I only made $100 the first month I started camming. A lot of people think that this job is easy to get into, but it isn't. When you see other Camgirls and their success, it's important to realize that this success was built off of a lot of hard work. Viewers are apprehensive of new models because they don't know if you will stick around. Camming successfully is mostly about retaining regulars. Focus on retention and things will start picking up. If you need cash now, you might want to get a temp job while you build up your clientele. Camming income is extremely unreliable.
You aren't doing anything wrong. Use your new status to get regulars interested in you. Don't give things away for free, just tease, be friendly, and promote goals. Even if you don't make goal that day. Act like you know what you're doing already and you're less likely to be taken advantage of. A lot of viewers get off on tricking newbies.