The Studio Source.com

The word “brand” often has corporate connotations. A symbol of an apple with a bite out of it, golden arches, the swoosh—but branding isn’t just for monster corporations, and it’s not just about a logo or trademark.

Your brand is a collection of customer experiences. Everything from the business card you put into someone’s hand to the header on your website makes an impression. Here are seven ways to make your professional identity memorable.

1. Be consistent with your typeface. Don’t use one font for your blog title and another on your business card. When you’re consistent, you reinforce your message.
2. Use decorative fonts with caution. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, it’s tempting to use the decorative fonts that come with your operating system. Except lots of other people are tempted to do that, too. Google “free fonts” to see what’s available. Sometimes it’s better to use a simple serif (formal, classic) or sans serif (clean, modern) font than go overboard with whistles and bells.
3. Don’t skimp on your business cards. If you do business exclusively online, this won’t apply to you, but if you have the opportunity to meet people in the real world, a great business card makes an impact. Consider the colour and texture of the stock  you choose. A glossy card feels different than classic linen card stock.
4. Pick a colour, any colour. A graphic designer once told me, “If it doesn’t work in black and white, it doesn’t work.” So don’t feel like you have to go all out decorating the joint; one accent colour with a white background and black text might just do the trick.
5. Tweak your voicemail. If your voicemail sounds like the automated message for your local transit system, pretend you’re talking to someone when you record it. Or get someone to stand in front of you so you really can talk to someone (if you do that route, set aside some time, because you’ll probably get the giggles on your first few run-throughs). If you sound like you’re talking to your bratty little brother, you might want to adjust that, too. Unless the bratty little brother tone is part of your brand.
6. Use an email signature. Have your website listed, maybe Twitter or Facebook (don’t overdo it) and a studio phone number. Lots of self-employed people don’t have an email signature. If you’re not sure how to set it up, check the Help menu in your email software.
7. Hire a pro. Good graphic designers get paid good money for a reason, but there are ways to keep costs down. See who has a style that works nicely with yours, and talk to that designer about what you’re looking for. You might be able to barter for some or all of the work. If your budget is near zero, use the above six tips. If you have a little cash to spend, consider a logo design or blog header.Your designer can give you a version you can use on your blog or website, and another formatted for printing on business cards, signage, and swag (I want to make Studio Source lunch boxes). A well-designed logo goes a long way to establishing your brand. It gives you a solid foundation that you can build on.

Over to you: anything to add to the list?