Keywords - how to choose a place keywords in your website

Keyword choices are critical. It's a science in itself. Here's some help in choosing and placing keywords.

Firstly have a good think (brainstorm, ask buddies and site users) ... you should get 100's. Focus on about 10 keywords that potential visitors might type into a search engine for any particular page. All your SEO work will revolve around these keywords. Each page should be optimised for a separate group of keywords, related to content, and what visitors might type in a search. Eg. Your tennis page might be 'tennis' 'sharapova' 'racket' 'wimbledon' 'wlta' etc. Keyword choices are critical. It's a science in itself. For each page:

1. the keywords meta tag, should not exceed about 15 words (it's rarely used by engines, but you may get penalized for over-stuffing).
2. Description meta tag. max length 20 words.
3. Title tag should have keywords. Max 12 words total. Don't over-stuff keywords.
4. put keywords in an <h1> tag for your page heading. And lots in a <p> or<div> tag at top of page. (Your 'welcome' sentence saying what the page/site is about). But make sure your sentences flow nicely for your actual visitors.

The qualities of links are more important than simple quantity.

This tool gives an idea of the level of competition you're up against. http://www.webuildpages.com/cool-seo-tool/

Yes, contact webmasters and ask (beg) for links. Ask sites with related content, but not directly competing with you. They're more likely to link to you. Yes, scrap unnecessary outgoing links.

Also when choosing keywords, it's best not to compete with the big boys (just yet). Choose keywords that are not popular with competitors but popular with searchers, and very targeted for the 'service' you offer. Not easy, but you'll get the rewards if you put in the time. This is the best SEO tool ever: http://inventory.uk.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion/