I've been scrolling through the newsfeed for a big amount of time on Steemit since I want to curate more content. I've seen some good articles, some really bad and some that should be removed right away. What I've noticed is that some users are able to get a lot of audience very quickly and others find it very hard. The last group gets discouraged and keeps writing bad articles that won't get any upvotes or followers thus they stay in the same circle.
But hey, there is a path to success and it's proven since many before you have done it! Don't get discouraged, keep on going and you will grow as well! I will list some of the common 'mistakes' i've seen so far!
Voting on only top trending posts
People tend to upvote on the most trending topics. They are trending for a reason and that's probably because they are a good read. So keep on reading it but save your vote. Instead look for new and exciting content that is written with care. Some authors are probably not that famous and doesn't have many followers but if you're early with your upvote you get the most curation rewards and you can connect with them. When you connect with other authors that aren't famous yet, you'll grow together and when you reach the top you remember each other ;)
Commenting with follow for follow
A lot of people comment on post with 'Great post!! I'll follow you, can you follow me?'. These don't help! Instead read the post, leave a good and well written comment that speaks to the author and interact with each other. When your words are wise they will follow you as well ;). A good impressions is what you want to leave behind!
Not engaging with others
What is more important that posting and promoting? You guessed it! Engaging with others. You want to create a group of people around you by voting and leaving meaningful comments. Comments that say something about you as a person and shows your character.
A great tool to use: Steemit.chat
The steemit chat is an amazing tool that can help you with conversations with fellow steemians and engage! Besides that you can promote your posts in the designated channels and ask for help! Use it!!
Not being yourself and unique
Steemit is a wonderful place. You can express yourself anyway you want and nothing is too weird! While blogging and commenting you can find yourself and explore what you like to talk about. Just be yourself, be unique and brand yourself. Marketing is a powerful ally here. When you write authentic messages and blogs that represent yourself it will reflect on the rest of the people reading it.
Patience young grasshopper
Everything good takes a while. Have patience! When you start out you will earn pennies. Later on you will earn that ten times more! Build your reputation, start getting followers and build your own brand. People have to get to know you and trust in the value you provide. It's a process you have to endure and it's a marathon. Don't start of to quickly because you burn down all your energy.
Example time!
I started of too quick and didn't knew the value of posts. I really love Dogecoin and wanted to share it with others so I started a giveaway. These really didn't help to get quality followers and building reputation. So I started writing other stuff, more Tips and Tricks and that started to pay off way better! So it takes time to find yourself and how to use it.
See only the money money money and not the opportunitys
"Can I earn money by blogging?! Awesome!" Yes, it are exciting times when you can earn money by blogging. And you can cash out on the short term. But what are the opportunitys? Well cryptocurrency is becoming a hot thing and Steemit is in the middle of it! We are at the start of something amazing and investing in Steemit is the right horse to bet on. Be in it for the longrun!