Why Murals Are Bristol’s Most Powerful Marketing Tool (Survey Results)
- Jamie Osborne
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Marketing and Advertising in the UK is becoming increasingly saturated. With AI tools pumping out personalised ads and endless content, people are experiencing “ad fatigue.” Online, we scroll past sponsored posts without a second glance.
For decades, out of home advertising like billboards and posters offered a reliable way to stand out. But today, even those are starting to blend into the background. They’re static, predictable, and often dismissed as visual clutter.
To understand what truly captures attention in Bristol’s streets, we decided to go straight to the source, the people themselves. Over several days, our team spoke face to face with residents across the city and gathered over 100 completed survey responses. These conversations revealed a clear story: while traditional Billboards and posters are fading, murals are breaking through the noise.
Murals Are Four Times More Noticeable Than Billboards
When asked how often they notice murals and billboards, the results were striking:
Murals are four times more likely to be noticed than billboards.
Unlike static posters that blend into the background, murals grab attention through their scale, artistry, and connection to Bristol’s vibrant street culture.
Murals Drive Real World Action
Visibility is only half the battle, action is what matters. We asked participants if they’d ever
visited a business or made a purchase after seeing it advertised.
51% of respondents said murals influenced their visit or purchase.
Only 29% said the same for billboards.
For businesses, this means murals don’t just attract attention, they convert it into footfall and sales.
Murals Beautify Bristol, Billboards Don’t
How do murals and billboards impact the city itself?
93% of residents said murals improve the look of Bristol.
Billboards, on the other hand, were often described as an “eyesore.”
Beyond marketing, murals enhance public spaces, boost community pride, and reinforce Bristol’s identity as a creative hub.
Murals Are Far More Memorable
When asked which format is more memorable, the public was decisive:
90% said murals
Only 4% said billboards
Murals don’t just flash by, they stick in people’s minds. For brands, that memorability translates directly into stronger brand recall and long term recognition.
Local Voices, Real Results
Importantly, 90% of our survey participants live or lived in Bristol. These aren’t abstract numbers or online polls, they represent the voices of the very people businesses here want to reach.
And those voices were overwhelmingly positive:
“Murals make Bristol unique.”
“They’re part of our culture.”
“They’re something the city is known for worldwide.”
Why Bristol Businesses Should Choose Murals Over Billboards
Our research is clear:
Murals are four times more noticeable
Murals are three times more likely to inspire action
Murals are seen as beautifying Bristol, while billboards are often considered clutter
Murals are far more memorable
For Bristol businesses, this makes murals one of the most powerful tools in out of home advertising. They combine visibility, action, aesthetics, and memorability in a way billboards simply can’t match.
At Art Sync, we connect businesses with Bristol’s talented mural artists to create campaigns that don’t just stand out, they become part of the city.
Ready to make your brand unforgettable in Bristol?
Check out the full results here:
FAQs
Are murals better than billboards for advertising in Bristol?
Yes. Our Bristol survey found murals are more noticeable, more memorable, and more likely to drive customer action compared to billboards.
How much does a mural cost in Bristol?
Costs vary depending on size, complexity, and location. Get in contact with Art Sync to get free information about your mural vision.
Why are murals more memorable than billboards?
Murals are pieces of art, creating an authentic and creative impression that people remember long after walking past.
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