This is how I try to get more followers. I don't think it is the fastest way, but if you ask me, it is the best way to get some loyal followers.
Steemup!
When I started and created my account on Steemit, first thing i did is buy Steem, and upsteem it all to Steempower. I keep doing this a few times a week, so my account is now worth 1300 dollar in steem, which i converted all in to Steempower. This power I can use to upvote posts, blogs and comments or replies. The more Steempower you have, the higher the upvote will be. I noticed that my first upvote was worth about 0,01 USD, while if i do an upvote now, it will easily be round 0,15 USD. So every upvote I make, will make money for the people who write god posts.
What am I planning to do with my Steempower?
I am planning to upvote all good comments and replies that do make sense and are a good feedback on my posts, comments or replies. This will help my followers grow, and give them a reason the put in good comments and replies on my posts. I noticed that commenting on other peoples posts is one of the most undervalued ways of earning upvotes and getting followers!
Commenting
How do i get my followers? I have seen some Steemians follow people, and get a follow in return. This does not make sense to me, as i think you will get the wrong followers, the followers that just follow to follow, instead of really getting involved with the community and really read the things you have to say. I have seen Steemians who follow 3000 accounts and are followed back by 400, and only have been active for a day or 2. If you ask me this are the wrong followers that do not bring you any help in the upvotes you are looking for.
I try to get my followers by following the Steemians i like, who i think make a difference and from Steemians I can learn from. These people really have some thing to say and bring something extra to the table. I read their posts, watch their videos, and really try to add a good comment. These comments can be upvoted, and if they make enough sense, they will give you new followers that are interested in what you have to say.
Catching the whales
As a starter, the best thing that can happen is to catch a whale. Whales are Steemians with a lot of Steempower, and if they upvote you, the value of your post will be up very fast. besides that, if they Resteem the post, there is big chance you will get more upvotes and followers in a short time.
I have seen some activity around whales, where you can buy an upvote from a whale, but i think we will have to stay far from that, as 1 upvote from a whale will not give you what you want. What you want is catching a whale, who will follow you and upvote your posts more often then once.
Recap
I try to get followers my way. I think that is the best way to get loyal followers and keep them interested on the long term. I think the Quality of followers you have is way more important than the Quantity of followers. At this moment I have 44 followers, could this have been more? Yes, i think it could, but I am looking for the followers that like to follow me, instead of feeling obliged to because I followed them.