I usually build lower tier farms first, to boost growth and taxes, followed by dirt roads and then whichever building of the port/market/bank lines can be built the quickest. I keep building up the port/market/bank lines like that, since they start getting diminishing returns higher up. Whenever public order doesn't let me tax high/very high, I build the town hall lines to improve public order (the higher tier town halls help public order a lot) and later taverns. Make sure your religion is predominant (90%+) in your lands.

Also, make sure your port outposts are cities and not castles, since sea trade is very lucrative. Sack settlements for the cash, garrison cities with upkeep-free militia, don't use too large garrisons in castles/cities not on the front lines, build quality armies (instead of quantity) and try to win with few casualties by choosing your battles/battlefields carefully.