Working on social media and websites for small businesses and nonprofits is both incredibly fulfilling but can be sometimes challenging.
Social media platforms are often the audience’s introduction to these organizations. For small businesses, social media and websites drive visibility, trust, and sales (when necessary). For nonprofits, they help tell stories, build community, and spark support. Being trusted to shape their digital presence, and bring a mission or brand to life online, is truly meaningful work.
While working with small businesses and nonprofits is definitely rewarding, much like any line of work, it comes with challenges. In many cases budgets and time are limited, expectations are high, and both social media and websites require ongoing attention. Algorithms change (sometimes daily!), technology evolves, and consistency takes effort, especially for small teams juggling many responsibilities like ours.
Despite it all, the work we do is worth it. Watching a business grow, receiving a message of success, or helping a cause reach more people makes the challenges feel small. Helping organizations show up authentically and confidently online is the work that truly matters to us. We are excited to continue this fulfilling work in 2026 and beyond!
-Ella Perrone
I don’t like to talk about our marketing clients because I think their branding belongs to them but we have been so fortunate are to work with the Canfield Fair for several years and if you’ve been to the Fair you know it doesn’t belong to anyone – it belongs to EVERYONE. Here’s a little insight into what we are privileged to do for the Fair and ultimately for the community.
When people think of the Canfield Fair, they picture the food, the rides, the animals, the concerts, and the traditions that have been passed down through generations. What they might not realize is that behind every billboard, every tv spot, and every social media post, there’s a team working year-round to make sure the fair is top of mind when Labor Day weekend rolls around.
The fair has been part of the Mahoning Valley since 1846, which means our marketing starts with a simple truth: people don’t just attend the Canfield Fair; they live it, year after year. That legacy guides us. When we put together campaigns, we’re always asking, “How do we honor the history that people hold dear while showing them something new to get excited about?” Sometimes that means highlighting a family that’s been showing animals for generations. Other times it’s teasing the newest fair food trend that will have everyone lining up. The key is balance. Celebrating what people already love while giving them reasons to rediscover the fair in a fresh way.
We know our audience spans generations, and our marketing has to reflect that. Some folks still watch for television updates; others get their information from Instagram stories. That’s why we use a mix of: - Radio and print ads for tradition. - Television and outdoor boards to capture broad attention. - Social media and digital ads to engage younger crowds and build excitement in real time. - Email and app updates to keep loyal fans in the loop as schedules shift or new attractions pop up. By layering these channels, we meet people where they already are.
At the end of the day, the fair markets itself through the experiences people have. When a family posts a photo in front of one of many curated photo ops, or when someone shares their plate of French fries dripping with vinegar and salt, that’s authentic advertising no campaign could buy. Our job is to encourage it. We use staged photo ops, contests, and behind-the-scenes content that makes people want to join the conversation.
Marketing the Canfield Fair is about more than just selling tickets. It’s about keeping a tradition alive, making sure kids grow up with the same memories their parents and grandparents cherish. It’s about creating a sense of place where the whole community comes together for one unforgettable week each year. That’s what drives us. Because once you’ve been to the Canfield Fair, you understand, it’s not just an event, it’s part of who we are and I know I speak for our whole team when I say we are honored to play a small role in creating your memories.
– Bergen
When I started Sweet Marketing, I never imagined the kind of growth we’d experience in just a few short years. What began as a nimble, creative firm with a focus on branding and strategy has turned into something bigger—not just in scope, but in vision.
A few weeks ago, we made a bold move, literally. We packed up our Ohio office and relocated across state lines to Sharon, Pennsylvania. But this isn’t just a change of address; it’s a milestone.
We took a leap and purchased a beautiful building in the heart of downtown Sharon. Instead of renting office space, we now own it. That gave us the freedom to design it exactly how we want, invest in our future, and build equity in our business. It’s more than a smart financial move; it’s a commitment to putting down roots in a community that’s full of opportunity.
There’s something incredibly energizing about creating your own space, one that reflects your brand, your values, and your aspirations. Every square foot of our new office is designed to spark creativity, collaboration, and growth.
With the move came expansion, not just in square footage but in people. We’ve grown our team to meet the demand for high-quality branding, content, and strategy. From social media specialists to graphic designers to project managers, we’re building a crew of smart, talented, and driven individuals who love what they do and bring our clients’ stories to life. Sweet Marketing has always been about helping others grow. Now it’s our turn, and we’re doing it with purpose.
Crossing state lines isn’t just a logistical challenge. It’s an opportunity, a chance to tap into new markets, form new partnerships, and bring our brand of marketing magic to a whole new region. Sharon has welcomed us with open arms, and we’re excited to be part of a downtown that values creativity, entrepreneurship, and community.
This move represents everything Sweet Marketing stands for: bold ideas, smart risks, and intentional growth. We’re still the same scrappy, strategic, and slightly obsessed-with-the details firm we’ve always been. The only difference is that now we have a bigger playground, a stronger team, and even more heart.
So here’s to new beginnings, fresh paint, and the next chapter of Sweet Marketing.
– Bergen
