No problem with the delay. But that's the first time I've ever been mistaken for a bot. :-)

I know it's a steep learning curve, especially for a tech-phobe like me. So, glad to help and give advice.

Here are a few more helpful hints.

1. Be yourself.
2. Be interesting and informative.
3. Create quality content. Steemit is intended to be a platform of quality content. (You will see many insignificant posts with meager content and no quality. Most of those of posts [called “shitposts” by Steemit whale Stellabelle] will earn few rewards and soon pass into oblivion.)

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As for growing your presence on Steemit, here's one point:
The best way to attract followers is to glance through the various feeds (People you follow (Under the Steemit Beta icon), Trending, New, Hot, Promoted), and find posts that interest you. There are many trivial posts that really have little content of any value, but among that stream, you will find plenty of good and even great posts.

When you find such posts, UPVOTE those you like, COMMENT on them, and then maybe REPLY to any replies that you get. Soon, you will see the number of your followers increase.

Cheers, and let's CHAT sometime soon.