Dblog self-hosted without cut it as you will still be under the Hive's ecosystem. There are certain things — like news writing — that isn't popular here. This is why a self-hosted WordPress would be easier.
what steps would be most crucial for growing it?
The first step is NOT growing. But to be consistently producing. That itself takes you to the second step.
And whether it would be better than posting on existing sites like Hive?
Really depends on the goals and intentions you set for yourself. Hive has a fantastic community. Easier. And welcomes everyone. Out there, in the blogging world, things are different. There's competition, speed, and uncertainty (if clicks - you get more)
Perhaps working together is something we could explore something soon.
Thanks for the helpful and informational advice, mate. I've just Googled around to see what Wordpress is about, and I suppose $4 a month for hosting my very own blog isn't a huge price to pay at all. But you're right about there being more competition out there, and it circles back to my question of whether $4/month is going to be worth it if I'm going to make next to nothing in the first year, perhaps?
Nevertheless, this is still something that I'd want to explore more in my free-time, as I learn a bit here and there over the dynamics around this. I'll keep spreading my talents on sites like Hive for now, as I begin to understand more. In all though, I'd love for an opportunity to work with you.
Cheers, a love <3