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Maria Sparagis
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Uncensored Direct Marketing
Stripe Settings That Sabotage Your Upsells
Why Stripe Declines Upsells & How to Fix It: Optimize Your Funnel for More ConversionsIf your upsells are getting declined—especially after the front-end sale goes through—this episode is a must-watch. 💳 In this in-depth breakdown, Maria Sparagis explains exactly why Stripe and other payment processors may be flagging your upsell offers, and what you can do to increase approval rates in your checkout funnel.🔍 Learn:- Why upsells and order bumps get flagged—even after a front-end sale- How Stripe Radar rules and default settings could be killing your conversions
2025-06-26
23 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
This guy runs BILLION DOLLAR advertising campaigns - Marketing Expert Nathan Yeung shares all
Nathan Yeung is a marketing expert that generates millions of dollars in annual revenue for his billion-dollar clients. He's a marketing genius that understands how to run wildly successful paid and organic campaigns in both B2B and B2C verticals. In this exclusive interview, Maria Sparagis sits down with renowned Marketing Operations expert Nathan Yeung to uncover the secrets behind a successful social media campaign. Discover the strategies that businesses can employ to effectively leverage both paid and organic methods in order to maximize their online presence and reach their target audience. From optimizing ad spend...
2023-05-18
41 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Protect your business from fraud & scammers | How to WIN chargebacks
It’s frustrating to sell products or services online and get a chargeback or dispute 45 or even 60 days later. Online business owners know that chargebacks are the bane of their company’s existenceMaria is an online sales expert and she’s here to explain how to ELIMINATE chargebacks, regardless of which industry you’re in or product you’re selling.This is a must-listen episode if you’re a business owner who’s losing money from customers who are being dishonest with you. There’s a way to win these disputes in a cost-effect...
2023-02-16
10 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to MONETIZE your PASSION | Steve Mastroianni
Steve Mastroianni is a successful former rock star who revolutionized the online guru space while simultaneously taking care of his father when the pandemic first broke out. Now, he makes a killer living helping other people achieve their dreams, just as he did with music. His drive is proof that turning a passion into a career is possible, lucrative, and everyone can do it with the right mindset.In this episode, he sits down with online payment specialist Maria Sparagis to discuss: How ANYONE can make money off their passionWhy being an online guru is an i...
2023-02-02
56 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Create the Career of Your Dreams | Carolyn Santo
There are few skills more important than the ability to sell. Carolyn Santo is a true testament to that, as a leading idea generator and copywriter. She’s worked on some of the most exciting—and successful—offers in Direct Response Marketing throughout her career.Follow her lead as she explains how she achieved the career of her DREAMS in this conversation with online payment specialist Maria Sparagis.In this episode, these two successful women discuss: Why sales is the best skill you can haveHow to create a WORLD DOMINATION plan that skyrockets your lifesty...
2023-01-26
48 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Killer Strategies to Supercharge Your Email Marketing | Kyle Dana
Email marketing is a massively lucrative industry, generating billions of dollars in revenue every year. Maria was lucky enough to sit down with one of the leading experts in this constantly evolving field, Digistore24’s Kyle Dana, and the takeaways are MIND-BLOWING for anyone who’s interested in using email marketing to SUPERCHARGE their business.In this episode, you’ll find:INSANE email marketing hacks you HAVE to trySubject line advice that could 10x your open ratesAn answer to “will AI replace email marketers?”How AI is revolutionizing email marketing RIGHT NOWEmail marketing is an incr...
2023-01-19
52 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Be a MILLIONAIRE with This Entrepreneur Mindset
Audio Podcast DetailsDo you feel like you're stuck in a rut with your business? Are you not seeing the growth you'd hoped for? It might be time to gain the entrepreneur mindset. In this episode of the Uncensored Direct Marketing podcast, Laura Catella – an expert copywriting coach and founder of Diamond Day Mastermind – provides insight into how to become the best in your industry by gaining the entrepreneur mindset.She also dives into the difference between male and female entrepreneurs, and how to get over that roadblock to become the best...
2022-11-10
40 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Be a MILLIONAIRE with This Entrepreneur Mindset
Do you feel like you're stuck in a rut with your business? Are you not seeing the growth you'd hoped for? It might be time to gain the entrepreneur mindset. In this episode of the Uncensored Direct Marketing podcast, Laura Catella – an expert copywriting coach and founder of Diamond Day Mastermind – provides insight into how to become the best in your industry by gaining the entrepreneur mindset.She also dives into the difference between male and female entrepreneurs, and how to get over that roadblock to become the best business owner you can be.
2022-11-10
12 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
3 HARD TRUTHS to Make You an Expert Copywriter
Are you ready to become a top-notch copywriter but don't know what you're doing wrong? Stefan has the answers.We talked to Stefan Georgi, an expert copywriter, about how he got started and what he learned along the way. His advice may be harsh, but it's exactly what you need to kickstart your career.Niche, niche, niche. We’re always talking about niches, but Stefan says you shouldn’t focus on just one—especially when you’re just starting out. Why limit yourself? Explore the industries, find your footing, and narrow down once you...
