Note that ladder buying can easily be seen as an exploit, as you're probably not intended to do that. The AI doesn't do it, and I usually restrict myself from using it.
Good tax/unrest management is crucial, can make a huge difference for your growth. Understand how the system works, and get extra garrison in time for city growth. Make sure all cities have just enough unrest reduction for your current tax level, or you're losing out.
Most summoned creatures suck, you're better off relying on strong racial units and heroes. Ranged units tend to dominate, you can't go wrong with longbowmen, slingers and rangers and priests.
Good tax/unrest management is crucial, can make a huge difference for your growth. Understand how the system works, and get extra garrison in time for city growth. Make sure all cities have just enough unrest reduction for your current tax level, or you're losing out.
Most summoned creatures suck, you're better off relying on strong racial units and heroes. Ranged units tend to dominate, you can't go wrong with longbowmen, slingers and rangers and priests.