Hey Laura, nice to meet you :)
First of all, I know exactly what you're talking about.. When you mention the earnings. I'm a new steemit user myself and I've been here for about 3 days now. During this time, I've noticed a few things I personally thought made the huge decisions, but, I was wrong. At least it seems that way, as I have a few posts right now, and none of them have become "that super valued" as others are.. It's a bit depressing somehow, but that's just how things are.
I might have done something terribly wrong. I might have shared too much or too little.. I might have shared things in the wrong order.. I have no clue but I'm okay with that. I'm in it to win it, and I will become a winner. With time.
Best of luck to you! :)