No label, no limits: The importance of digital advertising

I founded Bring on the Bash in 2011 while still in college, with no industry connections and no record label behind me. Like many independent DJs, I spent years hoping for a big break — waiting to be “discovered.” But digital advertising changed everything. It empowered me to become my own marketing team, build momentum, and grow a business from the ground up.

Today, Bring on the Bash is more than just me; it’s a team of DJs and entertainment vendors who help couples celebrate their love through music, photobooths, and curated experiences. Instead of relying on expensive billboards or print ads, we use geotargeted, anonymized digital ads to reach the people most likely to hire us — at a fraction of the cost. These tools let us focus on what matters most: crafting the perfect vibe and creating unforgettable moments on the dance floor.

My wedding entertainment business depends on digital advertising to grow, making me one of thousands of small businesses fueling Pennsylvania’s digital economy. In 2021, more than two million non-employer firms generated over $112 billion in receipts, according to the U.S. Census Bureau — a figure that’s risen sharply thanks to digital tools.

Now, that progress is at risk. Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a tax on digital advertising revenue, modeled after Maryland’s failed experiment, where promised revenue never materialized and small businesses fled the state. Rather than reining in “Big Tech,” such taxes raise costs for every advertiser — especially the small businesses that rely on affordable digital tools to compete.

And ad taxes aren’t the only threat. In statehouses across the country, new data privacy proposals are making it harder for small businesses to use data responsibly to attract customers and improve services. Pennsylvania’s approach so far appears more balanced — a recognition that protecting consumer privacy and enabling innovation must go hand in hand. As the state attracts investment in AI, broadband, and data centers, lawmakers have a chance to set the national standard for how privacy and growth can coexist.

Still, federal uncertainty remains. Pennsylvania’s federal delegation, including Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick, should clarify the legal and constitutional limits on state-level internet taxes and regulations. State legislators should reject short-sighted digital and data taxes and support policies that keep digital tools accessible for all. 

Taylor Courtney is the founder of Bring on the Bash, a wedding entertainment company in Manheim.