The laundry list:
1. Listen to a reference song use pen a paper figure out when elements are played (1 2 3 4) level and the balance of elements
2. Replace sounds if needed and source sounds that work instantly
3. Delete all compressors and question why you need one to begin with
4. Mix after you completed all the steps (2 to 3 weeks later)
5. Mix only with EQ volume and panning (leave the song again)
6. Mix only with reverb and delay (leave the song again)
7. Mix saturation (leave the song again)
8. Mix with a compressor (leave the song again)
9. Reevaluate all decisions with a reference song (start at step one or move to mastering)
10. Print song, only use EQ-Compression-Limiter
done.