@xsword @uisce
Join in conversations, post stuff that interests you. Being active is the easiest way of getting friends.

Browse the feeds (Local or Federated Timelines) and see if there's anything interesting to respond to.

Check the Follow Friday recommendations to follow people that you think are interesting.

Finetune your profile information, add your interests. Optionally use hashtags for easier finding.

Hashtags can also be searched with, so search for your interests, easiest way of finding something to respond to.

But the key word is, just be active and post about what you like.