How to Advertise Your Business in Mumbai – A Complete Guide

Mumbai isn’t just the financial capital of India, it’s where brands truly come to life. With over 20 million people and a non-stop urban pulse, this city offers a one of a kind stage for businesses to get noticed. Whether you are a homegrown startup looking to make a splash, a well-known name aiming to stay top-of-mind, or a digital-first brand breaking into the physical world, Mumbai has a place (and a billboard) for you.

In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the what, where, and how of advertising in Mumbai, from understanding who your audience is, to choosing the right media platforms, to picking the best spots that deliver maximum impact.

So, if you are ready to tap into the energy of Mumbai and turn city buzz into brand success, let’s get started.

1. A City That Never Stops (And That’s Great for Your Ad)

Mumbai is bursting at the seams, in the best way possible. With 20 million+ residents and 3 million more pouring in daily, it’s a city that’s always on the move. Office-goers stuck in traffic on the Western Express Highway, students scrolling on local trains, shoppers weaving through crowded streets, that’s your audience, everywhere, all the time.

Did you know?

Mumbai ranks among the highest in media consumption across TV, print, digital, and radio according to BARC and IRS, meaning your message has more channels (and chances) to land.

2. Every Corner is Prime Real Estate (For Attention)

In Mumbai, people don’t just pass by ads, they live around them. The city’s unique blend of residential towers and commercial hotspots creates an advertising playground. From Andheri East to Lower Parel, there’s no dead zone, just nonstop visibility.

Real Impact, Real Reach

Every day, more than 3 lakh people pass through junctions like Sion Circle and the Western Express Highway, in cars, rickshaws, buses, or on foot. A billboard here doesn’t just get seen.

It becomes part of their daily routine, right before work, after a long day, during a red light. That’s not just visibility, that’s consistent exposure.

Why it works:

More impressions = better recall. Mumbai makes sure your ad gets both, and often.

3. Whether You are a Gully Brand or a Big Fish, Mumbai’s Got You

You don’t have to be a billion-dollar brand to advertise here. Mumbai’s advertising scene is democratic. Want to launch your Bandra café with local rickshaw ads? Go for it. Planning a city-wide campaign with digital billboards in BKC? Also possible.

Fun Fact:

There are over 3,000 outdoor ad spots spread across Mumbai, from autos and BEST buses to mall kiosks and massive 3D billboards.

Bottom line:

Big or small, bold or subtle, whatever your message is, Mumbai gives you the stage.

Popular Advertising Options in Mumbai

When it comes to getting your brand noticed in Mumbai, you are spoiled for choice. The city is a mix of tradition and innovation, and so is its advertising landscape. Whether you want to go big with a hoarding in Bandra or get personal with a digital screen inside a mall, there’s a format for every budget, every brand, and every message. Here are some of the most effective options:

Outdoor Hoardings (Billboards)

Let’s be honest, in Mumbai, you can’t miss a hoarding. They’re everywhere: lighting up the Western Express Highway, standing tall over Marine Drive, or right outside busy stations. They’re bold, high-impact, and perfect when you want to shout your message loud and clear.

Where they work best: Bandra, Sion, Worli, Andheri, BKC

Good for: Big launches, festive campaigns, or just making sure everyone sees you.

Transit Advertising (Autos, Buses & Trains)

Mumbai runs on public transport, autos zigzag through every lane, BEST buses are packed, and local trains are literally lifelines. Ads on them? They move with your audience. Whether it’s a quirky message on an auto or a full bus wrap, you arevisible in every corner of the city.

Works great for: Local businesses, apps, FMCG brands

Why it’s smart: Budget-friendly, massive daily reach, and very, very Mumbai.

Digital OOH (DOOH)

Traditional hoardings with a tech upgrade. Digital screens across hotspots like BKC, Lower Parel, and premium malls bring life and motion to your ads. Want to play a video? Showcase multiple creatives? DOOH lets you do that, and look super slick doing it.

Best for: Tech, luxury, finance, or brands that love a modern touch

Where to try: Kohinoor Square’s 3D screen, LED boards in airports, or inside malls.

