I recommend you get the backlink numbers for popular and competing websites into a own site so you can get an indication of how long you require. Don't get too discouraged if your numbers are much more complex lower than other sites, Rubber Sheathed Cable just make sure to keep caring for your sites everyday and over time backlinks will build up.
If you can highlight and grab the words off of the website - look down! If you can't grab it and paste it into a document, on the web think an internet search engine is gonna read it put it in their search cycle. Sure, people will tell you, don't worry, google index it not burden. Maybe they are right, my gut say Be aware! Keep it simple!
How test and do SEO a great age old question. A question asked by marketers, entrepreneurs and professionals alike.