The Branded for Success book was written in 2007 by my wife and 2 of our colleagues. It’s purpose was to highlight my wife’s graphic design talent that could be leveraged for a business to get a successful brand. It has allowed the three authors to gain authority as branding experts since they are published authors on the subject.

Understanding of branding has grown and evolved over the last 18 years. The principles in this book are still applicable but some updating is necessary. This chapter asks the question on how you know if you are branding properly. Using our content transformation services, we will evaluate it to see that it is not outdated and irrelevant. This is our opportunity to update and supplement with necessary content that may have been missed when it was originally offered.

Since the book was written from a design perspective, this topic is important. But design should be determined after the foundational brand elements are completed first. We will add new content as necessary before we prepare for it’s new delivery. Since the repurposed content will be used for premium access content, I will provide summaries of the original text and the repurposed text. Also, we may revise the chapter divisions, since this will not be repurposed into another printed book.

Summary of chapter 8 of the original text:

You know you are branding properly when people recognize you, your logo, your products, or your slogans without needing an introduction. At events like seminars and conferences, if attendees recognize your face from your photos or your brand elements, that’s a clear sign your branding is working.

A strong example of effective branding is Wendy Robbins. We captured her dynamic personality through a custom design featuring her logo creatively embedded across various elements, including a backdrop of money, a luxury car, and a scenic road. Each piece was meticulously crafted to reflect her flamboyant and lively image. Even though the final design was a composite of multiple images, it appeared seamless and natural. It perfectly mirroring Wendy’s real-life persona. Because her branding consistently aligned with her true personality across visual designs, live appearances, and audio content, people came to know and expect that vibrancy from her.

When your branding authentically represents who you are and people recognize and remember you for it, you know you’re doing it right.

Summary of the corresponding repurposed text:

To know if you’re branding properly, the key indicator is recognition. People should instantly associate your name, logo, tagline, or unique identity with your brand. Like major companies such as Apple or Nike, strong branding means being recognizable even without a full logo.

Effective branding goes beyond visuals. It’s about creating a consistent and memorable presence across all touch points. Real-world examples like Gary Vaynerchuk and Marie Forleo show how aligning your brand’s visuals, messaging, and tone with your personality or company values builds strong brand identity. Consistency in logos, colors, tone, and content style across platforms is crucial.

To measure branding success, track recognition, engagement, visibility, client loyalty, and referrals. Ultimately, strong branding builds familiarity and trust, ensuring you stay top of mind when customers or clients need what you offer.

Observations:

Very little of the content was changes for the most part. This was a shorter chapter. In the rewrite, we expanded some concepts and clearly defined what to look for when your brand is working successfully. Also there was the usual updating of brand examples from previous clients’ brands to more nationally recognized brands. When I finish the re-write, it may be best to provide both.

Final Thoughts:

This is a prime example of content that does not need to be updated per se. It needed expanding and further defining of concepts. Of course we updated terminology to be more to the present. Depending on how old your content is, if the concept itself still works, you may need to make these types of minimal adjustments.

The Branded for Success book was written in 2007 by my wife and 2 of our colleagues. It’s purpose was to highlight my wife’s graphic design talent that could be leveraged for a business to get a successful brand. It has allowed the three authors to gain authority as branding experts since they are published authors on the subject.

Understanding of branding has grown and evolved over the last 18 years. The principles in this book are still applicable but some updating is necessary. This chapter deals the proper use of color for a successful brand. Using our content transformation services, we will evaluate it to see that it is not outdated and irrelevant. This is our opportunity to update and supplement with necessary content that may have been missed when it was originally offered.

Since the book was written from a design perspective, this topic is important and should be determined after the foundational brand elements are completed first. New content will be added as necessary before we prepared for it’s new delivery. Since the repurposed content will be used for premium access content, I will provide summaries of the original text and the repurposed text. Also, when we are finished, the chapter divisions may not be the same, since this will not be repurposed into another printed book.

