I get it, I'm not a "marketing guy" myself either but that's what I'd focus on in the hopes of making big bucks here. The competition is too harsh to survive otherwise. There was this witness, who's name I don't remember now, but one that was building services and helping the ecosystem greatly, but as he didn't keep the community in the know, he fell from a witness spot. And only at that point he came out and made a post about what he has done for the community.
Currently your posts won't end up in the front of whales eyes and that's what is required or just see if you could help some dolphins or such. There are many paths but they all might require some amounts of that sweet artwatch :) If the platform grows, even half a steem could be worth a nice sum but we all have bills to pay so it's no good. It's a tough spot for sure.