Alexander Leonard : 8 Ways How Murals Can Help Businesses to Grow
I came across this smart concise article posted by Alexander Leonard and asked his permission to re-share it on my site. In his own words Alex is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, SEO analyst, painter, public speaker, and social media specialist. He runs Alex Leonard Media, a creative company that helps to tell businesses stories through videos, murals, and marketing services. Basically he does a lot! Essentially I decided to share his article because it discusses all the points I’ve been making recently! In my experience, murals not only invite new customers to businesses but also new cities. Mural tourism is growing as large scale relevant eye popping designs draw new creative types to hip locales across the United States and the world! Murals bring an ambiance to the building or city streets they dwell in and business owners should be taking note!
Click here for link to original article w/sources & photos published on LinkedIn
Murals have been a consistent form of artistic expression as well as out-of-home advertising throughout history. In the past few decades, the rise of public art has become increasingly popular as a form of creative advertising and a way for businesses to distinguish themselves.
I expand on the value of murals for businesses today by breaking this down into 8 reasons. The article will help layout why you should consider a mural and how they can help build a brand, increase traffic, strengthen community, and showcase stories.
1. Commercial Murals Can Increase Foot Traffic
Murals made on the outside of a commercial business can help bring new customers to the storefront, as the artwork peaks their interest. There is a lot to be revered in a community space that provides a public display of creative value and people are often going to come visit. The power of Point of Purchase advertising is dependent on location, so what better place to attract potential customers than through a visual display outdoors? New murals or rotating public art can provide an appeal for people to make repeated purchases.
2. Art Displays Showcase and Highlight Brand Values
The merit of murals within a business setting is that they can be not just for aesthetic purposes, but can also tie into the business brand, colours, and values. Having a distinct mural that ties together elements of a business can be a brilliant marketing stunt that will leave competitors wondering why they did not act sooner themselves.
3. Public Artwork Builds A Sense of Culture and Community
The annual GDP that Canadians spend on culture events has gradually increased since 2001. How that translates into the importance of murals is that customers are becoming more engaged with companies that provide ways for the community to become involved. Public participation to create murals is becoming increasingly popular for cities and smaller towns where local artists can come together to collaborate on a project.
4. Murals Attract Social Media Users to Share Photos
One of the strongest benefits of murals in today’s modern age is through the interaction of customers with their mobile devices to be able to share the art piece on social media. Utilizing a branded hashtag for a contest with the public that is integrated into the mural can help increase the online engagement. People love to participate with contests online, especially if the way to do so is through their own self expression with social media.
5. Employees Benefit From Art In A Work Environment
Employees that have creative art in their workspace are statistically proven to be more productive, become happier, and experience less stress. Dr. Craig Knight from the University of Exeter conducted research over 12 years in work environments and found significant proof that art installations in offices compared to those without saw a 15% increase in speed and fewer mental health complaints (The Guardian, 2016). The technology sector is invested with the movement and are hiring muralists for large scale work.
6. It Pays Off To Paint
Community Economic Development has been defined as a set of activities that bring more money and employment to the community. Murals within your community can bring the public out to celebrate, providing an economic development to your own company. Bringing murals to the community also provides opportunities to showcase the local artisans and street artists, giving back in multiple ways to the community.
7. Customers Want Creative Spaces
Today there is an increasing amount of new businesses and stores, so customers want to spend their money with an organization or company who provide a unique experience. Having a custom creative space that reflects your brand’s aesthetic and uses the brand’s colours, can bring customers and retain them too. Part of the success of Starbucks, Airbnb, and NesCafé is that they have been able to provide a personalized space, customized for their customers across the world. Bringing a unique mural to your business can provide that creative space that people are looking for.
8. Businesses Can Tell Their Story
Murals do not need to just be for new restaurants or cafes. There is a lot of value for organizations who can tell their history proudly through a visual medium. Being able to showcase the longevity of an organization’s legacy outdoors is a way to build legitimacy in a community and can remind customers’ of a business’s commitment to the local scene.
Looking for a mural for your business in or near London, Ontario, Canada? Feel free to reach out to Alex Leonard Media for all inquires at either his cell: 519-902-0340 or email: alexleonardportfolio@gmail.com
Looking for a mural for your business in or near Michigan in the United States?! Contact me! adrienne_gelardi@hotmail.com
Sources
(1) https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/commercial-real-estate/paint-the-town-the-business-case-behind-murals-on-buildings-90470
(2) https://smallbusiness.chron.com/pointofpurchase-marketing-20757.html
(3) https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/intelligence/in-the-age-of-instagram-murals-take-on-new-meaning
(4) https://boyleheightsbeat.com/boyle-heights-celebrates-mural-of-inspirational-women-by-15-year-old-artist/
(5) http://crpbayarea.org/painting/benefits-of-murals/
(6) https://driftermagazine.ca/street-art-positively-influences-tourism-e71997504c39
(7) https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2016/jan/21/art-works-how-art-in-the-office-boosts-staff-productivity