The Sage Brand Archetype

What are brand archetypes? We’re so glad you asked! Building a brand story that sticks with your target audience is easier said than done. In order to learn how to use brand archetypes to create an authentic brand that resonates with your customers, you first need to understand how archetypes work.

Brand Archetypes Explained

First, each of the twelve brand archetypes’ meanings and traits forms a very distinct personality style. Some people and brands have a clear-cut archetype and rarely stray from it, making them predictable and consistent in messaging and style. However, building a brand story is rarely a cut and dried process. There are nuances and traits that cross over from one archetype to another – just like people. That’s where the Serendipit magic happens.

Just like people, most brands are complex beings that can’t be categorized by ticking a single identifier box unless it’s labeled “It’s complicated.” That’s why many of the brands we develop are so often a custom mix of 2-3 primary archetypes. Our highly-experienced brand development team carefully selects traits from each primary archetype chosen during our proprietary Brand Workshops, then seamlessly blends them together to form a unique personality and archetype that fits the aspirational vision of the brand. We call it the Serendipit ‘secret sauce’ – no generic ketchup or mayo involved. We create just the right amount of spice blends to flavor each custom mix. Let’s take a look at the last Archetype in our series: The Sage.

The SAGE Brand Archetype

SAGE TRAITS

Thinker, Philosopher, Reflective, Expert Advisor, Teacher, Confident, In-Control, Self-Contained, Credible

THE SAGE PERSONA

The Sage is a seeker of truth, operating from the fundamental belief that the truth will set you free. The Sage questions everything, researches, measures, and tests, then studies, revises and teaches. Methodical and objective, they’re the smartest ones in the room and likely have time, history, and proven strategies on their side.

DESIRE

Knowledge & Truth

MOTIVATION

Independence & Fulfillment

FEAR

Deception & Lies

MANTRA

Knowledge is power.

SAGES IN THE WILD

Sages provide expertise or information to customers, and they encourage customers to think. Sage brands use knowledge and truth that’s grounded in research-based facts to differentiate from others whose quality or performance is inferior.

SAGE BRAND ARCHETYPE EXAMPLES

Harvard University, BBC, PBS, Gallup, Google, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network)

#LetsLearnTogether

Do You Identify with the Sage Brand Archetype?

Unsure where to start when building a brand story or which archetype best suits your brand? Let our brand development experts at Serendipit help you out. Get in touch today, and we’ll help you find your brand identity! We know how to build a strong brand – just take a look for yourself!