SEO Definition Confusion

What is the true definition of SEO?

[Jerry_Pannu]

Different views are expressed by experts about the definition of SEO. Is it only limited to optimizing targeted keywords related to a topic or is it comprehensive activity including keyword optimization, link building, building Page Relevance, and directory listing.
There are umpteen sites which back both views. Logically if we take it literally, it would mean the latter ie. comprehensive optimization activity. Veterans,it seems, prefer the former and prefer to keep it limited to keyword optimization.

[percentages]

Jerry_Pannu, Welcome to WebmasterWorld :)

For me SEO means making the client money.

This entails, but is not limited to, getting the target site as high on page one of SERPs for relevant keywords as possible.

That typically involves (in no particular order):

1. Keyword/search phrase analysis
2. Competitor analysis
3. Search phrase optimization
4. Link building
5. Anchor text building
6. On page optimization
7. Directory listings
8. Outgoing link analysis
9. Purchasing PR when necessary
10. Doorway page requirement analysis/implementation
11. ALT text analysis
12. Image usage analysis
13. Brower compatibility analysis

But to be successful a good SEO won't stop there:

14. Navigation analysis
15. Load speed analysis
16. Conversion rate analysis
17. Optimization of all of the above
18. Log file analysis each week (very important)
19. Market share analysis
20. Determination of sponsorship requirements (can't win 'em all)
21. Back to #1 and do it all again.

Plus 20 other things I forgot as I don't have my files handy right now.

Bottom line, most people expect the SEO to be their online advertising agency, not someone who performs magic tricks with meta tags. The client wants to see real returns, a good long-term relationship is a win-win based upon both delivering :)

[Jerry_Pannu]

Hey Percentages, thanks for enlightening me :) with your views, but the confusion over definition still remains.