Are you trying to get more people or follow more people? Following starter packs and then unfollowing or blocking specific accounts as you go is one way to do that. Also, looking at a feed and following the people you like directly that way could work as well.

I could give a shite about my follower count. I've always looked as social media as a way to keep myself abreast of current culinary trends. So while I will always love interaction with my accounts I'd rather follow new people than gain new followers.