SEO is divided into two parts: on-page and off-page optimization. On-page optimization involves technical elements like meta tags and keywords on individual pages. Off-page optimization focuses on activities beyond your own site like link building, social media, and guest posts to increase authority. Key steps for SEO include optimizing content, using analytics tools from Google, submitting to search console, building links, using social media, Google Ads, focusing on keywords and competitors, applying SEO to blogs, and monetizing the site.