

Regular Review: We periodically review our insurance coverage to ensure it remains adequate and up-to-date, adjusting as our business evolves or regulations change.

Utilize technology and tools to streamline your operations and enhance your professionalism. Invest in a reliable laptop or tablet for document management and communication. Consider using electronic signature software and secure cloud storage for efficient and secure record-keeping.

Laptop or Tablet: We use reliable devices for document management and communication on the go.

Electronic Signature Software: We employ electronic signature software for convenient and secure document signing.

Secure Cloud Storage: We utilize cloud storage for efficient and secure document management.

Appointment Management Software: We employ scheduling tools to optimize our calendar and appointment booking process.

Communication Tools: We leverage email, messaging apps, and video conferencing platforms for effective client communication.

Create realistic financial projections for your mobile notary business. Estimate your startup costs, including notary supplies, marketing expenses, and insurance premiums. Project your monthly and annual revenue based on the anticipated number of clients and average service fees.

Startup Costs: Estimate initial expenses, including notary supplies, marketing, insurance premiums, and necessary equipment or software.

Revenue Forecast: Project monthly and annual revenue based on anticipated client numbers and average service fees.

Expenses: Calculate operational costs such as marketing, office supplies, transportation, insurance, and professional fees.

Profitability: Assess the profitability of the business by subtracting expenses from projected revenue.

Financial Milestones: Set goals and milestones to track progress and guide financial decisions.

Review and Adjustment: Regularly review projections, comparing them to actual performance and making necessary adjustments.

Identify potential risks and challenges that may affect your mobile notary business. Develop contingency plans for situations such as canceled appointments, equipment failure, or legal issues. Mitigate risks by implementing proper security measures and maintaining professional conduct.

Canceled Appointments: Mitigate risks through clear communication, appointment policies, and efficient rescheduling.

Equipment Failure: Maintain backup equipment, conduct regular maintenance, and have contingency plans in place.

Legal Issues: Stay updated on regulations, maintain proper documentation, and seek legal advice when necessary.

Data Security and Privacy: Implement security measures and comply with privacy regulations to protect client information.

Professional Conduct: Uphold ethical standards, provide exceptional service, and prioritize client confidentiality.

Market Competition: Differentiate through exceptional service, client relationships, and effective marketing strategies.

Outline your strategies for business growth and expansion. Consider offering additional services, such as loan signing or remote online notarization, to diversify your revenue streams. Explore partnerships with other professionals in related industries to broaden your network and reach.

Diversify Services: Expand offerings to include loan signing and remote online notarization.

Market Expansion: Target new areas to reach a wider customer base.

Partnerships: Collaborate with professionals in related industries for referrals and networking.

Online Presence: Establish a strong digital presence for brand visibility and client acquisition.

Client Retention: Prioritize customer satisfaction for positive referrals and repeat business.

Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends and regulations for expertise and credibility.

Free: Business Plan Examples

Checkout our free sample business plan.

Starting a mobile notary business can be a rewarding venture with careful planning and execution. By following the steps outlined in this business plan, you can establish a successful and thriving mobile notary practice. Stay committed, continuously adapt to market trends, and provide exceptional service to build a strong reputation in the industry.

Earnings as a mobile notary can vary depending on factors such as the demand for services in your area, the number of clients you serve, and the fees you charge. On average, mobile notaries can earn between $30 and $100 per appointment.

The qualifications to become a mobile notary can vary by jurisdiction. In most cases, you will need to meet the minimum age requirement, complete a notary education course, and pass a state-administered exam. Some states may also require a background check.

To market your mobile notary services effectively, create a professional website, establish a strong online presence through social media, network with local professionals in related industries, and consider targeted advertising in real estate or legal publications.

It is essential to have professional liability insurance and general liability insurance for your mobile notary business. These policies can provide financial protection in case of errors or omissions during the notarization process or any other unexpected incidents.

Yes, operating a mobile notary business on a part-time basis is possible. Many mobile notaries begin their business as a side venture while maintaining other employment commitments. However, it is crucial to manage your schedule effectively to ensure availability for clients.

Quick Links

• Investor Business Plans
• M&A Business Plan
• Private Placement
• Feasibility Study
• Hire a Business Plan Writer
• Business Valuation Calculator
• Business Plan Examples
• Real Estate Business Plan
• Business Plan Template
• Business Plan Pricing Guide
• Business Plan Makeover
• SBA Loans, Bank Funding & Business Credit
• Finding & Qualifying for Business Grants
• Leadership for the New Manager
• Content Marketing for Beginners
• All About Crowdfunding
• EB-5 Regional Centers, A Step-By-Step Guide
• Logo Designer
• Landing Page
• PPC Advertising

• Business Entity
• Business Licensing
• Virtual Assistant
• Business Phone
• Business Address
• E-1 Visa Business Plan
• EB1-A Visa Business Plan
• EB1-C Visa Business Plan
• EB2-NIW Business Plan
• H1B Visa Business Plan
• O1 Visa Business Plan
• Business Brokers
• Merger & Acquisition Advisors
• Franchisors

Proud Sponsor of

• 1-800-496-1056

• (613) 800-0227

• +44 (1549) 409190

• +61 (2) 72510077

Need a business plan? Call now:

Talk to our experts:

• Business Plan for Investors
• Bank/SBA Business Plan
• Operational/Strategic Planning
• L1 Visa Business Plan
• E1 Treaty Trader Visa Business Plan
• E2 Treaty Investor Visa Business Plan
• EB1 Business Plan
• EB2 Visa Business Plan
• EB5 Business Plan
• Innovator Founder Visa Business Plan

UK Start-Up Visa Business Plan

• UK Expansion Worker Visa Business Plan
• Manitoba MPNP Visa Business Plan
• Start-Up Visa Business Plan
• Nova Scotia NSNP Visa Business Plan
• British Columbia BC PNP Visa Business Plan
• Self-Employed Visa Business Plan
• OINP Entrepreneur Stream Business Plan
• LMIA Owner Operator Business Plan
• ICT Work Permit Business Plan
• LMIA Mobility Program – C11 Entrepreneur Business Plan
• USMCA (ex-NAFTA) Business Plan
• Franchise Business Planning 
• Landlord Business Plan 
• Nonprofit Start-Up Business Plan 
• USDA Business Plan
• Cannabis business plan 
• eCommerce business plan
• Online Boutique Business Plan
• Mobile Application Business Plan
• Daycare business plan
• Restaurant business plan
• Food Delivery Business Plan
• Real Estate Business Plan
• Business Continuity Plan
• Buy Side Due Diligence Services
• ICO whitepaper
• ICO consulting services
• Confidential Information Memorandum
• Private Placement Memorandum
• Feasibility study
• Fractional CFO
• How it works
• Business Plan Examples

Mobile Notary Business Plan Example

Published Aug.02, 2021

Updated Apr.23, 2024

By: Noor Muhammad

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 3

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Table of Content

Mobile notary business plan for starting your own business

Even with all the modernization and the availability of biometric verification and digital signature services, the importance of good old notary publics cannot be neglected. In this mobile notary business plan pdf, we will walk you through everything, from start to end, that is involved in creating a franchise business plan for mobile notary services.

If you stick around till the end of this sample business plan for a mobile notary service, you can also get a business plan for green house that you can use if you don’t want to make a living seeing people sign boring documents.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

Walker Mobile Notary will be a notary public services business based in Cleveland, Ohio. It will provide all the services form document attestation to signature verification and from contract registration to affidavit registration.

2.2 Management of Mobile Notary Business

No sample business plan mobile notary can be complete without talking about the management structure that will be used to effectively run the business. Here, the business will be headed by the owner and CEO Paul Walker. Walker, who is a retired attorney, will hire a manager to handle the business and will employ five notary publics to provide the services. An accountant will also be hired to keep track of the money moving into and out of the business.

Just like starting a micro winery , this business will need to have a strong management structure to be run efficiently and to make profit.

2.3 Customers of Mobile Notary

We need to determine the customers this business will be serving. This is one of the most important part of writing business plan for investors . The main customers will be the following:

• People who want to get a contract verified.
• People who want to get an agreement registered.
• People who want to sign an affidavit in the presence of a notary public.
• People who are obligated by the law to get documents verified by a notary.

2.4 Business Target

The target of this business is to make a lot of money by providing notary services to people at their doorstep. To meet that target, the goals of the business will be divided into the following:

• Making a reputable name for the business.
• Expanding the services to the whole city of Cleveland and then the nearby areas.
• Making as much money as possible.
• Getting permanent clients for the business.

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

The owner is one of the most important things in any sample notary public business plan. The owner of Walker Mobile Notary is Paul Walker. He is a retired district attorney and knows in detail how to make and execute a notary signing agent business plan. Let’s now see the next part of this free notary business plan.

3.2 Why the Mobile Notary Business is being started?

The next thing that we need to touch in this mobile notary business plan pdf is the reason why this business is being started. When Walker retired from his position as the district attorney, he felt that there was no mobile notary services provider in the whole city. He wanted to start a business of his own before all this. He went through a business plan for janitorial services and a business plan for the cyber security but finally decided that he needed to do something related to his field of experience and that turned out to be opening a mobile notary business.

3.3 How the Mobile Notary Business will be started?

Step1: Planning

The first thing that needs to be done to start a mobile notary business is planning. This was easy for Paul as he was in the same industry for a long time and knows how to plan and execute this business. He has carried out a survey and planned the feasibility of starting this business in the area.

Step2: Registration

The next thing that needs to be done is to register with the local law-enforcing authorities and justice system. A notary can only carry out notarial services if they are registered with the local justice department. This will also not be a problem for Paul.

Step3: Establishing an Office   

The next thing to do is to establish an office where the business will be based. Paul is looking to make the office in a place near the district courts so that he can provide mobile and on-the-spot notarial services.

Step4: Marketing  

Making the business known to the people who are expected to be customers will also be one of the most important things in starting the business. Paul plans to spare no expense in advertising and marketing the business.

The next topic that we need to touch in this notary public business plan pdf template is the nature of services that this business aims to provide. This is just about the most important part of writing a business plan notary service. Here are the services that will be provided by this business:

Document Attestation

We will provide document attestation services to people in Cleveland who cannot get to a notary’s office.

Contract Validation

People who want to sign a contract and get it registered by a notary will also be given the services where they can call us and get the contract validated.

Signature Verification

There are some documents that are only valid when signed in the presence of a notary public. We will provide these signature validation services too.

Agreement Validation

If someone wants an agreement to be registered at a notary’s office, we will offer the services for that.

Marketing Analysis of Mobile Notary

The next important thing in the mobile notary business plan examples is the marketing analysis of the market we are going to enter. This is the most important part of any law firm sample business plan as we need to be clear about what services we intend to provide and who is already providing the services. The difference between the availability and demand of these services is what makes the business profitable. Let’s now have a look at the market trends as they are also a very important part of this notary business plan.

5.1 Market Trends

Before making this notary business plan template, we ran a complete analysis of the market trends. It was evident from our surveys for this sample business plan for a mobile notary service that the demand for mobile notary services has been on a steady rise since the last 5 years. More and more people want mobile notary services, and the service providers are not increasing at the same rate as the demand. That makes this business more profitable than anything like a judgement recovery business plan .

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

The customers of Walker Mobile Notary will be from the following Segments:

5.2.1 Corporate Clients

Big corporations where hundreds of agreements and contracts are signed on a regular basis will be a profitable market segment for us.

5.2.2 Small Businesses

The need for signing contracts and getting them attested by a notary public is also there in small businesses. These will not be very high-paying clients but will still be a considerable market segment for the business.

5.2.3 Private Customers

Private customers who want a sale deed or any other agreement signed and verified by a notary will also be a market segment for us.

5.2.4 Government Agencies

Government agencies can also sometimes need the services of a mobile notary and we will provide them just that.

5.3 Business Target

• To become a well-reputed name in the business.
• To make as much money as possible.
• To deliver notary services at the doorstep of those in need.
• To provide all sorts of notary services to all market segments.

