It has been almost a year now, not that Steemit anniversary matters to any of you. But for me, almost 12 months of writing every day and earning a little bit. But overall, I'm quite happy as Steemit has been really life-changing. You all know that Steemit is helping me fund my business. I'm stuck at rep 64 while my other Steemit batchmates who started at the same time are almost level 70 now. Honestly, I am not competing in terms of reputation score as my only Steemit goal is to become a whale. I guess I only want to surpass them in terms of Steem Power, ha! But it is not going to happen to me just by writing because I am not the popular type. Hopefully, when I get to earn millions (dreaming) from my business, I will be able to massively power up my account so I can travel the world again and help those who are unpopular and struggling to earn in this community.
Unfortunately, I don't write mainstream topics so I cannot please the whales and the Steemit masses. Unless you crave fame or blogger popularity, there's no other way to be heard or become successful here but to pump up your account big time.
It is possible to become popular and one can surely earn more Steem that way. But I just can't for some reasons I enumerated below. But for those who want to become famous Steemit bloggers and attract the attention of whales and high rep Steemit personalities, here are some of the things you need to do in order to become seriously successful here on Steemit.
1. Talent is not everything
I've seen a few unique writers here who don't make it to the trending page or who don't even earn that much, simply because they are good and talented. They are just not for everyone. Don't appear better than everyone else because people hate that, so keep your talent. Bad food make it to the supermarket aisles. Bad musicians are famous. Bad products sell. So if you are a talented writer or artist, understand that your stories, articles, music, and essays are only reserved for those who have good taste.
2. Write mainstream topics
Write things that people will buy or anything that will distract and take them away from the reality. Don't write about how depressing your life is. The feel-good positivity and money-making articles are so popular as people like to see signs of hope and feel good about themselves. This is one way to get the attention of whales and high rep Steemians.
3. Glorify your life
Travel bloggers are so popular because they touch the fantasies of the masses. People want something they can't have and reading the travel blogs and lifestyle porn momentarily take them away from the humdrum and the mundane. Write only about the good things that happened to you and keep the bad ones behind the scenes. Impress the readers with your life's perfection. They will surely feel inspired and help you become popular in return.
4. Don't rant
There's one thing people really hate here on Steemit, negativity. Especially those who rant about why some people get ahead and why they don't make that much. Pretend that you are fine with what is going on. Write positive things about Steemit because this will give people the assurance. Never rant about the Steemit income inequality because it is such a big turnoff. People will call you jealous or whiny, and they might even unfollow you. Always be positive and you'll surely be popular. Don't be yourself. Wear a mask.
5. Indicate your location on your profile
People are tribalistic in nature. I noticed that people usually like to support their own tribemates first. Though I am fortunate to get followers and supporters from all over the world, I've seen Steemians from unpopular continents who don't get upvotes or even comments other than from their own tribe. Most people here on Steemit are not travelers and are usually not comfortable interacting with people outside their comfort zone or preconceived stereotypes. Worse if you are not an English speaker, they get this auto red alert in their narrow minds. So make sure to add your location tag so you can get some support from your own community. At least you can be popular within your group.
6. The more brownie points you get, the more chances of winning
It is easy to get brownie points here on Steemit. Just keep on commenting on whales and high rep Steemians' posts. Even if you don't really like what they write, just leave some positive comments. It is not begging, it's called engagement. Forget about pride and sophistication. When you are starting small, you got to kiss ass. If you have nothing and are nothing, then that's the only way to go up. Remember that they will not come to you.
7. Don't write about sensitive or social topics
People don't care about your suffering and struggle in the society. Being poor and miserable is not attractive. Writing about the harsh realities of the world and other social issues will not attract upvotes from whales who are living their all-too-comfortable lives. Write things that only inspire people to become rich or how you have easily gotten your cryptocurrency wealth. This is one surefire way to become popular.
8. Upload original pictures, selfies or videos
People like to know the physical appearance of who they are supporting. They also would like to have an idea where you are from so they can easily box you into their labels and stereotypes. If you are within their comfort zone/tribe, they will likely support you. Cute blogger boys and girls usually become popular. If you can't write, at least show your cleavage or abs in your pictures or videos. Desperate times call for desperate measures.