How does one get their project visible?

Noob question here, been in the web3 for few years now and say one is wanting to launch a project and do everything in its power to make it work.

Whats the best strategy from your guys observation to get your project get seen by space?

Excluding the paid posts by shitfluencers and fake hype type of stuff called “marketing”.

Looking for opinions, experience and thoughts.

Are collaborations/partnerships still a thing?

Or there is no other way to achieve visibility besides paying shitfluencers?

Thanks in advance! Hope you have a nice weekend! 🤞