Ha, ha, ha. After writing my comment I noticed that you are one of those who has been around a similar time to me and is doing much better. And also uses bots. 😊
I have no problem with people using bots I just don't really get how they help since most places I read about them they say you lose money, unless you're one of the really big players.
You also have a really big delegation. So you're a great example of what I was talking about. 😊
I find myself thinking . . . I just don't get it!
Certainly posting and commenting doesn't seem to be enough, which is also another point you make. 😢
Yes, I'm using bots, but not because I get more money out of them than I put in - it's just paid advertisement - that's all. I know, that there are lots of sentiments about bots - I have none - they are just tools and do one thing: get yourself seen. No need for a philosophical buildup around them, as many people have 😉
The delegation is something I bought for 3 months, so that I'm able to grow faster - also no real secret here. 😀
The other reason, why I'm doing quite well is, that I know my niche (spirituality) and after many years in this field, I know what people "need". It's totally natural for me and yes, I know the difference between good content and shitty one, because I listen to people - they tell me, what they like - so that is very generous of them and also makes my job a lot easier - it takes the guessing out of the game....
The other thing I'm very fond of is marketing. I do that for a living - also writing blog articles for marketing and SEO purposes. So yes, sometimes I dare to write even about that here...
So for me the slogan "Get paid for what you are doing" is totally right. The point is, that most people are not used to write blogs or create any content at all - maybe this is the case for you...
So what I'm hearing is, that you want to learn more about that and become a successful content creator yourself. That is beautiful and I think, you are already on a great path. Most consumers are not really interested to walk this path though. They only want the rewards and don't see, that there is a huge learning process in front of them.
Don't give up, dear @gillianpearce - I think you got what it takes to succeed and be a content creator yourself! ❤️
I would consider myself a content creator already. I have had a number of blogs over the years. That's not where I'm lacking.
What I lack is the understanding of strategy, like using bots as advertising. I've seen that written in many places too but I'm not sure if it would work for me as I don't have a clear niche as you do.
Whether delegation works or not also seems to be a matter opinion. I have seen a couple of other people who were pretty much in the same boat as me but then bought a delegation and now are doing much better. However, when I looked at the figures I couldn't get them to work so I'm probably not understanding this either.
That's what I find disheartening. I actually work harder, in terms of posts and commenting, but I'm not doing nearly as well as people who are much more strategic.
I came with the impression that being a content creator was enough but it doesn't appear to be.
Anyway, I don't know why I'm whining on at you about it. That's not going to help anybody! 😁
But . . . thanks for listening! 💙
No problem - I don't see you whining, but a brave soul who wants to succeed.
You may just have to figure the marketing part out - which we are doing right now.
About the bots:
You just need to find a good timing for your posts and have a look at the Steembottracker. Preferably choose the ones with at least a slightly positive ROI.
(The real ROI is not actually positive in the sense of you getting more SBD back than you invested. Remember: It's advertisement and not an investment startegy!) You will need some ad budget in SBD to do so.
About delegation:
To make this a financially positive investment, you have to upvote yourself more often. Forget all the people, who claim, that self-voting is bad.
Self-voting is a form of self-love. The more you love yourself, the more you have to give to others!
You have to fill you cup first! I want my followers to be Steem-rich, so I love it, when they upvote themselves more often. This way, they get "rich" quicker and in the future, when I get an upvote by them, I will also profit. No one profits from "poor" followers. So love yourself more often! Do it right now, with your comment! It doesn't hurt. It's a social act and may even feel good! 😀
I have to write about this aspect once, because so many people have this upside down. Especially when you buy a delegation...
Much Love!
I'm not going to upvote myself right now although I have done in the past. I'm Ok with it. But I'm playing a little game to see if I can move myself up a commenters league. Don't have the post to hand right now to show you.
Anyway, last week I was surprised to find I was one of the top 200 commenters this year (especially as the vast majority are bots) so I decided to see if I can move even higher. Self voting gives you a negative score so I'm not doing it at the moment.
Such games help keep me engaged. 😊
I think my next step might be to invest in some Steem as I think long term, whatever happens with Steemit, that this might be a good move.
And that's a whole 'nother learning process for me as I haven't traded yet.
Thanks for the education and for your support. 💙