Try and take note of methods and strategies that seem to work well for other users. In that same breathe I must add, just because you see someone(s) using a certain methodology that is yielding numerous upvotes and resteems, doesn't mean it will work the same for you. As well as taking note of certain "not so above board" methods certain people seem to be applying to try and gain larger monetary gains. These tactics may work for a period of time, and earn you some #steem but the majority of the active users here on #steemit will quickly realize those abusing the system and will leave them upvote-less and without any new followers in a short time.
Be original. Be friendly. Be helpful!