Summary of chapter 6 of the original text:

Understanding which colors are best for your market and products requires more than just personal preference—it involves research and strategic thinking. Studies have shown that certain colors resonate more effectively within specific markets. To help with this, a bonus PDF titled “Using Color Successfully” is available on our website. This guide explains how different colors are perceived and how to choose colors that appeal to your target audience rather than yourself. One common mistake is selecting colors based on personal favorites, but what really matters is how those colors influence your customers’ perceptions and behaviors.

For example, red and yellow are heavily used in fast food branding because of their psychological impact—red stimulates appetite and urgency, while yellow grabs attention and evokes warmth. These colors are proven to provoke action, which is why they’re dominant in restaurants like McDonald’s, T.G.I. Friday’s, and others. On the other hand, large corporations such as Dell, IBM, and Wal-Mart consistently use blue in their branding because it inspires trust and professionalism, particularly in its deeper shades. In contrast, lighter blue tones may suggest softness and are better suited for brands targeting themes like parenting or nature.

The shade of a color can dramatically alter its effect on consumers. For example, green often brings to mind money and financial growth but also suggests nature and eco-consciousness, especially when paired with browns. Brands like American Express and Check Into Cash utilize green to emphasize financial benefits and call consumers to action.

Ultimately, color selection should be driven by how your audience responds to certain hues and how well those colors support your brand message. The “Using Color Successfully” resource and additional bonus materials provide valuable insights into making color choices that enhance your brand’s appeal and effectiveness.

Summary of the corresponding repurposed text:

Color is a powerful and strategic element in branding that goes far beyond aesthetics. It plays a critical role in shaping how consumers perceive a business, influencing emotions, trust levels, and buying behavior. Choosing the right colors for your brand involves understanding your brand personality, industry standards, and, most importantly, your target audience. Rather than relying on personal preferences, businesses should make intentional color choices that align with their mission and values.

Research shows that different colors evoke different emotions and are more effective in specific industries. For example, red creates urgency and energy, making it ideal for fast food or retail. Blue communicates trust and professionalism, commonly used in finance and healthcare. Green suggests health and sustainability, black signals luxury and sophistication, and yellow conveys optimism and attention-grabbing energy. Even subtle differences in shade can dramatically impact perception. Pastels feel soft and approachable. Bold colors are energetic. And neutrals offer a clean, timeless look.

Color psychology plays a crucial role. It helps in creating emotional connections, building brand recognition, and influencing consumer decisions—often on a subconscious level. How color will be applied across various brand touchpoints, from logos and websites to packaging and marketing materials is important. For example, red or orange call-to-action buttons create urgency, while blue and white backgrounds establish professionalism.

Ultimately, choosing the right color palette is both a psychological and strategic decision. When done thoughtfully, it helps establish a strong, memorable, and emotionally resonant brand that stands out in a competitive market.

Observations:

The original content is still applicable for today. It needed a refresher on use of terms and slight adjustments to changes in color use and perception. But overall, this content, conceptually, needed little work and updating. Some things in branding will remain timeless because human nature, in part, is understandable and easily researchable.

Final Thoughts:

Almost any content, if it has any age, will need adjusting. The amount of adjusting will depend on how evergreen the concepts written are. If the concepts in the original content are still true today, then minor adjustments are needed. Massaging of wording, terms used, and out-dated language are usually the case. Otherwise more work will be required to evaluate and determine what parts, if not all, the concepts need to be reworked, or abandoned altogether. Then research will be needed to replace with corresponding updated and relevant material.

The Branded for Success book was written in 2007 by my wife and 2 of our colleagues. It’s purpose was to highlight my wife’s graphic design talent that could be leveraged for a business to get a successful brand. It has allowed the three authors to gain authority as branding experts since they are published authors on the subject.

Understanding of branding has grown and evolved over the last 18 years. The principles in this book are still applicable but some updating is necessary. This chapter deals the essential visual design elements for a successful brand. Using our content transformation services, we will evaluate it to see that it is not outdated and irrelevant. This is our opportunity to update and supplement with necessary content that may have been missed when it was originally offered.