Radio Ads

If you arein Mumbai traffic, chances are, you are listening to the radio. Stations like Red FM, Radio City, and Fever 104 have loyal, daily listeners. Drop a catchy jingle or a relatable message, and boom, you are in their head before they even reach work.

Best for: Promotions, events, retail offers

Pro tip: Combine it with outdoor ads for maximum recall, hear it and see it.

Newspaper & Print

Yes, it’s old school, but still gold. Especially in Mumbai households where morning chai comes with a side of The Times of India or Mid-Day. If you want to build trust, explain details, or target specific regions, print still delivers.

Go-to publications: TOI, Mid-Day, Maharashtra Times

Ideal for: Real estate, education, health, or anything that needs more reading than scrolling.

Digital Advertising in Mumbai 

 Let’s be honest, Mumbai doesn’t merely hustle on its bustling streets; it scrolls, streams, and swipes—without pause _

 . From the first sip of morning chai to late-night indulgences, the city is eternally connected to its screens. Enter digital ads, swift, adaptable, and remarkably precise. Here’s how to engage Mumbaikars where they truly dwell: 

Social Media Ads 

If it’s absent from Instagram, did it truly occur? Be it food, fashion, events, or enticing offers.

through social platforms. With reels soaring and stories being tapped incessantly, your ad can seamlessly weave into the tapestry yet still shine brightly. 

 Ideal for: Cafes, local boutiques, gyms, events, new apps  

Pro Move: Harness pin-code targeting for hyperlocal engagement (think Bandra 400050 or Powai 400076) or tailor interest-based filters for Gen Z, food enthusiasts, or fitness aficionados. 

Google Ads (Search + Display) 

Mumbaikars are in a constant quest, searching for salons, yoga classes, 2BHKs, pet grooming, and everything in between. Be present when they reach for that search bar. And with display ads, you can gently follow them around on their favored sites. 

Most effective for: Clinics, real estate, coaching classes, service providers  

Smart Tip: Claim and enhance your Google My Business, it’s your complimentary domain on the search map.

YouTube & OTT Ads 

From heartwarming family dramas to insightful finance vlogs, Mumbai streams it  all 

And that pre-roll ad? It’s your golden opportunity to leave a mark, while the viewer is relaxed, engaged, and ideally not skipping! 

Perfect for: Fashion, food, fintech, entertainment, launch teasers  

Where to shine: YouTube, Hotstar, SonyLIV, MX Player, platforms entwined with every phone in every train, cab, or cozy living room.

Outdoor Advertising (OOH) in Mumbai

Step out in Mumbai, and you are already in the middle of an ad campaign. From massive hoardings above traffic to sleek displays on metro platforms, Mumbai’s outdoor ad space is as busy as the city itself. The sheer volume of commuters, vehicles, and footfall makes OOH advertising a no-brainer for brands wanting to be seen, loud and clear.

Explore options like:

Hoardings & Billboards

These are the big guys. Found on arterial roads, flyovers, and junctions, especially in areas like Western Express Highway, Marine Drive, Andheri, Sion, and Bandra, hoardings are all about scale and visibility.

Best For: Brand launches, festive campaigns, big-budget awareness drives

Why it works: Thousands of daily impressions in high-traffic zones

Bus Shelter Advertising

Mumbai’s BEST buses are iconic, and so are their stops. Advertising on bus shelters offers dual visibility: pedestrians see it while walking by, and bus passengers catch it while waiting or riding.

Best For: Local brands, food joints, retail stores

Why it works: Pocket-friendly with hyperlocal targeting

Metro & Railway Station Ads

With lakhs of commuters flowing through Mumbai Metro and local train stations daily, these ad spaces offer unmatched exposure. Options range from platform panels and escalator wraps to digital screens.

Best For: Apps, FMCG, e-commerce, education, and transit-reliant services

Hotspots: Ghatkopar, Andheri, Churchgate, Bandra, Lower Parel

Cinema Advertising in Mumbai  

The Bombay skyline offers unmatched opportunities for cinema advertising, reaching a diverse audience. Advertisers have distraction-free moments during which a brand can connect with the viewers.

