What is the most pressing pain point that you solve, and what are your numbers right now in terms of revenue, customers, and team?
Cyber Civics and Cyberwise address the urgent need for digital literacy, helping students, parents, and educators navigate online safety, misinformation, and responsible technology use. Our curriculum equips students with critical thinking skills, media literacy, and ethical online behavior—essential in an era where digital misinformation and online risks are growing. Currently, Cyber Civics is implemented in countless schools across the U.S., with an annual renewal rate of 98% from educators who see its long-term value. Our Cyberwise platform extends these lessons to parents, ensuring a holistic approach to digital literacy education.What unique approach, features, or capabilities give you a unique advantage, and how? Can you share metrics and examples that show the difference you’re making?
Our hands-on, discussion-based curriculum is unique in that it does not require screens to teach digital literacy—an approach that fosters deeper understanding before students are fully immersed in digital environments. Some key differentiators: ● Classroom-Tested Curriculum: Adopted in thousands of schools, Cyber Civics has a 98% renewal rate, indicating its effectiveness. ● Recognized by Experts: Featured in publications such as The New York Times, Psychology Today, and Education Week. ● Parental Engagement via Cyberwise: Our Cyberwise platform has helped thousands of parents with practical guidance on digital parenting.What are the most unexpected challenges your company has overcome since its founding? What lessons did you learn from these experiences?
One of the biggest challenges has been convincing schools and parents that digital literacy is as essential as traditional subjects. Early on, digital citizenship was seen as an “extra” rather than a necessity. Lessons learned: 1. Education is Key: We continuously provide research-backed insights to show the long-term impact of media literacy. 2. Policy Advocacy Matters: By partnering with media literacy organizations, we help push for policies that mandate digital literacy in schools. 3. Adapting to New Tech Trends: The rapid rise of AI and misinformation has made curriculum updates and educator training essential to stay relevant.What marketing strategies and web design changes have been most effective in growing traffic, conversions, and sales on your website? What are the best ways and tools to implement them right away?
Some of our most successful strategies include: 1. SEO Optimization: We focus on ranking for high-intent keywords like “digital literacy curriculum,” leading to increased organic traffic. 2. Social Media Engagement: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook drive direct conversions through educational and promotional content. 3. Email Marketing & Free Demos: Offering free Cyber Civics demos increases conversions for schools. 4. Site Usability Improvements: Based on SEO audits, we improved mobile usability and page speed to enhance user experience. And these are the tools needed for quick implementation: ● Google Search Console & GA4 (for SEO insights) ● Meta Business Suite & Instagram Analytics (for social insights) ● Hootsuite or Constant Contact (for content scheduling automation) ● Canva & Adobe Express (for marketing assets)Based on your extensive experience, what are the 5 DOs and DON’Ts to start an online business?
What you should do
1. Start with a clear problem to solve—ensure there’s a real need for your product. 2. Invest in SEO and organic reach early to establish credibility. 2. Leverage content marketing—blog posts, YouTube, and email campaigns build trust. 4. Use analytics tools to track what works and optimize accordingly. 3. Prioritize community-building—loyal customers are your best marketers. DON’Ts:What you should NOT do
1. Don’t ignore usability—a slow or confusing website kills conversions. 2. Don’t rely solely on paid ads—organic reach is key for long-term sustainability. 3. Don’t try to do everything yourself—automate and delegate where possible. 4. Don’t undervalue customer education—help them understand your product’s impact. 5. Don’t ignore trends—adaptability keeps your business ahead.Looking ahead, what are the trends and technologies that businesses should not ignore to avoid being left behind, and why?
● AI and Personalization: AI-driven personalized learning and content recommendations are shaping education and marketing. ● Decentralized Social Media: Platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky are gaining traction amid privacy concerns. ● Web3 & Digital Ownership: Blockchain technology is influencing online transactions and digital rights. ● Video & Short-Form Content: TikTok-style educational videos are crucial for engagement. ● Data Privacy & Cybersecurity: With regulations tightening, businesses must be transparent about data use.To wrap up, if you had to share one tip for aspiring entrepreneurs that goes against the grain, what would it be?
While speed is often glorified in business, sustainable, thoughtful growth builds trust and longevity. Instead of chasing overnight success, focus on long-term brand value, community engagement, and consistent quality.“Slow and steady wins the race.”