Since the book was written from a design perspective, this topic is important and should be determined after the foundational brand elements are completed first. New content will be added as necessary before we prepared for it’s new delivery. Since the repurposed content will be used for premium access content, I will provide summaries of the original text and the repurposed text. Also, when we are finished, the chapter divisions may not be the same, since this will not be repurposed into another printed book.

Summary of chapter 5 of the original text:

The design elements of branding, such as colors, fonts, and imagery, are essential in reaching and resonating with a target audience. Different markets respond to specific visual cues that align with their emotions, preferences, and expectations. For example, a book about gardening may use earthy greens and golds to evoke nature. A book about fast food strategically incorporates red and yellow, colors commonly associated with the industry, to stimulate appetite and grab attention. These choices are not random; they are intentional decisions that enhance the product’s appeal to the right audience.

Typography and imagery further refine the brand’s message. A business book will often feature clean, professional fonts. A teen-focused book may use bold, playful lettering that feels more youthful and energetic. Similarly, imagery must align with the intended audience’s interests. A guide for female entrepreneurs may incorporate softer, feminine design elements. A memoir targeting men may utilize strong, muted tones that convey trust and nostalgia. Each element contributes to shaping perception, making it clear that effective branding is not just about aesthetics but about understanding and strategically engaging the right audience.

Summary of the corresponding repurposed text:

Design plays a fundamental role in branding by shaping how audiences perceive and connect with a product or service. Elements like color, typography, and imagery influence a brand’s ability to attract the right customers. Color psychology, for instance, evokes emotions and associations that impact purchasing decisions. Green represents nature and wellness. Pink conveys femininity. Red and yellow stimulate appetite and urgency. And blue signals trust and professionalism. Brands such as Whole Foods, McDonald’s, and LinkedIn strategically use these colors to align with their brand identity and appeal to their target demographics. Similarly, typography sets the tone. Playful fonts work for youth-oriented brands like LEGO, while sleek, sans-serif fonts convey modern professionalism, as seen in Apple’s branding.

Imagery further reinforces a brand’s identity, whether through nature-themed photography for organic products, minimalist visuals for tech brands, or bold graphics for high-energy industries like sportswear. Book covers serve as a prime example of how these elements work together to target specific audiences. Business books often use structured layouts, professional fonts, and blue or gold tones to communicate trust and success. Books for female entrepreneurs incorporate soft yet strong design elements. Teen books, on the other hand, feature bold fonts and vibrant imagery to capture youthful energy. Understanding and strategically implementing these design principles ensures that branding resonates with the intended audience, reinforcing recognition, trust, and engagement.

Observations:

In this chapter, the concepts concerning design elements really haven’t evolved much over the last couple of decades. Granted, target audience preferences do change over time but things like color psychology and font psychology still hold true. You notice in the repurposed content a subtle change. The appropriate foundational work on the brand, that has been done, is inferred. It now is reflected in the choices of the visual design elements.

Final Thoughts:

The importance of doing the foundation, non-visual work on the brand cannot be overstated. If you don’t there will be no direction for the visual elements to follow. The possibility of brand confusion increases which then undermines the effectiveness of the brand.

Becoming a trusted expert in your industry doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistent, valuable content that reinforces your expertise and positions you as a go-to resource. However, constantly creating new content can be time-consuming. That’s where repurposing comes in. By leveraging our content transformation services, you can amplify your message, reach new audiences, and solidify your brand authority without reinventing the wheel.

Why Brand Authority Matters

Brand authority is what sets industry leaders apart from the competition. When your audience sees your content frequently, in different formats and on various platforms, they begin to recognize you as a knowledgeable, credible source. This builds trust, which leads to greater engagement, customer loyalty, and business growth.