5.4 Product Pricing

Walker Mobile Notary will price the services twice as much as other notaries are charging. This will be done because there are no other mobile notary services providers in the area, and we can use that to our advantage. We will offer discounts to repeat customers and corporate clients.

Marketing Strategy

Another important thing that we need to touch in this notary public business plan is the marketing strategy that will be used for the business. To make a complete and actionable marketing strategy for any notary business plan pdf it is necessary to run a complete competitive analysis and then make a sales strategy according to the prevailing circumstances in the industry. Paul has done just that and here is the result of his research and working.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• We have gathered intel and have come to know that the area does not have any mobile notary service provider.
• The notary publics working in the area are not sufficient for the needs of the are and people often have to wait for hours to get their documents attested.
• There is an overwhelming demand for mobile notary services in the area with some people even saying thy are willing to pay 5 times the fee of a notary public if thy can get them to visit them at home.

6.2 Sales Strategy

• Walker Mobile Notary will offer discounted rates for the first six months.
• The business will be advertised using all available media outlets.
• Free private attestation services will be provided to corporate clients.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Personnel plan

Another part of enterprise due diligence is the assessment of manpower that will be needed to run the company. As this is a services business and not a products one, this business plan for notary public will need a lot of manpower to run. To make this mobile notary business plan a success, it is imperative that you hire the right people and the right number of people.

7.1 Company Staff

The following people will be needed to run the business:

• Paul Walker will be the owner and CEO of the business.
• 2 managers for operations and marketing.
• 4 Mobile Notary Publics.
• 1 Email correspondent.
• 2 Office Assistants.
• 1 reception clerk.
• 1 telephone operator.

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial Plan

The last part of any notary public business plans is the discussion of the finances involved in starting and running the business.  This business will not require a lot of investment. However, the person starting the business will have to arrange for the following expenses:

• The cost of getting the business registered.
• The salary of employees.
• The cost of establishing the business.
• The money needed to buy furniture and other things for the office.
• The cost of establishing an online presence.
• The cost to buy cars for visiting notaries.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 Break-even Analysis

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 Profit Monthly

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 Business Ratios

Mobile Notary Business Plan Sample in PDF

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

Ice Vending Machine Business Plan

OGScapital at the National Citizenship and Immigration Conference

How to Start a Plumbing Business in 2024: A Detailed Guide

Vegetable Farming Business Plan

Trading Business Plan

How To Write A Textile Manufacturing Business Plan

Any questions? Get in Touch!

We have been mentioned in the press:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Search the site:

BizFundingResource.com

Notary Business Plan and SWOT Analysis

Notary Business Plan, Marketing Plan, How To Guide, and Funding Directory

The Notary Business Plan and Business Development toolkit features 18 different documents that you can use for capital raising or general business planning purposes. Our product line also features comprehensive information regarding to how to start a Notary business. All business planning packages come with easy-to-use instructions so that you can reduce the time needed to create a professional business plan and presentation.

Your Business Planning Package will be immediately available for download after your purchase.

• Bank/Investor Ready!
• Complete Industry Research
• 3 Year Excel Financial Model
• Business Plan (26 to 30 pages)
• Loan Amortization and ROI Tools
• Three SWOT Analysis Templates
• Easy to Use Instructions
• All Documents Delivered in Word, Excel, and PDF Format
• Meets SBA Requirements

Notaries survey number of important functions as it relates to the closing of large transactions given that they are able to confirm the identities of anyone that is signing a document. These individuals are able to testify in court as to what documents were signed by what individuals on a certain date and at a certain time. As such, notary businesses are almost always able to remain profitable and cash flow positive given that these services are needed for any type of transactional work. Most often these individual notary businesses have ongoing relationships with attorneys, business brokers, title insurance companies, insurance firms, and automotive businesses given that these businesses frequently require the notary is present when documentation is signed. One of the common trends within this industry is that a notary will operate on a mobile basis. Given that real estate closings, vehicle sales, and other large transactions occur in a number of different places – it is now very common for notaries to travel from place to place in order to render their services.

These types businesses enjoyed moderate barriers to entry given an individual must become a notary public before they are able to provide the service to the general public. This is usually a modestly complex process involves taking a test, receiving recommendations from other public officials, and submitting a bonding form so that in the event that something goes wrong the individuals are insured against errors and omissions.

The startup costs associated with the new notary business are very low given that once an individual receives their commission they are able to operate by simply just advertising their services to the general public. The gross margins for notary services typically range anywhere from 75% all the way to 100% depending on whether or not fuel costs are considered as part of the cost of goods sold for traveling to each location in which a notary as needed. Many notary public’s have also now taken to accepting credit cards as a form of payment at the time the transaction.

A notary SWOT analysis is usually produced in conjunction with both a business plan and a marketing plan. As it relates to strengths, notaries are almost always able to produce a positive income simply by being present at large-scale transactions. Barriers to entry are considered to be moderate given that it is a time-consuming process to become a notary public. The startup costs are very low and typically range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on whether or not a vehicle is going to be acquired in conjunction with providing notary services. The demand for notaries does not wane even in times of economic recession as people are still going to carry out large-scale transactions.

Pertaining to weaknesses, anyone who has a clean background and is a competent person can become a notary. There are no educational requirements outside of a small class that is usually offered several times a year by most states. As such, one of the things that many notary publics do in order to remedy this competitive issue is to develop ongoing and continued relationships with a number of businesses that require notaries on an ongoing basis. Additionally, many notaries will engage in a broad-based marketing campaign in order to ensure that they are ably found by the public very easily.

As it relates to opportunities, many notaries will seek to operate their business in an agency capacity wherein they will receive ongoing orders for notary public services and will recruit a number of other individuals I can provide this service to the general public. This is really the only way that many notary businesses grow given that this is a specialized service that is not often needed but is decent enough where an individual can carry out this service from time to time. As such, it is imperative that the individual was expand the business is able to properly recruit additional people that work on behalf of the company.

For threats, this is one of the best things about this business is that there are very little ongoing threats outside of competitive issues. There is no risk of automation given that an individual human being must become a licensed notary public before they are able to provide the services. However, some states are now allowing for online viewing of documentation and identity verification. As such, it would be a smart business decision to have a notary service that allows for the online processing of documentation when applicable. Some states are beginning to allow this in order to reduce the cost associated with providing notary services.

A notary business plan should be developed if an individual is seeking a working capital line of credit for private investment in order to provide the services to the general public. This business plan should have a three-year profit and loss statement, cash flow analysis, balance sheet, breakeven analysis, and business ratios page. Given the low start up costs associated with a new notary business most banks and lenders are willing to extend a line of credit for small business loan without having to go through much of a large-scale loan application process. This is primarily due to the fact these businesses do not require much capital at all and once a person receives their commission as a notary public – they simply travel from place to place as needed. Usually, if an individual is seeking capital in order to start a new notary business now typically doing so for the acquisition of tangible equipment and working capital. As such, most financial institutions, lenders, and banks are willing to extend this credit given the high demand and large amount of tangible assets that are typically used with borrowed funds.

A notary marketing plan should be developed in conjunction with both the business plan and SWOT analysis in order to present to any third party how the business intends to generate customer base. For most, and as discussed above – most notaries aggressively engage in marketing their services to law firms, real estate brokerages, real estate agents, business brokerages, mortgage lenders, and automotive businesses that have ongoing needs for notaries from time to time. It should be noted that some third-party companies to employ a notary public in house but this is not often done. One of the fastest ways that a notary business can generate revenue is by establishing ongoing relationships with the aforementioned parties.

An online presence is also important for a notary business given that many people will use popular search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Bing, and AOL in order to find specialized local services. The cost of developing a website specific for notary business is very low given that there is nothing that is really needed outside of the description of services offered, the backgrounds of notaries, and a simple contact form that the individual can get in touch with the company very quickly. Generally, there is very little competition in any market for notary services so obtaining high rankings in search results is pretty easy once the website and business have been established for at least one year.

Many people also maintain a FaceBook page, Twitter account, and Google+ account in order to further expand the visibility of their notary operations. One of the nice things about maintaining a profile on popular social media platforms that sometimes people will ask their friends and family for a recommendation of services, like local notaries, and the business can be easily found this way. The cost associated with developing and maintaining this type of social media platform are either zero or very little depending on how much marketing the individuals going to do. As such, online marketing can be one of the most effective ways for receiving visits from the general public as the business is building its referral base among law firms and related entities.

A notary is going to be required in major transactions at all times. By virtue of law, these businesses are almost always able to have demand for their services on a year-round basis. Generally, notaries experience a significant uptick in the business during the spring months when more realistic closings are being carried out. One of the nice things about these businesses beyond their low barriers to entry and low start up costs is that they can be readily expanded as needed. By operating an agency capacity – a notary can aggressively expand this business so that it can have generate significant billable hours on a month-to-month basis.

1.0 Executive Summary

The purpose of this business plan is to raise $150,000 for the development of a notary and business services company while showcasing the expected financials and operations over the next three years. Notary, Inc. (“the Company”) is a New York based corporation that will provide notary and ancillary businesses services. The Company was founded by John Doe.

1.1 The Operations

As stated above, the business will render state based notary services to legal professionals, businesses, and individuals that need to have documents notarized. The business may also provide specialized preprinted legal forms to the general public if required by a client. The business intends to operate as an agency for independent notaries as well.

The Company will also recognize revenues from ancillary services such as ongoing large scale notary services for law firms and other organizations that have frequent notarization needs.

The third section of the business plan will further describe the services offered by the Notary.

1.2 The Financing

Mr. Doe is seeking to raise $150,000 from as a bank loan. The interest rate and loan agreement are to be further discussed during negotiation. This business plan assumes that the business will receive a 10 year loan with a 9% fixed interest rate. The financing will be used for the following:

• Development of the Company’s Notary location.
• Financing for the first six months of operation.
• Capital to purchase general office equipment.

Dr. Doe will contribute $25,000 to the venture.

1.3 Mission Statement

Management’s mission is to develop Notary, Inc. into a premier notary and business services agency within the New York metropolitan area.

1.4 Management Team

The Company was founded by Mr. John Doe. Mr. Doe has more than 10 years of experience as notary and business owner. Through his expertise, he will be able to bring the operations of the business to profitability within its first year of operations.

1 . 5 Revenue Forecasts

1.6 Expansion Plan

The Founder expects that the business will aggressively expand during the first three years of operation. Mr. Doe intends to implement marketing campaigns that will effectively target effected individuals, businesses, and law firms within the target market.

2.0 The Financing

2.1 Registered Name and Corporate Structure

Notary, Inc. The Company is registered as a corporation in the State of New York.

2.2 Use of Funds

2.3 Investor Equity

Mr. Doe is not seeking an investment from a third party at this time.

2.4 Management Equity

John Doe owns 100% of the Notary, Inc.

2.5 Exit Strategy

If the business is very successful, Dr. Doe may seek to sell the practice to a third party for a significant earnings multiple. Most likely, the Company will hire a qualified business broker to sell the business on behalf of Notary, Inc. Based on historical numbers, the business could fetch a sales premium of up to 2 to 3 times earnings.

3.0 Operations

As stated in the executive summary, Notary, Inc. will provide notarization services to law firms, businesses, and individuals that have notary needs. The business will also sell a variety of preprinted legal forms that will assist individuals with their ongoing legal filing needs.

All individuals retained by the business will be required to have an appropriate notary license granted by the State. The business will confirm this matter prior to hiring any associate notary.

4.0 Market and Strategic Analysis

4.1 Economic Analysis

This section of the analysis will detail the economic climate, the notary industry, the customer profile, and the competition that the business will face as it progresses through its business operations.

Currently, the economic condition as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly improving. Interest rates have remained low, which has led to substantial improvement in the economy. Although there are issues with inflation, the US Federal Reserve has indicated that they are willing to adjust monetary policy to combat this issue. The economy is moving back towards normal at this time.

