1. Place ads following the F (golden triangle, top-left) pattern.
2. Blend the links with your site.
3. Use a rectangle in top-left, with one paragraph over it, and a link block in the footer.
4. Use two blocks (not more) to get expensive ads.
5. Use alternative color switcher (special AdSense color code) to prevent ad blindness.
6. Use speical Google AdSense content section tags to target ads.
7. Get more content. More content = more clicks = more revenue.
8. Socialize and get more partners (don't be a jerk).
9. Do link building with content.
10. Yes, you can place ads from the start and still get links, if the content is good.
11. Keep plugging away, your effort and patience will pay off.