Many people have posted about search engine optimization and what it means to them. Using the meaning search engine optimization as better ranking in online properties (including major search engines, social networks and directories). While some can define SEO in 1 sentence and this from Stuntdubl:

 (Content + structure) x exposure x time x links = increased traffic and success

I can define it in 2 words:

Text & Links

Yes, all you need to have a successful website is tons of pages with well written text and copious links pointing to you.

Sound easy? Through trial and error any webmaster can become an efficient SEO, however this requires hours and hours of time writing content and requesting links.  Why not outsource this tedious task?