Best way to start seeds?

I had some new bag seed so I placed them in a folded paper towel, wet the paper towel with tap water from the sink, let the excess water drip out, placed the paper towel in a sandwich bag and put it on top of the cable box to stay warm. I wet the paper towel every few days to make sure it stayed moist.
Well, after 2 weeks, the seeds haven't sprouted. I'm not going to give up on them yet, but I'm about to.
I have more seeds and want to try a different method next time.
What is the best way to start seeds? All suggestions are welcomed.

Don't use tap water or if so, boil it first let water sit then use later..

the kitchen paper method always works for me.i use luke warm mineral water(i spray the water on the paper),kitchen paper,a plastic container and a propagator because i dont have a heating mat,and it works fine if the seeds are good.the last 11 seeds i germinated all germinated.i tried doing the same thing with old seeds and had no success.

i was hitting about a 50/50 ratio until i started using rapid rooters. it's damn near 100% now and it is 100% for cloning. i use water straight out of the tap for my clones and seedlings.

ive planted in peat pots and all 4 super lemon haze poped out also put blzbud straight in bio bizz all mix and that poped out have had 100 % germination rates useing tap water.