5 Steps To Start Investing In Cryptocurrencies

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Here are the five steps that can help you climb up the ladder like:

  • 1

    Do your research

  • 2

    Create a plan

  • 3

    Start with small

  • 4

    Stay informed

  • 5

    Be patience

As of today, there are thousands of cryptocurrencies available, with different types and functions, and new currencies are created almost every day. If you are looking to invest in cryptocurrency as you see an opportunity here, you need to understand a few important aspects of cryptocurrency, its pros and cons, and steps to invest in.

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Should you start investing in cryptocurrencies?

The first and foremost aspect of investing in cryptocurrency is high volatility. If your risk appetite is aggressive, you can surely allocate some of your assets into cryptocurrencies. But keep in mind it has a high risk factor, as you need to start with small. If you are still not sure about it, there are a few pros and cons of investing in crypto mentioned below for you to read.

👍 Pros of investing in cryptocurrency

Haggling around the clock
Cryptocurrency markets operate 24/7, unlike traditional financial markets that have fixed trading hours. Its continuous trading allows investors to buy and sell assets at any time, providing flexibility and accessibility

Diversification
Cryptocurrencies can be a valuable addition to investment portfolios that already include traditional assets like stocks, ETFs, and currencies. Adding cryptocurrencies can spread risk and potentially enhance overall portfolio performance

High volatility and trading leverage
Cryptocurrencies are known for their high volatility, which means their prices can change rapidly. While this can be risky, it also creates profit potential for traders who can capitalize on price fluctuations. Additionally, trading leverage in the cryptocurrency market can amplify potential gains, although it also increases the risk of significant losses

Market diversity
The cryptocurrency market is diverse, with thousands of different coins and tokens, each with unique features and use cases. This diversity allows investors to apply various strategies, such as long-term holding or short-term trading, depending on their goals and risk tolerance. Some cryptocurrencies rise while others fall, providing opportunities for different investment approaches

More transparency
Blockchain technology, the underlying technology of cryptocurrencies, offers a high level of transparency. Onchain indicators and data are publicly available, allowing investors to track transactions, wallet balances, and other relevant information

👎 Cons of investing in cryptocurrency

It is very difficult to predict the rise or fall in the value of these currencies as their market is highly volatile

There is a high risk of data loss involved. If a trader forgets or loses their private key, then there’s no way of getting it back. The user may lose all his currency as the wallet will remain locked with all the currency inside it

These currencies have become a popular way for criminals to regulate their illegal activities such as money laundering and illicit purchases. Even hackers use these for ransomware activities

Step 1. Do your research

To increase the chance of being a successful cryptocurrency trader, you need to do following types of research:

Technical analysis

It involves examining historical price charts and market data to predict future price movements. It helps you in:

  • Price Patterns. Analyzing charts helps identify common patterns like triangles, head and shoulders, and flags, which can signal potential buy or sell opportunities

  • Support and Resistance. Recognizing key support and resistance levels helps traders set entry and exit points, reducing risk

Crypto project analysis

In addition to technical analysis, understanding the fundamentals of cryptocurrency projects is crucial for successful trading.

  • Project Viability. Assessing a project's whitepaper, team, use case, and partnerships helps determine its long-term potential and sustainability

  • Market Sentiment. Positive news and developments can significantly impact a cryptocurrency's price, making fundamental analysis vital for anticipating market shifts

Study Blockchain Technology

To excel in cryptocurrency trading, it's essential to grasp the underlying blockchain technology. It helps you in:

  • Risk Mitigation. Understanding blockchain's security features and consensus mechanisms can help assess the safety of a particular cryptocurrency

  • Informed Decision-Making. Awareness of blockchain advancements and innovations allows traders to anticipate shifts in market sentiment and adapt their strategies accordingly

Algo-Trading and Quantitative Strategies

Algo-trading and quantitative investment strategies involve using computer algorithms and mathematical models to make trading decisions. It helps you in:

  • Automation. Algorithms can execute trades faster and more efficiently than manual trading, reducing the risk of emotional decisions

  • Data-Driven. Quantitative strategies rely on data analysis, providing a systematic approach to trading that can be backtested for performance improvement

Step 2. Create a plan

Creating a plan always ensures that as an investor, you have your priorities set and that you have planned accordingly. Having a clear goal in mind, to achieve in a particular time frame will help you out in choosing the right type of currency according to your specific needs. The market being highly volatile, does not reward decisions based on emotions but rather pushes for more strategic choices for better results.

The higher the demand for cryptocurrency, the higher the risk. Risk often leads to losses, so one should be aware of their risk tolerance levels and it should not be ignored as it is a very important aspect of the planning stage. These days Crypto staking offers a new way for investors to earn rewards without actively participating in constant trading and monitoring of the markets.

Step 3. Start small

Cryptocurrency should be bought through an exchange or investment platform. There are various factors that you should look out for when selecting an exchange. Some of these are security, the volume of trading, the different types of cryptocurrency available for purchase on that given exchange, fees, and minimum investment requirements. There are two things to keep in mind while starting small:

No emotional decisions

The risky nature of cryptocurrency investments lead you to the decisions of invest accordingly, not investing more than you can afford to lose. Whether it's a down payment for your new car or any other purchase, the money that you require in the next few years should be kept in your bank account so that you can use it when you need it. Don’t lose all your money driven by emotions such as greed especially when you are new to investing in crypto.

