Josh Garofalo MKT 353

This week helped me realize the importance of strategy in getting people to actually find my site. I’ve known SEO matters, but learning about link building, especially how much quality links from relevant sites can help, made it click. It’s not just about having a cool product like Mana Mats, it’s about getting it in front of the right people. I liked the idea of using things like infographics or fixing broken links on other websites to get backlinks. That’s something I could realistically do. It also helped me think more long-term; this stuff takes time, but it builds real value for a brand. Overall, this week made me think less about just posting to Instagram and more about how I can make Mana Mats more searchable, more professional, and more connected online.

One of the key takeaways for me was the importance of understanding your target audience and aligning your content, branding, and marketing efforts around their needs and behaviors. The social media planning template from the video was especially helpful; it broke down the process of researching competitors, setting realistic goals, and creating content buckets to stay organized and consistent. I also found the discussions valuable, particularly the insights about using platforms like LinkedIn or TikTok creatively, depending on your audience. In my case with Mana Mats, it pushed me to think beyond Instagram and consider how platforms like TikTok or YouTube could help build community and drive traffic. 

This week’s lessons helped me better understand how crucial a well-optimized landing page is in running a successful online business. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of aligning your ad copy with your landing page content. If you promise “free shipping” or “100% satisfaction guaranteed” in your ad, that promise should be clearly visible when the user lands on your site. Otherwise, you risk losing trust and conversions. I also learned that conversion rate optimization doesn’t require massive changes. Sometimes, small tweaks like adding a testimonial, pre-populating a form field, or placing trust icons near your call-to-action button can make a big difference. The videos and readings reminded me that you only have a few seconds to grab a visitor’s attention, so clarity and consistency are essential. As I think about future business ideas, I now understand how much success depends not just on your product, but on how you present it online.