Above all, remember that this is a gift economy. Create value and give it away. Then watch to see what happens next. The best article I've seen on this line of thinking is here, from @luzcypher:

https://steemit.com/steem-help/@luzcypher/the-most-valuable-steemit-post-begins-in-your-head-tips-to-mazimize-your-social-currency-on-steemit