Mural Advertising: Design a Creative and Engaging Mural Ad

Last Updated: October 6, 2025
A graphic of a person creating a mural advertisement that reads 'mural advertising'.

In a world driven by aesthetics, mural advertising is rapidly gaining popularity by the day. These colorful, creative ads stand out amidst the rest of the cityscape, drawing attention and becoming a favorite landmark within the area. Where traditional advertising can sometimes get a bad rap for cluttering up public spaces, mural advertising enhances them, becoming an integral part of the community.

Keep reading to discover how mural advertising can play a key role in your next marketing campaign and spotlight your brand in a fresh new way.

What Is Mural Advertising?

Mural advertising utilizes street art to create sweeping painted creations that serve as eye-catching, impactful ads. These murals can be as simple or as intricate as you can imagine—the possibilities are quite literally limitless.

Youthful and exciting, a mural ad naturally captures and engages those in its path. It’s the kind of ad that no one wants to ignore.

A mural of penguins swimming on the side of a building advertising the aquarium in the city.

What Are the Benefits of Mural Advertising?

The best advertisements are the ones that make an impression. Ads that draw your attention and stick in your memory long after they’ve left your field of vision.

That’s the power of mural advertising—these bright, creative ads stick. Unlike standard signage, they’re known to stop passersby in their tracks, curious to take in each detail. Additionally, mural advertisements practically beg to be photographed, which is priceless in today’s social media age. The right mural ad compels those who see it to snap a picture or video and share to their Instagram story or TikTok feed, inciting curiosity for those who catch it online to find it for themselves in the real world.

Generally, a local artist is hired to hand-paint the mural, which gives the art a sense of local pride and culture that other forms of advertising can’t replicate. This local touch makes the ad feel more personal—like the featured brand is a part of the community. This sense of connection is priceless, and builds brand loyalty in a unique way.

An outdoor wall mural being painted on the back of a building

Outdoor Mural Advertising Done Right: Tips and Tricks

Ready to start dreaming up the perfect wall mural for your next ad campaign? Here are a few of our top tips:

1. Choose a Strategic Location

It doesn’t matter how stunning your billboard ad is if no one ever sees it. When it comes to outdoor mural advertising, location is everything. Aim for high-traffic areas, particularly in locations where people will be traveling on foot and are able to easily stop and snap a photo. Busy downtown streets and community squares are ideal choices.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Make a Statement

The whole point of mural advertising is to stand out. Don’t shy away from bold colors and patterns or funky designs. Your ad is only impactful if people take the time to see it, so the more eye-catching it is, the better—you want to craft a mural they can’t miss.

3. Make Your Message Clear

It’s easy to get distracted by trying to create the coolest or most beautiful wall art, but remember, a mural only benefits your brand if those who see it can easily connect it to you. Incorporate a logo or a clear call-to-action (CTA) for art that inspires movement.

4. Connect With Your Audience

The power of art is its ability to connect—so lead with the goal of making an impact. When designing your mural, take the time to dig into local culture and the people and places that your target community cares about. Even just including small local easter eggs into your artwork makes the community feel seen, which leads to greater brand trust. Plus, murals with local connections quickly become a draw for tourists wanting to share their visit to the area with friends on social media.

5. Drive Engagement

Speaking of social media, your mural can spark shares all on its own—just incorporate a hashtag or account handle into your design, inviting those who pass by to share on their own pages. Not only does this provide free advertising for your brand, it allows you to see in real time your mural’s impact and how wide its reach may be.

A man walking past a wall of poster advertisements for bands coming into town

Yes—each state has its own rules and regulations for outdoor mural advertising. Your best course of action is to work with an expert team of outdoor advertisers to ensure that you’re following all legal requirements for your area.

Discover the Best Advertising Format for Your Target Area

At its core, advertising is an innately personal process. Different demographics resonate with different types of ads, and in uncovering the best format for your audience, you unlock a powerful tool for connection.
Submit a form to learn more about different types of advertising available in your target area. Our Account Executives are ready to help you craft your next outdoor advertising campaign.

FAQs

Mural advertising stands out because it merges art, culture, and marketing into one impactful display. Unlike traditional billboards or digital ads, murals feel authentic and community-driven, encouraging people to stop, take photos, and share them online. This organic engagement increases brand awareness both locally and on social media.

The cost of mural advertising can vary based on location, wall size, and the complexity of the design. Generally, mural ads require hiring a professional artist and securing city permits, but they offer long-lasting visibility and a strong return on investment. Working with an outdoor advertising agency can help you find the right wall and manage the entire process efficiently.

Yes, local regulations often govern where and how mural advertising can be displayed. Many cities require permits or landlord approval before painting a wall mural. Partnering with an experienced outdoor advertising company ensures your mural meets all legal requirements and local zoning laws.

To make your mural ad unforgettable, choose a high-traffic location, use bold colors, and include clear branding or a call-to-action. Incorporating local culture, art styles, or landmarks helps your mural resonate with the community and encourages passersby to share it on social media—amplifying your brand’s reach even further.