SteemIt indeed has a very steep learning curve. That's one of the reasons so many people give up before they've even started. I've been here for over 4 months, and even I am still struggling pretty often.
Fortunately, SteemIt's community spirit is very strong. There are loads of people or communities who are more than willing to help out and support newcomers.

When I go through my first posts, I can see how lost I felt in the beginning. There's so much to learn, so much one should pay attention to that it's often very overwhelming. It's a struggle to make it through the first couple of weeks. And after that, the entire SteemIt Experience is still as overwhelming as it was in the beginning, but by that time you've probably found some people who can help you get through.
Engagement is the key, and from what I read in your post, you've already nailed that one!
That's a good start because you know what: you don't become successful on your own. It's connecting with other people, finding communities that can support you and that you can support that will eventually lead to learning how to grow as a Steemian.
Keep up the good work!