11 Benefits of Adding a Mural to Your Business
Even before I started painting my own murals, finding one in the wild has always been a highlight for me when out and about exploring a city. A beautiful mural is a good reason to pause and take in the piece, or even wander into whatever business has adorned their exterior with awesome art. They have a certain magnetism about them, and I know a lot of people feel the same way! Now, as a full-time artist, I find many business owners are excited about the idea of a mural but aren’t sure if it’s worth prioritizing when they have many competing demands on their plate. Is it really worth the time, energy, and money? Murals actually have a lot of benefits for businesses. I know I’m biased, but it’s true! Let me walk you through some of the many benefits of adding a mural to your business.
1) Builds Brand Awareness
Whether you’re a new business or have been around for awhile, a vibrant mural can be a great way to get people’s attention! It creates a strong first impression when people first see your establishment. Consider asking the artist to incorporate your brand colors, your tagline, or even a favorite quote that will resonate with your customers.
2) Shows Off Your Brand’s Personality
Why be boring when you can partner with an artist to create a space that reflects your brand’s personality? Spaces don’t have to be generic anymore! In fact, younger generations are eager for unique spaces. A mural can be that special touch that brings a space to life.
It’s also worth noting that murals and other art installations are a good way to show what you stand for as a brand. For example, the hair salon I go to added a fantastic piece in their window last June that reads “Love is Love” in rainbow spray paint. It broadcasts loud and clear that their space is inclusive and welcoming!
“Love is Love” spray paint piece at Gallery Salon by @demondoesthingz. Photo credit: Gallery Salon Instagram.
3) Attracts New Customers
How many times has a mural caught your eye while out for a walk or drive? Often a beautiful mural is enough to pique someone’s curiosity and entice them to visit your business for the first time. Businesses that add a mural frequently see a sizable increase in foot traffic after the mural is installed. Here are some examples of eye-catching outdoor murals at local businesses in Rochester, NY.
Photo credits: Aerosol Kingdom Instagram; Ugly Duck Coffee Instagram; Will Cleveland Instagram; Strangebird Instagram.
4) Murals are Customizable
One of the best things about murals is that they are 100% customizable! Working with an experienced artist means you can get a stunning custom design that suits your space perfectly. Why stick with bland wallpaper or generic art from HomeGoods when you can have a piece that’s completely unique to your business?
When I design murals, I always plan them to fit the space, considering the client’s preferences, what kind of atmosphere they’re trying to cultivate for their customers, how natural light will hit it, how paint and shapes can flow over the walls–so many factors! There are no rules. We can play and create in whatever way best suits your space!
5) Sparks Social Media Engagement
Everyone wants free attention for their brand on social media, right? Murals can help! They offer a photogenic spot to snap pictures to share on social. Users will often tag the business, helping generate brand awareness and clicks. Plus, murals make for a great selfie spot. Whether your mural is indoors or out, many visitors will likely use it for the perfect selfie background and share it online later.
Photo credits: @baddassbodiesbysean Instagram; Emily Hessney Lynch; Shawn Dunwoody Instagram; Rhi Louise Photography.
As an added bonus, having a mural gives you a quick and easy backdrop for product photography. Your photo is already on-brand and visually appealing just by shooting in front of the mural.
Mural by Aerosol Kingdom. Photo credit: Neno’s Instagram.
6) Cultivates the Perfect Ambiance
A mural can help you set the tone and communicate a message to your customers or employees. For example, last year I painted a mural for a massage office here in Rochester, NY where they wanted something both whimsical and calming. I created a botanical design with frogs and mushroom creatures tucked away for folks to notice, and I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback since I installed the mural!
Photo credits: Emily Hessney Lynch; Ian Allheim for I Heart Roc.
Murals in corporate settings can function to create atmosphere, too. In downtown Rochester, Datto has a mural by Dave Pollot and it’s jam-packed with nerdy pop culture references. It delights visitors as they enter the space and can quickly give new hires a sense that they’ll fit right in.
Medical or dental settings are another great example of an office that may be an unexpectedly prime location for a mural. If a child is nervous about getting their teeth cleaned, a mural with hidden items to find during their appointment is a perfect distraction! They’ll forget their nerves in no time.
7) Boosts Employee Morale & Productivity
Murals in offices contribute to employee well being and effectiveness. According to Work Design Magazine, “If workplaces seek to increase employee engagement, performance, and satisfaction, they should stop treating art as a decorative afterthought.” Art can energize employees and even create a space for folks to congregate and socialize.
Photo credits: NextCorps Instagram, Shawn Dunwoody Instagram
Anecdotally, I’ve worked in several offices packed with identical cubicles, and decorating my space with art always made me feel a bit better. Just think what an impact a mural installation can have. We all deserve more joy in our work spaces!
8) Murals are Durable, Long Lasting, and Low Maintenance
Murals are a great investment when you compare costs and benefits. You’ll likely see an increase in visitors from the mural and it can help with retaining regulars, too. They’re incredibly long-lasting and there’s little maintenance required. Plus, you’ll never have to dust it like decorative knick knacks or water it like a plant.
9) Makes Visiting Your Business a Memorable Experience
Running a brick and mortar business after COVID is challenging. Here in Rochester, folks love to support local businesses, particularly ones that provide memorable experiences in unique spaces. Customers grow to care about these establishments and want to see them endure. A mural can be a huge part of that!
Photo credits: Shawn Dunwoody Instagram; Old Pueblo Grill Instagram; Cameron Community Instagram.
10) Builds Community & Supports Culture
In many small cities across the country, residents place a high value on community and supporting one another. It makes a difference when you show that your business is not only part of the community, but cares enough to invest in public art that can be enjoyed by all. Supporting a local artist also says a lot about your business’s values!
11) Potential for Collaboration
A mural doesn’t happen in a vacuum. I love including my clients in the process as I start brainstorming and designing! But the process can be even more hands-on! Some muralists will gather community input on what design elements they’d like to see in the mural. Others will even invite the community to join them for a memorable, hands-on painting experience! Shawn Dunwoody is known for events like these in Rochester, and my friend Magnus has done some fun events painting with kids hands-on at RMSC. The possibilities are endless!
Photo credits: Magnus Apollo Instagram; Shawn Dunwoody Instagram.
Think a mural could be a good fit for your business? I’d love to discuss design ideas with you!