Deploy Your Strategy
Learn how to deploy your trailing bot strategy safely, starting with paper trading and eventually moving to live trading with real capital.
Deployment Overview
Kelor offers two deployment modes:
1. Paper Trading (Demo Account)
- Trade with virtual money
- Real-time market conditions
- No financial risk
- Test strategy viability
2. Live Trading (Real Account)
- Trade with real capital
- Actual profits and losses
- Full risk exposure
- After successful paper testing
Recommended Path:
Backtest → Paper Trade → Live Deploy
Always follow this sequence for maximum safety
Paper Trading (Demo Account)
What is Paper Trading?
Paper trading simulates real trading using virtual capital while executing in actual market conditions.
How It Works:
Virtual Capital: $10,000 (example)
Real Market Data: Live prices from exchange
Real Order Book: Actual liquidity and spreads
Virtual Execution: Simulated trades
Result: Realistic performance without financial risk
Key Features:
- Uses real exchange order books
- Accounts for slippage
- Includes realistic fees
- Calculates actual trade execution
- Shows what live trading would look like
Why Paper Trade First?
Critical Validation Step:
1. Verifies Backtest Results
Backtest (Historical): +42% ROI
Paper Trade (Real-time): +38% ROI
If similar → Strategy translates to real conditions ✅
If very different → Investigate discrepancy ⚠️
2. Tests in Current Market
Backtest: Used 6-month-old data
Paper Trade: Uses today's market conditions
Current market may be:
- More/less volatile
- Different trend direction
- Different liquidity
Paper trading shows how strategy performs NOW
3. Builds Confidence
Before Paper Trade:
"I think this will work..." 🤔
After 30 Days Paper Trading:
"This strategy makes consistent profit!" 😊
or
"This needs adjustment..." 🔧
4. Identifies Issues
Common discoveries during paper trading:
- Slippage is higher than expected
- Some orders don't fill as backtested
- Timing differences in real execution
- Fee impact is greater
- Strategy behavior nuances
Better to discover these with virtual money!
5. Psychological Preparation
Experience:
- Watching trades in real-time
- Seeing drawdowns develop
- Handling winning/losing streaks
- Understanding bot behavior
Without financial stress
How to Deploy to Paper Trading
Step 1: Ensure Bot is Ready
Prerequisites:
- Bot configuration completed
- Backtest results reviewed
- Parameters optimized
- Bot saved as draft
Step 2: Select Paper Trading Mode
From Bot Dashboard:
- Navigate to your bot
- Click "Deploy" button
- Select "Paper Trading" mode
- Review deployment settings
Deployment Settings:
Account Type:
Mode: Paper Trading (Demo)
Capital: Virtual funds
Risk: Zero
Virtual Capital Amount:
Enter: Amount to simulate with
Example: $10,000
Recommendation:
Use the same amount you plan to deploy live
This gives realistic results
Trading Pair:
Select: Asset pair (e.g., BTC/USDT)
Verify: Correct pair selected
Check: Pair is actively trading
Exchange Selection:
Choose: Which exchange to simulate
Data: Uses real order book from this exchange
Execution: Simulates based on exchange rules
Note: Different exchanges have different:
- Fee structures
- Order book liquidity
- Minimum order sizes
Choose the exchange you'll use for live trading
Step 3: Review Configuration Summary
Double-Check:
Bot Name: BTC-5%-Trail-Moderate-4H
Mode: Paper Trading ✓
Capital: $10,000 (virtual)
Pair: BTC/USDT
Exchange: Binance (simulated)
Timeframe: 4H
Configuration:
Trailing Stop: 5%
Activation Profit: 10%
Initial Stop Loss: 5%
Take Profit: 30%
Re-entry: Pullback
All settings correct? → Proceed
Step 4: Start Paper Trading
Click "Deploy to Paper Trading"
What Happens:
Immediate:
✓ Bot status → Running (Paper)
✓ Virtual capital allocated
✓ Bot begins monitoring market
✓ Will enter on next signal
Within minutes/hours:
✓ Entry signal detected
✓ Virtual trade executed
✓ Position opened
✓ Trailing stop active
First Entry:
Wait Time: Varies (minutes to hours to days)
Depends On:
- Current market conditions
- Your entry criteria
- Price action
Be Patient: Good entries take time
Don't: Force immediate entries by changing parameters
Monitoring Paper Trading
Daily Check (5 minutes):
1. Check bot status (should be "Running")
2. View current position (if any)
3. Note any trades executed
4. Review P&L
5. Check for errors/issues
Weekly Review (15-30 minutes):
1. Calculate ROI so far
2. Compare to backtest expectations
3. Review trade history
4. Analyze winning vs losing trades
5. Check if strategy behaves as expected
Metrics to Track:
Performance:
- Total P&L
- ROI %
- Number of trades
- Win rate
- Avg profit per trade
Behavior:
- Entry timing
- Exit reasons
- Hold duration
- Typical profit/loss size
Issues:
- Any errors?
