Looking for comprehensive primers re: blogging tools, SEO, etc.

[dsmoke]

I'm starting two new blogs. I've read all that I can on Steve's site, and now I'd like some recommendations for specific blog-related topics that I have only a vague understanding of. When I search for info, there's so much to choose from that I get overwhelmed. I'm hoping for comprehensive, up-to-date primers on:

1. SEO ("white hat," obviously)
2. Blogger tools for drawing traffic
3. Tools for making money from your blog

I am looking for the more technical info, like specific tools that are out there.

Do you have any suggestions or websites or books? I need a comprehensive report to help me get all the aspects organized in my head before I leap into more extensive research. Perhaps there's another post about this somewhere on the forum, but I didn't see one when I searched.

Thanks!

[mellom]

You might want to check out the site in my signature. I'll be going into more advanced topics as time goes on. I usually update once a day.

[Dwane J.]

For SEO I recommend following, Aaron Walls seobook.com. He has done a great job in gathering a lot of SEO information in one place. You could spend hours trolling forums for advice and information or you could read his e-book. His book provides a good level set of what you need to know about SEO and SEM. Like you I have spent many hours looking over the "how to" threads only to be disappointed. My advice is to pick one or two industry leaders and follow them.

Here's a link to buy his e-book

Buy The #1 Ranked SEO Book Today!

For blogging I would try:

Blog Tips at ProBlogger - Make Money Online Blogging
ShoeMoney® - Skills To Pay The Bills

And of course:

High Rankings® Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Services and Search Marketing Tips

[dsmoke]

Thanks, Mellom and Dwane J - I'll check out your suggestions, and I appreciate the links.

For anyone else reading this thread, I found this overview: Blogging Starter Checklist

It gives some good points to consider and a checklist of sorts, although I doubt I'll do every single thing they're suggesting.

[GuerillaInternetMarketing]

Here's a brief post I did on some Blog Setup SEO Fundamentals

Sphinn - nice 'Digg type' site for SEO and Internet Marketing articles

Just as an aside, I think the biggest vehicle for blogging success is focusing on the social aspect of it. Making friends, participating in social bookmarking, tagging sites, etc. Massive traffic can be easily achieved through Stumbleupon, read up on it!

Best of luck!