You are right about publicly admitting to have used SEO. A lot of my clients have requested NDAs, but some haven't. Unfortunately for them, admitting to have used SEO in their minds devalues the company.

I got a bunch of questions and emails (around 250 and they're still coming in) - all they ask for is tips and tricks, maybe some ideas on how to further expand their presence on the webz.

I don't ask for anything in return, I don't promote products, I don't promote services - just plain old "This is your site. These are the flaws - this is why it's called a flaw, and here's how to fix it".

I once wrote: "I'm really interested in your project. Here's my personal email. Email me and we can discuss a possible investment on my part."

Crappy SEO, but the product was incredible.

Back on track;

I created a special email address just to accept HN questions.

But I do see it from your POV. Many entrepreneurs I know have lost a lot of money via the "I do something free for you - but you have to buy something from me in return"-scheme.

Basically, Google is saying that if you build amazing content, and structure your website accordingly, you will get high quality backlinks.

If you've spent one day trying to get your site a better rank you know that it's almost impossible. Especially if you're a nobody.

You should be careful recommending books on SEO.

Google and other search engines tweak their algorithms daily, and many things can be outdated.

Join IRC-channels and forums - learn from others mistakes (know where it went wrong), and simply put - just do it.

The worst thing that could happen is if you get sandboxed (removed.)

I will answer them later this evening.

I read HN every day,I read the comments, and I understand the culture here.

I was thinking I could give something back to the community by answering some questions.

"SEO must find the correct keywords for a site not the client" - I don't quite understand what you meant by this, so please elaborate.

Proof and a personal site; I'm not here to promote my business and I'm not here to brag about my clients/past clients. I simply stated that I have worked with them, and whether or not you chose to believe me or not - your choice!

why don't aswer to questions on HN instead of use e-mail? isn't "community" to share with all SEO tips?

"SEO must find the correct keywords for a site not the client"

part of SEO job is to find the correct keywords for a site and optimize for those, no? but you say "I need: The URL of the website; some keywords"

In conclusion i'm work every day with SEO/SEM and in this sector the word "free" is used often for ulterior motives, hence my doubts...why a pro SEO should work for free?(work is time and time is money)...all here.

Have a nice day ;)

Those who posted here, shall receive a reply here.

I don't have any motives behind this, except I want to help people out. Startups have very limited budgets, and maybe someone would like to hire me, and maybe I could end up having a good relationship with other entrepreneurs.

Networking first, money second.

I'm employed by a company who deals with printers, cartridges and paper, so I have some free time on my hands :)

SEOMoz is a great SEO-company, and they have an incredibly useful blog. From novice to advance!

Basic SEO knowledge could point out flaws, but it does take some experience to make a plan/strategy and purpose.

"Would SEO help you or would it be pointless?"

If you own a pizzeria in Gainesville, FL - why should you rank #1 for the term "Pizza"?

I love what I do, and I hope people who get replies from me see that! :)

Wow - I'm glad so many of you emailed.

A lot of creative apps and sites.

I have replied to 5 and have 10 to go.

Keep 'em coming!

@yaggo;

What kind of pages? My personal site/consultant site?

I don't know what yaggo was thinking, but I'd like to see simply some sites that you optimized for search engines - no matter whether those are your own sites or sites of your customers.