2022-10-13
06 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Choose THE BEST Fulfillment Center for Your Supplements
Looking for a fulfillment center can be overwhelming. How do you choose the right one? And how can you be sure they're going to provide the level of service you need? In this interview, Malcolm McKinnons walks us through what to look for when choosing a fulfillment center, and provides some great tips on how to prevent chargebacks for supplement merchants.The 4 things you should look for include:1 - Experience — The fulfillment house for your supplements business should have experience in the supplements industry.2 - Integration — Fulfillment centers are also digital services, not just...
2022-09-29
08 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
The BEST TIME TO SELL Your Crypto Business
When you're ready to sell your crypto business, don't wait until it's too late. When you sell at the right time, you can walk away with profits that will take your next project to new levels of success.But what is the right time? How do you know when to sell? That's what Lane Gordon is here to answer.Whether it's because your interest in crypto is waning or because life has taken a turn and you need to put your focus elsewhere, selling your business will always be a good option...
2022-09-15
05 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
5 Seconds to Grab Their Attention — YouTube Ad Strategies
Today we're talking all about how to grab your audience's attention in the first 5 seconds of your video. KEY TAKEAWAY: the first 5 seconds of your ad is what matters most.That's because if you can't convince them in that time, they'll just click away without giving your video a chance. You need to write an ad hook that grabs their attention, holds their gaze, and doesn’t let go until they’re ready to click “buy”.So how do you write a good ad hook? Well, it depends on what type of content...
2022-09-08
05 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
4 Ways to Make More Money in 24 Hours with NO ADDITIONAL SPENDING #declined transactions
Are declined transactions harming your conversion rate? Here are 4 tips you can implement right now that will boost your approval rate overnight at no cost to you.Declined transactions suck. No matter if it's because the customer entered their details wrong or their bank thinks the payment is suspicious, it harms your merchant account, relationship with your processor, and your bottom line. So here are the best no-cost ways to cancel out declined transactions. 1 - Use a domestic merchant account — Use an account where your customers are. Foreign transactions are always flagged as hig...
2022-09-01
09 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Get Your MONEY BACK After Stripe Holding Funds
Is Stripe holding funds from you? If they are, this is the video for you. And if they aren’t, pay attention so you can avoid it from happening.We know how convenient Stripe is. We also know how often Stripe users get their funds frozen, accounts shut down, and money vanished. We receive at least 20 emails PER WEEK from burnt Stripe customers looking for help. You did everything right—you followed all the rules, but still ended up getting your account shut down for no reason.Stripe holds funds for 90 days. Peri...
2022-08-25
07 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to GENERATE SALES with PODCASTING
Podcasting is a powerful marketing tool that can help you generate sales. The best part? You don't even have to start your own show to benefit. Find out exactly how you can use podcasts to generate sales right here. In this video, Luis Diaz, a podcast expert, will teach you how to use podcasting as a marketing tool. He'll also outline the difference between speaking to businesses versus consumers, provide the optimal length for your episodes, and what's in store for the future of podcasting. There's more to podcasting than simply st...
2022-08-18
33 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
A COPYWRITING COACH Helped Me Earn MILLIONS
If you're a copywriter struggling to get your copywriting game on point, listen up. Andrew Contreras was making a decent living, but knew there was more he could be doing. Then, he hired a coach and it changed his life.Since then, his business has exploded. He wrote a multimillion dollar offer called The Christian Diet that's made him a fortune and taken his career to new heights.In this interview, we talk about how copywriting can help you grow your career as an entrepreneur, how to find a copywriting coach or improve your own...
2022-08-11
08 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Stolen Content? What to Do About It with Al Evans
Stolen Content? Don't want the legal overhead? Takedown Czar is here for you. Today, we're talking with Al Evans of Takedown Czar to uncover what they do for you and what YOU can do to protect yourself from ripped off offers, a pirated IP, and stolen products. Al Evans defines Takedown Czar as doing "everything lawyers won't do". But he doesn't mean that in some nefarious, underground sense. It's along the lines of avoiding the court system, lawyers, legal fees, and all the rest but still getting your IP piracy concerns ta...
2022-08-04
36 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
6 Ways to RECESSION-PROOF Your Direct Response Business
When recession is on the horizon, most businesses hunker down and do all they can to hoard the money they have—but you can use this as an opportunity for growth.Today, I'm giving you 6 tips that are proven to help recession-proof your business:1 - a growth opportunity through ad spend2 - stay ahead of the curve by focusing on getting your current customers to spend more3 - utilize email capture and nurture cart abandonment issues4 - understand your bank decline messages5 - use fr...
2022-07-28
14 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Make 25% MORE with This AFFILIATE PARTNER Plan
Listen up: we've got a new way to approach affiliate marketing. Amber Spears is an expert on the topic, and she has some advice that can help YOU make 25% more money.As the founder of East 5th Avenue, Amber knows what it takes to build a successful affiliate partner program. Today, we want to share the top tips she's given us.You can watch the full-length episode here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEGNA1si0w0&t=1841s First, let's talk about what affiliate p...