4.2 Industry Analysis

Within the United States, there are approximately 15,400 businesses that provide supportive legal services (which includes notary services). Each year, these businesses aggregately generate more than $11.6 billion of revenues while concurrently providing jobs to more than 100,000.

This is a mature industry and the expected growth rate is expected to remain on par with that of the general business economy.

4.3 Customer Profile

Management anticipates that the business will have a number of different clients including:

• Individuals with notary needs.
• Law firms that have substantial notary needs.
• Businesses that frequently file notarized business forms (especially among debt servicing and financial businesses.)

Among businesses and law firms, Management anticipates that these companies will generate $100,000 to $300,000 per year and will spend $1,000 to $2,000 per year with Notary, Inc.

4.4 Competitive Analysis

This is one of the sections of the business plan that you must write completely on your own. The key to writing a strong competitive analysis is that you do your research on the local competition. Find out who your competitors are by searching online directories. If there are a number of competitors in the same industry (meaning that it is not feasible to describe each one) then showcase the number of businesses that compete with you, and why your business will provide customers with service/products that are of better quality or less expensive than your competition.

5.0 Marketing Plan

Notary intends to maintain an extensive marketing campaign that will ensure maximum visibility for the business in its targeted market. Below is an overview of the marketing strategies and objectives of the Notary, Inc.

5 .1 Marketing Objectives

• Develop an online presence by developing a website and placing the Company’s name and contact information with online directories.
• Implement a local campaign with the Company’s targeted market via the use of flyers, local newspaper advertisements, and word of mouth.
• Establish relationships with law firms, debt collection agencies, financial services firms, and other businesses within the target market.

5.2 Marketing Strategies

Mr. Doe intends on using a number of marketing strategies that will allow Notary, Inc. to easily target its demographics within the New York metropolitan area. These strategies include traditional print advertisements and ads placed on search engines on the Internet. Below is a description of how the business intends to market its services to the general public.

Notary, Inc. will also use an internet based strategy. This is very important as many people seeking local services, such as specialized legal support and notary services, now the Internet to conduct their preliminary searches. Mr. Doe will register the Notary with online portals so that potential customers can easily reach the business. The Company will also develop its own online website.

The Company will maintain a sizable amount of print and traditional advertising methods within local markets to promote the notary and legal support services that the Company is selling.

5.3 Pricing

In this section, describe the pricing of your services and products. You should provide as much information as possible about your pricing as possible in this section. However, if you have hundreds of items, condense your product list categorically. This section of the business plan should not span more than 1 page.

6.0 Organizational Overview

6.1 Organizational Chart

6.2 Personnel Budget

7.0 Financial Plan

7.1 Underlying Assumptions

The Company has based its proforma financial statements on the following:

• Notary, Inc. will have an annual revenue growth rate of 16% per year.
• The Owner will acquire $150,000 of debt funds to develop the business.
• The loan will have a 10 year term with a 5% interest rate.

7.2 Financial Highlights

In the event of an economic downturn, the Company will not see a major decline in revenues. The demand for notary services remains static as people, businesses, financial service firms, and law firms require these services on an ongoing basis.

7.3 Source of Funds

7.4 Profit and Loss Statement

7.5 Cash Flow Analysis

7.6 Balance Sheet

7.7 Breakeven Analysis

7.8 Business Ratios

8 Business Plan Templates You Can Get for Free

8 min. read

Updated April 10, 2024

A business plan template can be an excellent tool to simplify the creation of your business plan. 

The pre-set structure helps you organize ideas, covers all critical business information, and saves you time and effort on formatting.

The only issue? There are SO many free business plan templates out there. 

So, which ones are actually worth using? 

To help remove the guesswork, I’ve rounded up some of the best business plan templates you can access right now. 

These are listed in no particular order, and each has its benefits and drawbacks.

What to look for in a business plan template

Not all business plan templates are created equal. As you weigh your options and decide which template(s) you’ll use, be sure to review them with the following criteria in mind:

• Easy to edit: A template should save you time. That won’t be the case if you have to fuss around figuring out how to edit the document, or even worse, it doesn’t allow you to edit at all.
• Contains the right sections: A good template should cover all essential sections of a business plan , including the executive summary, product/service description, market/competitive analysis, marketing and sales plan, operations, milestones, and financial projections. 
• Provides guidance: You should be able to trust that the information in a template is accurate. That means the organization or person who created the template is highly credible, known for producing useful resources, and ideally has some entrepreneurial experience.
• Software compatibility: Lastly, you want any template to be compatible with the software platforms you use. More than likely, this means it’s available in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or PDF format at a minimum. 

1. Bplans — A plan with expert guidance

Since you’re already on Bplans, I have to first mention the templates that we have available. 

Our traditional and one-page templates were created by entrepreneurs and business owners with over 80 years of collective planning experience. We revisit and update them annually to ensure they are approachable, thorough, and aligned with our team’s evolving best practices.  

The templates, available in Word, PDF, or Google Doc formats, include in-depth guidance on what to include in each section, expert tips, and links to additional resources. 

Plus, we have over 550 real-world sample business plans you can use for guidance when filling out your template.

Download: Traditional lender-ready business plan template or a simple one-page plan template .

Brought to you by

Create a professional business plan

Using ai and step-by-step instructions.

Secure funding

Validate ideas

Build a strategy

2. SBA — Introduction to business plans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers two different business plan templates along with a short planning guide. 

While not incredibly in-depth, it’s enough to help you understand how traditional and lean plans are structured and what information needs to be covered. The templates themselves are more like examples, providing you with a finished product to reference as you write your plan.

The key benefit of using these templates is that they were created by the SBA. While they may provide less guidance, you can be assured that the information and structure meet their expectations.

Explore: The SBA’s planning guide and free templates

3. SCORE — Planning workbook

SCORE’s template is more like a workbook. It includes exercises after each section to help you get your ideas down and turn them into a structured plan.

The market research worksheets are especially useful. They provide a clear framework for identifying your target market and analyzing competitors from multiple angles. Plus, they give you an easy way to document all the information you’re collecting.

You will likely have to remove the exercises in this template to make it investor-ready. But it can be worth it if you’re struggling to get past a blank page and want a more interactive planning method.

Download: SCORE’s business plan template

4. PandaDoc — A template with fillable forms

PandaDoc’s library offers a variety of industry-specific business plan templates that feature a modern design flair and concise instructions. 

These templates are designed for sharing. They include fillable fields and sections for non-disclosure agreements, which may be necessary when sending a plan to investors.  

But the real benefit is their compatibility with PandaDoc’s platform. Yes, they are free, but if you’re a PandaDoc subscriber, you’ll have far more customization options. 

Out of all their templates, the standard business plan template is the most in-depth. The rest, while still useful, go a bit lighter on guidance in favor of tailoring the plan to a specific industry.

Explore: PandaDoc’s business plan template library  

5. Canva — Pitch with your plan

Canva is a great option for building a visually stunning business plan that can be used as a pitch tool. It offers a diverse array of templates built by their in-house team and the larger creative community, meaning the number of options constantly grows.

You will need to verify that the information in the template you choose matches the standard structure of a traditional business plan. 

You should do this with any template, but it’s especially important with any tool that accepts community submissions. While they are likely reviewed and approved, there may still be errors.

Remember, you can only edit these templates within Canva. Luckily, you only need a free subscription, and you may just miss out on some of the visual assets being used. 

To get the most value, it may be best to create a more traditional planning document and transfer that information into Canva. 

Explore: Canva’s business plan gallery

6. ClickUp — The collaborative template

Out of all the project management tools that offer free business plan templates, ClickUp’s is the most approachable.

Rather than throwing you into all the features and expecting you to figure it out—ClickUp provides a thorough startup guide with resource links, images, and videos explaining how to write a plan using the tool. 

There’s also a completed sample plan (structured like an expanded one-page plan) for you to reference and see how the more traditional document can connect to the product management features. You can set goals, target dates, leave comments, and even assign tasks to someone else on your team. 

These features are limited to the ClickUp platform and will not be useful for everyone. They will likely get in the way of writing a plan you can easily share with lenders or investors. 

But this is a great option if you’re looking for a template that makes internal collaboration more fluid and keeps all your information in one place.

Sign Up: Get a free trial of ClickUp and explore their template library

7. Smartsheet — A wide variety of templates

I’m including Smartsheet’s library of templates on this list because of the sheer number of options they provide. 

They have a simple business plan template, a one-page plan, a fill-in-the-blank template, a plan outline, a plan grading rubric, and even an Excel-built project plan. All are perfectly usable and vary in visual style, depth of instructions, and the available format.

Honestly, the only drawback (which is also the core benefit) is that the amount of templates can be overwhelming. If you’re already uncertain which plan option is right for you, the lengthy list they provide may not provide much clarity.

At the same time, it can be a great resource if you want a one-stop shop to view multiple plan types.

Explore: Smartsheet’s business plan template library  

8. ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan

I’m adding ReferralRock’s template to this list due to its specificity. 

It’s not your standard business plan template. The plan is tailored with specific sections and guidance around launching an affiliate marketing business. 

Most of the template is dedicated to defining how to choose affiliates, set commissions, create legal agreements, and track performance.

So, if you plan on starting an affiliate marketing business or program, this template will provide more specific guidance. Just know that you will likely need to reference additional resources when writing the non-industry sections of your plan.

Download: ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan template

Does it matter what business plan template you use?

The short answer is no. As long as the structure is correct, it saves you time, and it helps you write your business plan , then any template will work. 

What it ultimately comes down to, is what sort of value you hope to get from the template. 

• Do you need more guidance? 
• A simple way to structure your plan? 
• An option that works with a specific tool?
• A way to make your plan more visually interesting?

Hopefully, this list has helped you hone in on an option that meets one (or several) of these needs. Still, it may be worth downloading a few of these templates to determine the right fit. 

And really, what matters most is that you spend time writing a business plan . It will help you avoid early mistakes, determine if you have a viable business, and fully consider what it will take to get up and running. 

If you need additional guidance, check out our library of planning resources . We cover everything from plan formats , to how to write a business plan, and even how to use it as a management tool . 

If you don’t want to waste time researching other templates, you can download our one-page or traditional business plan template and jump right into the planning process.

Kody Wirth is a content writer and SEO specialist for Palo Alto Software—the creator's of Bplans and LivePlan. He has 3+ years experience covering small business topics and runs a part-time content writing service in his spare time.

Table of Contents

• Qualities of a good template
• ReferralRock
• Does the template matter?

Related Articles

10 Min. Read

Use This Simple Business Plan Outline to Organize Your Plan

2 Min. Read

How Long Should a Business Plan Be?

When Should You Write a Business Plan?

14 Reasons Why You Need a Business Plan

The Bplans Newsletter

The Bplans Weekly

Subscribe now for weekly advice and free downloadable resources to help start and grow your business.

We care about your privacy. See our privacy policy .

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Legal Templates

Home Business Business Plan

Business Plan Templates

Use our template to make an investment-worthy business plan.

Updated December 8, 2023 Written by Sara Hostelley | Reviewed by Brooke Davis

A business plan is a document outlining a company’s operations, strategies, goals, and objectives. It’s crucial to guide you through each stage of starting and growing your business.

Templates (8)

What is a business plan, why is a business plan essential, components of a business plan, how to write a business plan, business plan sample.

Below, you can find free business plan templates for specific business types. You can also find more in-depth information on writing a plan for your business, whether it’s a food truck, restaurant, real estate business, or another entity:

Create a detailed plan that lays out the details of how your business will achieve it's objectives.

Traditional Business Plan

Create a simplified version of a traditional business plan.

One-Page Business Plan

Create a Non-Profit Business Plan and learn how to write one.

Create a Daycare Business Plan and learn how to write one.

Create a Restaurant Business Plan and learn how to write one.

Create a Real Estate Business Plan and learn how to write one.

Real Estate

Create a Food Truck Business Plan and learn how to write one.

