The truth is, that not even the so called experts in SEO know everything there is to know about search engine marketing. The search engines only reveal so much about what makes them tick. And then there is the fact that the search engines are always evolving and making changes. Search engine optimization is not an exact science since only so many facts are revealed by the search engines.

So how do you know how to optimize? Study what is working for successful marketers. Spend some time really analyzing successful sites in your marketing field. Don't try to re-invent the wheel. Observe what is working for others.

It is also good to spend some time reading the guidelines of the more popular search engines. They do provide information that is free. You may not find their suggestions exciting if you are looking for the magic formula for immediate listing. But do read their guidelines and that will give you some basic information.

Your web pages should be optimized as they are built. Keep it simple and build SEO in as you are building. Each search engine has it's own little kinks. Some read meta tags and some do not. Meta tags can be added easily, as you build pages, to satisfy the search engines that use them.

Many marketers try to fight the search engines. This is foolish. The search engines are not going to go away. They perform a much needed service, and if you build to find favor with the search engines, it can be of great value to your website and bring you a lot of free, targeted traffic.

Build a website that gives value to your visitors and what they are looking for. Add keywords and watch keyword density. Overkill can kill your website when it comes to SEO so don't overdo it, or try to trick the search engines.

1. Choose a relevant domain name

Choosing your domain name carefully can be of help in many ways. If your domain name contains keywords, it can help in many ways. Your visitors will know immediately what you are about. It can also be a help when you are getting or exchanging links. When a link is pointed to your site voluntarily, your keywords will be included even if all the site adds is your domain name.

2. Link exchanges

Link exchanges don't have as much impact as they once did, but they are still beneficial. With a new website they are especially helpful in getting you found by the search engines. Join a link exchange.

Add link management software to your website. This will build your link pages and add categories so you have an orderly link directory. It should also be able to check to be sure your partners are sill linking back. Limit the number of links per page.

3. Site navigation

Keep site navigation orderly and easy for the visitor. Use keywords in your navigation menu.

4. Write and submit articles

Learn to write and submit articles about or strongly related to your website topic and submit to article banks. This will bring you one way links and even some traffic. Submit articles frequently and you will soon acquire many one way links.

SEO isn't really hard. Think about what search engine optimization means. It simply means creating pages the way the search engines want them, and following up by promoting your website to the search engines in ways they find ethical and helpful to those searching for what you have to offer.