Thinking about purchasing that premium SEO software that will hyper-optimize a website in under 2 minutes and 2 seconds?

Ask the following question first: What do I know about SEO?

If the answer is "nothing", then don't buy it.

Marketers are banking on the lack of knowledge among consumers. It is no different whether it is the SEO world or the automobile world or the cell phone world. The best search engine optimization tip I can provide is this: educate yourself.

Search engine optimization help often comes in two forms:

1) The Big Sell
2) The Complex and Mysterious

Attempts to "sell" search engine optimization software are really of no true help. These marketers are trying to sell something, not necessarily trying to help. When it comes to SEO, learn more about it before buying the latest SEO gizmo. Though it is true that we all need tools and services to complete tasks more efficiently and quickly, it is also true that we can better use those tools if we understand and learn the underlying processes. Let me state unequivocally that there is no need to go out and blindly purchase search engine optimization software that will cost $100 plus (sometimes much higher!). Just like anything else that someone will try to sell, take a step back, relax, review, reconsider and learn more.

Some articles on search engine optimization are written for those "in the know". Replete with complexity and mystery for those of us whose days are not filled reading the latest industry inside scoop. It takes a lot of reading and searching to discover the best, sound search engine optimization advice.

Has the SEO Fog lifted from around your head?

Has the "I MUST buy that cool SEO software" syndrome been cleansed from your system?

The urge to go out and buy these "cool tools" is based on the fact that SEO is hard work. It takes time, energy and education to do it right. However, it is in persevering and taking the time to learn that will ultimately lead to success.

How much education does one need?

At the very least, the ability to answer the following basic questions:

How does search engine optimization fit into an overall marketing strategy? What are onpage and offpage optimization? What are the steps for fulfilling each? Which are the main search engines? What three are truly important?

Don't spend big bucks on anything until answers to these questions can be found.

If you are simply looking for a search engine optimization tip that will make life on the web a little easier, then my recommendation is of no use. But you will find, as many have, that you will jump from one SEO tool to another continually searching for that magic bullet. Save the pain (and money) and get educated first.

Paul Stefanski develops Recommended Web Tools, a resource for those just beginning to develop their own websites.

A more complete form of this article, with included resources, can be found at Search Engine Optimization Tip.