> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.odinbot.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.odinbot.io/tracking-academy/trading-strategies/start-small-and-build-up-a-beginners-guide-to-copy-trading-with-odinbot.md).

# Start Small and Build Up: A Beginner's Guide to Copy-Trading with OdinBot

When beginning with OdinBot, it is essential to adopt a cautious, well thought out strategy to maximize your chances of success. This guide provides a balanced approach to risk management, wallet selection, and trade settings to help you grow your portfolio effectively.

## Initial Setup

### Starting Balance

* **Recommended Starting Amount:** At least **0.5 SOL**.
* While you can start with **0.2 SOL**, this leaves little room for error. With **0.5 SOL**, you have at least five trade opportunities at **0.1 SOL per trade** before running out of funds.

### Trade Size and Speed

* Set **trade size** to **0.1 SOL**.
* Use the **Standard Speed Tier** to minimize expenses.
  * Higher speed tiers are unnecessary for beginners and can quickly eat into your funds due to higher fees.

### Buy Limits

* **Suggested Buys Per Hour:** Limit to **2 per hour**.
* **Maximum Buys Per Day:** Limit to **3 per day**.

This approach enables quicker evaluation of wallet performance while managing risks effectively.

### Number of Mirrors

* **Recommended:** Start with **1-2 mirrors** if you are not monitoring trades actively.
* **Experienced Users:** Can consider up to **10 mirrors** if carefully selected and monitored.

## Key Principles

### Avoid Gambling

* The goal is not to gamble but to gradually build your portfolio. Success in copy-trading requires patience and discipline.

### Risk Management

* Avoid "all-in" approaches. Start small and spread out your trades.
  * **Example:** With **0.5 SOL**, you have five chances to recover from potential losses versus only one chance if starting with **0.2 SOL**.

### Diversify

* Mirror multiple wallets to spread risk and increase potential returns.

## Trade Configuration

### Pump.fun Trades

While avoiding Pump.fun trades entirely might seem like a safe option, it could limit opportunities. Many high-performing wallets trade on Pump.fun, and understanding how to navigate these trades is key to success. Instead, focus on filtering out risky trades:

* Avoid wallets that consistently execute trades with gains below **2-5%**, as these are likely farming wallets or low-percentage scalpers.
  * **Example:** A wallet making dozens of trades daily, each earning less than 1%, is often exploiting copy-traders.
* Prioritize wallets with longer average hold times, such as **5 minutes or more**, to avoid bots that sell instantly for marginal gains.
  * **Example:** A wallet holding positions for at least **10 minutes** before selling often signals genuine trading behavior.
* Review trade patterns using tools like Solscan or Dexscreener to identify consistent strategies.

{% content-ref url="/pages/bGkiiZkcwPjqbT0z2tPM" %}
[Types of Wallets: Understanding Their Roles in Copy-Trading](/tracking-academy/types-of-wallets-understanding-their-roles-in-copy-trading.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### Auto-Sell Profiles

Setting up Auto-Sell Profiles ensures a well-defined and strategic exit plan:

**Example Profile:**

* **Take Profit:** **Sell 100%** of holdings **at 50% gain**.
* **Stop Loss:** **Sell 100%** of holdings **at -50% loss**.

If your mirrored wallet frequently trades tokens that spike **30-40%** immediately after purchase but then drop sharply, consider using a smaller Take Profit target to secure gains before the decline.

| Parameter        | Value                            |
| ---------------- | -------------------------------- |
| Trade Size       | 0.1 SOL                          |
| Speed Tier       | Standard                         |
| Buys Per Hour    | 2                                |
| Max Buys Per Day | 3                                |
| Take Profit      | +50% (100% sell)  or +**30-40%** |
| Stop Loss        | -50% (100% sell)                 |

## Wallet Selection

### **Ideal Mirror Wallets**

* **Low Trading Frequency**: 5-10 trades per day.
* **Holding Duration**: Holds tokens for at least 10 minutes rather than selling immediately.

### **Avoid High-Volume Traders**

* Mirrors executing **50+ trades per day** can lead to higher expenses and riskier trades.

{% content-ref url="/pages/oGEaIhiuTYafN7mbK5WU" %}
[Wallets to Avoid When Copy-Trading](/tracking-academy/wallets-to-avoid-when-copy-trading.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Final Thoughts

Starting small and building up is not just a strategy; it is a mindset. This approach minimizes risks and sets a solid foundation for sustainable growth. Remember, copy-trading is a marathon, not a sprint. Regularly review your strategies, adapt to market conditions, and focus on wallet rotation and management for long-term success.

By applying these principles, you will be better prepared to navigate OdinBot and thrive in the world of copy-trading.