On-Screen Ads

-Shown be for trailers and during intermissions                                                                                       

- Formats: 10/20/30-second static or video ads  

- Locations: PVR ICON Phoenix Palladium, INOX R-City Mall, Cinepolis Viviana Mall, MOVIETIME Malad  

- Ideal for product launches, FMCG, mobile apps, fashion, electronics, and real estate.

Off-Screen Advertising  

- Provides visibility in lobbies, waiting zones, and food courts  

- Options: Standees, digital screens, branded popcorn tubs, ticket sleeve branding  

- Best for hyperlocal promotions and app downloads.

Why It Works

-  High footfall (2,000–8,000 visitors per weekend)  

-  80 %+ ad recall due to immersive environments  

-  Flexible targeting options  

-  Creates a premium association with the movie-going experience.

H3: Transit Advertising in Mumbai

Mumbai’s on the move, and if your brand isn’t moving with it, you are missing out. With lakhs of people commuting daily, transit advertising gives you unmatched city-wide exposure, no matter the time of day or area.

Mumbai Metro Branding

Metro trains offer a clean, premium space with long dwell times, ideal for strong, lasting impressions. Whether it’s full-train wraps or escalator ads at busy stations, your brand stays in sight throughout the journey.

Available Formats:

• Full-train wraps
• Inside coach panels, seat branding
• Station takeovers: pillars, escalators, ticket counters

High-traffic Spots: Ghatkopar, Andheri, DN Nagar, Dahisar

Works well for: Tech, BFSI, mobile apps, education, retail

BEST Bus Advertising

BEST buses crisscross Mumbai all day long, hitting everything from corporate zones to residential pockets. These are visibility machines on wheels.

Available Formats:

• Side panels (driver/passenger side)
• Back panels
• Full-body wraps
• In-bus seatbacks

Top Routes: Sion, CST, Lower Parel, SV Road, Western Express Highway

Great for: Retail chains, real estate, mass-market products, FMCG

Auto Rickshaw & Cab Branding

Compact, flexible, and seen on every street, autos and cabs are perfect for brands looking to hit hyperlocal zones without burning budgets.

Available Formats:

• Rear panel branding
• Side decals
• Full auto wraps
• In-ride branding (QRs, flyers, seat backs)

Focus Areas: Bandra, Malad, Thane, Ghatkopar, Chembur

Popular among: F&B brands, healthcare services, ed-tech, delivery apps

H3: Radio Advertising in Mumbai

In Mumbai, traffic isn’t just a part of the day, it is the day. Whether you are stuck at a signal in Bandra, cruising down the Sea Link, or crawling through Sion at rush hour, the one thing keeping the city company is the radio. And that’s where your brand can show up, right in the middle of the drive-time playlist or a spicy RJ rant.

Radio in Mumbai isn’t background noise. It’s a habit. With millions tuning in daily across age groups and neighbourhoods, it's one of the most cost-effective ways to reach a wide and loyal audience.

FM Stations We Advertise On (Mumbai)

We partner with all major FM stations to get your message aired across the city:

• Radio Mirchi – 98.3 FM (Bollywood hits, top RJs, mass reach)
• Big FM – 92.7 FM (Retro vibes, strong mid-age connect)
• Radio City – 91.1 FM (Local love + city-first updates)
• Red FM – 93.5 FM (Bajaate Raho energy, younger crowd)
• Fever FM – 104 FM (Bollywood, IPL, youth-heavy)
• Ishq FM – 104.8 FM (Romantic/classic mix)
• Radio One – 94.3 FM (English music for niche urban listeners)
• AIR FM Gold – 100.1 FM (Govt. news, vintage feel)
• AIR FM Rainbow – 107.1 FM (Mixed language + cultural content)
• Radio Nasha – 91.9 FM (Evergreen 80s/90s hits)
• Magic FM – 106.4 FM (Soft hits, easy-listening)
• Vividh Bharati – 102.8 FM (Trusted legacy station with massive reach)

Best Time Slots to Book

To make your ad spend work harder, it’s all about when your ad plays:

• 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Morning Drive): Maximum ears on air. Office crowd, students, and school runs.
• 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Midday): Shopkeepers, working professionals, and homemakers, perfect for promos.
• 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Evening Rush): Everyone’s on the road again. Long drives = longer listenership.
• 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Late Night): Youth, creatives, music lovers, chilled campaigns do well here.

