Bitcoin is very popular among traders in the cryptocurrency world. Since it was first launched in 2009, this digital currency has experienced significant growth. Even to this day, it remains the most traded digital asset with substantial profit potential for smart investors.
However, it’s essential to approach bitcoin trading cautiously because it involves considerable risks. Since Bitcoin is volatile, crypto traders speculate on rising and falling prices to use this volatility to their advantage and achieve gains. Risk management is vital in trading bitcoin, and if you want to join the crypto craze, you should first hone your skills. The following tips will help you navigate the crypto maze and mitigate the risks.
Research the market
If you’re reading this, you likely want to maximize your chances of trading bitcoin successfully. However, any advice you read or hear won’t be enough if you don’t do your homework and learn as much as possible about the market. The process is not straightforward, as the practices used for bitcoin are different from those of other financial markets. It’s a speculative industry and things are unpredictable.
But there are ways you can broaden your understanding, such as conducting technical analysis. This vital skill involves reading charts and recognizing patterns that will help you upgrade your trading strategies. Be wary of other traders that give you tips, as some don’t have the best interests at heart, and all they want is to profit from those who aren’t experienced.
Start with a small investment
Our first advice is to start with caution when trading Bitcoin. There is no need to jump all in, and it’s best to make smaller investments at the beginning. The market is exciting, and it has a good reputation regarding the lucky substantial profits you can make quickly. However, trading bitcoin is not easy, and you need to know its risks.
Cryptocurrencies are volatile, so opting for small-stake trades is a safer way to enter the cryptocurrency market, as it involves minimal risk. And, of course, you should only trade with what you can afford to lose.
Pick a secure wallet
Your bitcoin wallet is where your digital assets are stored, so it’s vital to choose your option wisely. Each alternative has unique functionality and features, but it’s important to consider ease of access and security when deciding. For beginner traders, it’s recommended to choose a reputable broker when trading, and use the wallet they offer.
However, if you want to pick your own wallet, you need to figure out what type is suitable for you. To do this, you should first know that wallets can be either hot or cold. The difference between the two is that cold wallets are considered more secure than hot wallets because they store your assets offline. Therefore, you aren’t as vulnerable to hackers’ malicious intents as it happens if you use a hot wallet. If you don’t hold a significant amount of bitcoin, you could opt for a hot wallet, as long as you get it from a reputable provider. However, if you hold a bitcoin of substantial value, it’s safer to pick a cold wallet.
Choose a trading strategy
Before opening a position, you must decide what kind of trader you’ll be. This depends on your goals regarding bitcoin trading. How quickly do you want to turn a profit? And how much time are you willing to invest in trading and market analysis? Answering these questions will make it easier for you to choose your trading strategy.
Trading techniques typically fall into one of the following categories:
- Scalp trading is prevalent and involves making several traders daily for smaller profits.
- Day trading involves traders entering and exiting the market within 24 hours and making the most of short-term movements.
- Swing trading is based on a comprehensive technical analysis that captures market trends.
- Passive trading, which focuses more on long-term profit.
Diversify your portfolio
Diversifying your portfolio can help you mitigate the risks involved in cryptocurrency. First-time traders often choose a single digital currency for trading, but ideally, you should trade other cryptos too. Diversification can enhance your profits when the market conditions are good, so if you invest smartly, you could hold several assets of substantial value instead of only one.
Ethereum and Bitcoin are the top cryptocurrencies, and that’s because they are reliable and provide security, as well as several opportunities. BTC price has risen significantly, quickly becoming a household name. And Ethereum is no different, as it has experienced massive growth throughout the years, attracting more traders. However, other cryptos can bring profit, too, if you learn how to trade successfully. You don’t want to dilute your portfolio, so it’s best to assign substantial capital to each of your trades. It’s all about finding a balance that boosts your profit potential while also reducing your exposure to a single cryptocurrency.
Keep your emotions at bay
Managing risks and developing a successful strategy aren’t the only aspects that matter in cryptocurrency. The emotional factors are just as important, among which the most notable is FOMO or the fear of missing out. Since Bitcoin is volatile, it’s common to see prices changing dramatically in a short time. But for this reason, you may be tempted to buy into the trend because you fear you’ll miss out on a significant profit. However, you should resist temptation and follow the basic rule of crypto: buying low and selling high.
Beginner traders often fail because they fall victim to FOMO. If you don’t want to be one of them, you must learn to accept that you will lose some opportunities, and that’s alright. This is all part of the crypto game, and you won’t always win. There will be gains and losses, but if you use an efficient strategy, you will likely succeed sooner or later.
The bottom line
Whatever strategy you adopt, security and risk management should always come first. The market has the potential for profit and loss equally, so beginner traders should start out small.
Use these tips and other trusted resources to understand the market and its pitfalls. Learn how to conduct practical technical analysis and create a detailed risk-management plan to increase your chances of trading bitcoin successfully.
