It also helps to building meaningful connections.
Because, let's be honest -- the process to getting "popular" is a long one. It depends on your idea of popular, and it can definitely take a while to get out there. There is just no sure-fire way to get popular.
But I find building meaningful connections helpful when getting out there. Now, I don't mean that in the sense of "Sub 4 Sub" or "Be their friend and used them until they're not useful."
I mean more like this:
Enter a community of readers and artists and talk about comics in general. Don't just promote your work 24/7 -- talk about the comics you like, the comics that got you inspired, that made you wanna try and do the same. Talk about comics you like to read even now! Even better, it doesn't always have to be about art or comics. Wherever else interests you works because that's how communities are!
Ask for advice on writing/drawing, as well as being a listening ear to others who need advice. This isn't a race to the top -- we're all learning, and we can all help each other get to our goals (be it popularity or just making a story we ourselves wanna read).
Listen to others as they too tell their stories. You might find out that you want to learn more, maybe even read what they put out there.
Me? At the moment, I'm an unpublished creator, But I've talked about the process of my work, shown a few sneak-peeks and conceptual art. I've also made friends with other people, joined communities, and found myself subscribing to more comics that I definitely enjoy and want to keep reading.
The journey to popularity is a bit of a hard-working one because a lot of people want to be popular. So why not lessen the blow and just make friendships along the way? You gain experience by learning more from verteran creators, you find comics you want to read, and you get out there more in terms of being more than a creator -- being a person, yourself