You grow faster than I did or do. So if you invest more time this is what you should do:
Join the steemblog contests and if room add the tag freewrite and comment.
Upvote daily and reblog others.
If you answer/comment keep an eye on the big fish and keep your friends close. Time is limited commenting/answering is time consuming so set a timer and if both isn't possible comment/answer on days you do not write.
Upvote daily and not always the same people I think it affects your CSI.
If you like to 'join' a contest but don't like to post in a community try if it works if you post elsewhere but use one of their tags. It is what I did with my #comment post in the @ freewritehouse community.

It's possible to do without a club or those contests the most important is to promote yourself. You can use the pictures I sent to do so too.

My connection is very bad, I can't upload pictures it's a windy day.

Good luck!