You can use this url for bots https://steembottracker.com/bottracker.html you can see how profitable a bot is before you place your bid.
Looks like you are confusing reputation with steem power.
Reputation is just a number that shows next to your name on your profile. Your reputation is 25 while mine is 48. it does not increase your upvote value.
Steem power is what makes your upvote worth more. you can earn steem power by writing quality posts and comments or you can invest in steem power directly.
The only tip that works is to have quality content. you can post multiple times a day but your posts should attract others. you can engage by reading other blogs and responding to them. it is directly related to your time spent and effort put in.
Thanks Sarah, This is actual thing which I need to know and I didn't know and many other newbies too.
I thing this information always helps me in future.