How to Improve Brand Image with 10 Branding Building Strategies

Your brand image isn’t just a logo or a tagline—it’s the story people tell about you when you’re not in the room. Think about Apple: their sleek designs and "Think Different" ethos make you feel like you’re part of something innovative. That’s the power of a strong brand image. But here’s the thing: 89% of shoppers stay loyal to brands that share their values (Forbes).

So, how do you build that kind of connection? Whether you’re a startup or an established business, improving your brand image is about more than just looking good - it’s about creating trust, loyalty, and emotional resonance.

1. Define Your Brand Identity: Start with "Why"

Your brand identity is the foundation of everything you do. It’s not just about a logo or a color scheme—it’s about the story you tell and the emotions you evoke. For instance, a bakery I worked with rebranded from "Best Cupcakes" to "Sweet Moments." The emotional shift led to a 30% increase in sales.

• Craft a Mission That Resonates: Your mission statement should answer the question, "Why do we exist?" Airbnb’s mission, "Belong Anywhere," isn’t about booking stays; it’s about creating a sense of belonging for travelers worldwide.
• Align Visuals with Values: Use tools like Aiarty Image Enhancer to ensure every product photo is sharp and professional.

Pro Tip: Conduct a brand audit every year. Ask yourself: Does our messaging still align with our values? Are our visuals consistent across all platforms?

2. Leverage Social Media: Where Authenticity Meets Aesthetics

Social media is your brand’s digital storefront. But here’s the catch: 60% of consumers say poor-quality images make them distrust a brand (Venngage). So, how do you stand out in a sea of content?

• Share Stories, Not Ads: Glossier built a cult following by reposting customer selfies. One Reddit user said, "Their Instagram feels like chatting with friends—not being sold to."
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, host live Q&A sessions, and create polls to foster a sense of community.
• Enhance image quality: Upload a poorly lit product shot to Aiarty Image Enhancer and watch it transform into social media gold. It’s like magic for your visuals.

Just download this excellent tool and try to improve your images with AI!

3. Keep Your Visuals Consistent

Consistency is key to building brand recognition. Imagine if Coca-Cola suddenly switched to neon green logos. Chaos, right?

• Audit Quarterly: A local coffee shop I advised found their menu photos had five different filters. After standardizing, customer confusion dropped by half.
• Invest in Professional Photography: High-quality visuals can make or break your brand. If you’re on a budget, tools like Aiarty can help you enhance existing photos like reducing image noise.

4. Make Customers Feel Like VIPs

Customer experience is the new marketing. Zappos isn’t just about shoes—it’s about happiness. Their 365-day return policy and 24/7 support make shoppers feel valued.

• Fix Pain Points: Starbucks redesigned their app after users complained about clunky navigation. Result? Mobile orders skyrocketed.
• Ask for Feedback: A Quora user praised Warby Parker’s home try-on program: "They actually listened when I said the frames were too tight."
• Personalize Interactions: Use customer data to tailor recommendations. For example, Netflix’s personalized suggestions keep users coming back for more.

5. Be Transparent: No More "Behind the Curtain" Secrets

Transparency builds trust. Patagonia’s "Don’t Buy This Jacket" campaign urged sustainability over sales—and revenue jumped 30% (Business Insider).

• Own Your Mistakes: When KFC ran out of chicken in the UK, their "FCK" apology ad went viral. Honesty = respect.
• Show Your Process: A small skincare brand I follow posts factory tours on TikTok. Fans love seeing how products are made!
• Share Behind-the-Scenes Content: Give your audience a peek into your daily operations. For example, a bakery could share a time-lapse video of a cake being decorated.

6. Turn Employees into Superfans

Your team is your best marketing tool. LinkedIn’s employees share company content 2x more than other brands (LinkedIn Data), making their feed feel genuine.

• Train Brand Ambassadors: Host workshops on your mission and values.
• Spotlight Stories: Use Aiarty to polish employee video testimonials. One tech startup saw a 40% boost in job applications after showcasing team culture.
• Encourage Social Sharing: Provide employees with pre-approved content to share on their personal social media accounts.

7. Fix Your Online Reputation

Your online reputation can make or break your brand. Did you know 94% of diners avoid restaurants with bad reviews (BrightLocal)?

• Monitor Mentions: Tools like Brand24 track your name across the web.
• Respond Gracefully: A hotel manager shared on Reddit, "Apologizing publicly for a booking error turned a 1-star review into a loyal guest."
• Encourage Positive Reviews: Offer incentives for customers to leave reviews, such as discounts or freebies.

Pro Tip: Address negative reviews promptly and professionally. A thoughtful response can turn a critic into a fan.

8. Go Green (Because Your Customers Care)

Sustainability is no longer a niche concern—it’s a business imperative. Nielsen found 66% of consumers pay more for sustainable brands.

• Start Small: Swap plastic packaging for recycled materials.
• Share Your Wins: Ben & Jerry’s climate justice campaigns get shared 3x more than their flavor launches (Socialbakers).
• Partner with Eco-Friendly Organizations: Collaborate with nonprofits or initiatives that align with your values.

9. Stand Out with a "Only Us" Factor

What makes your brand unique? Dollar Shave Club disrupted Gillette with humor and convenience. Their viral video? Cost just $4,500 and snagged 12,000 customers in 48 hours (AdWeek).

• Find Your Niche: What can you offer that competitors can’t?
• Highlight It Everywhere: Use Aiarty to create bold visuals for ads. One e-commerce store doubled click-through rates by emphasizing "handmade in 24 hours."
• Tell Your Story: Share the journey behind your brand. For example, TOMS Shoes’ "One for One" campaign resonated with customers because it had a clear, compelling mission.

10. Measure, Tweak, Repeat

Improving your brand image is an ongoing process. Netflix’s data-driven hits like Stranger Things aren’t luck—they’re science.

• Track Key Metrics: Use tools like Google Analytics, Brandwatch, and social media insights to monitor brand sentiment, engagement rates, and customer retention.
• Iterate Based on Data: A boutique hotel I worked with started tracking online sentiment and spotted a recurring complaint about slow Wi-Fi. Fixing it boosted their ratings from 3.8 to 4.6 stars.
• Stay Agile: Be willing to pivot if something isn’t working. For example, if a social media campaign isn’t resonating, tweak the messaging or visuals.

Conclusion

Improving your brand image isn’t a one-and-done task—it’s an ongoing journey. From defining your brand identity to leveraging tools like Aiarty Image Enhancer for flawless visuals, each step you take builds trust and loyalty with your audience. Remember, your brand isn’t just what you say it is; it’s how your customers feel when they interact with you. So, what’s your next move? Maybe it’s auditing your social media visuals or drafting a transparency pledge. Whatever it is, start small and stay consistent.