We all had the same issue when we joined steemit. When you are the little guy, basically nobody will see your content. It is a harsh test of willpower.

In my opinion, the new guys have it worse than ever. You basically need to invest first, or you will likely not be able to grow quickly.

Here is my take on how to be a successful steemian:
-invest in steem FIRST!- so you can give a few cents to your followers
-post quality content on a regular basis
-don't ask for upvotes or follows
-share what you have learned about steem and steemit platform (tips and tricks)
-talk to many people on steemit, leaving meaningful comments on their content. You will be amazed about the results. This is the killer one you need to do properly if you want to grow fast.

Good luck with your journey. Maybe try to always use a picture. Some people don't bother to read a post without any picture.