Can you share a quick overview of your business?
I'm a WordPress web designer based in Columbus, Ohio. My business is called Orange Sunburst. Because of what I learned in the Verizon Digital Ready cohort with GeekPack, I was able to add email marketing to my services, which has gone over really well. A lot of clients say full web design is too expensive right now, but if I can do a landing page or email marketing, it gives them a solid online presence at a better price point.

How long have you been in business or worked in this role?
I took classes with GeekPack for two years. My website for Orange Sunburst has been live since January 1st, 2024, but the business has evolved a lot since then. I didn’t actually have my first customers until November 2024.

Do you have any employees (if so, how many)?
I’m a single-member LLC at the moment.

What problems were you looking to solve by signing up for the GeekPack + Verizon Cohort?
I wanted a larger digital presence. I use a virtual business address, so I can’t do Google My Business locally. I didn’t want to use my home address, and SEO takes time—sometimes nine to twelve months—so in the meantime, I wanted to grow my presence on social media.

Have you tried to learn about improving your digital presence before?
Yes, I had taken a few Digital Ready courses and was also part of the GeekPack Collective. I learned email marketing through MailerLite, but I hadn’t applied it to my business until now.

Have you seen any tangible returns (more money, more customers, client feedback) from implementing what you learned?
Yes. The social media marketing courses taught me how to post effectively—using storytelling and testimonials instead of just facts. That helped spark conversations and interest. I also realized LinkedIn is my best platform since I serve small businesses and e-commerce. I learned how to create email funnels, lead magnets, drip and welcome campaigns. Within six weeks, I had everything up and running.

Do you feel more confident with digital skills for your business than you did before?
Definitely. Before, I was posting without strategy. Now I understand what kind of content connects, and I know when to post for the most impact.

What were your biggest challenges during the cohort or with the courses?
Time. Six weeks is a lot to fit in, especially if you're working with clients. It was manageable for me since I focus full-time on my business, but many people had full-time jobs. I think eight weeks would be a better duration. That said, the videos, job aids, and Glenna’s sessions helped pull it all together. It was a four-step process—watch the video, complete the job aid, apply it to your business, then review it in the live meetings.

What else would benefit your business for you to learn?
I’d love to deep dive into SEO. I use the SEOPress plugin, and my Google Lighthouse scores are always great, but I still don’t rank on Google. There’s a disconnect I don’t understand yet.

Did you feel supported when going through the Digital Ready courses and being part of the GeekPack cohort community?
Yes, very much. Glenna was incredible. She made people feel comfortable asking questions. I’m an extrovert, so I asked questions even when others were quiet, and that helped others open up. Over time, people became more engaged, and we started having fun with it. The community made a huge difference—it became a space where we could share wins and troubleshoot together.

Did joining the GeekPack cohort help with your progress in the Digital Ready courses?
Absolutely. It gave me direction and structure. Without it, I wouldn’t have known where to start. The cohort narrowed down the content and created a realistic timeline. Glenna also made it clear that it was okay to show up even if you hadn’t finished everything.

What was your most impactful takeaway from your time in the GeekPack cohort?
That small steps lead to big results. It didn’t seem like much at first—just choosing platforms or mapping the customer journey—but over time, it all added up. I started getting more engagement, discovery calls, and interest in my services.

In your opinion, what is the most valuable part of being in the Cohort?
The community. It was huge for me. I’m the only entrepreneur in my family and friend circle. Having people to bounce ideas off of made a big difference. I knew nothing about web design before GeekPack, and the community gave me the confidence and support to figure things out.

What’s your number one tip for someone who wants to learn a new skill/move forward in their business?
Just do it. Don’t overthink. I used to freeze when I felt uncertain, but now I push through the fear. I haven’t had my first email marketing client yet, but I’ve done it for my business, and I’m ready to jump in. That’s how I learned web design too—by just doing it.

What does the future look like for your business?
Bright—no pun intended! Orange Sunburst has room to grow. I might add social media marketing as another service since it ties in so well with email and web design. I hope to grow to the point where I need to hire help. That would be amazing.