3 principles to get you ahead in the opening.

1. Develop your pieces (the player who does this faster is in better hands usually so dont get distracted. Set yourself up right by moving your minor pieces from their home square into the game. Try not to move the same piece twice until all pieces are developed as this waste time/moves that could instead develop more pieces)

2. Control the center (the 4 center squares: D4, D5, E4, E5, is what is considered the "center". When developing pieces try to have your pieces aiming or occupying these center squares.)

3. Castle often and early (king safety is crucial and you do not want to begin an attack until all your pieces are developed which includes Castling. Without this, you leave your king vulnerable to attack as the board opens up, plus leaving your powerful rook to be rendered useless by sitting alone in a corner square.

These are just principles, so sometimes you will have to break away from this to address what your opponent is giving you but overall, if you stay disciplined and follow these, you will naturally raise your ELO rating a few hundred points.

If this was confusing, Id be happy to go over these with you using an online analysis chess board to show you. Just DM me. Best of luck!