One huge thing we need is more promotion. I think that if we can get more people on Steem that can provide more value, we will attract more people. I have a long term plan I am working on (along with all of the other stuff I have going on...), that should help gain some much needed traffic to the platform. It will be long term, and it really won't start making any traction until the first of the year, but I think it will definitely help.
I have personally invested in Steem and will continue to do so, and spread the word along the way. I am looking forward to the growth of Steem in 2018. This will help grow new accounts as well.
I hope that long term plan of your will be successful... good luck..