The tip I'd give is build a good looking blog with atleast 5-10 posts before even considering doing a link building campaign. First impressions are important in all aspects of our social lives. Many shoot themselves in the foot promoting a site under construction. When it gets denied it slows there momentum and some stop even.
Do yourself a favor and figure it all out on your own side with a site that when someone visits you don't say oh I'm going to fix... Just fix it up and start promoting. One before the other
.
What would be your one piece of advice?