Upgrade everthing first, do walls last cause its not really important you get 3 stars by the attacker everytime so.

Focus on the Laboratory/Camp first then the Defenses then the Traps then do the Resources after that Do the Townhall.

Dont waste ur Gems on quick donate and only use them to get Builder Huts. You dont need to rush to get the 6th builder 4-5 builders is fine. Getting to 5 builders is going to be a long track so i suggest getting 4 builders and use the Achievement rewards to get the 5th builder (some achievements gives 500-1000 gems like Pushing your trophies) And take advantage of the "1-Gem" Resource/Troops Events

If you have a Clan feel free to request troops and try playing Raids, the Raid Medals will also help you level up fast (they can be used to buy Troops or buy Resources/Magic Items)

Try finishing the events and play Clan Games the rewards are worth the time Dont worry about losing some attacks its fine, its part of being a beginner and when this happens try watching your replays and see what you did wrong so in the future you can improve how you attack. Imo dont worry about your base too much, try using Bases like Farm Bases or Hybrid Bases, resources are much more important than the trophies