I think adding content (via a blog, or hiring someone to write static pages) is a fantastic idea. Press releases also are great. Have you thought about offering PDF downloads? What about video/podcasts?
Here's another idea.... Why not just spend the $1000 on PPC ads (that could be a couple of months, depending on how you budget)? While this isn't exactly
SEO, you will increase traffic to your site. If your site is worth talking about, word will spread. You don't necessarily have to use Google, but targeted PPC ads are a great idea.