It is a promotional tool but if you do not have enough to hit high on the trending page it is useless most of the time.
I agree persistence is the key. As I have been trying over a year now, wondering when it will happen. I guess I am not putting out good content for people to read. I will just keep on trying and one day it might get better. That is my hope anyway! I have 1490 followers but most are in the same boat I am in, small and not getting any attention at all.