Repurposing content plays a critical role in this by:

• Reinforcing key messages across multiple touchpoints
• Keeping your content relevant and top-of-mind
• Expanding your audience reach and credibility
• Establishing you as an expert in your field

How to Repurpose Content to Strengthen Brand Authority

• Turn Blog Posts into Expert Guides – Combine multiple articles on related topics into a comprehensive guide or eBook.
• Transform Podcasts into Articles – Extract key insights from your podcast episodes and repurpose them into blog posts or LinkedIn articles.
• Break Down Long-Form Content into Bite-Sized Pieces – Turn a webinar or whitepaper into a series of social media posts.
• Create Infographics from Research & Data – Present industry stats and insights in a visually engaging way.
• Repurpose Interviews into Quote Graphics – Share expert insights as quote graphics with your brand for Instagram and Pinterest.
• Compile FAQs into a Video Series – Answer common questions in short, engaging video clips.

Ready to Raise Your Brand Authority?

Establishing brand authority isn’t about creating more content—it’s about making smarter use of the content you already have. By repurposing your valuable insights across different formats and platforms, you stay top of mind, build credibility, and position yourself as an industry leader. Let our content transformation services help you amplify your expertise and strengthen your brand.

Breathe new life into your content today!

The Branded for Success book was written in 2007 by my wife and 2 of our colleagues. It’s purpose was to highlight my wife’s graphic design talent that could be leveraged for a business to get a successful brand. It has allowed the three authors to gain authority as branding experts since they are published authors on the subject.

Understanding of branding has grown and evolved over the last 18 years. The principles in this book are still applicable but some updating is necessary. This chapter deals with the decision to brand yourself or your product. Using our content transformation services, we will evaluate it to see that it is not outdated and irrelevant. This is our opportunity to update and supplement with necessary content that may have been missed when it was originally offered.

This topic really deals with foundational brand issues that directly affect the visual design of the brand. New content will be added as necessary before we prepared for it’s new delivery. Since the repurposed content will be used for premium access content, I will provide summaries of the original text and the repurposed text. Also, when we are finished, the chapter divisions may not be the same, since this will not be repurposed into another printed book.

Summary of chapter 4 of the original text:

The decision to brand yourself or your product depends on what you are selling. If you provide a service or software, branding the company or product is more effective. However, if you sell knowledge or information, personal branding is essential, as people need to trust you as a credible source.

Case studies of Armand Morin and Stu McLaren illustrate these principles. Armand initially branded himself with all his products but later shifted to branding his software separately to ensure it could thrive independently of him. Meanwhile, his information products maintained personal branding, reinforcing trust and credibility. Stu McLaren effectively branded himself while also establishing distinct branding for his various product lines, such as “My Idea Guy” and “Ideas 4.”

The chapter emphasizes that branding should align with long-term goals. Personal branding works well for consultants and educators, while product branding allows a business to sustain itself beyond its creator. A strategic approach ensures a strong, recognizable brand that supports business growth and customer trust.

Summary of the corresponding repurposed text:

Choosing between personal branding and product branding depends on your business model and long-term vision. Personal branding is ideal for individuals whose businesses revolve around their expertise, reputation, or personality. This approach is especially effective for consultants, coaches, speakers, and authors, as it helps build trust, establish authority, and create flexibility for future ventures. Entrepreneurs like Tony Robbins and Gary Vaynerchuk have successfully leveraged personal branding to become industry leaders, with their names synonymous with credibility and influence.

If you are selling a product, software, or service that you want to grow independently of you, branding your company or product is a smarter choice. This strategy is best for businesses in tech, e-commerce, and consumer goods, where the brand itself carries value beyond the founder. Companies like Apple, Nike, and Microsoft have thrived because they were built to operate beyond the presence of their creators. Establishing a strong product or company brand allows for scalability and, in many cases, makes it easier to sell the business in the future.

In some situations, a hybrid approach works best. Entrepreneurs with multiple projects can use personal branding to build credibility while also establishing distinct product brands. Elon Musk, for example, uses his personal brand to generate excitement around Tesla and SpaceX. Oprah Winfrey maintains her influence alongside her media company, OWN Network. This dual strategy allows for both personal recognition and business growth while maintaining flexibility.

Ultimately, the right branding approach depends on your goals. If you aim to become a recognized expert, personal branding is key. If you want to build a business that operates independently, a product-focused approach is better. For those looking to leverage both, a balanced strategy ensures influence while maintaining brand scalability. Regardless of the choice, consistency in branding and messaging is crucial for long-term success.

