There is so much information out there about optimising a site for the search engines that sometimes, you can’t see the wood for the trees. And a lot of it is in the form of Top Ten lists (unimaginative linkbait), so here’s mine:

1. Optimise your site as much as possible without spamming (it’s the only thing you have complete control over)
2. Build links to your site.
3. Build links to your site.
4. Build links to your site.
5. Build links to your site.
6. Build links to your site.
7. Build links to your site.
8. …you get the idea.

You probably wouldn’t think it, but SEO companies are a pretty good source of  advice for DIY SEOs (and professionals). Many of them try to explain the processes and techniques they use to give themselves credibility and you can glean valuable information from them.

Seo-watch.com is an interesting site that provides a lot of detail about SEO marketing with a particular regard for e-commerce sites. Right on the homepage, they point out the benefits of scripting to rewrite dynamic URL’s into search engine friendly URL’s.

They provide the usual web optimization and marketing services - on-site optimisation, search engine submission, PPC campaign management and directory submission - but there is also detailed info about how to optimise content management systems and other resources, such as lists of search engines and directories.

It’s not often that you can get valuable information for free so make the most of it.