Plan your tile's layout
It is important that you carefully plan out the actual lay out of the tile. If you don't, you run the risk of having too many tile cuts. Instead, plan exactly when you want to the pattern to go and map it out. This goes for any accent tiles or patterns you may want as well.

Make sure you have the proper base
While there are a number of bases you can use for your tile, the wrong type or an unprepared surface will result in cracks in your tile or loose tiles. The tiles should be clean, and any residue from the previous flooring, including glue, grout, or other residue that may still be there. You can scrape it off with a blade scraper. Ideally, your base should be cement, as it is the best base for all types of flooring, walls, and countertops.

Use the proper adhesive
You may think all adhesive is the same or will work for any tile, but this is not the case. You should choose tile that adhesive that is appropriate for the area you're tiling; for example, you will want to use waterproof adhesive in bathrooms and kitchens. Failing to use the proper adhesive for the tile could result in water coming through, tiles loosening or falling out, or other problems.

Periodically stop to inspect your work
Once the adhesive has set, it is difficult to go back and correct any errors you may have made with laying the tile or putting in the grout. You can help prevent this by stepping back every 10 or 15 minutes to make sure everything is in place and looking the way you would like it to.

Use the proper grout.
It is important that you select the right grout, the same as you would for the adhesive you are going to be using. There are different types of grout depending on the area you will be working with - waterproof, exterior use, food preparation, and so forth, so make sure you select the right one.

Messy grout
Your tiling will look sloppy and unprofessional if you don't take care to do a clean job on the grout. You can do so by scraping off all of the excess grout when you are done with it, then cleaning and polishing the tile to get all excess remnants of grout off, creating a cleaner appearance.

Get the right amount of tiles
You don't want to spend money on tiles you won't be using, nor do you want to be short of tiles. Make sure you take the time to measure the area carefully and calculate the right number of tiles.

These are just a few tips that can help you lay beautiful tile yourself.