- Orders not filling?
- Unexpected behavior?
Paper Trading Duration
Minimum Recommended:
2 weeks minimum
- Multiple trade cycles
- Various market conditions
- Initial pattern visible
Optimal Duration:
4-6 weeks recommended
- Strong confidence level
- Multiple market scenarios
- Statistically significant
Extended Testing:
8-12 weeks for conservative approach
- Maximum confidence
- All market phases
- Thorough validation
Early Exit Criteria:
Stop Early if:
❌ Losing money consistently
❌ Major issues discovered
❌ Strategy clearly not working
❌ Better approach identified
→ Return to optimization
Deploy Early if:
✅ Performing better than backtest
✅ Very consistent results
✅ High confidence after 20+ trades
✅ Eager to start (with small capital)
→ Start live with limited funds
Evaluating Paper Trading Results
Success Indicators:
✅ ROI matches backtest (±20%)
✅ Win rate similar to backtest
✅ No major technical issues
✅ Behavior matches expectations
✅ Consistent profitability
✅ Acceptable drawdowns
Warning Signs:
⚠️ ROI significantly worse than backtest
⚠️ Win rate dropped substantially
⚠️ Frequent errors or issues
⚠️ Unexpected bot behavior
⚠️ Large losses or drawdowns
⚠️ Orders not filling properly
Decision Matrix:
Paper Results Better Than Backtest:
→ Excellent! Proceed to live confidently
Paper Results Match Backtest:
→ Great! Strategy validated, go live
Paper Results 20% Worse Than Backtest:
→ Acceptable slippage, proceed cautiously
Paper Results 50%+ Worse Than Backtest:
→ Investigate why, optimize before live
Paper Results Negative:
→ Don't go live, re-evaluate strategy
Live Trading (Real Account)
Prerequisites for Live Deployment
Before Going Live, Ensure:
1. Successful Paper Trading
✓ Paper traded for 2+ weeks
✓ Positive ROI
✓ Results match expectations
✓ No major issues
2. Exchange Setup
✓ Account created and verified
✓ Funds deposited
✓ API keys generated
✓ Keys imported to Kelor
3. Risk Management
✓ Capital amount decided
✓ Risk tolerance confirmed
✓ Stop losses understood
✓ Emergency plan in place
4. Psychological Readiness
✓ Understand you can lose money
✓ Prepared for drawdowns
✓ Won't panic on losses
✓ Committed to strategy
Exchange Integration
Step 1: Generate API Keys
Important Security Settings:
Permissions to Enable:
✅ Read: View account, balances, orders
✅ Trade: Place and cancel orders
❌ Withdraw: NEVER enable this
❌ Transfer: Disable if possible
Why "Withdraw" Must Be Disabled:
Security: Kelor cannot withdraw your funds
Protection: Even if API key compromised
Safety: Your money stays on exchange
Peace of mind: Maximum security
API Key Creation (Binance Example):
