Welcome aboard, Jack!

One thing I have found about steemit is you need to be patient. This place takes time to build up steem for a noob (or plankton, as I guess is the local terminology).

Make sure to post regularly. Don't do it too quickly or you'll be labelled a spammer and make sure to do mostly OC or you will be put on the blacklists.

Make sure to comment on people's posts regularly. Actually engage in conversation on the posts. Just posting and stating 'It's awesome.' won't help you or them.

Make sure to upvote! Both you upvote other people's posts and their comments. Upvoting yourself is...not illegal, but not viewed favorably. Only upvote about ten/day in the beginning.

And follow those who write things that interest you. if you do follow them, make sure you comment/upvote/etc.

That said, welcome aboard and you have a new follower!