How a Book Can Define Your Brand

Recently, I was fortunate enough to become an author for The Best Business Minds in Tampa Bay, which went on to hit #1 in two categories on Amazon. While it’s been great to say that I’m an author, my choice to be a part of the book was all about building my brand.

Let’s face it—there are a lot of graphic designers out there. Anyone who has been to a networking meeting or scrolled through social media will see dozens of people who list that as their job title. Because it’s such a crowded industry, it’s difficult to differentiate yourself. I chose to use the book as a way to build awareness about my company and set my work apart from other the graphic designers.

I primarily work with business owners who want a more professional look in their graphics. Usually, I start every meeting with brand questions—what colors do you use? What’s your overall look? Do you have a message? What message are you trying to get across? Who is your audience and what do they need to know about you?

Can you easily answer these questions? If not, you need to sit down with an old fashioned pen and paper. Work through these questions, until you can easily define your brand.

The people I work with are professionals who want a crisp, quality look that matches their approach to business. By being one of the authors in The Best Business Minds, I was able to create something that solidified my own brand as a professional graphic artist who specializes in business designs. I’m not the same as the other graphic designers, and that title of “author” beside my name communicates that message.

The book is professionally done (I designed the cover, by the way), and is one that I am proud to be associated with because it represents me and the other authors well. Having a professional look in everything that represents you is vital. If I had been part of a book that someone’s ten-year-old printed out from their computer, it wouldn’t have had that level of professionalism and quality that I want my brand to represent.

When you choose to work with an editor or publishing company, look for one that works at the same level as you do. Even the smallest things can have an impact on your brand image, and by choosing people who are skilled at their craft, you are ensuring the finished product is the best it can be. It’s also a great representation of you and your company.

If you want to read more about how I got started in the graphic design industry, go to my website, www.LaurasDesignStudio.com, and download a free copy of The Best Business Minds in Tampa Bay.