I run an agency and oversee SEO for sites like http://www.pdx.edu
When doing content – learn about googles EEAT score
Go for long tail keywords first, then build up to more competitive terms.
I use SEMrush and they have a decent “intent” tag they assign to various keywords- that might be helpful
Links are important, but got for quality links.
Links are bought and paid for. Either you’re paying for someone’s time to do outreach or buying directly.
The former is preferable.
Find your competitors who are ranking for xyz keyword.
Look at their page content and do it better
Then look at their link profile to that page- do it better
That’s a decent start