Well, I am no expert by any means but this is how I did mine so far (still cycling).
Started by testing everything to see where I started. Tested the tap water to see what I was working with. I then added ammonia to get it to 4ppm, I think it took about 1 teaspoon just like it is now. I know I added a little, then waited about 30 min, and then tested. Repeated until it read 4ppm.
Then I tested every other day, and when it was down to 1ppm I dosed it back up to 4ppm. Then I kept testing every other day until I had to dose it again. At some point I was noticing things were going quicker so I started testing every day. When I would turn 4ppm of ammonia down to 0 in 24 hours I started testing for Nitrites and Nitrates. Right now I test ammonia each day (and have to dose it each day) and I test Nitrites, and Nitrates every other day.
That's where I am at now. My Nitrites are off the scale, and my Nitrates are close to 40ppm. From what I understand, when both the Nitrites and Nitrates are off the scale then you do a massive water change (50-60%) and keep on testing. Eventually you will turn 4ppm of ammonia to 0ppm of ammonia, and 0ppm Nitrites, in 24 hours.
Hope that helps you some!
Sean