You forgot to mention bidding bots...

Use the advice @jfitmisc gives above and then when you finally have made the most awesome post in the world go to: https://steembottracker.com
check the top bot at steembottracker...

Copy the name of the top bot, go to your wallet and make at least the minimum transfer of SBD's required for the top-bot, then if you are a bit lucky with the bot you will get a large $$$ upvote and jump into "hot" get more attention etc and if you send like 40 SBD's or more to the top-bot you can end up in trending and become an "Overnight Sensation"!

If you have a good post with a good picture, you will get loads more upvotes and make a good return of investment... Bandwagon effect...

Some bots are stealthy and sneaky, others will post a big nice spammy comment in your post... (If you check out my latest post you will see a big nice spammy bot picture in my comment field it's annoying)...

Some people will frown upon bot-use, but they all use them anyway so...

Just don't use a bot on a post that is older then 3 days because then this whale called "grumpy-cat" will flag you and destroy your life on steemit...

Happy Steeming!

/FF