What defines a true SEO?

1. Working Knowledge in Web Development: Notice I don’t say design… In order to fully understand SEO it’s important that you know the working functions and features of a website. From HTML, CSS, PHP, Linux Administration, Apache (Modules), etc… How do you expect to manipulate many key components of SEO without knowing how to do a large sum of it?
2. Working Understanding of SEO Terminology: [See SEO Glossary] For an example – lets talk about 301 redirects via .htaccess files. First how do you claim to be an SEO if you don’t know what a 301 is or what its used for? Let’s say you do – how about the configuration of a .htaccess file and the ability to create a true legitimate 301 redirect via .htaccess?
3. Being able to experiment: SEO is a guessing game that is full of strategic tactics and techniques. If you are a “SEO” who goes by the book, how to you expect to know what works best? For an example; Title tags have more  importance then lets say <h1> tags? Being able to experiment goes back to web development understanding. You have the be able to manipulate files and see how the search engines react to your changes. What are good changes? What are bad changes? What is Black Hat? What is White Hat etc….
4. Blog, Blog, Blog – Blogging is great, keep it up. If your blog is hosted with BlogSpot.com or WordPress.com – this doesn’t count. You must have your own blog installed on your web server and have working knowledge of the software used…

Ok, I  think that  about covers some of the main juice involved with being a true SEO. If you don’t understanding any of the above mentioned items you are not a true SEO.

Happy days!