There are pointers to selecting a potential ICO. And ensuring it's a legitimate project.
That doesn't guarantee it would be successful.
Many projects have successful ICOs but go under in the market.

I would advise you invest in the top currencies.
Most if the altcoins might not survive the current bearish market.
Or you could wait for a more favorable period to invest.
It is best to buy the dip and sell the spike.

The crypto market is constantly going through different phases. With varying up and down trends.
There us a lot if uncertainty in the community, and most people are playing it safe by pulling out their assets

It is a good time to buy ETH at below $300, and hold for the long-term, pending news regarding bitcoin ETF.

It was the first ever currency, and it has evolved over the years into what it is now.
The supply is limited, so there can only be so much in circulation. It is the most popular and accepted owing to its stability (and that further stabilizes it. And increases it's value
It is the leading crypto currency. And with the improvements on the platform being considered, it is poised to maintain the top spot.

I take recommendations from different sources.
ICOdrops and ICOratings. Also suggestions from crypto influencers.
I like to go for project with lots of hype. It's not always a guarantee such projects would have long term potential.
It all depends on what suits my strategies at that time.
Ads on news outlets is also a channel to get new altcoins.
And always endeavour to do your own research once you've identified an investment option

Crypto is a safe way of storing assets. And your security is all up to you.
I'm a bank, your money is insured. Even in a case of a robbery. You are still entitled to your assets
Also, due to the volatility in cryptocurrency, it is not suitable as a store of funds.

I don't fancy predicting the shape the market would take.
The news regarding bitcoin ETF woupdnbe have a telling effect on the market, possitively or negatively.

You can take a chance that the price would drop below ICO price when the token hits exchange. That is most likely the case in the current market situation.

It is safer to invest in the ICO, as some projects also offer bonuses and benefits to investors.

The crypto space is undoubtedly experiencing a mass influx of enthusiasts. Partly due to the awareness the most recent bullbrun brought, and the extra publicity on the potential application of the blockchain technology and how it can affect the future. This has also resulted in a plethora of new coins, with unique use cases.

To stay on top in this sphere (especially when trading altcoins) I think the key word is INFORMATION, always be updated on changes and possible annoncements.
There are usually a lot of noobs, who are easily swayed by news (possitively or negatively), and such panic or FOMO can have a telling effect on the market. (especially on a newly launched currency)

Always be selective of the information provided, it is advisable to always do your own research as opposed to suggestions from others (even highly regarded crypto influencers)

Timing is all important. Cryptocurrencies are wholly unstable. You'd need the right timing to make the best of the constant fluctuations in the market.

Always protect your capital! The possibilities of higher returns is alluring, but always weigh them against the risks involved. (I would rather sell my assets too early, and miss the highest spike, than too late, that I'd have to be waiting for another pump)
Always take profits when you can, as nothing is certain in crypto.

The crypto space is undoubtedly experiencing a mass influx of enthusiasts. Partly due to the awareness the most recent bullbrun brought, and the extra publicity on the potential application of the blockchain technology and how it can affect the future. This has also resulted in a plethora of new coins, with unique use cases.

To stay on top in this sphere (especially when trading altcoins) I think the key word is INFORMATION, always be updated on changes and possible annoncements.
There are usually a lot of noobs, who are easily swayed by news (possitively or negatively), and such panic or FOMO can have a telling effect on the market. (especially on a newly launched currency)

Always be selective of the information provided, it is advisable to always do your own research as opposed to suggestions from others (even highly regarded crypto influencers)

Timing is all important. Cryptocurrencies are wholly unstable. You'd need the right timing to make the best of the constant fluctuations in the market.

Always protect your capital! The possibilities of higher returns is alluring, but always weigh them against the risks involved. (I would rather sell my assets too early, and miss the highest spike, than too late, that I'd have to be waiting for another pump)
Always take profits when you can, as nothing is certain in crypto.

It's a common aphorism, that. 'if you see a bandwagon, it's already too late'.

With most top currencies, it's difficult to make substantial profits, without adequate investments.
It is definitely the safer investment plan.
 
Whereas, starting up with a speculation promises high profits (as you would be buying them cheap). But also possible losses as they have no previous records.
It's an investors job to weigh the risks and potential and decide which to go with.

It's partly due to the market trend, the marketvus bearish and most coins go under after launch.
Bounties and bonuses also play a role, in the short term value of the tokens.
The price can also be influenced by large holders and manipulated to suit their desires.

The risks abound in any business investments. It's up to you to make research before putting in your money into any venture.
There are a lot of scam and poorly organized programs, with glowing white papers and roadmaps.
Look beyond the surface, the team behind the project, the project itself.
The handling and the process.

First, never get too attached to any currency or project. Profit is your ultimate goal.
The market is down now, as most are skeptical about announcements regarding Bitcoin ETF.
If the news is a possitive one, it would have a possitive effect on the market.
Day/arbitrage trading is also a way to make profits. You'd need to educate yourself before venturing in.

It is a basic requirement to run a project. No investor would invest in mere ideas. A working product, a qualified team and a seamless process are all needed for the proper running of any project.

Little, sudden pumps and drops. The volatility over the past few weeks has been much.
That presents an opportunity in day and arbitrage trading.
Most hodlers would be concerned about the fluctuations and when the market can attain stability for some organic growth.

When holding long-term I go for solid coins with large market capitalization, like bitcoin and Ethereum.
For altcoins, I would go for Strength, NEO or zilliqa

ETH is on a down trend now. And it is  a good time to buy as the price is low.
When investing in a dip, you have to be confident on the potential of that currency to recover, in a balanced market

The market showed positive movements over the past few weeks, but it's down now again.
Trying to predict the price is impossible as the market flow is determined by various factors.
Bitcoin might have a real bull run in the coming months. But, That's purely speculation.

Huge bonuses has its effect. Most times, those tokens might have never been sold if not for the promise of huge bonuses.
Marketing is a tricky issue. Also the general market is down. Sine tokens which offered huge bonuses to investors are selling at a loss to those investors (bonuses included).