Hi @steemph.cebu!
You have cited valuable points here that starters should know and keep in mind. I want to add this most important thing to your list.

Avoid writing under the comment section of posts, asking others to follow you because it is not cool to read and it may even receive flags that will adversely affect your reputation. What are you? You are not a beggar and you should not be doing that in the first place! Nothing here is easy as what you might be thinking of. You have to work hard before getting something you want. Pull yourself together and don`t expect too much. Expecting too much is too much. Enjoy your steemit journey and don`t make things hard for you. Arasseo? Arasseo!