A method of propping created fractures and microfractures in tight formation. The method includes injecting into a wellbore a first pad fluid stage; injecting into the wellbore a second pad fluid stage; injecting into the wellbore a diverting agent; and injecting into the wellbore a main proppant slurry stage; wherein the first pad fluid stage includes an aqueous-based fluid at a rate above the fracturing gradient to create a fracture, wherein the second pad fluid stage includes an aqueous-based fluid and a low concentration of a proppant mixture including a slurry of small proppant materials and/or a slurry of conventional proppant materials to extend the fracture and open up secondary induced fractures, and wherein the main proppant slurry stage includes an aqueous-based fluid and a proppant with a larger size than the small proppant particles in the second pad fluid stage.