Next Steps After Learning the Basics

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November 5, 2025

Next Steps After Learning the Basics

(Where to Go Once You Understand How Mining Works)

Keywords: how to start bitcoin mining 2025, beginner mining next steps, crypto mining guide, pickaxe hosting setup, mining for beginners

🔍 Introduction: You Know the Basics — Now What?

If you’ve worked through the Pickaxe 101 series, you now understand the fundamentals — what mining is, how ASICs work, what difficulty and power costs mean, and why professional hosting matters.

The next question most beginners ask is simple: “How do I actually get started?”
This guide lays out the logical next steps — from choosing the right hardware to setting up hosting, optimizing performance, and positioning yourself for long-term success.

⚙️ Step 1: Decide Your Goals

Before buying equipment, define what you want mining to do for you.
Are you:

  • Looking for a long-term investment and exposure to Bitcoin?
  • Building a side business with consistent monthly returns?
  • Planning to scale into industrial-level operations?

Your goals determine how much you invest, what hardware to choose, and how you structure your setup (personal vs. business entity).

💡 Step 2: Choose the Right ASIC Hardware

By 2025, ASICs are the only profitable option for proof-of-work mining.
When selecting a miner, focus on:

  • Efficiency (J/TH): The lower, the better.
  • Hashrate: More power means more rewards — if your energy rate supports it.
  • Brand & reliability: Stick to trusted models like the Antminer S21 or Whatsminer M66.

If you’re unsure what’s best for your goals and budget, the Pickaxe team can help match you with the right hardware and power profile.

⚡ Step 3: Secure Affordable Power Through Hosting

Electricity cost is the single biggest factor in profitability.
Rather than paying residential rates, most miners now host their machines in professional colocation facilities with industrial power (often $0.06–$0.09 per kWh).

Hosting with Pickaxe gives you that advantage immediately — plus proper cooling, uptime monitoring, and maintenance so your miners operate at peak performance without the noise or hassle.

🔗 Step 4: Connect to a Mining Pool

To earn consistent rewards, you’ll connect your ASICs to a reputable mining pool such as Foundry USA or F2Pool.
Pools distribute rewards proportionally, providing steady income rather than waiting months for a solo-mined block.
Pickaxe helps configure your hardware to the best pool for your goals and risk tolerance.

🧾 Step 5: Set Up a Business Entity and Track Your Earnings

Once you’re mining regularly, you’ll want to manage your operation like a business.
Creating an LLC or S-Corp allows you to:

  • Deduct hosting, power, and equipment expenses.
  • Depreciate hardware under Section 179.
  • Keep clear records for tax reporting.

Pickaxe clients often integrate this step early, combining mining income with strategic tax optimization for the best long-term results.

📊 Step 6: Monitor, Optimize, and Scale

Mining success isn’t “set it and forget it.”
As difficulty and markets evolve, continue monitoring:

  • Uptime and temperature logs
  • Pool performance and payout frequency
  • Energy efficiency metrics

Professional hosting automates most of this, but staying informed helps you know when to expand, upgrade, or rebalance your hardware.

🧠 Step 7: Keep Learning

The mining industry changes fast — from new ASIC models to evolving tax laws and energy solutions.
Following Pickaxe’s ongoing education series ensures you stay ahead with practical, compliance-friendly insights that help you make smarter decisions as you grow.

🚀 Get Started with Pickaxe

You’ve learned how mining works — now it’s time to put that knowledge to work. Pickaxe makes getting started simple with turnkey hosting, industrial-rate power, and expert support so you can focus on earning rewards, not managing hardware.

👉 Get started with Pickaxe