Mural Marketing vs Billboards and Posters: Which Works Better in Bristol?

For decades, businesses have turned to billboards and posters as the go-to solution for visibility. They tower over motorways, line busy streets, and occupy valuable city space. But here’s the truth: in 2025, billboards have become predictable, easy to ignore, and often resented as visual clutter.

At Art Sync, we believe there’s a better way. One that’s not only more effective but also more loved by the community. The solution? Murals.

Murals aren’t just large paintings on walls. They’re cultural landmarks, community talking points, and advertising tools rolled into one. They tell stories, brighten neighbourhoods, and connect with people in a way static posters never could.

And we’re not just making bold claims. We went straight to the people of Bristol, the city with one of the richest street art cultures in the world, to put murals and billboards head-to-head. With 116 survey responses from Bristol locals, the results speak for themselves.

Murals Are Four Times More Noticeable Than Billboards

When we asked residents how often they notice murals compared to billboards and posters, the difference was impossible to ignore:

• Murals are four times more likely to be noticed than billboards.

Why? Because murals don’t blend into the background. They stand tall with colour, artistry, and authenticity. They’re part of Bristol’s culture, something locals expect and admire, whereas billboards are seen as noise.

Murals Drive Real-World Action, Billboards Fall Behind

Attention is one thing. Action is everything. When we asked whether advertising had ever influenced a purchase or visit:

• 51% said murals had influenced them.

• Only 29% said the same for billboards.

For businesses, that’s the difference between being seen and actually converting interest into sales. Murals don’t just exist in the background, they actively bring people through your door.

Murals Beautify Bristol, Billboards Don’t

Murals don’t just sell, they shape the city.

• 93% of locals said murals improve Bristol’s appearance.

• Billboards, by contrast, were frequently described as “eyesores.”

This makes murals more than an advertising tool. They’re community assets that boost pride, tourism, and Bristol’s global reputation as a creative hub.

Murals Are Memorable, Billboards Are Forgettable

When it comes to being remembered, the gap grows even wider.

During our survey:

• Over 30 people couldn’t recall the last billboard or poster they saw.

• Many gave vague answers like “some car advert,” or “something food-related in the centre.”

Compare that with murals, where locals easily recalled specific works such as the “Yellow Face Lady” by StinkFish in Stokes Croft, or the Banksy mural at the canteen. These pieces are more than just artwork, they’re etched into Bristol’s identity.

When asked directly which is more memorable:

• 90% chose murals.

• Only 4% chose billboards.

For marketers, that level of recall is gold. If your message doesn’t stick, you’ve wasted your spend. More statistics and data can be found Here.

The Verdict: Why Murals Outperform Billboards

Our Bristol research is clear:

• Murals are four times more noticeable.

• They’re more than twice as likely to drive action.

• They’re far more memorable.

• And they beautify the city, where billboards often detract from it.

For businesses in Bristol, the choice is simple. If you want advertising that people actually notice, remember, and act upon, while also becoming part of the city’s culture - murals win, hands down.

Ready to make your brand unforgettable?

Get in contact to find out more.