A business plan is a document detailing how a business, whether it’s a new or existing company, will achieve its goals and objectives. It guides you through every step of starting and running a company.

A business plan can be the foundation of your business, serving as a written roadmap that covers all aspects of how to structure, run, and grow your business. You can also refer back to it as your business progresses to track its growth and success.

In addition to being a helpful document internally, a business plan is also vital for a company to communicate its success to external parties that may influence its future success.

Consider some of the main reasons why large and small business owners alike use business plans:

1. Use As a Roadmap

A business plan sets specific, measurable, and time-bound goals. Having these goals helps you track progress, evaluate performance, and adjust as necessary.

By laying out goals, you have a clear and attainable plan of action with the ability to see and monitor your progress.

2. Plan Strategies For Potential Challenges

A business plan can help you think objectively about your business’s key elements and inform your decision-making as you move forward.

A detailed plan can provide a semblance of control over a potentially cumbersome process. Formulating a plan can improve your ability to make choices and decisions for yourself and the business. This approach is much better than suddenly making a critical decision without time to evaluate or haphazardly letting others decide for you.

3. Get Funding or Bring on New Business Partners

An accurate business plan is essential whether or not you need to secure a business loan. Investors and lenders often require a business plan before they commit capital. A solid plan demonstrates your commitment, viability, and potential return on investment.

Create a business plan that grabs the attention of potential investors and provides them with enough structure and confidence that they will move forward and grant funding and support to your business.

You can use your business plan to highlight how the proposed business will be successful and profitable.

4. Discover Any Weaknesses

A business plan includes a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis that helps identify potential risks and challenges. It is essential to allocate resources and demonstrate monthly profit or loss. By recognizing these elements early, you can develop strategies to mitigate or address them.

5. Analyze the Market and Competition

Market research within the plan helps you better understand your target audience, competition, and industry trends. This knowledge is crucial for making informed business decisions.

By learning about your competition, you can help make your goods or services stand out and help validate your business idea.

You should update a business plan as you go, altering your goals as necessary and being mindful of any changes of direction in your business.

A typical business plan includes the following sections:

• Executive Summary
• Management Team
• Products and Services
• Customers and Marketing
• SWOT Analysis

Our business plan template includes all of the above, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on essential sections.

Step 1 – Create an Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section of a traditional business plan, serving as the first impression of your business. Please give a brief overview of your company, including its mission, key goals, and a snapshot of your financial projections.

You can skip this step if you’re writing a lean business plan for a startup. Instead, replace it with a few sentences outlining the problem your startup aims to solve and the solution you will provide.

Executive Summary Example:

Market research indicates there are a growing number of dog owners in Tallahassee who want to train their animals. Consumer surveys indicate that most consumers don’t have the time or resources to train their animals themselves.

Consumers have also expressed a desire for combined dog walking and training services to help discipline their animals.

Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks provides a convenient service for customers with furry friends and disposable incomes.

Tips for Writing an Executive Summary

• Define a problem in your market and state how your business will solve it.
• Limit your executive summary to one page.
• Use a tone appropriate for your audience.

Step 2 – Describe Your Company’s Team

A professional business plan will include a statement about your company’s team and management.

Describe your startup’s legal structure. After that, you can insert a chart to show the hierarchical structure of your company. Show and name your C-suite executives, management team, and key employees. Include short biographies and links to their resumes and LinkedIn profiles to give the reader a complete picture of your staff’s qualifications.

If you have a smaller staff, you can highlight the founder and CEO and your staff members who perform the services or create your business’s products.

Example for Company’s Team Statement:

Jamie Clayton, Founder and CEO

• Board-certified veterinarian.

Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks’s dog walkers and trainers

• 14 full-time staff members.
• 26 part-time staff members.
• All staff members have the Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) credential from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

Tips for Writing about Your Company Management and Team

• Include any roles you’d like to hire to grow your company, if applicable.
• Highlight expertise and awards one to show your staff’s capabilities.

Step 3 – Summarize Market Analysis and Potential

Your business plan must also thoroughly analyze your target market and customer base. The goal here is to show that you understand your market and target audience and that there is a viable market for your business.

Market Analysis Example:

Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks’s ideal customer is a dog owner between the ages of 25 and 65 with a high disposable income. They’re ideally a working professional or have recently retired from the workplace. They love their dog (or dogs) and want them to be well-behaved and have an outlet for all their energy.

Market research shows that Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks has ample opportunities in the Tallahassee area:

• The total revenue for dog walking services in the U.S. increased from $900 million in 2019 to $1.1 billion in 2023.
• Dog ownership has increased by 20% over the last five years.
• Online search volume for “dog walkers in Tallahassee” is up by 10% since last year.
• 19% of Tallahassee’s residents have a household income of $125,000 or more (compared to the average of 5% across the U.S.).

Tips for Writing a Market Analysis

• Use reliable sources for acquiring data.
• Conduct consumer surveys to hear from people in your target area.
• Focus on the demand in your area and the growth potential.
• Include revenue and expense projections based on market data.

Step 4 – Describe Your Product or Service

Describe the products and services you offer. Pinpoint the value they provide to current and future customers and share your plans for research and development.

The main goal of this section is to convince the reader and yourself that your business is viable and that you have enough resources, time, and energy to achieve your goals.

Product Description Example:

Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks isn’t an ordinary dog walking service. When a customer signs up for our monthly subscription plan, we have one of our certified dog walkers go to their house 12 times a month on a schedule that works for them.

Our dog walker takes their dog on a 30-minute walk and corrects their behavior. Their dog learns how to walk on a leash calmly and be around cars and people. Not only does the dog get some exercise and fresh air, but they also learn discipline, meaning the customer doesn’t have to worry about training their dog in this sense.

Tips for Writing a Product/Service Description

• Highlight cross-sell and upsell opportunities, if applicable.
• Emphasize what distinguishes you from other companies providing similar services/products.
• Include details for updating your offerings in the future.

Step 5 – Plan Your Marketing Strategy

Discuss the brand vision you want to cultivate, the metrics you’ll track, and the channels you’ll use to reach your target audience. Outlining how you plan to collect and retain customers will help you experience growth in the long term.

Marketing Strategy Example:

Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks will focus on social media and direct mail marketing as its two main forms of advertising. We’ll track customer referrals to determine how many current customers are satisfied with our services.

On our social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, we’ll track our audience growth rate, bounce rate, and click-through rate.

Tips for Writing a Marketing Strategy

• Add the budget/resources you have, if applicable.
• Create strategies for marketing to different segments within your main target audience.

Step 6 – Conduct SWOT Analysis

Organizations use SWOT analyses to determine how closely a business will adhere to its growth trajectories. This analysis involves looking at a company’s SWOTs, which are:

• Strengths: Strengths are things your company does well. Examples include having a unique selling proposition, standout brandings, or human resources, like your employees and C-class executives.
• Weaknesses:  These barriers prevent your project or company from reaching certain milestones. Examples include financial limitations, a shortage of skilled professionals, and unclear selling propositions.
• Opportunities:  These positive external factors could give you a competitive edge. For instance, if you’re a manufacturer and the federal government cuts tariffs, you can export your products into a new market to boost market share and sales.
• Threats:  These are events, competitors, and situations that pose a risk to your company and the goals you’ve set for it. Typical threats include negative media coverage, changing customer demands, emerging competitors, and new rules and regulations.

SWOT Analysis Example:

• Appeals to people who don’t have the time or resources to train their pets.
• Low startup costs.
• Finding enough certified employees to meet the anticipated demand.
• Dealing with aggressive animals may be challenging for newer employees.

Opportunities

• Offering multiple subscription packages for customers who want more frequent training sessions for their pets.
• BehaviorBuddies is a dog walking service in Bradfordville that may take away customers.

Tips for Writing a SWOT Analysis

• Be honest with your business’s weaknesses and threats.
• Capitalize on opportunities you find through market analysis.

Step 7 – Develop a Strategy for Operations

Your business plan needs to include a thorough operations plan. This section reveals your manufacturing, fulfillment, managing, staffing, hiring strategies, and all the other processes you go through when running your business daily.

Operations Strategy Example:

Jamie Clayton will oversee the hiring of all employees, and the team lead will train all employees for at least one month to ensure they have the knowledge necessary to deal with animals of all temperaments.

The team lead will also organize the dog walking schedule to ensure all team members have enough time to arrive at customers’ houses and complete the dog walking/training sessions thoroughly.

Tips for Writing a Business Strategy

• Consider what your business needs to thrive on a daily basis.
• Account for inventory and supplies, even if your business is service-based.

Step 8 – Compile Your Business Financials

Create financial projections, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for the first few years of operation. If you need funding, specify the amount and how you plan to use it.

Financial Statement Example:

Income Statement for the Year Ended December 31, 2023

• Revenue: $150,000
• Cost of Goods Sold: $30,000
• Gross Profit: $120,000
• Operating Expenses: $80,000
• Net Operating Income: $40,000
• Other Income/Expenses: -$2,000
• Net Income: $38,000

Tips for Writing a Financial Section

• Double-check the accuracy of financial information.
• Demonstrate how the proposed funding aligns with your company’s goals.
• Forecast future financial performance.

Step 9 – Explain Your Funding Request

If you’re seeking funding or investment for your business, explain the amount you need and how you intend to use it. Be transparent about the terms you’re offering to investors or lenders.

Funding Request Example:

Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks has already hired a team to serve our existing customers. Once we scale to $500,000 in annual revenue over the next two years and at a 10% profit margin, our primary ongoing annual expenses (not including taxes) will total $350,000.

While already profitable, we are requesting $200,000 in the form of a business loan to buy two additional company vehicles. These vehicles will improve our employees’ ability to get to customers’ homes, and the remaining money will go toward maintaining current company vehicles.

Tips for Writing a Funding Request

• Add a timeline so investors know your goals and how you plan to use the money.
• If you seek funding in the form of an exchange for equity, an investor may expect to gain decision-making powers in your company. Plan for this situation accordingly.

Step 10 – Compile an Appendix for Official Documents

Include relevant documents, such as resumes of key team members, legal agreements, market research data, product design mock-ups, and your business’s legal structure documents.

Remember that each business plan is unique, so tailor your content to your venture and audience. Your business plan should effectively communicate your vision, strategy, and financial viability to potential investors, partners, and stakeholders.

Combine the appendix with a table of contents and footnotes section so you can reference it throughout your document.

You can download a free business plan template below in PDF or Word format:

Related Documents

• Business Continuity Plan : Outline how your business will run in the event of a range of disaster scenarios with a business continuity plan.
• One-Page Business Plan : A simplified version of a traditional business plan that outlines the basics of your business.
• LLC Operating Agreement : An internal written document among members of a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”).
• Business Proposal : Use this document to form new relationships with other businesses and organizations.
• Request for Proposal : Download this form to allow you to collect offers from various vendors who can provide goods or services your business needs.
• Legal Resources
• Partner With Us
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information

The document above is a sample. Please note that the language you see here may change depending on your answers to the document questionnaire.

Thank you for downloading!

How would you rate your free template?

Click on a star to rate

• Start free trial

Start selling with Shopify today

Start your free trial with Shopify today—then use these resources to guide you through every step of the process.

Free Business Plan Template for Small Businesses (2024)

Use this free business plan template to write your business plan quickly and efficiently.

A good business plan is essential to successfully starting your business —  and the easiest way to simplify the work of writing a business plan is to start with a business plan template.

You’re already investing time and energy in refining your business model and planning your launch—there’s no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to writing a business plan. Instead, to help build a complete and effective plan, lean on time-tested structures created by other  entrepreneurs and startups. 

Ahead, learn what it takes to create a solid business plan and download Shopify's free business plan template to get started on your dream today. 

What this free business plan template includes

• Executive summary
• Company overview
• Products or services offered
• Market analysis
• Marketing plan
• Logistics and operations plan
• Financial plan

This business plan outline is designed to ensure you’re thinking through all of the important facets of starting a new business. It’s intended to help new business owners and entrepreneurs consider the full scope of running a business and identify functional areas they may not have considered or where they may need to level up their skills as they grow.

