Advertising makes things easier for them. A lot of them don't know what to do. Streamate works differently from most sites so new customers may not understand how things work. Reminding them to check out your gold menu or spin the wheel can be helpful. They may not realize they have those options on a private site. They may not realize any models on private sites use tip vibes.
They're there to interact with you in a sexual way and get off. It's more fun for them if they're getting you to strip, and moan, and tease them, and they love being in control of what you do. If you show your boobs because they made you show your boobs by tipping you they like that. You're telling them how they can do that. If you say "try to make me cum by tipping my vibe" that makes it easy for them to decide what to tip for, because of course they want to see that.
When I'm shopping on a website I always look at the header bar to find out what the free shipping minimum is and if they're running any specials, so I think you're doing them a service by telling them what's available, what you're good at, if you offer video bundles, etc. If you can change your mindset from feeling awkward to feeling like you're helping them out that makes it easier.
The autoresponders are great. I'll add that I have one to remind them to rate my private shows. I tap it as soon as I enter the room because once I start reading their requests I always forget to ask.