1. Use the appropriate fixative for your sample 2. Choose the right detergent to stain your target. 3. Use appropriate controls. 4. optimize antibody dilution and cell density. 5. Use blocking serum from a different organism than the primary antibody. 6. Primary and secondary antibody optimization. 7. Multiple staining steps (optional). 8. Employ counterstains to help identify cellular landmarks. 9. Get a proper sample mounting?