I think it is like most things, it's not what you know...but who knows you.
The post I got the most shares on was one which was inappropriately flagged...and some nice people came and supported me here: https://steemit.com/marketing/@kreativ/the-dirty-little-secret-some-copywriters-just-don-t-want-you-to-know
I don't think it is all down to great content, as others have pointed out there is lots of quality content on Steemit which just gets buried unfortunately.
I would say that the posts I thought would get the most traction are in fact the least popular.
Wow that was bad that the guy flagged you just because he didn't understand. Oh I approved your listing on steemwho
Now others better hurry because this is a limited time offer and the spaces are filling up fast! LOL, Just kidding, that is what @kreativ wrote about in her article. Read it. :)
Hee hee. Thanks for approving me...especially as this is the last opportunity to be listed so you rank at the highest level ;-)