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Writer's pictureDeonna Lindsay-Lewis

Build A Sticky Explorer Brand

Updated: Jul 10



The Journey Itself Is My Home

FREEDOM IS FOUND IN INDIVIDUALITY!


You're one who wanders, adventures, finds extraordinary in the ordinary, marvels at the inner-workings of self as you journey towards freedom and self-expression, bathing in the wonders of nature-it is a form of spirituality-where you may truly BE. If ever there were an archetype that would sell all of their earthly possessions, purchase an airstream and make the open road home..It is you. Whether you're sleeping under the stars, planning to hike the Appalachian Trail, or find freedom living in Airbnb's across Amsterdam, Lisbon, Barcelona and London every three months you find freedom in discovering who you could be (rather who you are) in these different settings. As a matter of fact, the more you adventure....the more you travel....the more you experience....the more you uncover who you are. This is your obsession. Because frankly, being like anyone else and conforming to the coffin-shaped box where societal rules go to die.....Is just that...death.... or even worse....boring.


THE COMMON THREAD

So why build an Explorer brand? You first exist to discover who YOU are by exploring the world around you, THEN help others to honor their own 808's, create their own drum circles, and simply live better more fulfilling lives by leading them to new experiences and ways of thinking.


ON-BRAND BEHAVIOR

You create experiences that make people feel more ALIVE, CULTURED, and FREE. Under no circumstances will you push routine lest you die of shear boredom. Your messaging encourages others to escape, avoid conformity at all costs, and renounce the mundane while embracing autonomy and individuality.


SHADES OF THE EXPLORER ARCHETYPE

Adventurer | Seeker | Iconoclast | Wanderer | Indivdualist | Pilgrim | Anti-hero | Misfit

While there are universal truths about the Explorer archetype, there are shades to this! On one end of the spectrum, you may be someone who is unafraid to go where no one has been and discover new things, on the other end you may be a lone wolf (some may even call you a misfit) on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.



THE BREAKDOWN:

Here is a quick and dirty hit list of traits, brand do's and dont's, themes, and In The Wild examples to inspire your sticky Explorer brand elements!









  • Adventurous

  • Open-Minded

  • Curious

  • Vanguard

  • Resourceful









  • Alive

  • Limitless

  • Cultured

  • Expansive









  • Spontaneity

  • Nature/Wide-open spaces

  • Frontier / Exploration

  • Expansive thinking

  • Push boundaries

  • New experiences

  • Hit the open road

  • Freedom/Independence

  • Be true to self

  • Individuality

  • Wander often









  • Boxes

  • Routines

  • Conformity

  • Safe/ Timidness

  • Inflexibility

  • Commitments

  • Boredom

  • Entrapment









Your offers lead your audience on a journey of self-discovery, escapism, or eradicating boredom. Consider:

  • Lead Magnet: Scavenger Hunts or Journey

  • Core Offer: An Experience (that feels spontaneous and exciting)

  • Premium Offer: Vacations/Retreats









On-brand themes + perspectives to jumpstart a brilliant brand story!


Angle//

Empathize with what it feels like to be trapped in an unfulfilling career or reality, to yearn for more excitement and adventure, and to feel "bigger" than your own life.


Lens//

  • Into the Woods/unknown

  • Going where no one's gone before

  • Escape from boredom

  • So little time, so much to experience

  • An epic adventure


Word bank//

  • Adventure

  • Voyage

  • Wild

  • Untamed

  • Free

  • Free-spirited

  • Quest

  • Rugged

  • Discover

  • Trail

  • Fierce

  • Fearless

  • Nomad

  • Native

  • Savage

  • Natural

  • True North









Be inspired by other Explorer brands out in the wild!

  • Starbucks

  • Jeep

  • Patagonia

  • Boy Scouts of America

  • Indiana Jones

  • James Bond



GET YOUR FREE "STICKY BRAND" SLINGSHOT NOW!

Sticky brands carefully blend two or three archetypes into an irresistible cocktail to tell a richer, more nuanced story and connect in ways that feel more human and desirable! Grab this free slingshot to help you craft your sticky brand right now!




Credit:

The information shared within this article is based on the psychology-backed work of Margaret Mark & Carol S. Pearson as well as Margaret Hartwell and Joshua C. Chen.


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