Do you have a favorite bridge? Have you ever held your breath driving through the Fort Pitt Tunnel? Navigating Pittsburgh isn’t just about following Google Maps; it’s about understanding the flow, the shortcuts, and the potholes. Local understanding and shared history are the key to connection in our city.
And what’s true about getting around dahntahn is also true of marketing and advertising in the Burgh. You’ll get where you want to be if your creative partner is clued into the area.
So, hop in and learn how partnering with a Pittsburgh creative agency can help your marketing efforts.
Hello, Neighbor
Pittsburgh culture comes with its own black and gold dictionary (yinz know what we mean), a devotion to fries on salads, and a sharp tongue for anyone who doesn’t know how to merge when heading to the airport via Fort Pitt tunnels. This is a city where we’re all neighbors…until you have to drive from the South Hills to the North Hills. Then it’s more of a long-distance relationship.
Pittsburghers are very particular about how you talk about their city. Just take a look at The Pitt, a hit TV show set in Pittsburgh. While it is widely celebrated, locals are quick to point out what feels authentic and what falls short. Check out these thoughts from Citycast Pittsburgh.
In marketing in this region, Pittsburgh references—whether it’s a subtle nod to perogies or a shoutout to the Hot Metal Bridge — are great to pepper into conversations and campaigns. But success can depend on knowing when to lean in and when to pull back. Sometimes, a direct reference to Kennywood is perfect. Other times, it’s better to let the local flavor stay behind the scenes. Here’s an example of a more Pittsburgh-forward approach we took for our friends at Green Light Wireless.
Visuals also need to resonate with Pittsburghers, but that doesn’t mean making everything a black-and-yellow cityscape. This artwork from a client’s awareness campaign nods to Mr. Rogers without being too overt.
No matter how you want to incorporate the Burg into your messaging, a truly local Pittsburgh creative agency like Shift has got you covered.
Community Connections
Understanding Pittsburgh is also about knowing local people, businesses, and vendors.
At Shift, we know which newsletters residents read, what radio spots will reach the right audience, and other secrets we are too smart to share here.
We also know which local printer can turn your last-minute idea into high-quality flyers faster than a Jackhammer on Route 28. We’ve built relationships with the folks who make things happen behind the scenes, from banner shops to event planners.
Our shorthand knowledge helps us get your message in front of your audience.
Just Around the Corner
Let’s be honest—all of us get Zoom fatigue, and sometimes you just want to pop into a meeting in person.
If you’re in western PA, working with a local Pittsburgh creative agency means fewer logistics and more real collaboration. Want to host a workshop? Let’s meet in East Liberty. Need to talk through a concept over coffee? We can come to you. Time zones aren’t a barrier, and you won’t need to explain which bridge to take (or tunnel to avoid).
We’re accessible, responsive, and invested—not just in your success, but in our shared community as well.
Rooted in the Region
Are you convinced yet? When you work with a Pittsburgh-based creative agency, you’re not just getting a service—you’re building a relationship with people who are part of the same ecosystem. We volunteer at the same nonprofits, sometimes cheer on the same high school football teams, and get just as excited on Opening Day at PNC Park. A shared sense of place helps us create work that feels true, grounded, and alive. It’s not just about being near our clients—it’s about being with them, through every step of the journey.
Pull Up a Parking Chair
Let’s make shift happen together. Contact Shift Collaborative to discuss your needs and leverage the power of a Pittsburgh creative agency that understands the city from the incline down.
