Offering value is the key.
I am in my third month on steemit and I am trying now to make 'value' my watchword for all posts (and comments).
For each post I make I try to gauge if it provides :
- Useful information or advice
- Entertainment, or even humour
- Any worthwhile resources, or
- Just interest.
On top of that I apply the ultimate test - would I want to read this post if someone else was posting it?
If the answer to this final question is NO - then I will dump the idea, and think of something else to write.
As for comments, if someone has taken the time to read my post and make a meaningful comment I will always give at least a 10% upvote. If it is particularly interesting or helpful or adds to the content of the post then I will give an upvote of at least 20% often higher - particularly if they have resteemed as well 😊