Hello @sweetglue. I am new too and today I had my first order, it is still waiting from the buyer to accept it so I do not know will it be my first order :D.
I started with the Fiverr as a seller 48 hours ago.
My process was first looking for others who are selling/offering the same or similar thing to me.
I checked how they present the GIG, images, thumbnails, description, tags and I made a note about all of that.
Then I created my GIG title (on paper) and put it in the search bar as the buyer to see what will come up.
Then I used the concept of another bestseller to make my description, but I also made it my own unique. I also put on paper what can I deliver for how much, realistically. And then I decided about the price ranges.
I kept all my GIGs starting with 5$ since I am new and not verified. After that, I clicked on MORE (seller account) and I checked buyers’ requests. it is F5 pressing marathon.
If I notice that request that interests me has low offers I apply, fast, but still I take time to read requests. if the buyer mentioned his/her name I make sure to start my offer with the name of the buyer.
And I have some generic message ready that I modify as per requests.
Make sure to remember that you only get to offer 10 times per day so make sure that if the request is not something you are interested, do not apply for it.
Leave it for something else. And then when it is close to end of the day and reset of the offers you apply on all, do not waste offers, just to get clicks and visitors to your GIGs.