In my experience, yes, it made a huge difference!
engaging with others makes people more fond of your comic because you are giving them more reasons to interact and visit your work.
Interacting with others has helped me to make such great friends and we support each other comics. In my case I don't only receive the support I also like giving it back. Also, answering comments is so fun and readers who get notifications of your responses visit the comic again to read what you wrote to them, by mere math you get more views.
You can also advertise in the forums, there are many posts that invite others to promote or you can start a thread yourself.
And about your comic: OMG that little fox is so adorable and vulnerable poor boy!!! I love the body language and your banner is a great summary of what type of story you are showing, It is very well thought! Also, the expressive thought bubbles help us to know a lot about their feelings. I really want to read more!