In search of success on Steemit? Here are 5 keys. ๐
![5-keys-success.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmXuXPmu73SUagTPoWEXuKtbPf5XwM89SpZGaxWkZg4chC/5-keys-success.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://s18.postimg.org/6lfod4yd5/1p7xn9.jpg.png)
Let's start by defining "success on Steemit."
Success is "the accomplishment of an aim or purpose." So, the first thing to get clear about is what is your aim or purpose?
Social media is seductive.
It's easy to become aimless. Just slip and slide around, and then... BAM! Next thing you know, you're feeling twinges of jealousy or disappointment because ______________. <--- Fill in the blank with any number of possible comparison-complaints.
But if you are first clear about why you're here, and what you want to get from being here, you will be less easily moved. Identify and commit to your goals. There are as many reasons to be here, as there are active accounts. These are the main perks and benefits that motivate me to spend time on Steemit:
CONNECTING with like-minded people, and learning about each other at levels far deeper than any other social media platform allows;
LEARNING new ideas and viewpoints from people very different from me. Contrast and resistance builds muscle;
GROWING as a creator and curator;
ENJOYING the challenge and satisfaction of ongoing, self-generated milestones;
EARNING Steem, which dropped me in cryptocurrency sooner than I might have entered 'on my own,' without Steemit;
What did I miss? Would you share your Steemit goal(s) in the comments?
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://media.giphy.com/media/iC2JWHL1MhG7e/giphy.gif)
And now, the five keys.
1. AUTHENTICITY
Be you. The real you. It's fine to be inspired by the styles and techniques of others... even adopt some as your own, but only to the extent that it enhances your authentic self. I bet you're an amazing person. So know your personality, and let it shine.
2. GENEROSITY
Self-expression is an indulgence. Catharsis feels good. But that's not all it should be and do. Not by a long shot. Think about your reader. Will your content leave them happier, smarter, inspired or somehow more open to life? You might not get all yesses to those questions, but if you don't get at least one, it is probably not the best thing to publish... not for your reader, anyway.
Generosity is also listening well. We listen well to other bloggers by reading/viewing their content, really considering how it impacted us, and (if inspired to), leaving a comment that shows we took in what was presented... whether we agree, or disagree. Generosity online is like a firm handshake -- it leaves you with the feeling that the other person is really there. Not limp and flimsy.
3. FREQUENCY
A lot of Steemians come out the gate highly motivated to grow their reputation score, their followers, and their rewards. They commit to post daily, and a lot of people maintain that rigorous schedule. (Respect!) Others find that one to three times a week is more manageable. Find the rhythm that's best for you, but the main thing is to NOT GIVE UP. You will give your best, and 8 or 24 people will see it. (Ouch! I know.) You will earn 17 cents. (I know this, too.) KEEP GOING!! If you do, this discouraging phase of felt invisibility and chirping crickets will pass.
Another rate of frequency to consider, in addition to how often you create and publish your own posts, is how often you upvote, comment on, and Resteem OTHER people's posts. Engaging with ideas other than your own EXPANDS you in surprising and exciting ways :-)
4. QUALITY
Posts don't necessarily need to be long, but they should be strong. Remember the self-critiquing questions: "Will this leave my readers happier, smarter, inspired or somehow more open to life?"
Also, will research and links add more value? Is it possible to dig deeper -- with emotion, information or both? Do I need help generating ideas for posts? Should I be posting videos to DTube, rather than Youtube?
Finally, remember you can mix your media. You can break up big blocks of texts with pictures, gifs, videos, page dividers, etc. These little extras give your post visual interest.
5. STRATEGY
I am not the strongest strategic thinker, but a couple suggestions are:
Showing gratitude to your most loyal and most generous upvoters, findable at SteemVP. Maybe give them an @mention from time to time in a post (I haven't done this yet, but intend to), or a private note of thanks on Steemit.Chat or Discord.
Best use of tags. Especially the first tag, which places your post in a particular category. Personally, I prioritize passion over profit, but there's no harm in letting your passion be informed. That said, you can sort this list of topics according to Payout amount:
I hope these keys have been helpful, especially to newer Steemians. A lot of development supports this platform. In the comments, would you please mention any ideas or apps not presented here, that you feel would help us all increase our success?
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://s18.postimg.org/6lfod4yd5/1p7xn9.jpg.png)
Also for your consideration...