H3: Print Media Advertising

In a city that awakens with the warmth of chai and the rustle of morning papers, print advertisements continue to thrive, pulsating with life.

Whether it’s a striking front-page feature in TOI or a cleverly positioned half-page in Mid-Day, newspaper advertising in Mumbai strikes at the heart—reaching homes, offices, cafés, and even local trains. It’s not merely about visibility; it’s about credibility. People trust  the words they encounter in print, and that trust seamlessly transfers to your brand.

Conversely, if you aim to captivate a niche audience—imagine CEOs perusing business magazines or fashion aficionados indulging in the latest trends—magazines become your enchanted realm. They offer your brand a sophisticated, thoughtful presence that lingers on coffee tables far longer than a fleeting scroll through a screen.

At Excellent Publicity

We don’t merely place ads; we craft narratives that resonate where audiences are most inclined to read, connect, and engage. From selecting the ideal publication to designing layouts that captivate, your brand’s voice deserves nothing short of excellence in print.

Choosing the Right Advertising Strategy for Your Business

Let’s be honest, advertising in Mumbai can feel overwhelming. There are too many options and too many opinions. But it all boils down to two simple things:

How much can you spend?

Who exactly are you trying to reach?

Once you know these, you don’t need a hundred things, you just need the right ones.

Start With Your Budget & Your Audience

You don’t need crores to advertise smart. You just need to know where your customers are looking, and meet them there.

• Tight Budget (₹25,000–₹1L):
• You want maximum impact without burning through cash. Stick to local-level advertising:
• Auto or cab branding around your store
• Instagram or Meta ads targeting specific pin codes
• Radio ads during non-peak hours (yes, they're affordable!)
• Local newspapers in specific suburbs, often cheaper than you think
• Moderate Budget (₹1L–₹5L):
• You are ready to scale. This is where multi-channel comes in.
• Hoardings in key neighbourhoods (Andheri, Malad, BKC)
• Metro station panels or digital screens
• YouTube pre-rolls for awareness + Google search ads for conversions
• Small activations at cinemas or malls
• High Budget (₹5L+):
• Time to go all in. Think city-wide impact:
• Large-format hoardings across multiple zones
• Branded BEST buses or metro train wraps
• Full-fledged digital campaigns with influencers, reels, OTT ads
• Prime-time radio, print in TOI or Maharashtra Times
• Cinema on-screen + lobby activations

Real Tip: You don't need to be everywhere, just in the right place at the right time.

What Works Best for Your Industry

Different businesses need different types of attention. Here’s a real-world view of where you should show up based on what you sell:

Business Type

What Works

Real Estate

Hoardings near project sites, newspaper ads on Sundays, Google search for local buyers

Retail / Fashion

Reels + influencer collabs, DOOH at malls, bus shelters near high-footfall markets

FMCG Products

Auto branding, Red FM or Fever 104 radio, in-store displays, short YouTube ads

Healthcare Clinics

Google My Business, newspaper classifieds, radio, and branded cab stickers in residential zones

Education / Institutes

Metro station ads near colleges, cinema screens, Google Display Network, print ads in Mid-Day

Apps / Tech Brands

Influencer videos, Instagram ads, OTT (MX Player/Hotstar), metro DOOH, app store ads

Real Talk: Don’t just copy what big brands do, focus on what your customers see, scroll, hear, or ride every day.

Cost of Advertising in Mumbai

Mumbai isn’t just the city of dreams, it’s the city of ads. Billboards, autos, radio jingles, Instagram reels… the options are endless. But let’s talk about what matters: what’s it going to cost?

The good news? Whether you are a local café trying to get walk-ins or a big brand launching a new app, there’s something for every budget.

