Pointers for Starting Plants from Seed

Do you have any pointers for starting plants from seeds? I tried it a couple of years ago with absolutely zero results.

Starting plants from seeds can be a fun activity and is often the only way to get hard-to-find plants. Always use a sterile seed starting or potting mix. Keep the soil warm and moist to encourage seeds to sprout. Cover the flat with plastic to help conserve moisture. Once the seedlings break through the ground, remove the plastic and move them to a sunny location or under artificial lights. Keep artificial lights 4-6 inches above the plants for best results. Raise the lights or lower the flat as the seedlings grow. Check the back of the seed packets for recommended planting dates and any special planting requirements.