Building a following, an audience, or a community that centers around you or your work is tough anywhere, and STEEM, be it Steemit, DTube, Steemhunt or any of the other dApp interfaces, is no exception. Unless you come in with a large following from elsewhere, and bring all those folks with you, the truth is, most people just aren't going to know you're here.
That's the reason why heavily posting right out of the chute isn't highly recommended, while going to other people's posts and upvoting and commenting on them is. A new user needs to get out there first, get involved, make their presence known, and the best way to do that is to go where the people are.
That may mean seeking out an existing community to participate in. There are many that revolve around different topics, such as art, photography, writing, cooking, travel, sports, science, politics, cryptocurrency, silver/gold, etc. Tags are pretty useful for discovering other users with similar likes, and finding the communities they belong to.
So, really, it's up to the new user to decide how involved they wish to be, and to a degree, that will determine how well they will be received.
Many STEEM communities also have places off chain where they converse, Discord being the largest among them. So, looking there is another way of becoming a part of something.
As far as getting upvotes on posts, well, that takes time, and the more people who know you are here, the more that can look out for your posts. It's true, many people are more concerned with their own work than they will be of anyone else's, and rightfully so. They, too, want to build stake here, and ultimately, we are responsible for ourselves. It's tough to help others if we're not in a position to do it, or are in constant need ourselves.
Expecting others just to come find a new user is not the best way to go about it, and could result in a very long wait. Again, the more any user gets out there and becomes a part of a community, the quicker they will be received and the faster eyes will be on posts.
Any user who has only been around for a month or less believing they should be at the top of everyone's list, or even some people's lists, needs to temper their expectations and dial it back. It's going to take time, effort, and reaching out on a high level and on a regular basis to make any head way. It's hard for most people to do so. That's why so many give up. But, for those who stick with it, and find a group to associate with, the opportunities begin to open later on down the line.
With resource credit levels for new users being what they are, it's going to be tough going without some level of investment or a friendly user with enough SP to delegate some. In my mind, the more one can be active and in control of their own situation, the better. There's different ways to build stake, and it might take time to find the right fit.
Changes in how things are accessed, at least via Steemit, have been promised for a long time. When or if they will come isn't a certainty. In the meantime, the organic communities that have sprung up are welcoming in new people on a regular basis. They just need to be found.
One post a new user should do in short order is an #introduceyourself post. Many longer time users tend to watch that tag, so they can act as the welcome wagon. A new user should take time to respond to those who do, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Not everyone will be helpful, but some will, and they can steer a new user in a direction to at least get started.
Looking for contests is another way to participate, potentially earn, and become part of a community. There are many, and most are tailored to specific likes or interests. One I'm personally involved with is the Curation and Engagement Leagues ran by @abh12345. Basically, everyone competes each week to see who can have the highest curation or engagement. A post goes out every Sunday announcing the winners. Being a part of this group, It won't take long to see what it truly takes to be successful.
There's plenty that can be done to improve one's station here, but it's rarely immediate, and not without substantial effort. But it can come for those who seek it, and work for it.
Patience is the key. Thanks