What's the best way to spend $20.00 towards SEO to optimize for a website that only targets searches in their hometown. In this case, it's for massage therapists websites. Searches are like: massage chicago, massage phoenix. Is it best to spend this on directory submission or something else?
With only $20, spend it on someone who will do 100 to 200 submisions to free directories for you. There are a few submitters on these forums. Otherwise $20 may get you at most 3 to 4 decent paid directory listings.
PPC campaigns as I don't see you getting very much for your money on organic seo. Spend $300 or something and then you could get it done maybe. Use Google Adwords and if you need help starting a campaign send me a PM.
I agree, there's plenty of free SEO, but the paid realm is more expensive than you're looking for. And now for some shameless self promotion: I just wrote an article on 'PPC Success for the Hometown Hero" which might help you get started. Check it out at: http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2006/10/instant-ppc-success-for-hometown-hero.html