2022-07-21
07 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
5 Simple Hacks That CUT REFUNDS IN HALF #refunds
The biggest hit to your online business revenue: product returns, refunds, and chargebacks. Most business owners focus on handling chargebacks (and so do we), but refunds are equally important and can affect your revenue just as much. In fact, returns and refunds affect your bottom line revenue by as much as 20%! And that's not even including all the time it takes to process those returns as well as the customer service costs, which can also add up to significant losses for your business. Simply put, the cost of...
2022-07-14
15 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
FASTTRACK YOUR OFFER TO 6 FIGURES with MIDs, Marketing, and Optimization | Chad Hamzeh
MMA fighter turned marketing genius, Chad Hamzeh is here to give you his tips on how to optimize everything from offers and emails to merchant statements, processing fees and your MIDs. How did Chad go from fighting in the ring to becoming one of the most sought-after marketers in the industry? Dedication and perseverance—two things taken from the ring. He has grown multiple 7-8 figure businesses selling everything from supplements, to info products to marketing services. So what's Chad's secret? He understands what makes an offer great as well as how t...
2022-07-07
42 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Daily Email Marketing Is KILLING Customer Retention
Email marketing can be a great way to build your brand and engage with customers, but it's important to remember that it's not a one-size-fits-all approach.In this video, Brennan Hopkins—an e-commerce email marketing expert—discusses the dangers of sending too many emails and offers some tips for how you can get the most out of your email marketing strategy.Like many, you're probably thinking, "I'll just send an email every day," but what happens when your customers start to get annoyed? That's when you lose them. They stop trusting you, and they unsubscribe from...
2022-06-30
06 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
The CRYPTO REVOLUTION Is Here with Ryan Horst #cryptocurrency
The crypto market is red hot right now. But what's it all about? Is it real or is it just a fad? And—most important—how can you profit from it? Ryan Horst, founder of BIG Crypto, joins me for a discussion on the present and future of cryptocurrency.If you've ever wanted to learn more about the world of cryptocurrency, this is your chance. We dabble into bitcoin and cryptocurrency all the time on this podcast, which goes to show how prominent blockchain technology is —and will become— for merchants and consumers, alike.Ryan clears u...
2022-06-23
40 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
LEVERAGE Your Payment Processor for 20% BACK on Your Bottom Line
Are you getting the most out of your payments processor?If you're like most business owners, you're always looking for ways to increase your bottom line. And we've got a solution that will help you do just that—leveraging your payment processor.Today’s episode is a snippet from our interview with Julian Reyes, who gave us a few valuable pieces of insight regarding his own journey leveraging his payment processors. With our tips and tricks, you can gain up to 20% back on your bottom line simply by paying attention to bank decl...
2022-06-16
04 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Create LEAD GENERATING Video Content with Kevin DuBose
Creating video content is a fantastic medium to grow your business and brand, if done right. But what are you supposed to do? How are you supposed to create content that people actually want to watch AND interact with? How important is view count, really?In this episode, Kevin DuBose ("The Video Guy") speaks about the do's and don’ts of video marketing and how he uses both long-form and short-form video on social media platforms to grow the brands he works with. Learn how to build a content calendar without having to...
2022-06-09
35 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Everything Direct Response Marketers NEED TO KNOW About Native Ads — Eli Cohen
Native advertising is a huge player in the online marketing space, and if you don't know what it means or how to use it to your advantage, you're about to get left behind.That's why I invited Eli Cohen, an experienced ad buyer, who has been in the industry for over a decade working with some of the largest brands. In this interview he educates us on all things native ads.Native ads are probably the most misunderstood platform in the direct response marketer's toolbox. Ever heard of them? Probably. But do you know who...
2022-06-02
12 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Affiliate Network Exec REVEALS ALL for What Makes a Killer Offer - Raanan Rosenbaum
Ready to learn the truth about maintaining compliant affiliate marketing offers? I interview Raanan Rosenbaum, Director of Business Development at MaxWeb—one of the top affiliate networks in the world.The affiliate marketing industry is filled with opportunities for those who know how to move between programs and networks properly. Over the years I've spoken and consulted with thousands of merchants, agencies, and affiliates on best practices, compliance strategies, and strategies to improve conversion rates.Today, we're talking with Raanan about not only what makes a successful offer, but also how to take your experience wo...
2022-05-26
40 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
4 Tips to Write Sales Copy That Gets RESULTS with veteran copywriter Ning Li
"Solid copy, solid direct response fundamentals still work in every niche." — Ning LiHow do you actually write sales copy that sells? What tactics should you use? How do you connect with people and make them WANT to buy from YOU?Whether it's creating a launch page for your new ebook, creating a video ad for Facebook, or creating an email marketing campaign- it is all sales copy.Ning is a master copywriter, working with some of the biggest names in direct response. He has written several sales letters that ha...
