Consistency is key! I also don't know how the algorithm works because it seems that the weeks that I publish more content have the least reads - but then a few days later the views and read time magically jump.... I don't know
Having a core group of faithful readers is really helpful as I've learned and also doing some revsions and posting your evergreen material on New Break has also helped give my older, unseen article a new audience and added more income.
Thank you for writing this piece.