If you don't do this your chances of a reward are basically zero:
1. Add a picture
Find a picture. The first picture in your post shows up beside the post title, so choose wisely. Put it on your computer.
Go here:
http://tinypic.com/
Click "Choose File" and find the picture you put on your computer.
Click "Upload"
Wait
Copy this text:
And paste anywhere in your post. Done.
Your posts are now better than all the other posts that don't have pictures.
2. Add hashtags
I'll save you some time: just copy and paste this at the bottom of your post, I don't mind:
#steemit #tutorial #newbie #expertise
You should leave #steemit as is and then change the rest of them to match whatever your post is about.
Go here:
https://steemit.com/tags.html/trending
And pick all tags you think apply to whatever you are posting. For example, if you're posting an incredibly long and detailed list of all the neat stuff you are packing for a hiking trip you would add #hiking. You get the point. Yes, you can also make up your own hashtags. It won't hurt anything and looks pro.
Now copy/paste the hashtags to the "Tag (or Tags).." box at the very bottom of the post editor:
And remove the "#" symbols like so:
And click post. Done. Your post is now better than all the ones without pics or tags. Which is awesome, because only posts with pics and tags get paid.