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sorry for the thumbs down, but the only thing that post said was that it was hard to do.

I've been looking around, but haven't had much luck finding info or case-studies on targeting long-tail keywords or broad match traffic.  So, for example, trying to target a site about used toyotas.  (Not my term, but provides a decent example)  Theres more motivated traffic searching "2002 Toyota Camry" than "Used Toyotas".  While Used Toyotas make more sense for a site theme from a visitor perspective, I would rather have an article on my site rank for the easier keyword of say Blue 2002 Toyota Camry.  I make more money from long tail keywords than Used Toyotas.  Any thoughts or references about increasing those rankings would be appreciated.  Thanks.

First improve UX, if the site is supposed to be about the user, then improve that.  While improving that you can also improve any on-page SEO factors that will also improve your rankings.  Better descriptions and optimized tags will improve your rankings.  That will make your efforts down the road easier.  From what I've seen, it takes 3-6 months for a new site to settle in so you have some time.  If you were in a different industry I might say spend more time on building links and stuff, but I think you'll probably have to rely more on trying to get return customers or industry specific forums, etc.   Maybe it's just me, but social media will probably be pretty difficult to get solid traction from(outside of industry specifics).

If you're not providing at least some of both of those services for your potential client you will be doing ineffective SEO and somewhat of a disservice to them.  The link building efforts should support quality content.  It will help with the dissemination.  To me spending all your money on content would be like buying a car but not spending any money on gas.

I just moved my sites from Hostgator to Media Temple...I saw an increase in search traffic w/ in days of the move for what it's worth.

sorry for the thumbs down, but the only thing that post said was that it was hard to do.