What Benefits Does Investing in a Mural Bring to My Business?

When considering how to bring more public visibility to your business, there are benefits to investing in a mural. In cities across the U.S., murals are transforming neighborhoods, driving foot traffic, and even boosting local economies. According to an article featured in Forbes and a study done by the University of Cincinnati, murals are significantly linked to increased foot traffic in neighborhoods and help increase 5-10% in business revenue. In a strategic effort to bring visibility and audience impact, murals give people a reason to visit and stay to support local businesses.

 Once dismissed as graffiti, street art is now embraced as a legitimate and powerful form of placemaking. A strategically commissioned mural can help your business stand out, connect with your community, and even become a cultural landmark.

At Creative Repute, we’ve contributed first hand to murals that honor stories and traditions and strengthen businesses by making them more visible, memorable, and meaningful. Large-scale work is part of our founder, Nile Livingston’s, story, and she has organized mural projects and street art with childhood friends, community volunteers, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and her classmates at Kutztown University. Murals became one of the most requested pieces from AppleTV shows to work that starts a conversation on a topic. Nile and Creative Repute are ready to discuss how a mural can push visibility for your business with mural advertising.

Why Choose Creative Repute?

At Creative Repute, our mural designs transcend mere aesthetics. We craft murals that distinctly:

• Embody the voices of their communities.
• Uphold the values and objectives of businesses and organizations.
• These murals are constructed using sustainable and professional methods to ensure a lasting impact.

Our work ranges from memorial murals that honor legacies (Unk P), to cultural celebrations (Finally on 13th), to eco-friendly art solutions for international trade shows (Expo East). Every project is guided by research, collaboration, and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Marketing Benefits of Investing in a Mural

1. Visibility and Landmark Status
   Murals turn blank walls into vibrant billboards. Unlike traditional advertising, they are permanent (or semi-permanent), visually striking, and often shared on social media by passersby and tourists. For example, the Philadelphia Ballroom is 

    

   

   a lively atmosphere that celebrates the Black and Brown queer culture to make community and compete in various categories for trophies. However, this environment was only kept underground and far from public view, while the increasing luxury real estate development above ground formed. In recent years, the popularity of Philadelphia Ballroom came to the surface with the help of shows such as FX’s “Pose” and Beyoncé’s world tour that featured Philadelphia’s own Kevin Jz Prodigy. It was time to give the secret scene its flowers. Finally on 13th, the mural had its debut day, which was an ode to the Ballroom scene,

   as sponsored partners, press like WHYY, neighbors, enthusiasts of the history, and passing spectators joined in on the community engagement. As it lives on 13th Street between Pine and Spruce Streets, the buzz may have brought in people who would not necessarily have visited the neighborhood. However, this opportunity may have helped nearby businesses turn passing visitors into patrons due to the landmark mural itself.

2. Community Connection
   As a business in a neighborhood, it is vital to know how you play a part in people’s routines and daily lives. Take the beloved Paul “Unk P” Gripper of North Philadelphia, a man who frequently visited Kirby Mac & Pete’s Rocks Professional Barbershop at 2600 Ridge Avenue for his haircut and

    

   

   shared his warmth with the other patrons and community members. When Unk P passed away, the neighborhood felt the gap in his presence. Thus, the barbershop and Mural Arts collected more than 1,000 petition signatures to create a mural in honor of the life and legacy of Unk P that brings in community engagement. His sister, Naima Gripper, states, “We didn’t just want to do the mural — we had to. His basketball family already knew what kind of man he was — now the whole community does too. This mural is more than paint on a wall — it’s

   a symbol of the legacy he left behind.” The mural, now living on the side of Kirby Mac & Pete’s Rocks Professional Barbershop at 2600 Ridge Avenue, demonstrates that your business cares about its surroundings and commemorates the neighborhood giants who helped foster the environment. By offering a piece of real estate for the mural, the collaboration lives in the community, and it deepens loyalty and goodwill that benefits both the neighborhood’s history and future placemaking.

3. Brand Alignment
   When bringing hundreds of businesses together for a sustainable-focused convention, what are ways the trade show can unite patrons and marketers together, especially as conversation starters? For Informa Markets Natural Products Expo East, they commissioned Creative Repute to take advantage of the upcoming

    

   

   foot traffic and install a large-scale wheat paste floral mural. During its process of public art marketing, Creative Repute used eco-friendly, biodegradable materials to align withthe event’s sustainability mission. As attendees from all over the country visit different vendors, they would catch a glimpse of the mural at their feet and remember the dedication to the shared sustainable mission. Murals are flexible, meaning they can be designed to reflect your company’s values, mission, or aesthetic. Instead of a wall, how about the floor of a building for a business-to-business conference to break the ice and increase visibility and engagement?

Potential Downsides to Consider

While murals offer significant benefits, it’s important to weigh potential challenges:

• Initial Investment: A high-quality mural requires an upfront budget for design, materials, and installation.
• Maintenance: Outdoor murals are exposed to weather and may require sealing, cleaning, or restoration over time.
• Vandalism Risks: While less common when the community is engaged in the project, murals can occasionally be tagged or defaced.
• Permitting & Logistics: Some municipalities require permits or approvals, which can lengthen the timeline.

The good news? With the right partner, these challenges can be managed effectively.

Outcomes You Can Expect

When you invest in a mural, you’re not just buying paint on a wall. Instead, you’re creating long-term value and significant visibility into a neighborhood and community. Possible outcomes include:

• Increased foot traffic as your business becomes a photo-worthy destination.
• Stronger customer loyalty as your brand is visibly embedded in the community.
• Positive media and online coverage (murals are highly shareable on social media).
• Differentiation from competitors through one-of-a-kind, custom artwork that reflects your brand identity through colors and logos.

How to Choose the Right Company for Your Mural

When commissioning a mural, here are key factors to consider:

1. Portfolio and Expertise – Look for past projects that show artistic range and the ability to capture community stories.
2. Community Engagement – A strong mural partner will involve stakeholders in the process to ensure authenticity.
3. Technical Skill – Experience with different mural methods (direct-to-wall, wheat paste, parachute cloth, vinyl, etc.) ensures flexibility for your space.
4. Mission Alignment – Your partner should understand and reflect your brand’s values in the artwork.

Final Takeaway

When considering how to make a marketing impact, investing in a mural is more than a decision, but a cultural statement for community investment. Done right, your mural will:

• Make your business more visible.
• Invite customers to engage with your space.
• Strengthen your brand identity.
• Leave a legacy that benefits both your company and the community around you.

What’s Next?

If you’re ready to transform your business through the power of public art marketing, Creative Repute is here to collaborate with you on a mural that inspires, connects, and lasts.  Ask us about our process from the previous murals we have helped make with the community and businesses. 

A mural is more than paint on a wall, but instead a statement of your business’s commitment to community and culture. Partner with Creative Repute to create work that inspires, connects, and lasts.