The real STEEMIT formula is get the backing of a few whales. It really is that simple. You can have 150 minnows upvote your post and unless a whale or two upvotes you there won't be a lot of money flowing to your account.
Also, if you have a post that doesn't promote what makes the whales and their barnacles richer, it won't get voted on by whales. Don't mess with the whales or they will eat you.