1. Ask for permission.
If your chosen site is a private property, get permission from the owner. If you show them the common courtesy of asking first, they surely will be very accommodating. You can also share some of your finds with the owner.

2. Research.
Do a research first to know if the area has already been hunted.

3. Look at some old maps.
Old maps present some places that new maps don't. They also show some great spots for detecting metals such as old churches, old schools, and many others.

4. Do your metal detecting in the rain or after a good hard rain.
Don't be afraid of getting wet because it's good to do your treasure hunting when it is raining or right after the rain. Why? Because when the ground is wet, the detector becomes more sensitive to emit a signal due to the ground's higher conductivity. Also, the rain softens and loosens the soil, bringing those buried treasure closer to the ground surface. It also makes digging much easier. Just don't forget to get a poncho and to buy a waterproof cover for your detector.

5. Try using your detector on the beach first before using it in a field.
This is a good idea because it is easy to detect treasure in the sand. It is as well easier to dig in. Also, since the beach is a place where more people hang out, there's a big chance that you'll find more valuable items in there.

6. Use headphones when detecting metal.
It is always advisable to wear earphones because most of the time, small variations in tone cannot be noticed especially if the background noise is louder.

7. Bring with you digging tools and other accessories.
Nugget bottles, plastic containers, digging tools, scuff cover, and many other accessories can be of great help to you.

8. Get a protective cap for your search coil.
Search coils are expensive so it's better to give it a protective cap.

9. Wear knee pads.
Metal detecting also involves bending and kneeling so it is advisable to wear hard-cap knee pads.

10. Know the history of your place.
The history of your city is very much helpful in finding a good treasure hunting spot. Know where the battle ground and picnic ground is. Find out also if there are abandoned ports and marinas in your locality.