Know-How Exchange : SEO/SEM

This is a very broad question and requires a broad answer. However like with anything else - you need to put in time and effort.

SEO is an a very dynamic industry that is constantly changing. In addition you also have many areas of SEO/SEM. Here are some of the major techniques used today:

- Onsite SEO/Content Optimization (Internal SEO)
- Directories, filenames and sitemaps
- Metatags, images, Page title Optimization
- Site Statistics/Web Analytics
- Inbound Link Generation/Campaigns
- Keyword Analysis
- PPC Ad Writing
- SEO/SEM Site Audits
- Landing Page Creation
- Social Media Marketing
- Articles Writing
- Directory Submission
- Article Submission
- Social Bookmarking
- Blogs Submission
- Video Submissions
- Email Marketing
- Web2.0 Marketing
- PageRank and Spider Algorithms

You should spend a few minutes looking at each and one of the above online and it will give you an idea what you have ahead. Then after that is getting to work - TIME and EFFORT.

Thanks,

Robert

It seems that your question is seeking traits rather than tactics.

From that perspective you would need to be part tech, part marketer and part rebel. Having an understanding and curiosity about the web and an understanding of PR, copywriting, direct response tactics, etc. Studying human behavior and conversion factors is also helpful.