I should have said "write posts about steemit", it seems the "about making money" part isn't needed though it often an angle that's employed. This comment is probably a bit tongue-in-cheek though at this time 4 or the 5 top posts on trending are directly related to Steem (not always positively, unfortunately).

The second point, using upvote bots, is definitely something that should be on the list though and is something that is very confusing for new most people. I doubt very very much you could have achieved the results you are now so happy with if you did not employ this tactic.