That said, it may not include the specific details or structure preferred by a potential investor or lender. If your goal with a business plan is to secure funding , check with your target organizations—typically banks or investors—to see if they have business plan templates you can follow to maximize your chances of success.

Our free business plan template includes seven key elements typically found in the traditional business plan format:

1. Executive summary

This is a one-page summary of your whole plan, typically written after the rest of the plan is completed. The description section of your executive summary will also cover your management team, business objectives and strategy, and other background information about the brand. 

2. Company overview

This section of your business plan will answer two fundamental questions: “Who are you?” and “What do you plan to do?” Answering these questions clarifies why your company exists, what sets it apart from others, and why it’s a good investment opportunity. This section will detail the reasons for your business’s existence, its goals, and its guiding principles.

3. Products or services offered

What you sell and the most important features of your products or services. It also includes any plans for intellectual property, like patent filings or copyright. If you do market research for new product lines, it will show up in this section of your business plan.

4. Market analysis

This section includes everything from estimated market size to your target markets and competitive advantage. It’ll include a competitive analysis of your industry to address competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. Market research is an important part of ensuring you have a viable idea.

5. Marketing plan

How you intend to get the word out about your business, and what strategic decisions you’ve made about things like your pricing strategy. It also covers potential customers’ demographics, your sales plan, and your metrics and milestones for success.

6. Logistics and operations plan

Everything that needs to happen to turn your raw materials into products and get them into the hands of your customers.

7. Financial plan

It’s important to include a look at your financial projections, including both revenue and expense projections. This section includes templates for three key financial statements: an income statement, a balance sheet, and a cash-flow statement . You can also include whether or not you need a business loan and how much you’ll need.

Business plan examples

What do financial projections look like on paper? How do you write an executive summary? What should your company description include?  Business plan examples  can help answer some of these questions and transform your business idea into an actionable plan.

Professional business plan example

Inside our template, we’ve filled out a sample business plan featuring a fictional ecommerce business . 

The sample is set up to help you get a sense of each section and understand how they apply to the planning and evaluation stages of a business plan. If you’re looking for funding, this example won’t be a complete or formal look at business plans, but it will give you a great place to start and notes about where to expand.

Lean business plan example

A lean business plan format is a shortened version of your more detailed business plan. It’s helpful when modifying your plan for a specific audience, like investors or new hires. 

Also known as a one-page business plan, it includes only the most important, need-to-know information, such as:

• Company description
• Key members of your team
• Customer segments

💡 Tip: For a step-by-step guide to creating a lean business plan (including a sample business plan), read our guide on how to create a lean business plan .

Benefits of writing a solid business plan

It’s tempting to dive right into execution when you’re excited about a new business or side project, but taking the time to write a thorough business plan and get your thoughts on paper allows you to do a number of beneficial things:

• Test the viability of your business idea. Whether you’ve got one business idea or many, business plans can make an idea more tangible, helping you see if it’s truly viable and ensure you’ve found a target market. 
• Plan for your next phase. Whether your goal is to start a new business or scale an existing business to the next level, a business plan can help you understand what needs to happen and identify gaps to address.
• Clarify marketing strategy, goals, and tactics. Writing a business plan can show you the actionable next steps to take on a big, abstract idea. It can also help you narrow your strategy and identify clear-cut tactics that will support it.
• Scope the necessary work. Without a concrete plan, cost overruns and delays are all but certain. A business plan can help you see the full scope of work to be done and adjust your investment of time and money accordingly.
• Hire and build partnerships. When you need buy-in from potential employees and business partners, especially in the early stages of your business, a clearly written business plan is one of the best tools at your disposal. A business plan provides a refined look at your goals for the business, letting partners judge for themselves whether or not they agree with your vision.
• Secure funds. Seeking financing for your business—whether from venture capital, financial institutions, or Shopify Capital —is one of the most common reasons to create a business plan.

Why you should you use a template for a business plan

A business plan can be as informal or formal as your situation calls for, but even if you’re a fan of the back-of-the-napkin approach to planning, there are some key benefits to starting your plan from an existing outline or simple business plan template.

No blank-page paralysis

A blank page can be intimidating to even the most seasoned writers. Using an established business planning process and template can help you get past the inertia of starting your business plan, and it allows you to skip the work of building an outline from scratch. You can always adjust a template to suit your needs.

Guidance on what to include in each section

If you’ve never sat through a business class, you might never have created a SWOT analysis or financial projections. Templates that offer guidance—in plain language—about how to fill in each section can help you navigate sometimes-daunting business jargon and create a complete and effective plan.

Knowing you’ve considered every section

In some cases, you may not need to complete every section of a startup business plan template, but its initial structure shows you you’re choosing to omit a section as opposed to forgetting to include it in the first place.

Tips for creating a successful business plan

There are some high-level strategic guidelines beyond the advice included in this free business plan template that can help you write an effective, complete plan while minimizing busywork.

Understand the audience for your plan

If you’re writing a business plan for yourself in order to get clarity on your ideas and your industry as a whole, you may not need to include the same level of detail or polish you would with a business plan you want to send to potential investors. Knowing who will read your plan will help you decide how much time to spend on it.

Know your goals

Understanding the goals of your plan can help you set the right scope. If your goal is to use the plan as a roadmap for growth, you may invest more time in it than if your goal is to understand the competitive landscape of a new industry.

Take it step by step

Writing a 10- to 15-page document can feel daunting, so try to tackle one section at a time. Select a couple of sections you feel most confident writing and start there—you can start on the next few sections once those are complete. Jot down bullet-point notes in each section before you start writing to organize your thoughts and streamline the writing process.

Maximize your business planning efforts

Planning is key to the financial success of any type of business , whether you’re a startup, non-profit, or corporation.

To make sure your efforts are focused on the highest-value parts of your own business planning, like clarifying your goals, setting a strategy, and understanding the target market and competitive landscape, lean on a business plan outline to handle the structure and format for you. Even if you eventually omit sections, you’ll save yourself time and energy by starting with a framework already in place.

• How to Start an Online Boutique- A Complete Playbook
• How To Source Products To Sell Online
• The Ultimate Guide To Dropshipping (2024)
• How to Start a Dropshipping Business- A Complete Playbook for 2024
• 6 Creative Ways to Start a Business With No Money in 2024
• What is Shopify and How Does it Work?
• What Is Affiliate Marketing and How to Get Started
• How to Price Your Products in 3 Simple Steps
• 10 Common Small Business Mistakes to Avoid
• How to Turn a Hobby into a Business in 8 Steps

Business plan template FAQ

What is the purpose of a business plan.

The purpose of your business plan is to describe a new business opportunity or an existing one. It clarifies the business strategy, marketing plan, financial forecasts, potential providers, and more information about the company.

How do I write a simple business plan?

• Choose a business plan format, such as a traditional or a one-page business plan. 
• Find a business plan template.
• Read through a business plan sample.
• Fill in the sections of your business plan.

What is the best business plan template?

If you need help writing a business plan, Shopify’s template is one of the most beginner-friendly options you’ll find. It’s comprehensive, well-written, and helps you fill out every section.

What are the 5 essential parts of a business plan?

The five essential parts of a traditional business plan include:

• Executive summary: This is a brief overview of the business plan, summarizing the key points and highlighting the main points of the plan.
• Business description: This section outlines the business concept and how it will be executed.
• Market analysis: This section provides an in-depth look at the target market and how the business will compete in the marketplace.
• Financial plan: This section details the financial projections for the business, including sales forecasts, capital requirements, and a break-even analysis.
• Management and organization: This section describes the management team and the organizational structure of the business.

Are there any free business plan templates?

There are several free templates for business plans for small business owners available online, including Shopify’s own version. Download a copy for your business.

Keep up with the latest from Shopify

Get free ecommerce tips, inspiration, and resources delivered directly to your inbox.

By entering your email, you agree to receive marketing emails from Shopify.

popular posts

The point of sale for every sale.

Subscribe to our blog and get free ecommerce tips, inspiration, and resources delivered directly to your inbox.

Unsubscribe anytime. By entering your email, you agree to receive marketing emails from Shopify.

Latest from Shopify

Jun 15, 2024

Jun 14, 2024

Learn on the go. Try Shopify for free, and explore all the tools you need to start, run, and grow your business.

Try Shopify for free, no credit card required.

300+ Business Plan Examples

With over two decades of experience, Growthink has assisted more than 1 million companies in developing effective business plans to launch and expand their businesses. Trust in our expertise to guide you through developing a business plan that drives your success. In addition to our sample plans, below you’ll learn the answers to key business plan questions and gain insightful tips on writing your business plan.

  Quick Links to Sections On this Page:

• Sample Business Plans By Business Category

Answers to Key Sample Business Plan Questions

Shoutmouth business plan example, business plan examples by business category.

Clothing & Fashion Business Plan Templates & Samples

Clothing Store Business Plan

Embroidery Business Plan

Fashion Business Plan

Jewelry Business Plan

Construction, Interior Design & Home Services Business Plan Templates & Samples

Consumer Services Business Plan Templates & Samples

Business Services Business Plan Templates & Samples

Events Business Plan Templates & Samples

Banquet Hall Business Plan

Event Planning Business Plan

Event Venue Business Plan

Sample Event Venue Business Plan

Party Rental Business Plan

Photo Booth Business Plan

Table and Chair Rental Business Plan

Wedding Planning Business Plan

Farm Business Plan Templates & Samples

Financial Services Business Plan Templates & Samples

Fitness & Beauty Business Plan Templates & Samples

Food & Beverage Business Plan Templates & Samples

Medical & Health Business Plan Templates & Samples

Music & Entertainment Business Plan Templates & Samples

Music Business Plan

Party Bus Business Plan

Podcast Business Plan

Production Company Business Plan

Record Label Business Plan

Recording Studio Business Plan

Nonprofit Business Plan Templates & Samples

Sample Non-Profit Business Plan

Charity Business Plan

Sample Nonprofit Business Plan PDF

Social Enterprise Business Plan

Real Estate Business Plan Templates & Samples

Sample Airbnb Business Plan

House Flipping Business Plan

Property Development Business Plan

Property Management Business Plan

Real Estate Business Plan

Real Estate Agent Business Plan

Real Estate Business Plan PDF

Real Estate Development Business Plan

Real Estate Investment Business Plan

Retail & Ecommerce Business Plan Templates & Samples

Technology Business Plan Templates & Samples

Biodiesel Business Plan

Blogging Business Plan

Clean Tech Business Plan

Mobile App Business Plan

Saas Business Plan

Software Company Business Plan

Technology Business Plan

Transportation Business Plan Templates & Samples

Travel and Lodging Business Plan Templates & Samples

Bed and Breakfast Business Plan

Campground Business Plan

Glamping Business Plan

Hotel Business Plan

Mobile Home Park Business Plan

Resort Business Plan

RV Park Business Plan

Travel Agency Business Plan

1. Why is utilizing an example business plan a good idea?

Sample business plans can help you quickly and easily write a business plan for your own business. Business plans are an important tool for any business, but they can be challenging to create. A sample business plan will help you understand the business plan format , the benefit of market research, and how to write a compelling executive summary. It can also serve as a guide for creating your own business plan, outlining the key sections and providing examples of successful plans. Utilizing the best business plan template can save you time and ensure that your plan is well-structured and comprehensive.

Business plan examples may even help you with the different sections of a plan, including market analysis, business description, cash flow statements/business financial statements, and more. Business plans can also show you how a quality plan in your exact business plan category is organized and shows you the appropriate business communications style to use when writing your business plan.

2. Who would benefit from using an example business plan?

Any entrepreneur or business owner who has never written a business plan before can benefit from an example or sample plan. New business owners often start with business plan templates , which are helpful but are sometimes more useful after reviewing other sample business plans.

