Steemit's problem is not with its promotion, but rather with how the platform is designed, especially with regards to how curator rewards are allocated. I realize that it is done by a rather complicated algorithm, but that is the whole point. The algorithm is designed to reward a very few at the top, while allowing next to nothing to the overwhelming majority of members.

Are you suggesting that curation rewards shouldn't depend on the the size of the voting stake used? It costs money to buy Steem Power. Therefore, the more Steem Power you own, the more you should be paid for curating.

Once new members understand how their anticipated rewards are actually being calculated, and that in reality, they receive virtually nothing for their time and efforts, they will leave the platform faster than they came. So without massive changes to the reward system, no amount of promotion will save the Steemit platform. It is doomed to failure by its very design. If nothing changes for the better, when it will fail is just a matter of time, but it will fail.

How much do they get paid on Facebook for liking posts again?