What are the best tactics for SEO on a brand new site?

[EGOL]

On a brand new site?  Kickass content is needed before you can optimize or do effective linkbuilding.

But... before you create kickass content it is best to do some keyword research.

But... even before that it is important to determine if you have the resources needed to compete in that niche and a method of monetization.

[firstconversion]

Other than have a great product? Decide what success looks like

You haven't given enough information really, but I start with Research, Information Architecture, Paper Dolls, UX, UI, goals and analytics.

Then SEO becomes easy

[AaronSchinke]

Read the SEOmoz beginners guide. It's a great resource that can serve as a sort of how to/check list of activities to develop a good SEO foundation.

[EGOL]

I like that.... "Decide what success looks like."  Nice.

Thumbs up!

[MediaBazooka]

Love the answers!

Once all that is done, What about link building? What is the first few things everyone does?

[EGOL]

I know where my links might come from before I build content.

In the past when I did traditional linkbuilding I would find sites that ALREADY link out to content on other domains.  I would study what they link to and then build either superior or complimentary content and then let them know what I have, hoping that I would get the link.

Today I do passive linkbuilding.  I decide what might succeed on sites like stumbleupon, reddit and slashdot.... or on the blogs and news sites that cover my niche.  Then just post the content on my site and visitors submit for me.

[gmellak]

Make sure you have the space and ability to publish great content - many sites don't offer the possibility to publish exceptional pieces of content (no blog, no flexible section, etc.) and therefore won't be able to take use of this way of attracting links. There are tons of sites out there which don't even have a news page ...

Once that's checked, be creative at the time of creating content and focus on promoting it appropriately in order to attract natural linkbuilding.

[AaronSchinke]

Depends A LOT on the subject matter and intended audience of your content. Whenever possible allow for user generated content as well, similar to the Q & A section. If your users can get involved they will help you build links naturally.

Otherwise I am very similar to EGOL in my methods. Great content = Links.

[DavidKonigsberg]

I start with keyword research then on site optimization - Title tags content etc then i do a press release with anchor text links with pr web and then move on to top level directories. Then Find sites to introduce you to the world (depends on what type of site you are) Look at competitor back links for ideas -  I hope this helps with a starting point .

[ClassifiedsKing]

This sounds wonderful! Can you give an example?