SEO is like 10% onpage optimization (right meta tags, proper HTML structure, source ordered content...) and 90% offpage optimization, which is way more important than anything else.
The key factor in SEOing is getting backlinks to push your PR and website's traffic, relevant backlinks! Sure, it won't hurt to get links from sites that don't fit your own niche, but it's far better if someone on your niche links to you. It'll give your site more "power". The backlinks should also contain the keywords you're optimizing for PLUS they shouldn't all point to your index page, but also to several subpages of your site.
A good way to get backlinks are directory submissions (as already said in this thread), and writing/publishing articles on article directories with backlinks included. Exchanging links isn't as good as many people think it is, it's from less value in they eyes of search engines. Anyway, it won't hurt your SEO work at all.
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