Gradually increase the amount

There should be a gradual transition from small investments to comparatively bigger investments over time. It will be beneficial for you as you gather the idea of how the market works without taking many risks when you start small and garner all the experience with time and use it accordingly to get better rewards.

Make sure you increase the amount because you know the market well, not because you think you know the market well due to a few winning trades.

Step 4. Stay informed

The cryptocurrency market is expanding and evolving, so it helps to keep an eye on new developments and trends in the market. Keep updating your charts and looking out for new coins that are available in the market and do proper research on them before investing. An investor must be updated on major developments that may have the ability to directly impact market liquidity factors.

How do fraudsters sneak in?

The fact that scammers have used this form of currency to steal money and assets from people is known to all. According to a report published by blockchain data firm, Chainalysis, scammers have stolen $14 billion of Cryptocurrency in the year 2021. Fraudsters create fake cryptocurrency trading platforms and fake versions of crypto wallets to trick unsuspecting victims.

They also try to trick people through fake apps easily available to download through Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Thousands of people over time have been scammed through these apps, even though they get banned whenever they are found.

As first-time traders, you need to be aware of the signs of these scams. Some of these can promise guaranteed returns, which is not possible in any financial investment including cryptocurrency. So when the crimes and frauds are on such high levels, it is of dire importance to be aware of the latest scams and frauds in the crypto business.

When you choose an app and sign up your account, you can get a crypto f bonus, offers, and promotional benefits. Always consider upcoming offers before choosing a cryptocurrency app.

Step 5. Be patient

There are three primary methods to be patient while investing in cryptocurrencies:

Long term investment plan

Cryptocurrency trading can benefit you the most if you plan it as a long-term investment. At this point, no one can predict its future but experts from the industry Marshall Beard, chief strategy officer at crypto exchange Gemini, believes Bitcoin to break it's all-time highs this year. It should not be treated as a scheme to get rich overnight instead you should be patient and let your investment grow.

Poorly regulated market

Cryptocurrency involves higher risks than any other investments due to its fluctuating market. Many experienced traders or investors try to put their investments elsewhere as these currencies tend to lose their value at a very high pace. The market is not only volatile but also very poorly regulated, hence it increases the risk factor.

Being patient makes you analyze the market thoroughly, and make informed decisions rather than acting out on impulse. It provides the necessary time for due diligence. Patience helps in giving time to the investment to develop and mature, to gain much more rewarding results.

Is Cryptocurrency a good investment?

People across the globe have experienced different outcomes from crypto investments. Some have doubled their wealth, on the other hand, some lost everything they had. Unless you experience the flux of the market yourself, it's very tough to say whether it is good or bad. As long as you follow the above-mentioned steps, research about these currencies and try to read the market with patience, it definitely would not be a disaster for you.

Lloyd Blankfein, an American investment banker and CEO of Goldman Sachs, once said, “Still thinking about Bitcoin (Cryptocurrency). No conclusion - not endorsing/rejecting. Know that folks also were skeptical when paper money displaced gold”.

The above statement shows the uncertainty of cryptocurrencies and also in its way invites people to try it out and then endorse it or reject it. Until you try it out on your own, it's difficult to say whether it can be considered as an alternative to paper money.

To a beginner, the advice that most experts give is to start small and be prepared for adverse scenarios. Just like any other investment, make sure you know your investment goals, have a plan of action, and are aware of your financial situation before investing in it.

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FAQs

Is it too late to start investing in crypto?

No, it's not that late. Even though cryptocurrency investment is decade-old stuff, it's evolving with every passing day and continues to grow. But it is better to analyze the market first and find the right moment to invest instead of rushing into the investment, just because everyone is doing it and it is very much in trend these days.

How much should I invest in cryptocurrency as a beginner?

Never invest anything more than you can afford to lose. In the early stages of investing, it is important to find a broker or an exchange platform that minimizes the fees. Also one needs to keep the risk appetite in check while investing for the first time.

What are altcoins?

Altcoins are nothing but an alternative to Bitcoins. Since Bitcoin came into being in the year 2009, it has been the most popular cryptocurrency in the world. So the other coins back then had lesser values and anything that was not Bitcoin was termed as Altcoins.

What are cryptocurrency wallets?

Crypto wallets are digital wallets that secure the storage of digital assets. It also helps in storing the private keys to your cryptocurrency on the blockchain. They also allow the transfer and spending of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Glossary for novice traders

  • 1 Broker

    A broker is a legal entity or individual that performs as an intermediary when making trades in the financial markets. Private investors cannot trade without a broker, since only brokers can execute trades on the exchanges.

  • 2 Cryptocurrency

    Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that relies on cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat currencies), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, typically based on blockchain technology.

  • 3 Trading

    Trading involves the act of buying and selling financial assets like stocks, currencies, or commodities with the intention of profiting from market price fluctuations. Traders employ various strategies, analysis techniques, and risk management practices to make informed decisions and optimize their chances of success in the financial markets.

  • 4 Investor

    An investor is an individual, who invests money in an asset with the expectation that its value would appreciate in the future. The asset can be anything, including a bond, debenture, mutual fund, equity, gold, silver, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and real-estate property.

  • 5 Bitcoin

    Bitcoin is a decentralized digital cryptocurrency that was created in 2009 by an anonymous individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a technology called blockchain, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers.

Team that worked on the article

Upendra Goswami
Contributor

Upendra Goswami is a full-time digital content creator, marketer, and active investor. As a creator, he loves writing about online trading, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and stock trading.

Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.

Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).