social media & marketing

Your business has a story worth sharing. Let's make it seen.

Running a business takes a lot. Keeping up with social media shouldn't have to.

You know you need to stay visible, connect with customers, and keep your brand top of mind. But between running your business, serving your customers, and managing your team, finding time to create meaningful content can be a challenge.

That's where we come in.

Gem City Creative helps businesses turn their ideas into strategic, engaging content that keeps their brand moving forward.

From social media content creation to full-service marketing support, we combine strategy, messaging, and design to help your business show up with greater clarity and consistency.

Less time creating content.
More time growing your business.

Sound familiar?

  • You know you need to post, but don't have the time. Social media often becomes another task on an already overwhelming to-do list.

  • Your content feels inconsistent. Without a plan, it's easy to go weeks without posting or scramble to put something together.

  • Your marketing lacks direction. You're creating content, but you're not sure what it's actually accomplishing.

  • Your brand doesn't look or sound consistent. Different messages and visuals can leave customers confused about who you are and what makes you different.

  • You have great ideas, but struggle to execute them. There's always something you want to promote, share, or launch, but not enough time to bring it to life.

You don't need more to do.
You need a better plan and the right creative partner to help bring it to life.

HOW WE HELP

1. Social Media Content Creation


Stay visible with professional content that looks, sounds, and feels like your brand.

We help plan and create a consistent mix of content that connects with your audience, promotes your services, shares your story, and keeps your business top of mind.

Services include:

  • Monthly content planning and calendars

  • Branded social media graphics

  • Caption writing and messaging

  • Photography and short-form video content

  • Reels and promotional content

  • Content scheduling and publishing

  • Seasonal promotions and announcements

2. Marketing Strategy & Creative Direction


Great marketing starts with knowing what you want to say, who you want to reach, and why it matters.

We help connect your marketing activities to your broader business goals so you're not simply posting for the sake of posting.

Services include:

  • Brand and marketing strategy

  • Audience and messaging development

  • Creative direction

  • Campaign planning

  • Promotional calendars

  • Brand storytelling

  • Monthly strategy sessions

  • Marketing performance reviews

3. Integrated Brand & Marketing Support


Your social media is just one piece of your brand.

We can bring together branding, graphic design, content creation, and marketing strategy to create a more connected experience for your customers.

Whether you're launching a new service, promoting an event, or preparing for a major campaign, we help make sure your marketing works together rather than in separate pieces.

Additional services include:

  • Brand identity and brand refreshes

  • Campaign development

  • Print and digital marketing materials

  • Website creative and landing pages

  • Email marketing design

  • Signage and event collateral

  • Advertising creative and media coordination

A More Proactive Approach to Social Media

We're not interested in posting just to fill a calendar.

Our approach is built around planning content in advance, giving your business a consistent presence without the last-minute scramble.

01 — Discover

We learn about your business, your audience, your goals, and what makes your brand different.

02 — Plan

We develop a content calendar built around your priorities, upcoming promotions, and the stories worth sharing.

03 — Create

Our creative team brings your content to life through design, photography, video, and thoughtful messaging.

04 — Approve & Schedule

You review the content, provide feedback, and give us the green light. We schedule approved posts in advance so everything stays on track.

05 — Review & Refine

We look at what's working and make thoughtful adjustments to help your marketing continue moving forward.

The result? A more consistent, intentional brand presence with less of the day-to-day work on your plate.

CUSTOM CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR BRANDS OF EVERY SIZE.

SOCIAL
ESSENTIALS

$750

/ MONTH

What’s included:

  • Monthly content planning and scheduling

  • 8 branded posts per month

  • Captions and relevant hashtags

  • Up to 2 platforms using adapted/shared content

  • Client-provided photos, videos, and brand assets

  • One monthly content review and approval cycle

  • Basic monthly performance snapshot

SOCIAL
GROWTH

$1,500

/ MONTH

What’s included:

  • Monthly strategy and content planning meeting

  • 12 branded posts per month

  • Up to 2 short-form videos or Reels per month, counted within the 12 posts

  • Up to 2 platforms using adapted/shared content

  • One monthly batch content capture session (up to 90 minutes, local)

  • Copywriting, branded design, scheduling

  • Seasonal promotion and campaign planning

  • Monthly reporting with recommendations

BRAND
+ MARKETING
PARTNER

$3,000

/ MONTH

What’s included:

  • Monthly marketing strategy and planning session

  • Quarterly marketing priorities and campaign roadmap

  • Up to 16 social posts per month

  • Up to 4 short-form videos, counted within the 16 posts

  • Up to 3 platforms using adapted/shared content

  • Two local content capture sessions per month (up to 90 minutes each)

  • Monthly creative support allocation for collateral, campaign graphics, or email design (up to 4 production hours)

  • Campaign creative direction and coordination

  • Monthly results review and recommendations

  • Priority project scheduling

RECOMMENDED

Meet the Team

  • Chris Schroeder

    CEO / BRAND STRATEGIST

    Hey, I’m Chris Schroeder, Founder and Senior Designer at Gem City Creative. Before launching GCC in 2021, I spent over a decade as a full-time graphic designer and illustrator at Schroeder Creations, while also running a side caricature business, Save The Doodle. I’m passionate about serving our clients and watching their brands come to life through thoughtful strategy and meaningful design. When I’m not working, you’ll find me soaking up time with my kids, slapping bass chords, reading, or diving into a new LEGO build.

