The Explorer Archetype - Fearless & Resilient

The Explorer Archetype (also known as The Seeker or The Wanderer)

The Explorer Archetype pushes boundaries, constantly looking to learn more about themselves and the world around them. They exude a sense of freedom, fearlessness, daring and curiosity.

Confined or cautious is not in the Explorer's textbook.

Confined or cautious is not in the Explorer’s textbook. They constantly push to innovate, explore the unknown, and liberate others who suffer from a closed mind.

The Explorer Archetype Strengths

This brand archetype encourages its audience to follow their lead, embrace new ideas and take risks. This can help distinguish the business from competitors, who may be more 'the norm' and focused on stability.

Explorers are known for their resourcefulness and creativity. These brands have opportunity to embody authenticity with honest values that create a strong connection with their audience.

The explorer brand is comfortable with uncertainty and is adaptable to changing market conditions. The archetype taps into the human desire for adventure, discovery and growth.

Examples of the Explorer Archetype

Here are 10 powerful examples of brands that embody the Explorer archetype:

1. The North Face
2. Airbnb
3. Red Bull
4. Patagonia
5. Tesla
6. GoPro
7. National Geographic
8. REI
9. Lonely Planet
10. The Outbound Collective

The explorer archetype is often maximised by outdoor companies, like The North Face and Patagonia. The North Face, slogan, for example, 'Never Stop Exploring', speaks to its commitment to help customers push their limits and discover new experiences. While Patagonia's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility appeals to those who value adventure and the outdoors.

Airbnb's offer of short-term holiday rentals offers unique and authentic experiences all over the world. Airbnb encourages exploration and discovery.

The energy drink Red Bull has a focus on extreme adventure, aligning with the Explorer archetype's values of risk-taking and pushing boundaries. Car company Tesla does similar in its own way, appealing to those who value exploration and the potential for a better future.

These are just a few examples of brands that embody the Explorer archetype in their branding. By tapping into the values and qualities associated with this archetype, these brands have built a unique identity in the marketplace.

The Explorer Archetype On Social Media

The explorer archetype embraces adventure and exploration on social media. GoPro, for example, shares user-generated content of people taking part in extreme sports or adventures. By showcasing their products in action, GoPro inspires a sense of exploration.

This GoPro Awards promo video is a perfect example of the Explorer Archetype in action.

National Geographic also inspires people to discover new places and things. The media brand shares the beauty and diversity of the world, inspiring curiosity and a sense of wonder.

Travel publisher, Lonely Planet, does similar. Sharing travel tips, advice and inspiration for people interested in exploring new places and cultures.

Outdoor retainer, REI, shares stories of people hiking and camping, as well as advice for outdoor enthusiasts and information on conservation. By creating a community centred around outdoor adventures, REI, like other explorer brands, inspires exploration and a love for the natural world.

This video, co-produced by REI Co-op Studios tells the story of a young farmer who must choose between leaving on a one-way mission to Mars, or staying behind to work on his family beloved flower farm.

writing for the Explorer Archetype

The voice and copywriting for the Explorer archetype in branding reflects the values and attributes associated with the archetype.

1. Adventurous: The Explorer archetype is all about pushing boundaries and taking risks. The copy should reflect this by using action-oriented language and bold statements that inspire a sense of adventure and excitement. For example, 'Experience the thrill of the unknown' and, 'Take the road less traveled.'
2. Curious: Ask questions, provide interesting facts and encourage, you guessed it, exploration. For example, 'Discover a world of hidden wonders.'
3. Authentic: People that are drawn to the explorer archetype value both authenticity and uniqueness. You can reflect this by emphasizing the original and genuine attributes of the brand or product. For example, 'Experience [destination name] like a local.'
4. Inspiring: The Explorer archetype inspires people to push their limits. Use aspirational language and tell stories of people who have overcome challenges and achieved great things. Example: 'Join the community of adventurers who have discovered [product/destination name].'
5. Informative: The Explorer archetype's curiosity facilitates a desire for knowledge. Provide useful information, tips and advice relevant to your product or service.

Action-oriented, informative and inspiring language suits the Explorer archetype. Power words may include

The Explorer Archetype Weaknesses

The Explorer archetype has many strengths, but it's also good to be aware of its weaknesses. Avoid alienating your audience or damaging your Explorer brand's rep' by being aware of the tendency towards impulsiveness, exclusivity and disorganisation.

Because the Explorer archetype loves adventure and spontaneity, it can lead to impulsive decisions and inadvertently create a disorganised internal culture. Brands that embody this archetype can be perceived as chaotic, reckless or irresponsible if they encourage people to take unnecessary risks, or don't have clear strategies in play. Customers still need to feel that the brand is reliable.

This desire for constant change and excitement can make it harder for these brands to maintain customer loyalty - if they don't offer enough variety or novelty in their products or services. You can't become bland. That said, if you try 'too hard' you risk being seen as disingenuous... it's a fine balance.

One risk with the explorer archetype is exclusivity. Often these brands can be associated with experiences that seem 'out of reach' for the masses. This can limit their audience reach, and limit the brand growth to the privileged. If you want to appeal to a wider audience, make sure your 'adventure' is not 'too far' over the horizon.

By being mindful of your brand archetype's weaknesses, you can maintain a balance between adventure and responsibility, spontaneity and planning, and authenticity and exclusivity.

Unsure what your brand's archetype is? Take the Brand Archetype Assessment.