What Different Ad Channels Might Cost You

Here’s a practical breakdown of where your money goes:

Digital Ads

• Instagram/Facebook: From ₹500/day, perfect for small promos or local events
• Google Search Ads: ₹5–₹50 per click (depends on how competitive your keyword is)
• YouTube Pre-Roll: ₹0.50–₹1.50 per view, great if you’ve got a video to show
• OTT Platforms (like Hotstar/MX Player): ₹2–₹10 per impression, super for wider reach

Great for: Startups, e-comm brands, apps, colleges, and hyperlocal businesses

Outdoor (OOH)

• Smaller Hoardings: ₹25K–₹60K/month
• Main Junctions (Bandra, Sion, Marine Drive): ₹1L–₹5L/month
• Digital Billboards (DOOH): ₹2L–₹10L/month, depending on the screen & location

Ideal for: Real estate, fashion, new launches, and visibility-focused brands

Cinema Advertising

• On-Screen Ads (before the movie starts): ₹500–₹2,500/show per screen
• Off-Screen (lobby branding, standees, LED walls): ₹25K–₹1L per week
• Multiplexes (PVR/INOX) are premium, while single screens are more budget-friendly

Best for: FMCG, events, colleges, luxury products

Transit Ads

• Auto Rickshaw Backs: ₹300–₹500 per auto, per month
• BEST Buses: ₹4K–₹20K/month depending on size and route
• Metro Branding (inside stations or full-train wraps): ₹20K–₹2L/month

Great for: Delivery apps, local services, FMCG, political or awareness campaigns

Radio Advertising

• Short Jingles or Mentions: ₹1K–₹5K for 10 seconds
• Prime Slots (7–11 AM & 5–9 PM): ₹2L–₹5L/month if you are looking at a steady run
• Stations like Red FM, Mirchi, and Fever 104 offer different reach and tone

Works well for: Events, restaurants, salons, and local shops

What Impacts the Price?

It’s not just about the medium, a lot of small factors shift the final cost:

• Location matters: A hoarding in BKC isn’t priced the same as one in Mira Road
• Timing counts: Want to run your ad during Diwali season? Be ready to pay a premium
• Type of ad: A static print ad is cheaper than a flashy video or influencer campaign
• Length of campaign: Long-term bookings = better value
• Inventory crunch: Fewer spots available? Prices jump.

Real Talk:

Don’t aim for “everywhere.” Aim for where it matters. A ₹10,000 campaign that hits the right crowd is more powerful than spending ₹1 lakh where no one’s paying attention.

How Excellent Publicity Can Help

Let’s face it, advertising in Mumbai can feel like a maze. So many options, so many formats, and so many people telling you different things. That’s exactly why we’re here.

At Excellent Publicity, we make advertising simple, smart, and effective. Whether you are just starting or running a full-scale campaign, we’ve got your back, from the very first idea to the final report.

We Handle the Entire Campaign, Start to Finish

Running a campaign takes more than just putting up an ad. You need a plan, the right media, strong creatives, smooth execution, and someone to keep it all moving. That’s us.

Here’s what we take care of:

• Understanding your goals – Are you launching a product? Opening a new store? Running a festive promo? We build your strategy accordingly.
• Creative coordination – Need a jingle, a reel, a hoarding design, or a full brand film? We make it happen, with the right tone and format for your audience.
• Media execution – Whether it’s hoardings in Andheri, rickshaws in Malad, or a cinema ad in Lower Parel, we handle the bookings, permissions, printing, and placement.
• On-ground tracking – We don’t leave once your ad is live. We monitor, check, update, and send you reports (with photos!) so you always know what’s happening.

One team. One point of contact. Zero headaches.

We Help You Choose the Right Media (and Get the Best Deals)

Let’s say you know your audience, but don’t know where to place the ad. Should you go digital? Or take over hoardings? Do radio ads still work?

Don’t worry, that’s our job.

We’ll:

• Study your audience and figure out where they spend time, online, on the road, in theatres, or on their phones.
• Plan your mix – Depending on your budget and goals, we’ll tell you exactly what to spend where, across digital, outdoor, transit, print, cinema, and more.
• Get your great rates – We work with top media houses and vendors across India, so you’ll always get the best bang for your buck.
• Pick the right spots – Whether it’s a college-heavy area or a premium mall zone, we help you choose placements that matter.

It’s not just about visibility, it’s about valuable visibility.

Why Work With Us?