Thanks for sharing. I think jealousy is a big part of why people quit posting and it is harf because you dont see all the behind the scenes work that sucessful people on here and other sites put in. That is one thing
@gniksivart, I agree.
I agree on that. But those who are making the big money are promoting from a media of their own or paying this and that for the promotion. At the end, if you spent $500 to make $1,000. Then it is the same as making $500 with no investment.
Thank you Erika, this was really motivating.
Pardon me, @cryptotax... I just re-read that you said POST intro post... so in that case, I totally agree with the way you propose using tags going forward: choosing ones that are relevant and profitable :-)
Thanks, appreciate it! Glad I did something right at least.
@cryptotax: When I joined, it was strongly encouraged to use the first tag of "#introduceyourself." (Sometimes, people search that tag exclusively, for the purpose of greeting newcomers.) Have a marathoner's mindset, and stay encouraged, friend. All the best to you, too :-)
So well written. I can tell you put a lot of time into this.
What type of editor do you use to publish?
Thanks, @surfyogi :-) I just use Steemit's interface... the big white box that pops up when you click "Submit a Story."
A tool to check on oneยดs upvoting, remaining voting power and for a general overview of whatยดs happening in oneยดs account is https://steemd.com/@username
I use this tool daily, because as a curator of the ecoTrain
https://steemit.com/blog/@eco-alex/ecotrain-highlights-of-the-week-12th-18th-august-more-amazing-posts-brought-together-for-you
I have quite a lot of posts and comments to keep track of and this tool is a big help.
Could be included in "5. STRATEGY"
Thatยดs funny! I just wanted to give an example for steemd.com ,
but apparently there is really an account named username. ๐
This is sensational.
Great delivery!
Excellent tip, @likedeeler! Thanks so much for sharing it.
Good tip, likedeeler. Thank you.
I am brand new to steemit and I watched your interview on YouTube this morning I just love your energy and found some great nuggets in this article especially #introvert . Keep doing what you do and I'll keep stopping by for advice and inspiration.
BIG, WARM WELCOME TO YOU, @thurmanatorx! Thanks for your encouragement. ๐บ
I want to be a success man on Steemit. I just landed here 19 Days ago, ann I start to Steem it on here. Thanks for your motivation. Regard from Indonesia.
Welcome to Steemit, @bahagia-arbi! Seems like you're off to a great start :-) Returned regards from Acapulco.
P.S. Did you see the Indonesian translation of this post that @teukumukhlis did?
I didnt see them yet. And I am going to read them soon. Actually, I am a former Translator of some International Non Goverment Orfanization (INGO) who for the victim if Tsunami in Aceh mainly for People with disabilities. I do get the main points of your current post. You gave me very useful knowledge through your excellent writing. Thanks a lot my friend. All the best for you.
I just read this post on Sunday Evening. @erikaharris makes me want to do more and share more and inspire others. I really need to get going and not just sit back and wait for things to happen................Thank You for this little nudge Erika.
My pleasure, @stokjockey! Best wishes :-)
I completely agree to your point. For me learning and connecting is the biggest motivation to check and participate on steemit on a regular basis.
For new users as well as old I think steemit chat and discord app are good sources to make new connections and gain more exposure.
I think you missed an important key. Just use it as a regular user, you don't need to be a content creator, or even a super awesome curator. Just take advantage of this platform to learn and read!
Thanks for your comment, @jacalf! I considered "regular" users... and figured they wouldn't be in the category of "seeking success."
Well isn't having a good platform and being able to get something from it success also?
When you put it like that, @jacalf... absolutely! :-)
Wow! Interisting article. I hope to translate this article to be read by Indonesian users. But I will not do without permission. Ha ha.
Thank you for sharing your idea. I like it.
You're very welcome to translate this @teukumukhlis. Thanks for wanting to! I just ask for attribution (by linking to this post, or at least mentioning @erikaharris as the original author. :-)
Oh, glad to hear that. Maybe in the next few days or after this post payout, I will try to translate it.
Thanks. Warm regards.
@teukumukhlis, your translation looks awesome! Thanks again for the experience of that. I hope it serves your readers. ๐ธ
https://steemit.com/steemit/@teukumukhlis/ingin-sukses-di-steemit-ini-dia-5-kuncinya