Newbie Question...

[lemonowner]

Hi everyone. I have been reading forums like this for a couple of weeks now, and I must say, they have been very informative... you guys are a great resource for beginners like me. Thanks.

Now my question is this: I've been reading a lot of conflicting opinions about google's algorithm. I know that no one knows for sure, but what do you guys think the single most important factor is to get ranked high in google?

- For argument's sake, let's say that I wanted to get number one in google for a non-competitive keyword, and the site is brand new.... and not very good (I'm not a pro, just dabbling, experimenting, learning basically).

I ask this question because a month ago, I thought it would be literally impossible for me to get on google, but based on my readings on forums like this, I'm thinking that I should be able to get the number 1 spot on google for a keyword that only produces 4 or 5 pages of results.

Thanks guys.

ps, forgive me for the long-windedness of this, my first post.