There are many posts and useful links above which can guide you on how to get merits for the posts. But if you are a good poster and want to keep it simple, do not think of the merits. They will come to you automatically if people like what you are posting.
Well much better really for not thinking it but what if he makes it as he's inspiration to grow up in this forum? Maybe I think it's better to think about it sometimes and check his post frequently so that he will notice that he's post is helpful and unique. And I see so lot of people doing a good post which earned more merits but seriously speaking it's very hard to get those since sometimes people look on the reputation not on the post.
Op's account was created way back 2017 which pretty good enough time to learn more about cryptocurrency and also I think the main reason why OP is still newbies cause he/she don't know where to start in order to earn merits and reach his/her merits and reach other goals. Cause if OP will active for so many years then he knew a lot of things about merit how it works and what are the purpose of merits way.
There is a wide difference between being here in the forum for long and being an active user. It is when you are an active user that you can learn new things from the forum and whatsoever you learn will turn around to help you in the crypto space and even to write articles for merit.