What are my first steps for SEO?

I have a site that I need to optimize and want to know my first steps

[kurrle]

I have a site that I need to optimize and want to know my first steps. I have read mixed things about SEO because a lot has changed over time and I want to know the best practices for current SEO and SEM strategies... What is important and what is not. What should my task list look like?
Thanks in advance for your help

[phranque]

welcome to WebmasterWorld [webmasterworld.com], kurrle!

1 - read all the WebmasterWorld forums
2 - ignore all the bad advice
=8)

or start here:
Best WebmasterWorld Threads of 2008 [webmasterworld.com]

in general i would suggest the following:
- verify your whois and dns information
- make sure your server is secure and functioning properly.
- only serve content for canonical urls
- validate your code
- use semantic markup
- make sure your site is accessible in a text-based browser
- optimize your page loading speed
- and all the usual - good content and relevant inbound links

[SmithJohn]

To get your site ready.That is all W3C standerd and some content.

[seo371]

I like phranque's device~

[phranque]

thanks and welcome to WebmasterWorld [webmasterworld.com], seo371!

[brickmarketing]

Well that is a pretty broad question but your website is the foundation. You want a well built and optimized website before you start anything. Research all your industry keywords that are relevant to your business. You want to get these right because if you focus on the wrong keywords or phrases you will attract the wrong customer.

[Bulletproof WEB]

Update content daily,optimize with best keywords

[brickmarketing]

Your first step should be conducting keyword research. Isolate ALL your relevant keywords for the pages you want to optimize of your website before you do anything. The foundation to all your online marketing will really be the onsite optimization of your website first.