I'd say you had a pretty good start. You started with the easier parts and took it slow. Technique comes with practice, that's why it is recommended that you start with just the cheeks and sideburns, that way by the time you move on to the tougher parts you have a pretty good technique.

I know when I first started everything felt wierd, holding the razor felt off, the angles I was using seemed wrong, for me I think it was just the fact that I wasn't yet comfortable with holding this extremely sharp tool to my face. But with time I felt more comfortable with it and as a result my technique improved. Even now, after some months, I can get a BBS shave on the cheeks but my neck technique still needs some work.

As far as advice goes. A strop will make all the difference, as will proper beard prep. Also, if your skin isn't used to such a sharp blade you may want to let it rest a couple days. I see a lot where people keep trying every day and wonder why their shave gets worse each time.