I posit these people likely don't do ads, SEO, and/or are serving a very small niche (or need help with marketing/positioning). I know I have a couple of side projects in that situation (I'll share in a separate comment). I haven't found such posts, so I'm making/starting this one. Perhaps this can help them have these projects attract more interest and reach that other yearly post next year :)
[1]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42373343