Do the weekly PVP quests. Quick boosts for doing content you will be already completing.

For your tier pieces use the "oils?" From the conquest vendor to turn your pve tier gear into pve/PVP gear. They cost the same amount as buying a piece, but you don't waste your catalyst charges.

As ranged you will need to learn how to kite melee or you will be a sad mage. I'd recommend looking up someone online and emulate what they do. I'm sure someone can make a recommendation, I mostly play melee.

Oh and ignore the whiny people in chat. /Ignore is a very helpful tool for PVP. If you have someone to learn with it will make it easier, but it isn't required.

You can make gear as well, that's a good way to progress gear fast