Using bots works to a point. It gets really annoying, but it does support investors.
I think best method is be consistant with quality , timing, interesting posting, and care for your curators. Who is upvoting commentig and sharing your posts? Keep them happy and try to appeal to a broader audience without leaving them behind.
Contests are also good when appropriate, but no one only wants a contest full of strangers answering awkwardly or contests for the sake of contests where prizes are random and without merit.
...Or invest 100k in steem power and become a whale.
Ultimately you get out what you put in. And if you find a way to get ahead differently good for you, but bad for steem.
I really like what you are doing for the community and I have no doubt you will continue to do better.
Thanks for the kind words. :0)
I think that's one of the most difficult tasks around.