Should I Let a Trading Bot Do Everything For Me?

This is one of the most common questions from new bot traders. The answer isn't simple yes or no - it depends on your goals, experience, and the type of bot you're using.

Short answer: Let the bot execute, but YOU should monitor and adjust.

The Automation Spectrum

Trading bots exist on a spectrum from fully manual to fully automated:

Level 1: Manual Trading (No Bot)

• You analyze markets
• You place orders
• You manage positions
• Time required: High

Level 2: Semi-Automated (Alerts + Manual)

• Bot sends alerts
• You decide to trade
• You place orders manually
• Time required: Medium

Level 3: Automated Execution (Recommended)

• You set the strategy
• Bot executes trades
• You monitor and adjust
• Time required: Low-Medium

Level 4: Fully Automated (Set and Forget)

• You configure once
• Bot handles everything
• Minimal monitoring
• Time required: Very Low

What Bots SHOULD Do Automatically

1. Execute Trades

Bots excel at:

• Placing orders instantly
• Hitting exact price targets
• Trading 24/7
• No emotional hesitation

2. Follow Your Strategy

Once configured, bots:

• Buy at your set levels
• Sell at your targets
• Place safety orders
• Never deviate from plan

3. React to Market Moves

Bots respond in milliseconds:

• Catch flash crashes
• Execute during volatility
• Work while you sleep

4. Manage Multiple Positions

Bots can:

• Run dozens of strategies
• Trade multiple pairs
• Balance portfolio
• Track everything

What YOU Should Still Do

1. Set the Strategy

The bot follows YOUR rules:

• Which pairs to trade
• Entry and exit points
• Risk parameters
• Position sizes

2. Monitor Performance

Check regularly:

• Are bots profitable?
• Any stuck positions?
• Market conditions changed?
• Settings still optimal?

3. Adjust for Market Conditions

Markets change. You should:

• Pause bots in extreme conditions
• Adjust settings for new trends
• Add/remove trading pairs
• Rebalance allocations

4. Manage Overall Risk

Always control:

• Total capital at risk
• Maximum drawdown limits
• Diversification
• Emergency stop losses

The Optimal Approach: Supervised Automation

Daily Tasks (5 minutes)

• Quick check: Are bots running?
• Any completed deals?
• Unusual activity?

Weekly Tasks (15-30 minutes)

• Review performance
• Check profit/loss
• Assess market conditions
• Minor adjustments

Monthly Tasks (1-2 hours)

• Deep performance analysis
• Strategy evaluation
• Major adjustments if needed
• Add/remove bots

When to Let Bots Run Freely

Good Times for Full Automation

Stable Ranging Markets:

• Grid bots thrive
• Predictable oscillations
• Low intervention needed

Consistent Uptrends:

• DCA bots accumulate well
• Regular take profits
• Minimal adjustment needed

When You're Experienced:

• You know your settings work
• You've tested extensively
• You trust your strategy

When to Intervene

Market Crashes:

• Consider pausing bots
• Adjust safety orders
• Increase stop losses

Major News Events:

• High volatility incoming
• Widen parameters
• Reduce position sizes

Strategy Not Working:

• Consistent losses
• Market conditions changed
• Time to adjust

Common Mistakes with Full Automation

1. Set and Forget Forever

Problem: Markets change, settings become outdated Solution: Weekly reviews minimum

2. No Stop Losses

Problem: One crash wipes out gains Solution: Always use stop losses

3. Ignoring Red Flags

Problem: Bot losing money but you don't notice Solution: Set up alerts and notifications

4. Over-Trusting the Bot

Problem: Assuming bot is always right Solution: Remember bots follow YOUR settings

Recommended Automation Levels by Experience

Beginners (0-3 months)

• Automation Level: 60-70%
• Your involvement: High monitoring
• Check frequency: Daily
• Strategy: Conservative DCA only

Intermediate (3-12 months)

• Automation Level: 70-80%
• Your involvement: Regular monitoring
• Check frequency: Every 2-3 days
• Strategy: DCA + Grid bots

Advanced (1+ years)

• Automation Level: 80-90%
• Your involvement: Weekly reviews
• Check frequency: Weekly
• Strategy: Multiple bot types

Setting Up Proper Automation with 3Commas

Step 1: Configure Your Bot Carefully

Take time to set:

• Appropriate position sizes
• Realistic take profit targets
• Safety orders for dips
• Stop losses for protection

Step 2: Enable Notifications

Get alerts for:

• Completed deals
• Stop loss triggers
• Bot errors
• Large price moves

Step 3: Use Paper Trading First

Before going live:

• Test your settings
• See how bot behaves
• Adjust as needed
• Build confidence

Step 4: Start Small

When going live:

• Use 10-20% of intended capital
• Monitor closely first week
• Scale up gradually

Step 5: Schedule Reviews

Set reminders:

• Daily quick check
• Weekly performance review
• Monthly strategy assessment

The Balance That Works

Let the bot handle:

• Trade execution
• 24/7 monitoring
• Order management
• Strategy following

You handle:

• Strategy setting
• Risk management
• Performance review
• Market adaptation

Real Example: My Approach

Here's how I manage my 3Commas bots:

Daily (2 minutes):

• Check app notification
• Glance at active deals
• Note any issues

Weekly (20 minutes):

• Review completed deals
• Check overall P&L
• Assess market trend
• Minor tweaks if needed

Monthly (1 hour):

• Full performance analysis
• Compare strategies
• Adjust allocations
• Plan next month

This approach gives me:

• Consistent profits
• Minimal time investment
• Peace of mind
• Control when needed

Conclusion

Should you let a trading bot do everything?

Let it do the TRADING - execution, monitoring, order management.

Keep control of the STRATEGY - settings, risk, adjustments.

The best results come from supervised automation: bots execute your plan while you oversee and adjust.

Ready to find the right balance?

Start with 3Commas - the platform that gives you full control over automation levels. Free trial available, no credit card required.

Join 1.2M+ traders who've found their optimal automation balance.