Steemit is not like any other blog, and has 'different' benefits. For me the SEO, networking benefits and financial gain is paramount to support my business, or I wouldn't be here. I am just being honest.
That said, I have met some wonderful like minded people who make it worthwhile also.
Currently, for me, it's more the SEO benefits and visibilty, as we know some of us are down on votes, and financial gain, so I am discounting that as a current motivation.
Sometimes I feel the only way I would get more visibility would be to do a naked cartwheel video. It would probably get views, but I doubt I will have any return visitors.
I am not going to get into the debate of how to get more views and votes, I have been here long enough to understand there is not one single factor, and things can turn at any time. Steemit is wonderfully unpredictable.
One minute you are drowning your sorrows in Steemit gloom, and the next we are doing cartwheels (with clothes on) and celebrating the wonderfulness of this enterprising platform.
Anyway, back to the above. It is important to understand our motivations, because we don't want to waste our time here if it makes us feel miserable or unfulfilled. Even as a pastime, too much social media can cause low moods and depression. We don't want that!
So, my main motivation is gain more visibility in google and Steemit is great for that. If you haven't done so yet, check out google, see if you can see your username in there, it is surprising what you will find!
Unfortunately you cannot change your steemit account name (only your display name) so if its not your brand name, you may get a little stuck with that. Not sure if the display name makes any difference (anyone know?)
I have met some wonderful people on here, and I will endeavor to build strong relationships with them and others in my areas of work, it's great for support, friendship and knowledge sharing. I am also a student. I have a thing for learning!
Just for the record, the majority of my blogs link back to my little enterprises that are LOA coaching, Tarot Coaching, Writing and Small theatre productions.
I am not making much dollar on here at the moment and if that was a primary goal, I would have had to have a break for a bit, as I almost did a few months ago; it really knocked my confidence and I had little time to try harder, to make more money.
However there are other benefits to being here, and currently it's not just about the money (Although that helps!) My motivations may change at a later date
So, be honest...what is your current Steemit motivation?