I have been researching family since 1983.This doesn't mean I am an expert but have hopefully learned something along the way. One thing I feel significant, is to research all the females and do about 2-3 generations on each sibling of your family(from your direct line) You may also find more relatives this way, as families move together(or did earlier in time)

I love Find A Grave, I have found so many persons full birth and death dates.
Also it is a wonderful place that you can "visit" cemeteries and grave-sites you might not be able to visit in person.
Family members can be linked together and helps keep the memories alive and ongoing.