This forum is a great resource.
Read the threads. Sometimes it will seem arcane and then all of a sudden it makes sense

I firmly believe that you can't cheat. The Search Engines will punish you.
Content is the most important thing but don't forget page titles.
Make them clean and clear

Read Matt Cutts Blog, he works at Google and gives great advice.

A good book is "Search Engine Optimization an Hour a Day"
I have several sites but my main one is a niche site selling Confetti. If we can get good search postition with such an obscure product anyone can.


SEO is fun and frustrating, it's rewarding if you do the work.

Confetti Guru
PartyConfetti.com - Confetti by the Pound Confetti by the Packet