This is exactly the post they should link at the bottom of the Steemit FAQ - after all the Jargon nobody understands links to real post where real people came here and worked out how to progress.
You have come a long way in a short time, and this post is a real inspiration to people starting out on Steemit - I spent far longer then this getting less then a dollar for my posts when I started out.
I still don't fully understand how this platform works, but from experience I learned very slowly that you need to give to receive. When I started out I created posts and then just expected people to find them - when nobody did I wondered why.
Eventually I worked out my post's were just a tiny part of a much bigger puzzle, and to bring in an audience you need to actively pursue them. Comment and share is key - the more you remind people about you through comments the more they will remember you.
The charitable side of Steemit is fascinating, and real differences can be made to people's lives.
Thanks @c0ff33a, it has really been a huge learning curve and a lot of time invested, but it has been an awesome ride so far.