I always sow my Basil onto damp kitchen paper. Fold a piece in half and wet it. Sow the seed onto the paper, always gives a good germination rate so you dont need to allow much for non germination. I am still using seed that is 5 years old. Fold the paper over and place in a zip lock bag. Usually germinates in a couple of days and then I tranfer to plugs with tweezers after making a small indent in the compost and sprinkle with vermiculite. Then give the vermiculite a good spray to moisten.
I have been doing the same with Parsnips but transferring to the growing bed when germinated.