A couple of tips for getting good hash browns:
1. After you shred/grate the potatoes, place them in the center of a clean towel, then roll it up and wring it out. This will get most of the liquid out, giving you nice, dry spuds that will brown better.
2. Use a lot of oil. Most of it will run off anyway, so you won't end up with greasy browns. But fat is necessary to brown them properly.
3. Get the pan or griddle hot before putting the spuds on.
4. DON'T FIDDLE AROUND WITH THEM! So often people succumb to the urge to monkey around with them or move 'em, but don't. Let them be until they form a nice crust. Then you can gently move them around to keep them a nice hot spot.
5. Turn them only once.
Aside from that, I like lots of onions in mine and I season them with S&P before cooking.