2022-05-19
06 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Stripe Closed My Account - Start Accepting Credit Cards Again Fast
“The best solution is to start processing elsewhere.” - MariaWhen Stripe suspends your account, it feels like the downfall of your entire business. But you CAN get your business back up and running. Tune in for these must-do tips on how to get your business back up and running and start processing credit card payments again when Stripe closes your account. You’re not alone. Many businesses suffer at the hands of Stripe and similar 3rd-party processors. These tips are directed at merchants like you who use Stripe but don’t fit their...
2022-05-12
08 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
The secret to effortlessly Adding Subscribers to Your Email List with Troy Ericson, The Email Paramedic.
Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to build your brand and make people buy from you. But how do you start building an email marketing campaign and grow your email list? Tune in to this quick but informative conversation with The Email Paramedic, Troy Ericson. Troy is a Direct Response Copywriter and Email Deliverability Expert. He is a pro at getting offers to convert on cold traffic, finding every penny you're missing on your email list, and getting your emails to land in the primary inbox. So if you need help with any of t...
2022-05-05
06 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Create Unskippable YouTube Ads Using Emotional Discovery with Johnson Li
What's the #1 most important thing you need to create successful YouTube ads?Tune in to hear how Johnson Li, former partner, and CMO at Mike Chang Fitness creates an “unskippable hook”. Mike Chang Fitness was the top-performing fitness channel on YouTube for 2 years with famous products SixPackShortcuts and Abs Over 40. Johnson is an expert video sales script expert and top sales copywriting trainer. He has written video ads that have produced over 1.5 Billion views and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Johnson is launching an advanced YouTube Video and Ad course c...
2022-04-28
40 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Get Copywriting Jobs and Sharpen Your Skills with Samantha Novak
In the last few years, content and copy have become necessary for any brand with an online presence. “Content is King,” says Bill Gates. Businesses all over the world have been spending more on good content and copy that converts. Thus, the need for excellent copywriters. But how do you convince business owners to hire you? Where do you even start, and how can you accelerate your growth? Today's guest, Samantha Novak, will share her copywriting journey and provide golden insights into becoming a successful copywriter!Samantha is best known as an Elite Copywriter, Copy Coach, and Mark...
2022-04-21
46 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Find the Best Prospects for Your Coaching Program with Rich Schefren
Are you a coach, consultant, or expert who wants to offer a coaching program but hates the idea of selling, or you just simply don't know how to do it effectively? Then, get ready to learn the best way to make people want to join your coaching program in today's episode with "The Coach to the Gurus" – Rich Schefren. Rich is an Internet Marketing pioneer and one of the world’s leading experts in online business strategy. He has coached the world’s top online business gurus and helped them grow their revenues exponentially. Rich authored the first “...
2022-04-14
05 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Boost Your Average Order Value with These 3 Upsell Techniques
If your primary product is converting well, but you want to boost your revenue, upselling is the easiest way to do it! So instead of selling one product or service, you’re showing customers that they have other options to meet their needs effectively beyond their initial purchase. In addition, giving customers more alternatives improves their experience with your products and services, allowing you to build relationships and create more desirable offers in the future!Curious to know what upselling techniques you can implement? Tune in to this episode to get three concrete ideas that will help yo...
2022-04-07
12 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Make 10K a Month by Following These 3 Rules | How Maria Sparagis Built a 7 Figure Fintech Business
What does success look like to you? Is there a shortcut to get there? Success is something that many people desire, but what does it really take to be successful? Let's hear it from someone who knows what it takes to build a thriving business. If you do not know her story, this is your chance to listen to the compact version. Today, Maria will let you in on the three key strategies that took her from a struggling entrepreneur to building a successful business helping thousands of 7-8 figure businesses with their funnel and payment systems!
2022-03-31
13 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
From Rags to Riches | Online Marketers Share Their Journey From Poor to 8 Figures
If you are an entrepreneur or a copywriter struggling with impostor syndrome, self-doubt, and you're just not making enough money, this episode is for you. If you need inspiration and motivation, know that you are not alone in your journey. Many direct response business owners and freelancers also struggled on their way to the top. The important thing is to take steps every day to reach your goal. Consistency is the main ingredient to success. Keep trying until you see a breakthrough and push forward. Learn from these entrepreneurs whose journey probably started the same way as yours.
2022-03-24
21 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Is Your PayPal Account Frozen? Here’s What You Can Do to Recover Your Funds and Keep Your Business Running
Has PayPal frozen your funds? If Paypal is your only source of accepting payment, then payment holds can be very frustrating. This can usually happen if you're selling supplements or in any business classified as high-risk. Other triggers include scaling too fast or getting numerous disputes or chargebacks. But can PayPal legally freeze your account? If you want to know why they froze your funds, how to prevent it from happening again, and the steps you need to take to recover your funds, listen to this episode until the end. You can also access additional resources to l...
