My guide will take 1-2 days to complete. (Vanilla Servers Are Trending)

Step 1 - Make server 50-75 slots. (They might not get full, thats fine, players want to join servers with more slots 90% of the time)

Step 2 - Make sure your server can handle a good amount of players.

Step 3 - Write a long description about your server, make it go in depth.

Step 4 - Welcome every player, make sure you make good friends with your first players.

Step 5 - Get around 9-12 players online, make sure they stay, if they are all leaving, you are doing something wrong.

Step 6 - Make sure you have a default port. Some people will type in the IP without the port, therefore you loose traffic.

Step 7 - Do not BEG for donations!

Step 8 - Set up donations after a bit, and introduce them to the players once or twice.

Step 9 - Always update your post. I recommend posting on Minecraft-Server-List and PlanetMinecraft, and if you want Minetrack.net.

Step 10 - Have fun with your players.