Keyword difficulty.

Ok, there doesn't seem to be an appropriate category for my question so the lounge is as good as any. If there is a better section then please feel free to move it MODs.

How is keyword difficulty determined? I understand that it will probably be a number of factors to take into consideration but I am asking because I purchased a micro niche site from a seller on here who chose the keyword for me with EMD available. I read the thread thoroughly and mostly people were happy with what they received.

The site was built and delivered in the specified timeframe so I can't really complain about the service. If the keyword is not good for me then I only have myself to blame. Site completed: 8th April 2014

I then purchased a backlinking service which again despite a minor hiccup with the report delivery they delivered the links promised, totalling over 5000 backlinks. Ordered: 18th April with 15 day drip feed.

Now before anyone says, I know SEO is an ongoing thing but being a new site I didn't want to push it too much, I have created a few links here and there myself and added a couple of articles to the site but I need to find out if it is still too early to see any results in google. The site is indexed with all the main search engines and I have seen some activity in bing and yahoo but nothing to start peeing myself about yet.

Like I said, is it too early to be concerned or could I have been sold a keyword that someone fairly new doesn't have a hope in hell of ranking.

I have read many times on here people have started/purchased a MNS and had it on page 2-3 of big G in a couple of weeks with just a small amount of SEO, yes, each situation will be different but I don't want to waste too much time on something if I've got more chance of cycling to the top of Mount Everest!

Oh before anyone suggests, I have tried using online tools to check but they all seem to give different result.

Just a few pointers would be great. If any SENIOR members on here can offer an opinion based on the keyword I will gladly discuss it privately. Please don't ask for my keyword if you have 3 posts and claim to be a guru you are likely to be offended by my response.

My apologies for posting this last night and rambling on for so long.

My excuse, had a few beers after a hard day yesterday and was all but ready to throw in the towel. I'm getting a bit stressed with my regular work and just want to see some online success so I can tell my boss exactly where to "shove it".

Anyway, feel free to delete this thread and I will try not to get so freaked out again. (No promises though)

A keyword might be easy and your 5000 links can OFFEND the search engine algo but that's the truth. SEO is way beyond that now and I wish people can open up their eyes to see it...

I'd love to open my eyes and see it but unfortunately I am very new to SEO. I've been making money online through traditional methods for years, ie eBay and for a short time my own shopping cart but I decided to try something else over the last few years because I am sick of eBay fees, Paypal, buyer protection 99% of the time in favour of the buyer even if they are obvious scammers etc.

I could go on forever but I won't learn anything that way.

Oh and the 5000 links with drip feed was suggested by the seller of the SEO service as the best option for a new site. I figured they would know better than me.