2022-03-17
16 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Take Your Copywriting Skills to the Next Level With These Expert Tips
Copywriting has become synonymous with making money, freedom, and a flexible schedule. But what does it really take to become a successful copywriter? What steps can you follow to take copywriting from a side gig to a career that supports the life you’ve dreamed of? There are tons of resources online on how to level up your copywriting skills. But you might get lost in all the information. So, to help you fast track your learning, here are the best copywriting tips and strategies from some of the world's highest-paid copywriters and offer owners. Getting mentored by these ex...
2022-03-10
11 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
SUPPLEMENT INDUSTRY MARKETING: Avoid Compliance Errors with e-commerce attorney Chip Cooper
The supplements industry is one of the most profitable businesses in the world. But supplement merchants face a big challenge as governing bodies crackdown on sellers who violate the rules. So, it’s important to conduct good marketing practices when advertising your offer to keep your business running.To guide us with FTC Compliance, Maria interviews Chip Cooper, Attorney, Co-Founder & CEO of FTC Guardian, the #1 FTC Compliance Training Provider & Most Advanced Online Compliance & SaaS Document Generation Platform. This episode is very informative and can help you avoid the pitfalls when marketing your health products online and on th...
2022-03-03
38 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Grow Your Affiliate Marketing Program with These Tips from Top Experts
Affiliate marketing can be one of the most profitable ways to make money online. But it's not as easy as you think. Affiliate marketers can either be a blessing or a nightmare for business owners. Learning to leverage affiliate traffic to grow your business is a huge advantage, but you have to manage your affiliates properly. If you don't, they will cause tremendous losses in your business. Here's a special episode showcasing the best advice from top affiliate managers and business owners. If you’re ready to maximize your revenue utilizing affiliates, tune in to this episode! “Set y...
2022-02-24
13 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Affiliate Marketing And Product Monetization for Your Store with Sven Platte of Digistore24
How does a small or medium-sized business compete in the viciously competitive global market? Is there a way to level the playing field? Lucky for you digital marketers out there, someone thought of your struggles and created a solution. Today's guest is Sven Platte, the Founder and CEO of Digistore24, a digital sales automation platform with an integrated sales partner marketplace. Sven has built two 9-figure companies that help thousands to monetize their passion. Although he is wildly successful, he does not consider himself a Guru. Sven continues to learn and get better at business, investment, health, a...
2022-02-17
46 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Effective Chargeback Dispute Management with David Pirtle
Merchants lose billions of dollars to fraudulent activity every year, and “friendly fraud” is the fastest-growing form. It's impossible not to experience chargebacks, especially when you are a high-risk merchant and accept credit card payments. No wonder chargeback management is a huge business. If excessive chargebacks are beginning to impact your business, do not hesitate to ask for help. Work with a chargeback management expert who would be happy to discuss different ideas and plans to help you fight fraud and avoidable threats to your business. After all, you are in business to get customers, not fight chargebacks. Tod...
2022-02-10
39 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Conversion Hacks for High Ticket Coaching Programs
When making online purchases, people want a frictionless transaction. So they'll abandon the cart and forget about it if something goes wrong. Unfortunately, for high ticket transactions, declines are even higher. The key to converting more high ticket offers is in your checkout process. Today's episode provides excellent tips to maximize conversion and make more sales. If you are a high ticket coach or selling a high ticket offer, you don't want to miss this opportunity to learn simple ways to increase your conversion rate by as much as 20%.“Getting somebody in your funnel isn't the end of...
2022-02-03
08 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Best Kept Secrets Shared By The World's Top Marketers
How would you like to get actionable tips from the world's best marketers? These world-class experts normally charge thousands of dollars for private consultations. But in today's episode, you’re getting access to some of the best advice from not just one, but from 14 marketers who have generated BILLIONS of dollars in sales. From copywriting to affiliate marketing to creating offers and all the important topics in between. Whether you’re just getting started or already consider yourself a guru, there’s sure to be a helpful tip or two for you in this specially curated episode, so don't miss i...
2022-01-27
19 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Free Merchant Accounts: What's The Catch?
If you're a new online business owner who wants to minimize costs, the idea of getting a free merchant account is very appealing. But make no mistake, nothing in business is ever really free. There are always fees associated with processing credit card payments. It's just a question of who pays for it – you or your customers. So be wary of so-called “free merchant accounts”. They can result in business losses in the long run. As always, you're listening to another value-packed episode. So, take note of the solutions that will help you save money and convert more sal...
2022-01-20
10 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
What is a Payment Gateway and Why You Need One?
Do you understand how a payment transaction works? While it might seem that accepting payments is as simple as swiping the customer's card, a few things happen before the transactions get approved. If you do not understand the role of your payment gateway, merchant account, and CRM, you could end up frustrated if something goes wrong. This 10-minute episode explains how everything works together and why you might have to choose one payment gateway over another. It's crucial to know what you really need to focus on to keep your business running smoothly.
2022-01-13
10 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Why You Need a High-Risk Merchant Account
Getting your account shut down can be extremely stressful, and we’ve talked before about when Stripe freezes your account and holds your funds. But today we’re going to talk about the steps to take to get your business back up, so you’re able to process and accept credit card payments again. The MOST important piece of advice to remember is, DON’T WAIT! The sooner you start taking action, the sooner you can start accepting payments again.To ensure your business is not disrupted, it’s best to have a backup online payment processor. In this ep...
