Weigh everything for consistency. Most will recommend starting with a 1:15 (coffee to water ratio) I prefer closer to 1:10-12 ratio. Weigh the water at heated temperature (200 deg F). Fresh ground as course of a grind as my burr grinder goes. I use a kitchen scale and electric kettle with temperature setting to keep things consistent.
Start with enough water to just wet the grounds and stir, let sit for 30sec to bloom. Stir again, add the rest of the water, stir again, put the top on. let sit for 10 mins. Press and enjoy!
If your looking for a great french press the Frieling double wall stainless press is impressive, keeps coffee warm for at least two albums.
As with changing audio gear, when experimenting to find your own ideal taste, only change one aspect of brewing process at a time, otherwise you never know what actually "changed" the taste.
This might sound excessive just for coffee, but if I don't get a good cup, I don't hear the music right... then the real problems start ha! Good luck!