Basic step of basic learner
> What is SEO
>Basic Knowledge of Html
>What is Keywords, Search Engines, Page Rank and domains
>Knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest etc
In reference to your question, one of the main important basic steps is to do a keyword research. If you truly want to have your site standout than you must optimize your site accordingly. Once you have a good grasp on your audience/visitors and what they are searching for you will have great foundation to work towards to. Everything else that you do in regards to Seo and marketing all really has to do with your keywords and what you are focusing on.
First go for onsite SEO then work for offsite SEO. Onsite SEO is related meta tag and meta description and off site is related to link building techniques
Hi! To learn about SEO it either you apply to SEO courses or register/subscribe to blogs about SEO. Participating to forum sites is also a great step for seo learner to be able gain knowledge and insights from different types of people who do SEO. Be resourceful, befriend Google. Goodluck!
First the learner have knowledge of html coding. Then the proper knowledge of webmaster tool or google. He/She can learn some basic tools for checking on page . The writting skill should be good.