2022-01-06
11 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Reduce Post-Holiday Chargebacks
The holiday season provides the necessary sales boost to meet your year-end sales goals. Traditionally, Black Friday marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season and online sales volumes continue to rise right up until Christmas. But while it's an excellent season for online retailers, there is a downside. Post-holiday chargebacks start to happen at the start of the new year. Issues like fraudulent purchases and buyer's remorse lead to returns and cancellations. Chargebacks can hit hard if you have not prepared your business to handle them. So what do you need to do as a high-risk o...
2021-12-30
13 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Maximize Operational Efficiency for Your Online Store with these 5 Tips
As we’re nearing the end of 2021, it's good to review what worked, what hasn’t, and what can be optimized. You should perform an audit regularly to make sure your business is running smoothly. Reflection and preparation are necessary to gear up for 2022, especially if you want to increase your revenue and productivity while staying competitive in your space. In today’s episode, Maria walks you through five major things you can do to optimize your systems and have a better year. So, tune in for some quick wins and low-hanging fruits. Discover simple ways to take yo...
2021-12-23
13 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How a Global Affiliate Marketing Network Can 10X Your Business with Alex Gunoe and Digistore24
Providing an excellent follow-up to last week's episode on affiliate marketing, Maria interviews Alex Gunoe, Director of Business Development at Digistore24, one of the largest international networks of professional affiliates. Digistore24 is filled with affiliates who are ready to help market your products! Alex is a former PE teacher, gym founder, and wrestling coach who now helps businesses grow their reach and sell internationally. Discover the future of network marketing and more in today's episode of Uncensored Direct Marketing. “Being honest and upfront is a better tactic when you're trying to talk to affiliates.” ...
2021-12-16
38 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Secrets to a Profitable Affiliate Marketing Program with Amber Spears
As a business owner, affiliate marketing is one traffic source you should consider if you haven't already. And since it's almost the end of the year, you're probably starting to plan for 2022. So take a break and listen to this episode to learn how you can increase your revenue with affiliate marketing. Today's guest is affiliate marketing expert Amber Spears, Co-Founder of East 5th Avenue, a high-end, boutique affiliate management company specializing in health and personal development offers. She is also the Co-Founder of Mimosa Mastermind, a tactical, practical, and all-inclusive Mastermind for health, wellness, and personal d...
2021-12-09
46 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
The P.I.G. Method - How to Use Emotional Storytelling to Write Persuasive Copy with Chris Haddad
Many freelancers want to venture into copywriting but oftentimes come up short when it comes to writing compelling copy. Copywriting goes beyond just writing words or sharing a great story. Successful copywriting creates an emotional reaction in its readers. Every word should trigger a strong emotion for the reader. Most of the time, people buy products based on how it makes them feel and not logic. So it is crucial to know your customers and what it is that makes them want to buy what you are offering. Only then can you write the message that will move them...
2021-11-30
40 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Stripe Banned my Account, Now What?
With the surge of online businesses, comes the demand for credit card payment solutions. New online business owners, who are rushing to accept credit card payments, tend to use Stripe or PayPal because they are easy to set up. So what could go wrong? But it’s not a good idea to rely heavily on either Stripe or PayPal, if you hope to have uninterrupted business operations. Stripe tends to freeze or restrict business transactions without warning. And there’s no point arguing or fighting with them about it. Instead, it’s best to make sure you always...
2021-11-25
08 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Accept Payments for Your High Ticket Coaching Program
Are you selling unique high-ticket training offers, mastermind sessions, or a coaching program? If so, you will need a premium payment solution to accept payments for such offers. Unfortunately, premium pricing carries a lot of risk for banks, so they tend to be extra cautious in dealing with high-risk merchants. Sure, you can temporarily use payment aggregators like Stripe or PayPal, but they can't support you in the long run. They’re more likely to shut you down or freeze your account without warning. That’s why high-risk merchant accounts are preferable for selling high-ticket offers. Tune in to...
2021-11-18
11 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Set Up a US Merchant Account for Non US Residents
Many times, non-US merchants run into issues that most merchants don’t talk about, so they get frustrated when encountering problems they do not understand. If you are a non-US merchant selling in the US market and do not have a US merchant account, it’s best to be aware of your options. There will be times when there are no clear solutions or workarounds to your issue. Today, Maria answers two of the biggest questions and provides advice for selling your products to the US. Let’s dive in! “It's good to understand the problems so you can t...
2021-11-11
10 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Write High Converting Landing Pages and Emails with Copywriting Coach Ning Li
Copywriting is perhaps the most lucrative freelance career out there, especially since a lot of businesses hire copywriters for a majority of their marketing campaigns. But can anyone become a successful copywriter? How much can you really make as a copywriter? Where do you find premium copywriting clients? These are some of the questions that will be answered in today's episode, as Maria interviews direct response copywriter and copywriting coach Ning Li. Ning Li is the Copy Chief for PaleoHacks, the leading cookbook brand on the internet. He has also written for direct response giants like Boardroom, A...
