If you want to get real followers who actually care about your content, picking the right targets is where it all begins. Nitreo can handle the heavy lifting for you, but the system is only as good as the directions you give it. Here is how to do it right.

Start by thinking about your audience

Before adding anything into your dashboard, take a minute to think about who you are actually trying to reach. Not just “more followers” — the kind of people who would naturally like your content without being pushed.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of pages would they already be following?

• What topics or hobbies are they into?

• What hashtags would they realistically use when posting?

Getting clear on this will save you a lot of time later.

What makes a good target?

Good targets are like shortcuts to the audience you want. They are usually either accounts or hashtags that already have the kind of followers you are looking for.

Here is what to aim for:

• Accounts: Choose influencers, brands, or even competitors who already have the community you would want for yourself. Their followers are your potential audience.

• Hashtags: Look for hashtags that your ideal follower would actually post, not just scroll through. The more specific, the better. For example, #streetphotography if you are a photographer, not just #photography.

Start by adding around 10 to 15 solid targets. You can always tweak and add more later once you see what works best.

What to avoid:

• Huge celebrity accounts with millions of followers — their audience is way too broad

• Generic or spammy hashtags like #FollowForFollow

• Accounts that have a lot of fake or inactive followers

If the people following a target are not likely to engage with you naturally, skip it.

4 types of targets that always deliver

If you’re not sure where to start, stick with the types that are known to work. These have been proven across thousands of accounts to pull in the right kind of audience.

1. Direct competitors

These are accounts doing the same thing you are — think of them as your digital neighbors. Their audience already cares about your niche, so you don’t need to start from scratch.

Example: A yoga instructor targeting followers of other local yoga studios.

Why it works: The audience already follows similar content, which means higher chances of genuine interest and followbacks.

2. Complementary brands

Not direct competition, but close enough to attract the same crowd. These are brands your ideal audience already shops from, follows, or trusts.

Example: A meal-prep coach targeting healthy snack or fitness apparel pages.

Why it works: Their followers are interested in the same lifestyle — you’re just showing up from another angle.

3. Influencers and niche creators

Think micro to mid-tier creators — not celebrities. These folks have built trust with a community you want to tap into.

Example: A minimalist fashion brand targeting followers of a capsule wardrobe influencer.

Why it works: Their followers are loyal, active, and often open to discovering related content.

4. Hashtags with context

Avoid broad, generic tags. Focus on hashtags that reflect a real community, mindset, or habit within your niche.

Example: #homecafe instead of just #coffee.

Why it works: You’re not just finding viewers — you’re finding creators who live inside the space you’re trying to grow in.

Pay attention to early results

Once Nitreo starts working, keep an eye on your followback rates. Some targets will perform better than others. If a target is delivering a lot of followers who do not stick around or engage, it is worth swapping it out.

A good rule of thumb:

• If a target is leading to real follows, has a followback rate of 10% or more, and some likes or comments, keep it

• If you are seeing almost nothing after a while, or the followback rate is less than 5%, replace it

It is normal to test and tweak a little as you go.

Key takeaway

Picking the right targets is not about guessing. It is about thinking clearly about your audience and choosing smart entry points into the communities you want to be part of. Start with accounts and hashtags that make sense for your niche, avoid the obvious spam traps, and be ready to adjust based on what you see. Nitreo can drive the growth, but the better you set the starting point, the better the results will be.