Always prioritize food production and housing. Unfed or homeless villagers will quickly lose Resolve, leading to them leaving your settlement. Don't be afraid to restart if your first few attempts go poorly; learning from mistakes is part of the game. Experiment with different building choices and resource chains.
Keep an eye on your villagers' Resolve. Happy villagers work faster and are less likely to abandon you. Utilize the trading post early to sell surplus goods for Amber, which can then be used to buy essential resources or blueprints. Don't neglect the importance of the Hearth and its upgrades for maintaining morale and gaining Reputation.