Hi All,
I've been using WP for most of my sites lately, well since late 08. Not only is it great blog software but it holds its own for a CMS too.
In so far as
SEO, I'd suggest using a theme that is
SEO optimised. I'd also use a variety of plugins from there. I use the following and achieve page 1 SERPS without any drama:
All in One SEO Pack
Google XML Sitemaps
WP Security Scan
Word Press Stats
Banner Garden
Embeded IFrame
I also use the bundled Akismet plugin to stop spam. You have to get an API to use it but it's free and it does a great job.
Of course there are plenty of pulgins to extend the use of WP, the majority are free and are pretty damn good. So do cost.
Some of the new
SEO plugins will migrate your DB info.
Piece of advise. Back up your DB before doing this.
If you don't like the plugin, it can be a real b#tch to convert back later.
Also if your using WP as a blog or blog/cms set your RSS feed to summary, not full text. It helps prevent your full content being yanked.
Recently (last 3 months) I've installed
Blog Protector, makes it hard for your content to be pilfered by low life's.
Cheers
Dave