I feel like having that one friend who live across an entire ocean who would read your work as both a fan and a friend so sometimes (or most of the times) you would just write for yourself and that one friend now is a lost art.
I just saw a post for a guide on how to maximize AO3 engagement, and I don't know, man, I've been writing fanfic and posting it since I was 14, back during the https://t.co/RM3wt0g78Y days. The goal was never to become the most liked or have the most comments, for me, at least.
It was to share your thoughts and ideas and have them resonate with at least one other person. I get wanting your works to be appreciated and shared, but don't cater your art for engagement. It sucks the soul out of creativity and leaves something hollow. You're doing it for the wrong reasons at that point.