A good sample plan can be a step-by-step guide as you work on your business planning and business idea. Once you have a sense for the flow, specs, and details, etc. that business plans have, utilizing a business plan template will help you pull everything together, helping you create a plan investors and other stakeholders will value. A solid business plan will also help you if you need a bank loan, which may require a startup business plan. Download our free business plan template to help you get started on your own business plan.

Free Download : Free Business Plan Template PDF

3. How do you get started with a sample business plan and maximize its benefit?

First you should read the business plan thoroughly. Study both the type of information provided in key sections like the executive summary, target market analysis, summary, etc., as well as the format and style of the plan. As you read, you may find yourself thinking through things such as improving or evaluating your business planning process, your business idea, or reconsidering who you want to write your business plan for. This is OK and part of the process. In fact, when you start writing a business plan for the first time, it will be much easier because you’ve gone through this process.

After this initial read, outline your business plan and copy in from the sample plan sections that apply to your business. For instance, if the sample plan included public relations in their marketing strategy and sales plan, and you will also use this tactic, you can copy it into your plan and edit it as appropriate. Finally, answer the other questions answered in the sample plan in ways that reflect your unique business and target customers.

Writing a business plan can seem daunting. Starting your business plan writing process by reviewing a plan that’s already been created can remove a lot of mental and emotional barriers while helping you craft the best plan you can.

4. When should you not use a sample business plan?

If your business is unlike any other, using a sample business plan will not be as effective. In this situation, writing a business plan from scratch utilizing a business plan template is probably your best path forward.

As an example, Facebook’s early business plan was unlike others since it was paving a new path and way of doing business. But, groundbreaking new businesses like Facebook are not the norm, and the vast majority of companies will benefit from utilizing sample business plans.

5. How do you choose the right type of business plan for your venture?

Selecting the appropriate type of business plan depends on your business’s stage, needs, and goals. Let’s explore the different types of business plans and how to determine which business plan format is right for you.

• Startup Business Plan : This type of plan is for businesses just starting out and seeking funding or investment. It typically includes a detailed analysis of the market, target audience, competition, and financial projections.
• Traditional Business Plan : Traditional business plans are the most common type of business plan, used by established businesses to outline their goals and strategies. It includes all the key sections such as market analysis, company description, and financial statements.
• Internal Business Plan : Internal business plans are used for internal purposes, to guide the day-to-day operations and decision making of the business. It may not be as detailed as a traditional business plan, but still includes important information such as company mission, objectives, and key performance indicators.
• Feasibility Business Plan : A feasibility business plan is used to assess the viability of a new product or service in the market. It includes detailed research and analysis to determine if the business idea is feasible and profitable.
• One-Page Business Plan : As the name suggests, this type of business plan is condensed into one page and includes the most critical information about the business. It can be a useful tool for pitching to potential investors or partners.
• Strategic Business Plan : A strategic plan looks at the big picture and long-term business goals of a company. It may include the company’s mission statement, core values, and overarching strategies for achieving success.

Ultimately, the type of business plan you choose will depend on your business’s specific needs and goals. It may also be beneficial to combine elements from different types of plans to create a customized plan that best fits your business. Carefully consider your objectives and resources before deciding on the right type of plan for your venture.

Finish Your Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

The business plan example below is for Shoutmouth, a company that enjoyed much success in the early 2000’s and which was able to raise funding. While the plan’s premise (social networking) is not as unique now as it was then, the format and structure of this business plan still holds.

I. Executive Summary

Business Overview

Launched in late February 2007, Shoutmouth.com is the most comprehensive music news website on the Internet .

Music is one of the most searched and accessed interests on the Internet. Top music artists like Akon receive over 3 million searches each month. In addition, over 500 music artists each receive over 25,000 searches a month.

However, music fans are largely unsatisfied when it comes to the news and information they seek on the artists they love. This is because most music websites (e.g., RollingStone.com, MTV.com, Billboard.com, etc.) cover only the top eight to ten music stories each day – the stories with mass appeal. This type of generic coverage does not satisfy the needs of serious music fans. Music fans generally listen to many different artists and genres of music. By publishing over 100 music stories each day, Shoutmouth enables these fans to read news on all their favorite artists.

In addition to publishing comprehensive music news on over 1200 music artists, Shoutmouth is a social network that allows fans to meet and communicate with other fans about music, and allows them to:

• Create personal profiles
• Interact with other members
• Provide comments on news stories and music videos
• Submit news stories and videos
• Recommend new music artists to add to the community
• Receive customized news and email alerts on their favorite artists

Success Factors

Shoutmouth is uniquely qualified to succeed due to the following reasons:

• Entrepreneurial track record : Shoutmouth’s CEO and team have helped launch numerous successful ventures.
• Affiliate marketing track record : Online affiliate marketing expertise has been cited as one of MySpace’s key success factors. Over the past two years, Shoutmouth’s founders have run one of the most successful online affiliate marketing programs, having sold products to over 500,000 music customers online.
• Key milestones completed : Shoutmouth’s founders have invested $500,000 to-date to staff the company (we currently have an 11-person full-time team), build the core technology, and launch the site. We have succeeded in gaining initial customer traction with 50,000 unique visitors in March, 100,000 unique visitors in April, and 200,000 unique visitors in May 2007.

Unique Investment Metrics

The Shoutmouth investment opportunity is very exciting due to the metrics of the business.

To begin, over the past two years, over twenty social networks have been acquired. The value in these networks is their relationships with large numbers of customers, which allow acquirers to effectively sell to this audience.

The sales price of these social networks has ranged from $25 to $137 per member. Shoutmouth has the ability to enroll members at less than $1 each, thus providing an extraordinary return on marketing expenditures. In fact, during an April 2007 test, we were able to sign-up 2,000 members to artist-specific Shoutmouth newsletters at a cost of only 43 cents per member.

While we are building Shoutmouth to last, potential acquirers include many types of companies that seek relationships with music fans such as music media/publishing (e.g., MTV, Rolling Stone), ticketing (e.g., Ticketmaster, LiveNation) and digital music sales firms (e.g., iTunes, The Orchard).

Financial Strategy, Needs and Exit Strategy

While Shoutmouth’s technological, marketing and operational infrastructure has been developed, we currently require $3 million to execute on our marketing and technology plan over the next 24 months until we hit profitability.

Shoutmouth will primarily generate revenues from selling advertising space. As technologies evolve that allow us to seamlessly integrate music sampling and purchasing on our site, sales of downloadable music are also expected to become a significant revenue source. To a lesser extent, we may sell other music-related items such as ringtones, concert tickets, and apparel.

Topline projections over the next three years are as follows:

II. Shoutmouth Overview

What is Shoutmouth?

Shoutmouth is an operating company of The Kisco Group Inc. (TKG). Since 2003, TKG has capitalized on web-based marketing opportunities via launching targeted websites and generating web-based leads. TKG revenues in 2005 exceeded $1.3 million and grew to $3.5 million in 2006. Shoutmouth is currently the sole focus of TKG; all other TKG business units have been divested.

Development of Shoutmouth began in August 2006 and the site officially launched on February 21, 2007. Shoutmouth (located at www.shoutmouth.com) is the most comprehensive music news community on the Internet. The website covers 1,200 popular bands and music artists and offers more than 100 new music articles each day. In addition to providing news, Shoutmouth is a web community. That is, Shoutmouth members can actively participate on the site, by doing things such as commenting on news stories and submitting their own stories.

The Market Size and Need for Shoutmouth

The music market is clearly vast. According to IFPI, which represents the recording industry worldwide, global music sales were $33.5 billion in 2005, with the U.S. accounting for $12.3 billion of that amount. Importantly, digitally music sales are seeing substantial growth, with IFPI reporting sales of $400 million in 2004, $1.1 billion in 2005 and $2 billion in 2006.

Online, music is the one of the most frequently searched and accessed interests. For example, according to Wordtracker, the music artist Eminem received over 1.7 million web searches in December 2006, while band Green Day received 534,000 searches.

To put these figures in perspective, top celebrities in other entertainment fields receive but a fraction of this search volume. For example, December 2006 search volumes for select sports stars and actors were as follows: Kobe Bryant, 122K; Tiger Woods, 88K; Cameron Diaz, 332K; and Tom Cruise, 82K.

Conversely, 225 music artists received over 100,000 searches in December 2006, and over 500 music artists received over 25,000 searches.

This data is corroborated by Nielsen BuzzMetrics which plots the most popular topics bloggers are posting about. The chart to the right plots September 25, 2006 to March 25, 2007 and shows how music dominates other entertainment sectors online.

When searching for music artists online, fans, which are primarily between the ages of 13 and 35, are looking for news, pictures, lyrics, videos and audio files. In addition, fans enjoy publicly voicing their opinions about music and interacting with other fans.

There is currently no website besides Shoutmouth that provides comprehensive music news. Currently, to get the latest news on their favorite artists, fans must visit the official websites or fan websites of each of the artists they like . Even then, it is unlikely that the fan will get all the news that has occurred. To solve this problem, Shoutmouth scours the web and uncovers news from thousands of web sites.

What Shoutmouth Does and Will Offer

As of May 2007, the site covers the 1,200 most popular music artists (popularity primarily based on the number of web searches over the past 12 months for each artist).

Shoutmouth currently offers members the ability to:

• Read over 500 new music articles each week
• Read special features such as album reviews, interviews, new album release dates, top quotes of the week and other special reports
• Watch and rate music videos
• Listen to select music audio clips
• Comment on news stories and music videos
• Submit news stories that they see/hear of elsewhere
• Suggest new music artists to add to the site
• View articles by music artist or by genre (current genres include Rock, Pop, Rap, R&B, Country, and Electronic)
• Create a user profile that includes their favorite music artists, Shoutmouth friends, news stories submitted to Shoutmouth, and comments made. Members have the ability to find other members based on their favorite artists and via our search functions.
• Receive customized news and email alerts. Members can customize their “My News” page to include only artists they specify. Likewise, they can choose to receive email alerts whenever there is a new story on one of their favorite artists.

While establishing itself as the premier music news community, Shoutmouth will embark on the more aggressive goal of becoming the premier music community online . To accomplish this, Shoutmouth will begin to offer additional content (more videos, audio, pictures, lyrics, etc.) and additional functionality (music compatibility testing (e.g., if you like this, you’ll like this), voting capabilities, member-to-member messaging, etc.). We have already begun mapping out our content and technology growths plans to achieve this goal upon financing.

Importantly, Shoutmouth expects to be able to add massive amounts of relevant content (e.g., lyrics, reviews, pictures, video files, audio files, etc.) via member submissions and moderation. This is the same way that YouTube has been able to quickly add millions of videos and Wikipedia has been able to add millions of articles. Importantly, since established music websites (e.g., MTV, RollingStone.com, Billboard.com, etc.) are not community based, they would have to hire thousands of staff members to rival the content that Shoutmouth will have.

How We Get and Publish Our News

Currently, news stories that appear on Shoutmouth are gathered from numerous online sources. Shoutmouth’s staff writers find these stories by using RSS and News feeds that cover thousands of websites. In addition, Shoutmouth community members have the ability to submit stories they find elsewhere.

Typical stories include factual information plus the insight of the author. Shoutmouth editors ensure that all stories are properly classified by artist and genre, and that duplicate articles are filtered out.

Over the past three months, Shoutmouth has developed a solid infrastructure, which we consider a core competitive advantage, that that allows us to provide comprehensive music news . This infrastructure includes:

• Setting up hundreds of RSS feeds based on comprehensive research regarding sites from which to receive feeds
• Training our editorial team regarding identifying a story and weeding out duplicates
• Assigning music artists among our five-person editorial team to better manage work flow and avoid duplicate articles

We are working on a system to ensure that member-submitted articles are automatically routed to the appropriate member of Shoutmouth’s editorial team to improve our efficiencies further.

