first you need to get knowledge of the past and present of any coin you wants to trade. Keep an eye on the market as well as other coins. Whales will do the rest of the things 
Yeah you are correct that knowledge is important before start trading. When I start trading, I have many knowledges because I studied all the information in trading. I start with small amount of money and I gained many money.Knowledge is the first thing that a starter in trading should have. Basically, trading is only buy and sell. Buying when the price is at dip and sell when the price is at peak.
There's no other way to earn in trading but only that way and you should know that it is the basic thing that you a newcomer to know.
Take note of the things that you should have a knowledge before starting to trade.