One of the most effective ways to advertise your business is through the use of mural advertising. Murals, for those who don’t know, are large scale works of art that on their own, typically represent a cultural or thematic element of the space or location that the mural is in. Anyone who has visited popular metropolitan areas has likely seen murals representing famous artists, musicians, public figures, or historical events. In some cases, murals are commissioned to support local artists and beautify areas of cities that are set for renovation. No matter what form they take, murals are powerful and striking images that can be used by brands to spread their message. If you’re curious about mural advertising, keep reading to discover the benefits of this creative outdoor advertising strategy.

Support Local Artists

Typically, mural designing means bringing on local artists or artist teams to design and execute the mural painting. This is a great way for businesses to support local art communities wherever they are advertising. Not only will it stimulate the local economy, but it will spread the name of your business in big bright letters that will be tough for anyone not to notice! The great thing about murals is that they offer an extremely unique canvas for your campaigns. In cities where murals are permitted, there are no rules for the kinds of buildings or size restrictions for how big your mural can be. Next, let’s talk about the cost of these ads.

Typical Cost

Because these ads are large, require city permits, and require hiring a team of artists and designers, they can get pretty expensive. A typical mural can cost anywhere from 13k - 50k depending on the size, detail, design and building you want to paint on. These ads aren’t the best option for new small businesses, but are a great idea for established brands to get their name somewhere that it's guaranteed to be seen. If your brand has made a solid name for itself, a mural may be a great idea for your company!

Local Rules

Keep in mind that not all cities allow murals at all. The most common areas to see murals in are in busy urban centers where the community has a strong arts tradition. Some example neighborhoods could be Williamsburg, Brooklyn or Downtown and Eastside Los Angeles. In some areas, there are more specific rules around what is considered to be an advertising mural and what is considered to be a work of art, with varying regulations around both kinds of sanctioned graffiti. If you are unsure about a particular area, consider working with a local agency to help you determine what the rules of a particular community or urban center are before pursuing a mural advertisement in that area. There are some cities that don’t allow outdoor murals or billboards of any kind, so make sure you cater your expectations carefully and study the rules of each particular state your campaign will run in.

Attract a Younger Audience

As far as attracting customers, murals are more likely to be attractive for younger audiences and brands that deal with younger clientele will likely have a little bit more success with their mural ad. Companies like Netflix and Adidas are great examples of brands that serve a younger audience and are also known for their creative advertising, including mural ads. The younger generations are more tuned in to artistic aesthetics and media, so bright and well designed murals are more likely to catch their attention than a simple billboard or other forms of outdoor advertising.

Viral Capability

Another great benefit of using mural advertising is the capability of these images to go viral. The internet loves a good photo opportunity, and interesting murals can quickly go viral on social media from continuous likes, sharing and comments about the mural. A brand could consider designing a mural that has some opportunity for individual engagement. This could be a cleverly designed ad that has a place for people to stand and take a photo. The more you increase your chances of your ads going viral, the more likely that your brand itself will too!

So, while mural ads can be expensive, they are a great way for brands experiencing some level of success to really get their name out there and use a creative form of outdoor advertising to attract younger audiences and potentially spread their name all over the world. Certain cities are known for their murals, and when a mural is particularly popular or interesting, it can easily go viral in a matter of days with the sharing power of social media. Do keep in mind that the rules and regulations change from state to state, with some allowing murals in their arts districts and some not allowing them at all. Do your research and we hope to see your brand on a mural someday!