People Who Want to: Pursue Connection
Think Rihanna Fenty, Toni Braxton, and Tank (from left to right)
One of the most fascinating brand archetypes to work with is the Lover Brand Archetype. Archetypes are universal, archaic patterns and images that derive from the collective unconscious and are the psychic counterpart of instinct. Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist, identified the 12 archetypes we use today in branding to give a brand a personality, humanizing it for relatability. These archetypes have been observed across cultures and time periods and have a significant impact on our behavior and decision-making. The Lover brand archetype is no exception.
About The Lover
This archetype is associated with passion, sensuality, and intimacy and has significant implications for brand strategy. It is also based on the idea of connecting with others on an emotional level and is often associated with romance, pleasure, and beauty. Above all, the Lover represents passion, desire, and intimacy and values aesthetic beauty, sensuality, and emotional connection. Here are three additional values associated with this archetype:
Romance: The Lover values romance and the idealization of relationships. They believe in the power of love to transform and uplift.
Nurturing: The Lover values nurturing and caring for others. They seek to create a sense of warmth and comfort in their relationships.
Authenticity: The Lover values authenticity and genuineness in relationships. They seek out genuine connections and value honesty and vulnerability.
Again, the Lover Brand Archetype has a significant impact on consumer behavior. Consumers who identify with the Lover are often seeking emotional connections and experiences. They are attracted to brands that can provide a sense of pleasure, beauty, and intimacy. They may be more likely to make purchasing decisions based on their emotional response to a brand rather than purely rational factors.
Lover Brand Archetype Examples
One classic example of a very profitable Lover brand is Victoria's Secret. The lingerie company uses seductive advertising campaigns and provocative branding to tap into the emotional and sensual desires of its target market. Victoria's Secret has built a loyal customer base by creating a fantasy world of beauty, glamour, and sensuality that appeals to its audience's sense of self-worth and desire for intimacy.
Another example of a Lover brand is chocolate maker Lindt & Sprüngli. The company's branding is all about indulgence, pleasure, and romance, with its iconic gold foil wrapping and luxurious packaging. Lindt & Sprüngli's marketing campaigns often focus on the emotional connection people have with chocolate, such as giving it as a gift to show love and appreciation.
The Lover archetype is also evident in the beauty industry, where companies often use the power of attraction and desire to sell their products. For example, perfume brands like Chanel and Dior use sensual advertising campaigns and luxurious packaging to tap into the emotional desires of their target market.
In addition to appealing to the emotional desires of consumers, Lover brands also often prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. For example, TOMS Shoes, a company that donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased, uses its "One for One" model not only to appeal to consumers' desires for stylish and comfortable footwear but also to their sense of social responsibility and desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Now, let's compare the Lover Brand Archetype to a well-known celebrity—Toni Braxton. Braxton's music has often been associated with themes of love and romance, and she has been praised for her sensual voice and stage presence. She has also been candid about her own struggles with relationships, which can be seen as a reflection of the Lover's desire for authentic emotional connections. These are all values associated with the Lover Brand Archetype.
Appealing to the Lover Archetype
To appeal to the Lover Brand Archetype in marketing and communications, it is important to emphasize sensuality, beauty, and emotional connection. Use visually appealing images and language that evokes strong emotions. Highlight the pleasure and beauty that your brand can provide and create a sense of intimacy and closeness with your audience.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Lover Brand Archetype is a powerful tool for marketers and designers. By understanding the values and behaviors associated with this archetype, you can create effective marketing and communication strategies that resonate with your target audience. So, embrace your inner Lover and use the power of passion, beauty, and emotional connection to create meaningful and impactful brand messaging. If you need help with uncovering the brand archetype that can help best support your business goals, let's chat.