Observations:

The principles in this chapter were relevant as they were originally presented. The case studies in the original book were specific clients of the authors. When we repurposed the text, we inserted current and more recognizable examples which will help relevancy across a wider audience. Also we added the possibility of a hybrid option between the personal brand and the product brand. This shows how much branding has evolved over the last 18 years. We will add supplementary content about personal branding since that has come into the forefront since 2007.

Final Thoughts:

Here we have an example of the older content still viable today. It just needed a refresher on case study examples and adding newer options. It is important to go over the original content and objectively determine is applicability to today. If it still works, don’t fix it. But it might need a little help.

The Branded for Success book was written in 2007 by my wife and 2 of our colleagues. It’s purpose was to highlight my wife’s graphic design talent that could be leveraged for a business to get a successful brand. It has allowed the three authors to gain authority as branding experts since they are published authors on the subject.

Understanding of branding has grown and evolved over the last 18 years. The principles in this book are still applicable but some updating is necessary. The chapter we look at this time deals with brand personality and how visual design can affect it. Using our content transformation services, we will evaluate it to see that it is not outdated and irrelevant. This is our opportunity to update and supplement with necessary content that may have been missed when it was originally offered.

To have an appropriate brand personality, there is a process to develop it before a brand should approach the visual aspects. New content will be added addressing this before we prepared for it’s new delivery. Since the repurposed content will be used for premium access content, I will provide summaries of the original text and the repurposed text. Also, when we are finished, the chapter divisions may not be the same, since this will not be repurposed into another printed book.

Summary of chapter 3 of the original text:

A strong graphic identity begins with understanding your target audience. Your brand’s colors, typography, and imagery should align with their expectations and emotions, creating an immediate connection. A well-designed brand is instantly recognizable, with a distinct logo, a carefully chosen color palette, and typography that reinforces its personality. Companies like Apple and Coca-Cola achieve this by maintaining a consistent and memorable visual presence. Your brand should also communicate its value through design—whether through a well-crafted tagline, meaningful symbols, or high-quality graphics that enhance credibility and trust.

Authenticity is key to building a brand that resonates. Whether representing a personal brand or a company, your visuals should reflect your core values and personality. Consumers connect with brands that feel real, fostering loyalty and trust. Consistency across all platforms, from websites to social media and packaging, further strengthens recognition. A brand should be flexible and adaptable, allowing it to evolve while maintaining its core identity.

Emotional branding plays a crucial role in audience perception. Colors, typography, and imagery should evoke emotions that align with your brand message. Blue conveys trust, red creates excitement, and green symbolizes growth. A well-crafted brand identity is more than aesthetics. It is a strategic investment that builds credibility, attracts the right audience, and ensures long-term success.

Summary of the corresponding repurposed text:

A strong graphic identity begins with understanding your target audience. Identifying your ideal customers and aligning your brand’s visuals—such as colors, typography, and imagery—with their expectations ensures an immediate and meaningful connection. A well-designed brand should also be distinct and instantly recognizable that reinforces its personality. These elements work together to establish a cohesive and impactful brand presence.

Beyond aesthetics, your brand’s visuals should communicate its unique value. Slogans, icons, and high-quality graphics help convey what sets your brand apart, reinforcing its credibility and appeal. Authenticity is equally important—branding should reflect your values, tone, and personality to foster trust and connection with your audience. Consumers resonate with brands that feel genuine, which is why maintaining consistency across all platforms strengthens recognition and builds long-term relationships.

A successful brand identity must also be scalable and adaptable. As businesses grow and evolve, their branding should remain flexible while retaining its core elements to ensure continuity and recognition. Emotional branding plays a crucial role in audience perception, as colors, typography, and imagery can evoke emotions that align with your brand message. A well-crafted brand identity is a long-term investment that enhances credibility, builds loyalty, and ensures a professional, memorable presence in the market.