• We’ve managed campaigns for 5000+ brands
• We operate in 800+ cities
• We handle everything from strategy, design, execution, and optimization
• You get transparency, updates, and real support, not just promises

Bottom Line:

Whether you are trying to create buzz in Bandra or launch city-wide in Mumbai, we will make it happen. Professionally, creatively, and without the chaos.

What is the best way to advertise in Mumbai for a small business?

If you are beginning, it's natural to be overwhelmed. Mumbai is a giant market. But here's the reality: you don't need a giant budget to have an impact.

Begin in your local locality. Consider auto-rickshaw advertisements with your name and phone number, a properly optimized Google My Business listing, and some targeted Instagram or Facebook advertising by area pin codes.

Want to be noticed by passersby? An ad in a bus shelter outside your shop or kiosk works magic. Want to take orders online? Place Meta ads that appear when your audience watches reels. The plan is to create familiarity, one lane at a time.

How much does billboard advertising cost in Mumbai?

It’s kind of like renting an apartment, it depends on location, size, and visibility.

A smaller hoarding tucked away in the suburbs might cost you around ₹25,000 to ₹60,000/month, while a prime junction hoarding in Bandra, Marine Drive, or BKC can easily hit ₹5–10 lakhs/month.

Digital billboards (the ones that flash or play motion ads) are even more premium, but they offer better attention and flexibility in content. If you are going big, we will help you choose locations that deliver visibility, not just a price tag.

Which advertising platform gives the highest ROI in Mumbai?

It depends on who you are talking to and what you are offering.

• If you are a clinic, tuition center, or salon, Google Search Ads work beautifully. People already searching for your service will find you instantly.
• If you sell fashion or food, Instagram Ads are gold. You catch them while they scroll, hungry for trends and offers.
• If you are a mass-market brand, like a packaged snack or delivery app, transit and outdoor ads give you reach and recall.

ROI comes from relevance. The more closely your message and medium align with your audience’s life, the better the return.

What are the advantages of transit advertising in Mumbai?

Let’s be real, Mumbai moves constantly. If your ad can move with the city, you have already won half the game.

Transit ads, like autos, BEST buses, or even metro trains, are constantly in front of people, whether they’re stuck in traffic or just walking by.

• You get massive reach without spending lakhs.
• You are seen by the exact people you serve, locals.
• And you are always visible, day, night, rain or shine.

It’s great for creating brand familiarity. If someone sees your brand name on an auto 4 times a week, they’re way more likely to remember it when they need your service.

Is digital advertising better than traditional advertising in Mumbai?

Honestly? It’s not about one being “better”, it’s about what you need.

• Digital (Meta ads, Google, YouTube) is great if you want to track performance, adjust creatives quickly, or target a very specific crowd (say, 18–24-year-olds in Andheri who like Korean food).
• Traditional (hoardings, radio, transit, print) is unbeatable when you want mass visibility, like reaching people commuting, shopping, or driving.

If you are a growing business, the smartest move is often a hybrid strategy, digital to engage and convert, and traditional to build trust and presence.

How can I advertise in Mumbai cinemas?

Mumbai = cinema culture. And cinema ads? Still powerful.

You can:

• Run on-screen ads before the movie starts (great for storytelling)
• Place standees or posters in lobbies (great for branding)
• Use digital lobby screens to loop short promos

Costs vary based on which theatre (PVR, INOX, Cinepolis), the showtime (weekday afternoon vs. Saturday night), and your duration. We’ll help you decide what fits your brand ,even if it’s just one theatre in your locality.

How can I advertise my business in Mumbai at a low cost?

You’d be surprised how much you can do without spending a fortune. Some of the most effective formats for tight budgets include:

• Auto rickshaw branding, great visibility all over the local roads
• Instagram/Facebook ads, run them with a ₹500/day budget to test your market
• Radio ads (off-peak), quirky jingles, and small-time slots still get heard
• Local flyers or posters, in shops, salons, cafés, and society gates
• Google My Business + JustDial, free visibility with real search intent

Start with what you can afford consistently. Then scale. A ₹15,000 campaign that gets you 50 new paying customers is a great start.