Hey I have recently put a lot of effort in one or two of my lists. With lengthy notes and all.

Like "Dramas I watched & my opinions". Mainly because I hoped it would gain some "traffic" and I would get some recommendations. Or "friends" with similar tastes so I would not miss out on any dramas.

But also I am a really critical person. Reading my notes someone would also know what I don't like and could warn me...

Thing is just I don`t know how lists get popular...? I mean one the side there are often suggested "popular lists" but how do they get there? Because the users are popular?

Should I sending friends-requests to everyone that I agree with on something...?

What I have done with mine is when ever some asks for suggestions, I post a link to the correspong list, there people can vote on your lists by giving them hearts

Example the list i have with the most hearts is 

Romance https://mydramalist.com/list/73DnmZk1 with 11 hearts

Some have 1 or 2 and some have zero hearts = popularity