1. Log into exchange
2. Navigate to API Management
3. Click "Create API Key"
4. Name it: "Kelor Trading Bot"
5. Enable: Read + Trade only
6. Disable: Withdraw
7. Add IP Whitelist (optional, recommended)
8. Save API Key and Secret (shown once!)
9. Store securely
Step 2: Import API to Kelor
In Kelor Platform:
1. Go to Settings → Exchanges
2. Click "Add Exchange"
3. Select your exchange (e.g., Binance)
4. Paste API Key
5. Paste API Secret
6. (Optional) Add label: "Binance Main"
7. Click "Test Connection"
8. If successful → Click "Save"
Connection Test:
✓ Balance retrieved
✓ Orders can be read
✓ API permissions verified
✓ Connection stable
If any fail → Check API key settings
Deploying to Live Trading
Step 1: Select Live Mode
From Bot Dashboard:
1. Navigate to your bot
2. Ensure paper trading is complete
3. Click "Deploy"
4. Select "Live Trading" mode
5. Acknowledge risk warning
Risk Warning:
⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE ⚠️
You are about to deploy a trading bot with real money.
Risks:
• You can lose money
• Market conditions can change
• No strategy is guaranteed
• Past performance ≠ future results
By proceeding, you acknowledge:
• You understand the risks
• You can afford to lose this capital
• You have tested the strategy
• You will monitor the bot regularly
[I Understand] [Cancel]
Step 2: Configure Live Deployment
Capital Allocation:
Available Balance: $15,000
Deploying: $5,000 (33%)
Recommendation:
Start with 30-50% of intended capital
Scale up after success
Don't risk entire portfolio immediately
Exchange Selection:
Choose: Exchange with API connected
Verify: API permissions correct
Confirm: Sufficient balance
Trading Pair:
Select: BTC/USDT (example)
Verify: Pair is active
Check: Liquidity is sufficient
Ensure: Minimum order sizes met
Final Configuration Review:
Everything from paper trading, but now:
Mode: LIVE TRADING 🔴
Exchange: Binance (Real API)
Capital: $5,000 (REAL MONEY)
Pair: BTC/USDT
All parameters same as successful paper trade
Step 3: Start Live Trading
Click "Deploy Live"
What Happens:
Immediate:
✓ Bot status → Running (Live)
✓ Real capital allocated
✓ Real orders can be placed
✓ Monitoring market
Within timeframe:
✓ Entry signal detected
✓ REAL order placed on exchange
✓ REAL money used
✓ Position opened with real assets
✓ Trailing stop protects real capital
First Live Trade:
Emotion: Nervous is normal
Action: Watch closely
Don't: Interfere unless critical
Do: Let strategy work
Remember: You tested this thoroughly
Starting Small: The Scaling Approach
Recommended Deployment Strategy:
Phase 1: Initial Live Deploy
Capital: 30-50% of intended amount
Example: $3,000 of planned $10,000
Duration: 2-4 weeks
Goal: Validate live performance
Phase 2: Increased Allocation
If Phase 1 successful:
Add: 25-30% more capital
Example: $3,000 → $6,000
Duration: 2-4 weeks
Goal: Confirm scalability
Phase 3: Full Deployment
If Phase 2 successful:
Add: Remaining capital
Example: $6,000 → $10,000
Duration: Ongoing
Goal: Optimize returns
Why Scale Up Gradually:
Benefit 1: Limits initial risk
Benefit 2: Tests scalability
Benefit 3: Builds confidence
Benefit 4: Allows adjustments
Benefit 5: Psychological ease
Example Scaling:
Week 1-2: $3,000 live
- Results: +$240 (+8%)
- Evaluation: Good start
- Action: Add more capital
Week 3-4: $6,000 live
- Results: +$420 (+7%)
- Evaluation: Scaling works
- Action: Deploy full amount
Week 5+: $10,000 live
- Results: Ongoing monitoring
- Evaluation: Continuous
- Action: Optimize as needed
Initial Monitoring (Critical First Week)
Day 1:
Check every 2-4 hours:
- Bot status (running?)
- Any entries made?
- Orders executing properly?
- No errors?
Take Notes:
- Entry price
- Entry time
- Market condition
- First impressions
Days 2-7:
Check 2-3 times daily:
- Position status
- Any exits triggered?
- P&L development
- Trailing stop movement
Monitor:
- Is bot behaving as expected?
- Are results similar to paper trading?
- Any unexpected issues?
- Order execution quality?
