Brand archetypes are the secret sauce to creating stronger brands, and are an essential tool for any marketing toolbox! To learn more, read the introduction here.
The Ruler archetype seeks to prevent chaos by taking control. Motivated by the desire for safety and security, the Ruler works to get (and keep) power. A lover of policies and procedures, the Ruler is drawn to things that are substantial, timeless, and high quality. This archetype sees itself as a role model for others to emulate and seeks to help others secure prosperity and security.
As the name implies, Rulers tend to follow the rules and behave “properly”, while expecting the same of others. At one end of the spectrum, think about a protective mother raising a child responsibly. At the opposite end is a ruthless dictator, power hungry for control over nations. In between those two extremes is a whole spectrum expressing the archetype at different levels.
For examples of the Ruler archetypes around us, we can look at Donald Trump, Verizon, Microsoft, Rolls Royce, Rolex, and Hugo Boss.
Ruler brands are clearly evident in industries such as security, technology, finance, and government. They are also appropriate for any brand offering high-end products or services. The marketing techniques they use will appeal to the consumers’ desire to be important, influential, and successful. Imagery is often classical, traditional, statuesque, noble, or sophisticated. Pricing is moderate to high.
As you would expect, organizational structure is hierarchical within Ruler brands and roles are clearly defined. These organizations tend to be highly stable, functional, and orderly, but are often incapable of quick response or adaptation because decisions have to go through a chain of command. Ruler brands tend to grow by acquisition, taking over their competitors and swallowing up the little guys.
Each archetype has levels. The lower levels are less advanced, while higher levels are more evolved or developed.
Level 1: Taking responsibility for one’s own life.
Level 2: Being the leader of a family or group.
Level 3: Becoming a leader at a higher level within the community or government.
The book Archetypes in Branding includes the Ruler as one of five related sub-archetypes. The different aspects of the Ruler archetype emerge based on the strength of various attributes.
Rulers possess a high degree of confidence and have an innate desire to be leaders. They need to be in control and feel qualified based on proven expertise or competence. This sub-archetype strives to create environments that are productive and harmonious. Its weakness lies in the fear of losing control, and can therefore overcompensate by becoming too authoritarian.
The Sovereign carries an air of prestige and rank. Holding fast to tradition, the Sovereign is controlled and proper in the public eye. While the Sovereign can fall into the trap of entitlement, it carries a great deal of responsibility and strives to act accordingly.
The Judge uses discernment and wisdom to challenge wrongs that need to be righted, thus providing structure to society or environments. With a balance between compassion and justice, the Judge is strong on communication, research, and strategy. However, it can be seduced by power, so the Judge should make a conscious effort to remain objective and impartial.
Acting as a diplomat, the Ambassador sub-archetype works to resolve disputes. The Ambassador strategically maneuvers complex issues or relationships to restore stability on common ground. The challenge for this sub-archetype lies in the potential to misuse its influence.
The Patriarch acts as head of the family, maintains order, and provides protection. With leadership and courage, this sub-archetype takes care of those under it, inspiring feelings of security. However, the Patriarch should be careful not to fall into a tyrannical leadership style.
Ruler consumers are typically concerned with image, status, or prestige. They gravitate to Ruler brands because they want the powerful impressions associated with those brands to influence how others perceive them. Often natural leaders, Ruler consumers are high achievers with a long list of accomplishments to their name. As such, they also have a lot of responsibility and don’t like taking orders from others. Often Ruler consumers are very patriotic and have a deep appreciation for their country’s laws, traditions, and heritage.
At the lower level, Ruler consumers feel as if the world should cater to them. No waiting in lines, no second-tier status, no asking twice. At the higher level, those that don’t expect special treatment will at least appreciate it.
Brands that want to reach Ruler consumers should consider how they can make them feel important (through VIP status or a platinum club membership), as well as focus on the stability they can give them.
Verizon believes “There’s only one number one” and they’re it. Their stance is consistently backed up by several sources and independent studies that support their claim of being better than all the rest, no matter where you are in the nation.
But Verizon would do well to remember that the weakness of being a Ruler is the temptation to be tyrannical, especially in light of headlines from recent years. For a company that profits billions, Verizon’s Ruler tendency to overlook or mistreat “the little guys” has caused workers to strike, resulting in some bad press.
Microsoft is known the world over, and due to its integration in our lives, is overall considered a necessary and trustworthy brand with a broad appeal. In its meteoric rise to dominance, however, Microsoft has been hit with several antitrust lawsuits over the years.
Even though the company treads more cautiously these days, they cannot easily shake the unfavorable impressions created by their abuse of the Ruler archetype. While, fortunately, they are now viewed more as the “class president” rather than the “schoolyard bully,” not everyone is entirely convinced that they aren’t still trying to continue their monopoly.
Luxury and power combine and are enhanced by an intense audio track of Everybody Wants to Rule the World in this commercial for Rolls Royce. What could be a more fitting status symbol?
The name says it all. Hugo Boss, a retailer specializing in designer clothing and fragrances, uses power phrases like “go all the way”, “stay noble”, and “man of success” in this commercial for men’s cologne. (Gerard Butler’s alluring Scottish brogue doesn’t hurt, either!)
Do you sell high-status products? Or ones that promise safety and security? Are you a market leader? Or is your long-term plan to achieve market dominance? Do you prefer highly structured organization? Do you serve a regulatory function in your industry or community? Answering yes to any of these questions can make you a Ruler brand.
Still not sure which archetype defines your brand? Take the brand archetype quiz to find out your results and then check out an overview of the 12 brand archetypes to learn more.
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