Shoutmouth’s Goal to Break News First

The majority (approximately 90%) of Shoutmouth’s articles are currently developed by our in-house editorial team, while the balance is submitted by members. In addition, virtually all of our articles are based on information gleaned from other websites. As such, we are generally not the first to publish news; however we are the first and only site to publish all the news in one easily-accessible place. The one current exception is news which is published on bands’ official MySpace pages; Shoutmouth generally publishes articles on this news 24 to 48 hours before it is reported by other news or music sites (due to our efficiencies in finding news).

Shoutmouth realizes that it will gain a key competitive advantage, and will generate significant market buzz, if it is able to report on music news stories before other media sources . To accomplish this, we have begun contacting publicity departments at record labels to gain direct access to music news. We expect these contacts to enable us to gain immediate and sometimes exclusive access to news which will help further establish Shoutmouth as the canonical source for music news. We also plan to more aggressively solicit member submissions of new, buzzworthy news events and will consider offering rewards for unique substantiated news (much the way paparazzi are compensated).

III. Competition in the Online Music Market

This section of the business plan provides a competitive analysis, which is an overview of the competitive landscape, discusses both indirect and direct competitors and then details Shoutmouth’s competitive advantages.

Because consumer demand for music on the Internet is so great, there are a vast number of music websites. In summary, we consider most sectors of the online music market (which are discussed below) to be indirect competitors and potentially partners, rather than direct competitors, because none of them focus on music news.

The reason we believe that no one focuses on music news is that it is very difficult to do. Because news is very important to music fans, most music websites offer news. However, they primarily get their news from organizations such as CNN, Reuters, the Associated Press and BBC. These large organizations only write about the music stories that have mass appeal, which traditionally amounts to 8-10 music news stories per day. However, since music fans are often zealots when it comes to their favorite artists, they are not merely interested in cover stories. For instance, a U2 fan cares about any U2 news, particularly news that a non-U2 fan might consider insignificant.

In fact, because Shoutmouth is the sole one-stop shop for getting comprehensive music news, there might be an opportunity to license our content to other music websites.

Sectors of the Online Music Market

Shoutmouth specifically comPs in the community-based music news market. While players in this market represent direct competitors, Shoutmouth faces indirect competitors in the following markets:

• Community-Based Sites
• Community-Based News Sites
• Community-Based Music Sites
• Traditional Music Websites
• Official Artist and Fan Sites

Each of these markets is described below.

A. Community-Based Sites

Community-based sites, also known as social networking sites, are websites in which members can create profiles, leave comments throughout the site, and communicate with other members among other features.

A June 2006 report by Piper Jaffray entitled “Silk Road: Social Networking is Here to Stay” effectively sums up the power and longevity of social networking:

“We believe social networking sites have become a permanent part of the fabric of web applications and are rapidly becoming one of the most popular activities online, potentially impacting how other popular services such as email, IM, and maybe even search are accessed.

As a clear indication of the growth rate and scale of social networking, consider this: MySpace monthly page views have now surpassed MSN or AOL in the U.S. and are nearly 75% of the size of Yahoo!. Social networking has filled a gap that was left by all the existing portals and web services and it is fulfilling a very important and basic function for millions of users: allowing them to express themselves and connect with their friends, with the two functions tightly integrated.

The leading sites such as MySpace (News Corp), Facebook, and others are amassing significant power in the new landscape of the Internet and the existing Internet companies are likely to have to work with these newcomers as they may yield material control on the flow of traffic to other applications.”

Social networking sites such as MySpace.com, Facebook.com, Tagged.com, and TagWorld.com have educated consumers regarding the value of these sites and how to use them. Their success has spurred genre-specific social networks such as community-based/social networking news sites and music sites, which are discussed below.

Shoutmouth doesn’t view established social networking sites as competitors since these sites have a general focus. That is, members talk about all aspects of life, from dating to music to movies, etc. Conversely, Shoutmouth is solely focused on music.

B. Community-Based News Sites

Community-based news sites are sites in which members decide what’s newsworthy and what’s not. For instance, on Digg.com, the most prominent community-based news site, members “Digg” stories that they feel are most newsworthy. The stories that the community feels are most important rise to Digg’s homepage, while less important stories get little attention.

Digg’s one million members can submit stories, “digg” stories, and comment on stories. Digg focuses on general news with a slant towards technology, gaming and unique/sensational news. While Digg does have a Music area within its Entertainment section, this receives little focus. In fact, at the time of the writing of this plan, Digg’s music home page only includes one article submitted within the past 48 hours. Furthermore, Digg doesn’t pare down the music category into sub-categories such as Rock and individual music artists. Conversely, these sub-categories are the entire focus of Shoutmouth.

Other sites that are similar to Digg include Newsvine.com, Spotback.com and Gabbr.com. Of most relevance is the Digg-like site for music, Noisetap.com, which was launched by Ticketmaster in January 2007.

Like Digg, Noisetap.com allows members to submit and vote for music stories. Noisetap.com is organized by music genre and not by music artist. This most likely will not satisfy the needs of many music fans since they don’t have the ability to find news on the specific artists they care most about. Likewise, without a full-time staff actively researching and publishing news stories at the artist-level, Noisetap.com will never be able to offer the comprehensive news that Shoutmouth does.

While Shoutmouth is currently similar to community-based news sites in that members can submit stories and comment on the news they find most interesting, no established player in the market provides a comprehensive focus on music. In addition, Shoutmouth sees these sites as marketing partners as we have and will continue to submit our stories on them to increase our readership.

C. Community-Based Music Sites

There are many community-based music websites, although none focuses on music news such as Shoutmouth. Conversely, these sites generally give members the ability to create and listen to song play lists. The community acts to help individual members find new music and new friends based on similarities in their music tastes. Prominent sites in this genre include Last.fm, Finetune, Pandora, RadioBlogClub, MyStrands, iLike[1] and iJigg.

Last.fm is the most prominent community-based music site and is a good model with which to compare Shoutmouth. Likewise, we will benchmark our performance against Last.fm as we reach of goal of becoming the premier music news community and focus on becoming the premier music community.

According to Alexa, Last.fm is the 359th most visited site on the Internet. While Last.fm focuses on allowing members to create customized Internet stations based on their music tastes, the site has much additional content and social networking features. For instance, for each artist, Last.fm includes pictures, a bio, concert dates, discography, fans on Last.fm, and similar artists. Fans are also able to create journals and communicate with other fans. Key features that Last.fm doesn’t currently focus on include news and video.

D. Traditional Music Websites

Traditional music websites such as MTV.com, RollingStone.com, Billboard.com, NME.com, AOL Music, and Yahoo! Music tend to have many features such as news, reviews, pictures, videos and audio. While these sites are generally very well done and extremely popular, they are under-serving visitors in two core areas: music news and community .

These sites’ lack of music news stems from the difficulty in creating this news, specifically that it requires filtering through thousands of articles and websites to find relevant stories. Likewise, as discussed, these firms might wish to license our news content in the future.

Regarding community , none of the top music sites are thriving communities. Rather, either these sites offer no community features or they recently began offering select features (e.g., submitting reviews or commenting on articles). Even when available, the community features on these sites are afterthoughts and are not engrained within the core fabric of the sites.

While they haven’t been able to transform their current sites into communities, top music websites clearly understand the power of online music communities and have an appetite for them. For example, in January 2007, MTV invested in social networking website TagWorld. MTV also acquired RateMyProfessors.com and Quizilla.com (teen social network) in January 2007 and October 2006 respectively.

As mentioned previously, our vision is to build and incorporate additional technologies, and use our “army” of members to publish vast amounts of music content on Shoutmouth, in order to fully satisfy music fans and leapfrog traditional music sites in terms of their music content.

E. Official Artist and Fan Sites

Shoutmouth com’s with official music artist websites and fan websites. These sites often include news about the specific artist as well as pictures, videos and other relevant information.

On one hand, official music artist and fan websites are direct competitors to Shoutmouth. This is because some of these sites offer comprehensive news on the specific artist they cover. In addition, many offer forums, discussion boards or other ways to communicate with other fans.

However, two factors separate Shoutmouth from these types of sites: 1) breadth and 2) sophistication.

• Breadth : Most music fans love more than one artist. As such, in order to get the news they want, they would have to visit/join multiple fan or artist websites rather than getting all of their news from Shoutmouth.
• Sophistication : While some official music artist websites are technologically sophisticated, offering forums, networking and other worthwhile features, the majority of artist and fan websites have limited usability, functionality and networking ability. In fact, this deficiency has lead to the success of MusicToday, which provides front and back-end technology to power artist websites.

Specifically, MusicToday offers web design and hosting, develops sophisticated online stores, builds online fan clubs and offers web ticketing among other services to select top music artists such as Dave Matthews Band, Christina Aguilera, Kenny Chesney, Britney Spears and Usher. While offering sophisticated tools for select music artist websites, MusicToday offers little to no music news nor advanced social networking functions. For instance, the official Dave Matthews Band website offers less than one news story per month.

F. Direct Competitors: Community-Based Music News Sites

Shoutmouth’s direct competitors are other music news websites that have social or community features that allow users to join the site, submit articles, comment on articles, create public profiles and/or communicate with other members. Shoutmouth has identified one significant player who offers this service, AbsolutePunk.net.

AbsolutePunk.net has done a good job of building a user base (the site claims 125,000+ registered members and nearly 500,000 un-registered members). In addition, the user base is very active — the average story on their site receives approximately 20 comments. AbsolutePunk.net offers music news, reviews, pictures and interviews among other features.

On the negative side, AbsolutePunk.net’s articles are generally posted by one staff writer (as opposed to Shoutmouth’s five writers), most articles are simply one sentence posts rather than full articles, and no attempt seems to have been made to cover all news stories. In addition, the site only covers the punk music genre. Although “punk” is broadly defined on the site, the site doesn’t cater to genres such as R&B, rap and country among others, failing to satisfy the broader market.

AbsolutePunk.net is owned by Indieclick, a Los Angeles-based media company. According to the AbsolutePunk.net website, the site:

• Has developed a loyal (72% return rate) reader base
• 5,182,147 Posts
• 163,535 Threads
• 126,448 Members
• 1,711 Artist Profiles
• 20,774 Multimedia Files
• Approx 76,000 visits per day.
• Approx 276,000 pageviews per day.

Shoutmouth’s Competitive Advantage

In addition to being the first to fill the untapped market void for comprehensive music news, Shoutmouth’s competitive advantage in the market primarily includes the following:

Online Marketing Sophistication

Content Development Experience and Expertise

Shoutmouth’s team, primarily team members DL and PF, has operated an affiliate marketing business focusing on music for the past four years. Affiliate marketing is defined as a system of revenue sharing between one site (the affiliate) which features an ad or content designed to drive traffic to another site (the merchant). The affiliate receives a fee based on traffic to the merchant which converts to sales.

Our affiliate business has focused on connecting music fans, primarily aged 13 to 30, with music offers such as iPods and ringtones. Over the past two years, we have successful sold affiliated offers to over 500,000 customers. We have become a significant online advertiser, receiving Google’s “over 1 million leads” award, and are recognized as a major player among the top affiliate networks.

It is important to note that affiliate marketing success has been credited with part of MySpace’s success. This is because effective affiliate marketers understand how to drive and convert on Internet traffic.

Shoutmouth will employ its affiliate marketing techniques to drive traffic to Shoutmouth.com and enroll members. We will utilize technologies and proprietary techniques that allow us to monitor multiple metrics such as the cost per visitor, cost per member sign-up, etc., so that we can set and maintain profitable metrics.

Another venture that Shoutmouth team members, primarily PK and DL, launched was the development of over 3,000 niche websites. To create the content for these websites, we employed a virtual work force of over 90 researchers in India and 30 writers and editors in the US.

This experience taught us how to manage a large workforce, train writers to improve content quality and motivate a large group of people. These skill sets will be critical in allowing Shoutmouth to grow the content of the site, as developed by both staff and members, while maintaining quality standards.

