Hey Samantha!
You'll want to check out @sykochica and @papa-pepper because they both just did a Series of articles that will help you and all new members.
In general, here are some tips that will help, in my opinion.
Post weekday mornings or afternoons, East Coast time. People with higher steem power are more likely to find you then.
Post regularly.
Include at least 5 paragraphs and 3 pictures in each post.
Reply and up vote everyone who comments your articles.
Comment and up vote everyone you find interesting on here.
Aim for 40 votes a day, but the optimal number will be decreasing to 10 soon, unless you change your voting slider to 25%.
Link your steemit posts in all of your other social media. Ask your friends to do the same.
Any questions, just ask, and I'll answer! Steem on; you're here at the perfect time and this can change your life. It already has, for many people!