Well to say that Steem has a high learning curve is an understatement. You are given the wrong expectation that it is easy but no Steemit is not. It entails a lot of hardwork and networking. It is a social media platform afterall.

You need to learn about formatting, markdowns, and citations properly so that you are not tagged as a plagiarists.

Then you need to go out there and build relationships. Communities are a great way to do so. There are a lot of different Communities in Steemit that can cater to your niche.

Talking of niche it's a great way of getting people engaged if you have a niche.

All in all its daunting but it can be done.