Factor out the greatest common factor first
Use the Rational Root Theorem to test possible rational roots
Substitute a tested root into the cubic to confirm it equals zero
Divide the cubic by the corresponding linear factor using synthetic division or polynomial long division
Factor the resulting quadratic if possible
Use special forms such as sum of cubes or difference of cubes when applicable
Group terms and factor by grouping when the cubic has four terms
Rewrite the cubic in a standard form before attempting factoring
Check for repeated roots by testing factors more than once
Verify the factorization by multiplying the factors back together