I follow a simple rule here on Mastodon, if I like what you say I will follow you!
I think people are a little confused about wanting to become a social media influencer. That's not really a thing here although the people that post the smartest stuff and reply to comments do seem to have a large number of followers. And THEY mostly follow you back! 
@Nigel_Purchase @NerdGirlInVR Even though it's normal parlance in social media I still find 'follow' applied to a stranger a bit icky and sinister, so maybe some people hesitate because of that.
Hopefully people realise that it isn't actually like that at all (mostly).
@NerdGirlInVR@cyberpunk.earth
@alastair87 @Nigel_Purchase I get what you mean! Never really thought of it, but the word follow insinuates that you have somewhere to lead them. I'm not interested in leading anyone. Just like expressing my opinion. 
It's quite enjoyable to be in a place where people agree with my opinion and will have conversations around it in an adult manner if they don't.