2021-11-04
38 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Get Approved for a High-Risk Merchant Account with this Quick Website Compliance Checklist
High-risk merchants and direct response marketers face a significant challenge in the e-commerce space because of compliance issues. Almost everything you do from creating your website, to publishing content on different platforms, and running ads, has to be legally compliant. Therefore, everyone on your team should work together to ensure you adhere to all compliance requirements, or you’ll risk the suspension or termination of your business. Tune in today for some quick tips to help you navigate the challenges of staying compliant amongst the different regulations.“Your online reputation matters not just for compliance but for your...
2021-10-28
15 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How Much Is My Online Business Worth with Lane Gordon
What type of business do you have and how much is it worth? In this week’s episode, we hear from Lane Gordon, founder of 733Park, a cutting-edge boutique consulting firm with offices in Boston and New York. Lane shares the essential advice he tells clients about continuously creating value for their company, especially subscription-based businesses in high-risk spaces like SaaS, CBD, and supplements. He also fills us in on trends in tech acquisitions, how to plan your exit strategy, and what to look for when planning a business acquisition. “Market downturns provide huge opportunities to innovate.” ...
2021-10-21
39 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Stripe Froze My Account and My Funds - What Now?
What would you do if you logged in to your account and suddenly realized that Stripe had frozen your funds? Do you have a backup plan? Just because it’s easy to sign up for a Stripe account, doesn’t mean you won’t have issues. Using 3rd party payment solutions is not always advisable, especially for high-risk merchants. So how do you minimize the frustration of dealing with this scenario? Know your options and choose what’s best for your business. Tune in to this episode to learn how to recover your funds and get your business up and runn...
2021-10-14
10 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Quick Tips to Boost Revenue for Subscription-Based Business
Subscription and membership-based business models can be very profitable if you know how to do it right. These business models are based on ongoing relationships and are designed to deliver greater value in the long run for both the customer and the seller. So how can you take full advantage of the opportunities in the subscription and membership economy? Get ready to receive a wealth of knowledge and valuable tips, to maximize your revenue with subscriptions in today’s episode of Uncensored Direct Marketing. “The basis of every decision that I make with my clients (at DirectPaynet) is le...
2021-10-07
11 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Simple Tips to Increase Upsell Revenue
Upselling increases revenue by 10-30% on average. It’s easier to sell to existing customers than attract new ones. But what is the best strategy for upsells? How many upsells should you have? How should you bill upsells, and what are the price points? These are the questions that Maria will answer in today’s episode. If you agree that upselling is one of the best ways to maximize your revenue, tune in to discover simple strategies for effective upselling.“There’s no hard and fast rule for any business; these are things that you shou...
2021-09-30
12 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How Do I Setup A High Risk Merchant Account in the Adult Industry
The multi-billion-dollar adult entertainment industry offers an enticing opportunity for entrepreneurs to make money, for those interested in taking the risk. In the last two years alone, over 2 million adult tube sites have popped up online. So, even with economic uncertainties, one thing for sure is that adult entertainment is still a very profitable business. But how do you manage to thrive in this highly competitive and risky industry?A few key things to remember if you are an adult merchant: first, make sure you stay on top of the changes in regulations and maintain full compliance...
2021-09-23
13 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Stripe and PayPal Alternative for Dropshipping
Starting a dropshipping business, as with any type of business, comes with its own set of challenges. It’s a big step into the world of entrepreneurship. You can sell to customers without holding any inventory—no need to spend money purchasing products and renting a warehouse. And if you’re serious about this venture, you can build a sustainable source of income in the long run. Today's episode with Maria talks about the basics of running a dropshipping business. You might think you don't have to bother with the issues being discussed here, but dealing with them up...
2021-09-16
16 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Business Coaching for Direct Response Marketers with Internet Marketing Pioneer Rich Schefren (part 2)
Today we continue the mind-blowing conversation with Rich Schefren. If you're eager to dig deep into the future of direct response and online marketing, this episode will both excite you and scare you! But, it's better to be prepared than to fight change. So get ready to learn about the crazy and exciting changes that are coming to online marketing, in today's episode of Uncensored Direct Marketing. Don't forget to check out Part 1 of this conversation:Business Coaching for Direct Response Marketers with Internet Marketing Pioneer Rich Schefren part 1“If you...
2021-09-09
26 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Business Coaching for Direct Response Marketers with Internet Marketing Pioneer Rich Schefren (part 1)
Welcome to a power-packed episode of Uncensored Direct Marketing. Today's guest is Rich Schefren, also known as The Guru to the Gurus, having coached the world’s top online business gurus and growing his clients’ revenues by BILLIONS of dollars. Rich is widely recognized as an Internet Marketing pioneer and one of the world’s leading experts in online business strategy. He authored the first “viral” free business report, popularized online business coaching in 2005, invented the first automated webinar in 2007, and scaled 3 of his businesses to 7-figures a year. That's a lot of accomplishments! There's definitely so much we can...
