I think a part of the problem you're describing is simply the fact that steemit doesn't have so many users yet.
Additionally to that: I'm not sure if willingly trying to write popular posts is the best way to write great posts. I would think that writing for the purpose of writing may probably be the better way. - Of course I also know the urge to be noticed, who doesn't (I mean we live in the age of Instagram :| ) and the fact that steemit literally pays for popularity doesn't make it any easier to resist it. I'm just not sure if it's worthwhile to think about this kind of things too much. :)
Keep on writing!