You forgot to mention bidding bots...

check the top bot at steembottracker...Use the advice @jfitmisc gives above and then when you finally have made the most awesome post in the world go to: https://steembottracker.com

Copy the name of the top bot, go to your wallet and make at least the minimum transfer of SBD's required for the top-bot, then if you are a bit lucky with the bot you will get a large $$$ upvote and jump into "hot" get more attention etc and if you send like 40 SBD's or more to the top-bot you can end up in trending and become an "Overnight Sensation"!

If you have a good post with a good picture, you will get loads more upvotes and make a good return of investment... Bandwagon effect...

Some bots are stealthy and sneaky, others will post a big nice spammy comment in your post... (If you check out my latest post you will see a big nice spammy bot picture in my comment field it's annoying)...

Some people will frown upon bot-use, but they all use them anyway so...

Just don't use a bot on a post that is older then 3 days because then this whale called "grumpy-cat" will flag you and destroy your life on steemit...

Happy Steeming!

/FF