5 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid When Investing in Cryptocurrency

Investing in cryptocurrency has become more accessible, thanks to the tools available and the growing knowledge surrounding it. In addition, the technology itself is increasingly used in companies, therefore making it easier for individuals to acquire coins and have control over their assets.
Investing in cryptocurrencies is not more efficient due to their tendency to become less volatile over time. Of course, this does not apply to all types of coins, considering the vast categories of decentralized technologies; however, among the best cryptocurrency lists, we find that tokens with the largest market capitalization are generally safer to invest in than those with a lower market cap.
This means these coins will experience more stable price movements, such as the case of Bitcoin, which is now less volatile than some S&P 500 stocks. But investing solely in Bitcoin might not be the ideal strategy for long-term returns, so let’s explore some of the mistakes investors make in approaching cryptocurrency.
Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-chain-link-fence-cHMWByk5vE8
They Don’t Invest in Time for Research
Cryptocurrencies and blockchain are complex technologies, and every project has different layers of security, consensus, and rewards that users cannot fully comprehend without actively studying them. Starting with their white paper and continuing with information from reliable websites, understanding how these assets work requires a long-term learning process with a proper foundation.
Knowledge is necessary in this industry because without it, you risk misusing cryptocurrency. This can either lead to investing more than you can afford to lose or missing better long-term opportunities. Finding the ideal investment strategy, the safest digital wallet, and the most prominent decentralized exchange are non-negotiables when starting to use crypto.
They Undermine Crypto Volatility
All cryptocurrencies are volatile because their value is affected by factors such as new innovations, media coverage, or global disputes. Therefore, predicting prices as accurately as possible is challenging, so investors should not rely too heavily on others’ predictions and instead focus on preparing their portfolio for a potential market downturn.
Going through a volatility circle does not necessarily require buying or selling. Sometimes, you just have to have the guts to hold your assets, as explained in the HODL strategy. Hold on For Dear Life is one of the most prominent methods of maintaining portfolio value during difficult times, as it compels you to keep the assets that can gain appreciation in the near future.
They Are Too Emotional
Investing in cryptocurrency can be overwhelming, especially when prices fluctuate rapidly. This is why many people buy or sell out of fear and anxiety, an occurrence known as FOMO (fear of missing out) or FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt). These emotional responses are difficult to control when you believe you’re missing out on saving your assets or gaining more value.
Emotional investing is considerably risky in crypto, as it leaves no room for technical or fundamental analysis. It’s best to manage these feelings as soon as they appear and navigate them with empirical research based on evidence rather than theories and opinions.
They Fall for Scams
Cryptocurrency scams are becoming more sophisticated by the year, but they mostly target unprepared investors. Unfortunately, the lack of proper regulation in crypto contributes to this challenge, exposing people to:
- Crypto romance scams happen when fraudsters get close to the victim to engage in a romantic relationship with the purpose of stealing their crypto;
- Rug pulls occur when the developers of a project abandon it after an initial coin release (ICO) or airdrops, leaving users with worthless coins;
- Fake applications lure users through promises of quick gains, in which they start investing, but will the scammers will only extract money from them;
You can avoid scams by using tools and apps only from trustworthy sources, and never disclose your private key or reveal information about your portfolio or assets.
They Don’t Focus on the Long-Term
Investing for the short term might provide more significant gains than long-term investing, but it also comes with growing risks. Gaining wealth can be achieved over a longer period, backed by a sustainable strategy that aligns with your risk tolerance, and this requires time and patience.
Long-term cryptocurrency investments can protect you from volatility, even if gains are small. That’s why implementing diversification and risk management is important to build a strong foundation for your future assets, as it allows you to allocate finances more effectively to adapt to the market.
What Are Some Common Types of Crypto Investors?
Discovering your investment style can help refine your strategy. Besides the beginner, who’s not sure where to start and wants to increase their wealth, we’re also witnessing investors falling into the following categories:
- The Bitcoin maximalist focuses only on this cryptocurrency and buys every dip;
- The HODLer is less prone to FOMO and is mostly unfazed by volatility;
- The FOMOer buys high and sells low due to getting overly excited or fearful;
- The hunter is always looking for new coins to invest in;
- The ecosystem expert is the most knowledgeable about the industry and can identify promising projects fast;
- The early adopter is part of crypto communities who are bullish on the future of crypto;
Let’s not forget about the whales
Whales are a special type of investor that many people aspire to become. These are typically high-net-worth individuals who manage their risks carefully and possess the experience necessary to make informed decisions for their portfolios. Their devise might be similar to what YI He, Co-Founder at Binance.com, stated, “Crypto isn’t just the future of finance – it’s already reshaping the system, one day at a time.” They can also influence the market prices by moving their assets from one wallet to an exchange.
Final Considerations
Crypto investors don’t have it easy, as they must be particularly cautious when taking the next step, considering their risk tolerance, market trends, and future considerations. However, they can minimize risks by avoiding mistakes such as investing based on emotions, not prioritizing volatility, or falling for obvious scams. Proper research and experience will help them build a stable portfolio base, especially if they focus on long-term investments.