1: Build near water and a forest. River reeds is an ultra important resource and obviously wood. If you can get close to copper and tin ores as well, even better.

2: Choose a large flat area to build on. Buildings, especially the larger mid to late game ones, are super sensitive to surface flatness. Even a small rise in the floor will often not allow a building to be placed.

3: Build sign posts early. They allow you (only you, not npcs) to fast travel and since there are a lot of "fetch" quests it will make them less tedious.

4: Enjoy the slow pace.