IV. Marketing Plan

Shoutmouth’s marketing plan includes the following:

Online Advertising : Shoutmouth will initiate pay-per-click advertising campaigns on Google and Yahoo! in order to inexpensively drive traffic to the site. Specifically, Shoutmouth believes it can drive qualified traffic to the site for 20 cents per visitor and achieve a 20% member conversion rate, thus generating members at a cost of $1.00 per member.

Keys to Shoutmouth’s success in achieving this metric include:

• Conducting thorough keyword research and advertising on appropriate keywords and keyword groups
• Creating advertising text that maximizes click through rates
• Creating landing pages that maximize conversions while maintaining the highest Google AdWords quality score possible
• Closely monitoring conversions to quickly stop and/or modify unprofitable campaigns
• Getting individuals to enter their email address to join the newsletter is much easier than getting them to join a site where they have to create a username, select a password, etc. As such, step one will be to get visitors to sign up for artist-specific newsletters.
• Once on the newsletter distribution list, members will constantly receive messages (embedded in their daily newsletter) regarding the benefits of participating more on Shoutmouth.
• Active Shoutmouth Membership: the constant reminders regarding Shoutmouth’s value proposition in the daily newsletters will influence members to participate more actively on the site (e.g., customize their profile, visit the site more often, etc.).

Invite-A-Friend : Shoutmouth is in the process of creating an aggressive invite-a-friend/member referral program. In doing so, we are following the lead of social movie community, Flixster, which grew to 5 million members within 10 months. It did this by encouraging members, during their initial registration process, to upload and send an invitation to multiple contacts in their email address books. The technology to develop this process is fairly complex and we expect to be completed with and to rollout this program in June 2007.

Direct Email Marketing : Shoutmouth will directly contact bloggers and prominent music fans we find online to tell them about Shoutmouth, encourage them to join, and encourage them to write about Shoutmouth on their blogs and online journals .

Creating/Distributing Buzzworthy/Viral Content : Shoutmouth plans to have several buzzworthy/viral articles (i.e., content that people would want to email to their friends since it is funny, interesting, etc.) on the site each day. With a single click, visitors will be able to send these articles to social bookmarking sites such as Digg.com or Fark.com, where these articles could receive widespread attention. In addition to our traditional news stories, Shoutmouth will also periodically create special reports/features in order to satisfy our members and visitors and to try to get widespread exposure.

An example of the power of such buzzworthy content, Shoutmouth has already succeeded in having two stories accepted by Fark and Digg, which have brought in over 50,000 unique visitors.

Super Fans/Street Team Development : Shoutmouth also plans to recruit “super fans.” Super fans are individuals who are passionate about a certain music artist/band and actively contribute articles and/or comments on Shoutmouth. We will recruit these fans, reward them with status (e.g., adding a gold Shoutmouth headphones image to their profile page) and encourage them to more aggressively promote the site by:

• Submitting more news to Shoutmouth
• Commenting on more articles on Shoutmouth
• Growing the Shoutmouth community around their favorite artist(s) by actively recruiting new members to join the site (such as actively posting Shoutmouth-related comments on their MySpace pages, on other music forums, etc.)

Public Relations : Upon financing, Shoutmouth will hire a public relations firm to help us get mentions in media sources ranging from magazines, newspapers, radio, television and blogs. To date, we have developed and issued press releases via Billboard Publicity Wire which have been syndicated throughout the web. An effective PR firm will enable Shoutmouth to quickly reach a wide audience.

Widgets : Shoutmouth will create artist-specific and genre-specific music news widgets. For example, our U2 widget (see example on right) would include all of the recent U2 articles published on Shoutmouth. The widget can easily be placed on MySpace pages, blogs, etc. Each story title in the widget links to the full article on Shoutmouth.

Shoutmouth has great expectations for our widget. To begin, no such widget currently exists as there is no one place to get comprehensive news for specific music artists. Secondly, each time someone places a Shoutmouth widget on their blog or social networking page, it will effectively market Shoutmouth to a wide audience at zero cost to us.

V. Technology/Site Development Plan

This section provides a brief roadmap of the initial and future functionality of Shoutmouth.

Initial Site Functionality

The initial Shoutmouth website will include the following features:

• Ability to submit and comment on news stories
• Ability to suggest new music artists to add to the site
• Ability to create user profiles
• Ability to receive customized news and email alerts
• Articles categorized by artist and core genre (e.g., Rock, Rap, Pop, etc.)
• Music artist sections which includes News, Bio and Fans

Future Site Functionality

Shoutmouth will use news and basic functionality as the platform though which we will build a thriving music community. After initial launch, the Shoutmouth technology team will work on incorporating additional features such as:

• Ability to message other members via the site (e.g., members will have an Inbox on the site)
• Event calendars: members will receive online calendars. With the click of a button, the member will be able to add tour dates of their favorite artists/bands to their calendar.
• Articles also categorized by sub-genre (e.g., Alternative Rock, West Coast Rap, etc.)
• Music artist sections to also include videos, audio files, photo galleries, reviews and event calendars to which members can upload files and vote on top content.
• Forums and member blogs
• Music compatibility testing (suggestions on song/artists members might like)
• Trivia quizzes
• Music playlists

VI. Financial Plan

Revenue Model

During the first six months, Shoutmouth will not generate any revenues as it will not sell advertising space nor offer products for sale. This decision has been made to spur the growth of the Shoutmouth community. By initially positioning Shoutmouth more as a non-profit, for-the-people-by-the-people venture, members will be more prone to promote the site and invite their friends than if the site looks too commercial.

Starting in September 2007, Shoutmouth will primarily generate revenues from selling advertising space. As technologies (such as the Snocap music widget) evolve that allow us to seamlessly integrate music sampling and purchasing on our site, sales of downloadable music are also expected to be a significant revenue source. To a lesser extent, we may sell other music-related items such as ringtones, concert tickets, and apparel.

Funding To Date

To date, Shoutmouth’s founders have invested $500,000 in Shoutmouth, with which we have accomplished the following:

• Built the site’s core technology
• Hired and trained our core staff (we currently maintain an 11-person full-time team)
• Populated the website with content (over 10,000 articles and 1,200 artist bios)
• Generated brand awareness among music fans, including driving 50,000 unique visitors in March, 100,000 unique visitors in April, and 200,000 unique visitors in May 2007.

Funding Requirements/Use of Funds

Shoutmouth is currently seeking $3 million to provide funding for the next 24 months. At this point, the site will be profitable and can grow organically, or additional capital may be sought to more aggressively expand our member base.

The capital will be used as follows:

• Execution of Marketing plan : in order for Shoutmouth to grow its visitor and member base, we need to invest dollars in online advertising and public relations. With regards to online advertising, we are confident that we can enroll members at a cost of $1 per member, which is a fraction of the value of the members to an acquirer (minimum $25 per member), thus providing a significant return on our marketing investments.
• Execution of Technology plan : in order to build a thriving community, Shoutmouth needs to offer its visitors a “stickier” website and enhanced features. We currently maintain a vast “wish list” of features, such as members uploading and rating pictures and videos, trivia quizzes, and member-to-member messaging, that will significantly improve the site’s functionality and value proposition.
• Staffing : In order to reach our goals, we will have to hire additional technical and operations personnel.

Financial Projections

Below is an overview of Shoutmouth’s Financial Projections for the next three years. Please see the Appendix for the full financial projections and key assumptions.

Exit Strategy / Valuation Metric

Shoutmouth’s most likely exit strategy is to be acquired by a traditional music website or property (e.g., Viacom/MTV, Ticketmaster, Rolling Stone), an entertainment/media conglomerate (e.g., Yahoo!, IAC/InterActiveCorp, NBC), or a large social networking site (e.g., News Corp/MySpace).

This strategy is supported by the significant M&A activity in the social networking market, which includes the following transactions over the past 24 months:

Regarding valuation, below are the estimated valuations of social networking companies on a per member basis upon exit:

• Del.icio.us: $50 – $100 per member
• MySpace: $25 per member
• Xing (business social network): $137 per member at IPO in 10/06
• Flickr: $56 – $130 per member
• Grouper: $130 per member

Based on this data, not only are social networking sites a promising investment, but sites that can acquire members for less than $25 each (a conservative valuation estimate based on the figures above), should earn a solid return on investment. As discussed above, Shoutmouth’s goal is to acquire members for no more than $1 each.

In addition, per the membership projections above, Shoutmouth’s valuation at the end of 2009, at a $25 valuation per member, is expected to be $239 million. A more conservative, using a 24.4 time EBITDA multiple (the average multiple of tech M&A deals in 2006 according to The M&A Advisor), yields a $121 million valuation in 2009.

Shoutmouth’s founding team includes entrepreneurs and managers with a track record of success and a history of successfully working together.

Management Team

DL, Co-Founder and CEO

D has a history of successfully launching and growing businesses of all sizes. As president and co-founder of an entrepreneurial services firm., D has personally assisted in the launch and development of over 100 ventures.

Over the past three years, D founded and has managed The Kisco Group which includes an affiliate marketing division (2006 revenues exceeded $3 million), a search engine optimization business which includes a network of 3,000 websites (2006 revenues exceeded $500,000) and an e-commerce business (which includes TopPayingKeywords.com and ShowerHeadsEtc.com).

D earned his Bachelors degree from the University of South Carolina.

PK, Co-Founder and Vice President of Operations

For the past two years, P has managed The Kisco Group’s search engine optimization business where he hired, trained and managed nearly 100 employees and a dozen outside firms. During this time, P has honed his management skills with regards to content development, marketing and operations.

P has had a passion for music since childhood and has been a semi-professional drummer for the past 15 years.

P earned his Bachelors of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from Clemson University.

PF, Co-Founder and Vice President of Technology

For the past year, P has managed The Kisco Group’s affiliate marketing business. In addition to setting up and managing widespread marketing campaigns, P has developed sophisticated analytic techniques to precisely analyze web traffic in order to optimize profitability.

Since August 2006, P has shifted his efforts and leveraged his technology skills in developing the Shoutmouth website. P has been instrumental in selecting the Content Management Platform upon which Shoutmouth is built, and finding and managing the technology team.

P earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Swarthmore College.

AB, Marketing Manager

A’s background in music includes being a singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer. He has also worked on the marketing side of music, having marketed Veritas Records through the development and distribution of promotional materials.

A’s career also includes psychological research and administration, having served as a Research Assistant with the Interpersonal Perception And Communication Laboratory in Cambridge, MA.

A earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Ohio State University.

M, Lead Technology Developer

M is an experienced web programmer with expertise in web design, application development and database development among others.

M’s work experience includes serving as a Senior Developer at Spheres. M has also engaged in multiple, long term freelance projects including serving as a Database Developer Consultant with The Penn Group and a Web Developer Consultant with Volution Media Group and Allied Online Consulting Group.

M earned his Bachelors degree in Computer Science with a minor in Cognitive Science from Rutgers University.

Content Development Team

Shoutmouth’s writing team, managed by PK, includes the following members:

• JS, Editorial Manager: former content manager and copywriter for Scholastic Inc. and Promotions.com.
• TZ: former music intern (Virgin Records and WRRV) and author of the blog, The Tom Z Show .
• ML: former assistant editor for Adventure Publishing; author of the blog Certified Gangsta ; and former editor-in-chief of Fordham University’s newspaper The Paper .
• SB: former staff writer for Paste Magazine , The Clarion Ledger , and Nightclub and Bar Magazine among others.
• CSJ: former editorial intern for Rolling Stone and Editorial Assistant for Psychology Today .

Outsourced Technology Team

Shoutmouth works very closely with 2skies, a technology firm based in Australia with staff in Australia and the United States. 2skies is run by JDN, one of the co-founding developers of XE, the platform upon which Shoutmouth is built.

XE is an extensible, Open Source web application framework written in PHP and licensed under the GNU General Public License. XE delivers the requisite infrastructure and tools to create custom web applications that include fully dynamic multi-platform Content Management Solutions (CMS).

VIII. Appendix: Shoutmouth Financial Projections   3-Year Income Statement

3-Year Balance Sheet

As of December 31

3-Year Cash Flow Statement