Have only one focal point and highlight with strong lighting or detail
Do not position in the dead-centre
Subdue or eliminate any competing detail
Keep the foreground relatively simple and uncluttered
Use a Lead-In technique for the eye towards the focal point
Make or break a hedgerow, wall or fence to create a lead-in
Maintain balance by avoiding placing all the detail on one side
Harmonise the grouping of the various elements eg herd of cattle, a row of cottages
Keep strong detail away from the extremities
Break up long horizontals with trees, masts etc.
Note that large foreground trees do not isolate the focal point from the rest of the picture
Be creative and honest to yourself working in position, colour, tones, lighting effects, emphasis, even simply as the cow looking in the right direction, towards the Centre of Vision
Create your own thumbnail sketches