How to Create a Trading Strategy? Step-by-Step Guide

Taking trades without a strategy in Forex trading is like entering a jungle without GPS. Strategy is a roadmap that guides your trading decisions with logic and discipline.

In this blog, we will go step-by-step:

  • What is a trading strategy?
  • What are the points of a successful strategy?
  • Common mistakes
  • A sample simple strategy
Trading Strategy

What is a Trading Strategy?

A trading strategy is a predefined plan or rule set in which you:

  • When will you enter?
  • When will you exit?
  • Where will you place stop loss and take profit?
  • In what time frame will you trade?
  • How much risk will you take?

Goal: Making consistent decisions by eliminating emotions.


Trading Strategy Key Elements

ElementDescription
Time FrameScalping (1m–5m), Intraday (15m–1H), Swing (4H–D1)
IndicatorsTechnical tools like RSI, Moving Average, MACD etc.
Entry RulesOn which signal to buy/sell
Exit RulesHow to define TP and SL
Risk ManagementHow much capital to risk per trade
Trade FrequencyHow many trades to log daily — 1, 2, or 5?

Step-by-Step Trading Strategy Making Process


Step 1: Decide Your Trading Style

  • Scalping: Fast trades, small movement
  • Intraday: Same day entry-exit
  • Swing Trading: Multi-day trades

Position Trading: Long-term investing style

➡️ Intraday or swing trading is correct for beginners.

Step 2: Choose Time Frame

  • Scalper → 1-min, 5-min
  • Intraday → 15-min, 1-Hour
  • Swing → 4-Hour, Daily

✅ Tip: Start with 15 min – 1 Hour for better clarity.

Step 3: Select Indicators

Using 1–3 reliable indicators:

IndicatorUse
RSIOverbought/oversold signal
Moving AverageTo identify trend
MACDTo confirm trend reversal
Bollinger BandsTo measure volatility
Support/ResistancePrice action identify

✅ Less is more – too many indicators can create confusion.

Step 4: Define Entry Rules

Example Rules (Buy):

  • RSI below 30 indicates oversold.
  • Price close above 200 EMA
  • Bullish candlestick pattern ho
  • MACD crossover upward

➡️ All signals are confirmed upon entry.

Step 5: Define Stop Loss & Take Profit

SL = Last swing low or fixed pip count (20–50 pips)

TP = 1:2 or 1:3 risk-reward ratio

Example:
If Stop Loss is 30 pips then Take Profit can be 60–90 pips.

Step 6: Set Risk Management

Golden Rule: Do not risk more than 1–2% capital per trade

  • Capital = $10,000
  • 1% Risk = $100
  • Calculate lot size accordingly

👉 This saves you from losing your account.

Step 7: Backtest the trading strategy

  • Analyze minimum 20–50 past trades
  • Look at win rate, average risk-reward, drawdowns
  • If the result is positive then use it for real

Best platform for Backtest the trading strategy

Step 8: Maintain a journal

  • Screenshot of every trade
  • Trade Entry / Trade Exit time
  • What worked / what didn’t
  • What was the emotion / logic

✅ Using the journal you can optimize the strategy.


A Simple Beginner Trading Strategy Example (Trend + RSI Based)

Name: Trend Reversal Trading Strategy

Time Frame: 15-min

Indicators:

  • 200 EMA
  • RSI (14)
  • Support/Resistance lines

Buy Setup:

  • Price should be above 200 EMA
  • RSI below 30 indicates oversold.
  • Price is near support level
  • Bullish candle is made

Selling Setup:

  • Price below 200 EMA
  • The RSI is above 70 (overbought)
  • Price is near resistance
  • Bearish candle is made

Stop loss: Recent low/high
Take profit: 1:2 risk-reward


Common Mistakes That Should Be Avoided

MistakeWhat has created the problem?
Changing strategy every timeInconsistent result
No Stop Loss or Take profit to useEmotional decision-making
Indicators overloadAnalysis paralysis
Strategy to be used without testingReal loss without knowledge
OvertradingBurnout and loss
Trading Strategy

✅ Conclusion

Creating a Trading strategy in Forex trading is a science + art. You need a simple, testable, and repeatable plan along with an understanding of the market.

Start small, keep testing, and execute with discipline.

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