I remember how it is to start here. It is freaking hard! You come with some expectations because someone told you stories, because you saw someone else making shit loads of money. And your posts 10 cents on a good day.
We all have been there. I dunno how you have to be or how how many whales to have to back to do good after a week or three.

It took me dozens or read articles "how to steem", how the monetization works, how... where.. why... and such.
I keep telling every new person - this is not FB, Instagram, Twitter...
This here work differently. You have to work for your visibility. And spamming links in comments for example works the other way round.

Most of all enjoy it, post your deep shit stuff, hang out with people... read posts you like.. follow those you like. It will all come together :)