Backstory -  I wanted to update my Will, Powers of Attorney, etc.  My biggest competitor just became a grandmother so I knew she would want to update her Will too.  So I called her and suggested we notarize each other's documents.  I knew some gals who would act as our witnesses.  We arranged a date.

I was shocked at her behavior at the appointment. She did the absolute minimum required by our state's notary laws:  she added her signature, date, and notary stamp on my documents. 

She didn't note anything in a journal. 

She didn't use an embosser seal besides the inked seal. 

She was very awkward about swearing in the witnesses with raised right hands which told me she hadn't administered the oath to anyone during the thousands of loan signings she had done over the last 6+ years.

If I weren't a notary and didn't know that all notary laws were fulfilled, I would have wondered if my docs were legally notarized because of her cavalier attitude and actions.

My state does not require journals.  But I journal and collect clients' signatures because journaling protects me in the event of a false accusation.  (Judges love paper trails.)  Journaling also lends an air of importance to the legal status of the documents involved.  Plus I can be helpful if there is an enquiry about a notarization.

My state does not require an embossed notarization in addition to an inked one.  But I have noticed that clients are VERY impressed when an embossed seal is used.  Using an embosser adds a solomnity and respect for the documents and thereby to the clients for their important transactions.  If the document is bound for overseas, I also use a gold seal before I emboss.

I always have preprinted receipt forms handy.  I created them on my computer with my letterhead and tax ID number (not social security number).  I complete the form at the end of the appointment and give to each client. 

Because I always treat my clients' documents with careful respect and do more than the minimum required, I am telling them via behavior that I am a true professional.  They won't want to go elsewhere and they always return to me.

So always provide services at your Professional Best standard.  Your clients will have greater trust in your work, be loyal to you, and happily give colleagues your phone number.