I feel the same experience too.

I think you did well for the engagement part.

For the writing part, I think the read ratio may be a significant metric (for me, posts that are less than 60% = penny posts).

So

I learn from my best post and ask why this is my big win.

I learn from my worst post and ask why no one read it.

This method helps me, and I hope it helps you too.

Keep learning.