  • Trent Mason

    SR. STRATEGIST

    Hi, I’m Trent Mason, senior strategist at Gem City Creative. I’m passionate about helping organizations build clear, compelling brands—with a special focus on mission-driven work. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with clients across retail, food services, startups, higher ed, media, and manufacturing, and my work has even been recognized with a few national awards along the way. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me by the creek, fly fishing or enjoying a good book.

  • MIRANDA PETERSON

    DESIGN LEAD

    Hello, I am Miranda Peterson, Design Lead at Gem City Creative! I graduated from Edinboro University with a Bachelor’s in Graphic & Interactive Design and a minor in Printmaking. Before joining GCC, I spent six years as a freelance designer, using design and illustration to bring quality and intention to every project. I enjoy giving back to the community through volunteer work, and outside of work you’ll often find me collaging, embroidering, book-binding, or staying active with pilates and weightlifting.

  • EMMA OAS

    OPERATIONS AND GROWTH STRATEGIST

    Hi, I’m Emma, Operations and Growth Strategist at Gem City Creative! After serving as Project Manager, I’ve transitioned into a role focused on helping our team grow and operate more efficiently. I work behind the scenes to improve our systems, streamline processes, support team training, and explore opportunities for business growth. My goal is to help GCC continue delivering an exceptional client experience while building a strong foundation for the future. Outside of work, you can find me running, practicing yoga, coaching basketball, or staying active in any way I can!

  • AIDAN DAUGHENBAUGH

    PROJECT MANAGER

    Hi, I’m Aidan, Project Manager at Gem City Creative! I help keep projects organized, communication flowing, and everything moving smoothly from start to finish. I bring a unique background to the team, having spent nine years living and working in the Czech Republic, gaining experience in everything from hospitality and events to international business and education. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Point Park University. I love working with people and bringing all the moving pieces together to create a great client experience. Outside of work, you’ll find me cooking, working on art projects, taking long walks, or traveling. I’m a huge foodie and love discovering new cultures through food, whether it’s a hidden local gem or a Michelin-starred restaurant!

  • Emily Malay

    DESIGNER

    Hi, I’m Emily, Junior Designer at Gem City Creative! I help bring brands to life through cohesive designs, presentations, templates, and visual materials that stay true to each brand’s identity. With four years of professional experience in graphic design and illustration, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients throughout western Pennsylvania. I especially enjoy publication design, branding, typography, and creating visual systems that are both functional and engaging. I’m always looking for ways to grow creatively and bring fresh ideas to every project. Outside of work, I have a love for history, antique design, and nostalgic aesthetics, which often inspire my creative approach and appreciation for timeless details!

OUR EXPERTISE

15 Years in operation as a design agency

100+ Clients have worked with Gem City

Nationwide Presence of client work across the US

Human Centered approach that is against AI for creative use

RECENT PROJECTS

“We envision a world where the underdogs of business can stand toe-to-toe with corporate giants—armed with bold identities and compelling stories that inspire their audiences and spark real connections”

Industries We Serve

Our versatile background allows us to support a wide range of industries, helping each one elevate their brand through strong visuals and smart strategy. We’ve partnered with clients across:

  • Technology & SaaS

  • Nonprofits

  • Food & Hospitality

  • Healthcare & Wellness

  • Faith based organizations

  • Education & Training

  • Government & Public Sector

  • Retail & eCommerce

  • Real Estate & Home Services

  • Manufacturing & Industrial

Where Our Clients Are Located

Though based in Erie, Pennsylvania, Gem City Creative supports brands nationwide. We’ve helped businesses show up with confidence in:

New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, Texas, California, Nevada, and our home state of Pennsylvania

  • Chris and his team are absolutely excellent at what they do and they care about your business as much as you do.

    Larry Franco Jr.
    Franco’s Restaurant

  • Their attention to detail when revealing their brand strategy for our company was completely customized to our industry but more specifically, our team and our people.

    Kahla Maguire,
    Printing Concepts

  • They kept asking questions that I would never have thought to tell them in the first place to make sure everything we wanted on the website was included.

    Holly Bowers,
    ECBLA

  • The design process was smooth and collaborative, with the firm taking the time to understand our brand's essence and vision. They actively involved us in every step, carefully listening to our ideas and incorporating them into the final concept.

    Lesley Ridge Allen,
    Erie Regional Chamber of Commerce