Observations:

In both summaries from our content transformation services, you see the adjustment of placing Brand Personality before addressing visual aspects of the brand. When the content is reorganized, there will need to be more adjustments, especially addressing the visual aspects. Brand personality comes first so the conversation about visual aspects will not be in contrast of it but anticipation toward it.

Final Thoughts:

When repurposing content and rewriting it with updates, be cognizant of the possible reordering of the content. The word order needs to make sense and not seem awkward when the audience sees or hears it. It is not professional if you reference something that was never address because the content was reordered. It will confuse the audience and you will lose confidence in your authority. Our content transformation services can transform your content to be relevant and consistent. Your repurposed content will produce a benefit for your audience today and reflect professionalism for you.

The Branded for Success book was written in 2007 by my wife and 2 of our colleagues. It’s purpose was to highlight my wife’s graphic design talent that could be leveraged for a business to get a successful brand. It has allowed the three authors to gain authority as branding experts since they are published authors on the subject.

Understanding of branding has grown and evolved over the last 18 years. The principles in this book are still applicable but some updating is necessary. As we walk through this chapter, we see more of the focus on the visual aspect of branding. We will evaluate it to see that it is not outdated and irrelevant. This is our opportunity to update and supplement with necessary content that may have been missed when it was originally offered.

This next chapter is about the importance of creating a graphic identity. Note, to create a successful brand properly, there is much work to be done about brand identity before this issue is to be addressed. New content will be added addressing this before we get here when this is prepared for it’s new delivery. Since it is possible the repurposed content will be used for premium access content, I will provide summaries of the original text and the repurposed text. Also, after the repurposing process is applied, when the book is finished, the chapter divisions may not be the same, especially since this will not be repurposed into another printed book.

Summary of chapter 2 of the original text:

The chapter emphasizes the importance of investing in branding graphics to create a lasting impression and build customer loyalty. Key points include:

• Design as an Investment: Paying for professional design is a one-time cost that continues to generate returns over time.
• Brand Recognition: Strong branding ensures customers remember and associate quality products with a recognizable visual identity.
• Trust and Loyalty: A well-branded product encourages repeat customers and word-of-mouth marketing.
• First Impressions Matter: High-quality design paired with quality content makes a product memorable and valuable.
• Examples of Strong Branding: Iconic logos like NBC’s peacock, the Michelin Man, and Nike’s swoosh demonstrate the power of a strong visual identity.

Ultimately, branding graphics are the most critical design investment because they ensure recognition, build trust, and drive repeat business.

Summary of the corresponding repurposed text:

The section emphasizes branding as an important design investment because it provides long-term returns by increasing recognition, trust, and sales.

Key Takeaways:

• Branding is an Investment: Professional design is not just an expense—it continuously enhances credibility and drives profits.
• Why Branding Matters: Strong branding creates recognition, customer loyalty, and word-of-mouth marketing, making it essential for business growth.
• Key Branding Elements to Prioritize:
  1. Logo & Visual Identity – Consistent colors, fonts, and logo build credibility.
  2. Product Packaging & Labels – First impressions matter for physical products.
  3. Website & Digital Presence – A well-designed site boosts trust and conversions.
  4. Social Media Graphics – Cohesive visuals improve brand recognition.
  5. Marketing Materials – Business cards, brochures, and ads should reinforce your brand.
  6. Content Branding – Visually align courses, books, and digital products with your brand.

Branding is more than aesthetics—it fosters trust and customer loyalty. Investing in branding ensures your audience remembers you, trusts you, and keeps coming back.

Observations:

As you can see, the repurposed content has begun to pull away from the very high-priority visual branding elements were originally placed and is placing them in a more appropriate place in the full branding picture. The new content also provides a more current set of applications for the visual aspect of branding. Obviously, we will add new supplementary content, addressing the non-visual foundation of branding that the visual aspects are based upon.

Final Thoughts:

Repurposing content is not always a one to one process. You will find that content you have written in the past, which worked and was appropriately applicable, now had a serious need of updating and supplementing. Do not let that bring fear into repurposing your content. It is most likely that the foundational principle of what you wrote are still worthy of sharing. They just need a refresher.