Martin Murray of leading Irish Digital Marketing agency Interactive Return kindly answered a few questions on Search Marketing to assist in my education. I found it very useful, and thought you might like to share in his search insight:

Q. How long have you been involved in search?

Since 1999.

Q. What general advice would you give to someone just getting started with SEO / SEM – people trying to optimise their own sites, or launch their own online business?

First, recognize the importance of search for any business using the online channel. Second, resource your search marketing efforts appropriately. If you’re a small business the most importance resource is you. Give some time to understanding search yourself. It will pay dividends to your business for many years to come.