Landscaping can do a lot to help keep water out of a basement. On the uphill side, add and slope dirt so water will flow a few feet away from the house. Use dirt that will compact some - clay not sand or mulch. Don't let the dirt or the mulch and plants growing in it touch the siding, only the block/concrete foundation. Make sure there is a continuous channel for the water to flow away from the house. It doesn't have to be a visible ditch, just a long, low swale.

The sump pump will need electric power and an outlet pipe. The pipe will go through the foundation above ground. The pipe needs to end a number of feet away from the house where the water won't be a problem - erosion, flooding, and looks. The sump itself should be as out of the way as possible - avoid the bottom of stair case, next to furnace, etc. Of course you need to tap into the gravel that should be under the slab.