thank you for your comment @kassixo, sounds like you're definitely on the right track!

The real "magic" comes by reaching people directly and making personalized connections, and by presenting them with content that resonates with them and makes them want to inevitably come back for more!

You'll also come across these "resteem" services, or some steemians who try just following everyone hoping some percentage will follow back (ie. 2800 followers, 49453 following).

While the numbers seem impressive, they're all but useless for building a vibrant community of people who are interested to hear more from you. As you wrote, I'd prefer one real person appreciating my work, over 100 who couldn't care less! :)