Week 2-4:
Daily Check (5-10 min):
- Overall P&L
- Recent trades
- Bot status
- Error log
Weekly Review (30 min):
- Calculate ROI
- Compare to paper trading
- Compare to backtest
- Decide if adjustments needed
Live Trading Checklist
Pre-Deployment:
- Paper trading successful (2+ weeks)
- Positive ROI in paper trading
- Exchange API connected and tested
- Sufficient capital in exchange
- Risk tolerance confirmed
- Capital amount decided (start small!)
- Emergency plan prepared
- Monitoring schedule set
Deployment Day:
- Double-check all parameters
- Verify correct exchange selected
- Confirm capital amount
- Review risk warning
- Deploy during stable market hours
- Monitor first 2-4 hours closely
- Document starting conditions
First Week:
- Check bot 2-3 times daily
- Monitor all trades closely
- Document any issues
- Compare to paper trading
- Adjust if necessary
- Stay calm during normal drawdowns
Managing Your Deployment
When to Pause Your Bot
Pause if:
⚠️ Major unexpected issues
⚠️ Exchange problems
⚠️ Losing consistently (review needed)
⚠️ Major market news event
⚠️ Need to evaluate strategy
Click "Pause Bot" in dashboard
Existing orders remain
No new positions opened
When to Stop Your Bot
Stop if:
❌ Strategy clearly not working
❌ Consistent losses
❌ Better opportunity found
❌ Need to reallocate capital
❌ Personal decision to exit
Click "Stop Bot" in dashboard
All orders cancelled
Position may remain (manual close)
Bot becomes inactive
When to Keep Running
Continue if:
✅ Performing as expected
✅ Within normal drawdown
✅ Win rate acceptable
✅ Following strategy properly
✅ No technical issues
Let it work!
Trust the strategy
Don't interfere unnecessarily
Common Deployment Mistakes
Mistake 1: Skipping Paper Trading
❌ Wrong:
Backtest successful → Go live immediately
Result: Unknown real-world performance
Risk: High
✅ Right:
Backtest → Paper Trade → Live
Result: Validated performance
Risk: Managed
Mistake 2: Deploying Full Capital Immediately
❌ Wrong:
Day 1: Deploy $50,000
Result: High stress, large risk
✅ Right:
Week 1: $15,000
Week 3: $30,000
Week 5: $50,000
Result: Gradual, validated scaling
Mistake 3: Interfering Too Soon
❌ Wrong:
Day 1: Bot enters trade
Day 2: Price drops 3%
Action: Panic, stop bot, close position
Result: Strategy never gets to work
✅ Right:
Day 1: Bot enters trade
Day 2: Price drops 3%
Action: Check if within initial stop loss
Result: If within range, let it work
Mistake 4: Not Monitoring
❌ Wrong:
Deploy and forget for months
Result: Miss issues, poor performance unnoticed
✅ Right:
Daily checks
Weekly reviews
Monthly optimization
Result: Informed, optimized performance
Mistake 5: Giving Up Too Soon
❌ Wrong:
Week 1: Down 2%
Action: "This doesn't work!" → Stop
Result: Never gave strategy a chance
✅ Right:
Week 1-4: Down 2%
Week 5-8: Up 5%
Action: Evaluate over full period
Result: See complete performance
Emergency Procedures
If Bot Malfunctions
Immediate Actions:
1. Pause bot
2. Check error messages
3. Review recent trades
4. Verify API connection
5. Contact support if needed
If Market Crashes
Your Bot is Protected:
✓ Initial stop loss limits damage
✓ Trailing stop locks profits
✓ Take profit caps gains
✓ Re-entry strategy controls exposure
Don't panic, strategy has safeguards
If You Need to Exit
Clean Exit:
1. Pause bot (stops new positions)
2. Let current position play out
or
2a. Manually close position
3. Stop bot completely
4. Withdraw funds if desired
Next Steps
After Successful Deployment:
- Monitor Performance - Track your bot's results
- Manage Your Bot - Operational guidance
- Troubleshooting - Fix common issues
- FAQ - Quick answers
Remember:
- Start small
- Scale gradually
- Monitor regularly
- Stay disciplined
- Trust the strategy (if validated)
Success Path:
Backtest → Paper Trade → Small Live → Scale Up → Optimize → Succeed
Good luck with your trailing bot deployment! 🚀