I have listed a few things you can begin to do to make your blog more popular. Just remember, the blogs are built on relationships, so if you keep that in mind, you can begin to get more popular.
You will not make it with a free blog from one of the blogging domains. Spend a few bucks, register your own domain, get your own hosting, and be the owner of your own blog. It shouts out: I am not cheap, and cap actually afford a blog. This makes a big difference.
I would make it a point of visiting the blogs of people you respect, and would like to know, and start making some intelligent comments. Then, if you can get these guys to recognize you, and start answering your comments, then you may be on your way to developing a good blogosphere relationship.
Hopefully, they are active in the commenting of the blog, and will answer you back. This can now be the beginning of a blogging relationship.
One other way to use the blog is like I do: My own personal resource.
I consider myself to be an internet marketer and a web developer. Because of the nature of these jobs, I am constantly looking up information and trying to solve problems. When I do, I now put this knowledge on my blog. This allows me to look it up again when I need it.
One other thing you can do is meet these bloggers in person. Give them a face to a name. There are plenty of blogging conventions each month. Just find one you would like to attend, and then make it a point of meeting them.
There are so many different ways to get your blog more popular. The one I listed above would be a good place to start. And remember, it is all about building a relationship.