@grumpydad A good first account to follow is @feditips. It's full of tips and how-to posts that will help.
Using hashtags is key. Use them on your posts to reach a wider audience. Also, in Mastodon you can follow hashtags like normal accounts. Search for a topic you like and follow the tag.
Learn about filters. You can tailor what you see via filters / mute / block.
Maybe use a different client. Standard Masto client is ok, but something like Tusky is much better IMO.
Like & boost posts.