It starts with keyword research--specifically, using a free tool like WordTracker to find the 100 most searched for phrases for a specific keyword or topic (like "gourmet coffee"). Scan the list and create a spreadsheet of the words that are most relevant to what your Web site is offering (i.e. "gourmet coffee beans" or "gourmet coffee gift baskets."
Armed with your list, go through your
existing site content and add these relevant keywords to the title tags and body copy where they make sense. Then add at least five pages of new content that pertains to keywords from your new
list--as you've likely found some traffic-driving, highly relevant phrases that you weren't aware of, and had no content for.
Lastly, make it easier for the engines and users to find your Web site by creating sitemaps, and including a text-only footer menu where applicable.