SEO question, can your experience help me?

SEO is such a critical part of a successfull internet marketing campaign, and at the same time its the most difficult to not only establish, but to maintain.

There seem to be some controversy over the manual SEO proceedures, and ideas, as well as contracting services such as senuke.

I'm in in the need for success... and I hope you can help me clearify what I need to do.

I'm in the final steps of launching an ecommerce website. Product is not important for this topic, but there are very big competitors.

What is the best way to place and keep my business on the top of the Search engine results?

Is the software subscribtions, services that are available the best product for extended use.

Or..

is it better to pay an "Expert" to promote the business?

When paying someone to promote it, how many hours do you think is appropiate for this task?

Obviously, this is one part of the industry that I am lacking in, and in order to help give my business a fighting chance, i need advise from you.

On the same note, if this your type of business, if you are a SEO SPecialist, please email me and let me know what you can do for me.

Thanks Kenny