2021-09-02
38 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Get Approved For A CBD Merchant Account
Many entrepreneurs are thinking about offering CBD because of its known benefits. Yes, it's a potentially lucrative business, but one that comes with strict regulations. On top of dealing with federal and state laws, it can be pretty challenging to get approved for a merchant account. Starting a CBD business without a merchant account is risky. So this is one component you want to get right. Unfortunately, most credit card payment processors don’t allow the use of their service for high-risk merchants, including CBD sellers. But there's a solution for that -- CBD merchant accounts. Tune in to th...
2021-08-26
17 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
4 Reasons Your Merchant Account Application Was Declined
When you're operating an online business, you want to have the ability to accept debit and credit card payments. So you’re going to need a reliable payment solution. In previous episodes, you’ve heard Maria talk about third-party processors like Stripe, PayPal, and ClickBank vs. merchant accounts and which is the best option. It's also a good idea to have a backup merchant account, even if you're already using Stripe or PayPal, to safeguard your business in the event that one of your other accounts gets suspended. Getting a merchant account can be tricky, especially if it’s...
2021-08-19
18 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How To Choose Tech For Your Online Direct Response Business with Luca Shelesky
Today's episode recaps the conversation between Maria and Luca Shelesky on how to choose the technology for your online direct response business. Luca is an offer owner, copywriter, and technology expert in the direct marketing space. He consults with Maria on the best payment set up for the products he's planning to launch. Luca also uses his technical expertise to customize his shopping cart and optimize his business model. This episode is an excellent resource if you're thinking about creating your own offer, giving you a few helpful tips on what steps to take. After all, “planning is...
2021-08-12
38 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
What is the MATCH List / TMF? Why are you on it and what to do.
Finding your business on the TMF file or MATCH list is one of the worst things that can happen to you as a merchant. Being placed on this list means that your merchant account has been terminated. What's worse, most merchants don't even receive sufficient notification that they’ve been TMF’d. In addition, if you don't have a backup payment processor, you probably won’t be able to find another processor anytime soon. So it's important to be careful when you choose your payment processor. If you’re using third-party processors like Stripe or PayPal, you’ll eventual...
2021-08-05
18 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Stripe, PayPal, ClickBank Or A Merchant Account, Which Option Is Best?
Part of running an online business is the ability to accept card payments. Luckily, there’s a simple way to begin accepting online credit card payments. You can choose a third-party payment service provider such as Stripe or PayPal and do away with an extensive application process or credit check. However, many customers have complained about sudden account holds or even account suspensions from Stripe and PayPal without warning or explanation. A better option is to set up a merchant account. It can be more time-consuming to set up but will likely end up costing you less down the ro...
2021-07-29
15 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Chargeback Management
A lot of merchants see chargebacks as an unavoidable cost of doing business. You may not realize it, but chargebacks can significantly impact your business if you're not paying attention. However, many chargebacks can be prevented if you have the right strategy. Good chargeback management incorporates chargeback prevention with battling illegitimate chargebacks while also taking steps to avoid future disputes. You can even reduce chargebacks by 40% or more with a few simple tweaks using the tools available to you as a merchant. In today's episode, we're going to talk about the tools that will help you reduce chargebacks, prevent...
2021-07-22
21 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Optimize Your Business Operations with Michele Lambert
The entire idea of being an entrepreneur is to be your own boss and do things your way. As a result, you might find it hard to delegate your business operations to someone else. But if you constantly find yourself exhausted at the end of the day, it might be time for you to get help so you can focus on the core aspects of your business. Hiring an Operations Manager or a Project Manager could be a great strategy to help you maximize your business and reach its full potential. So how do you choose the right person?
2021-07-15
39 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Checkout Pages
Today’s episode is short and to the point, packed with information and valuable tips to help make small changes to your payment processing, leading you to save money and convert more sales. We’re focusing on the checkout page. But before you start changing anything, make sure you have a clear understanding of the issues that you should look out for. Tune in for some reliable tips to improve your sales conversion while providing a better customer experience at checkout. “If somebody wants to buy, make sure you convert them and give them what they're looking for.” ...
2021-07-08
14 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Jumpstart Your Freelance Copywriting Career with Gurleen Singh
If you google "how to make money online," you'll come up with pages of results. Yes, there are legitimate and profitable ways to make money online. From freelance digital nomads to online marketers to startup entrepreneurs, there are plenty of ideas you can try as long as you have a laptop and internet connection. Among the many opportunities to make money online, a few jump out as the most lucrative, and copywriting is one of them. But you don't become a highly paid copywriter overnight. If you want to know how to jumpstart your freelance copywriting career, tun...
2021-07-01
39 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Merchant Account Rates
Selling a product or service does not end when your customer enters their payment information at check out. There's a lot that goes on in the backend which your merchant account provider does for you. So how do you choose which merchant account provider is the best for your type of business? Pricing can be a critical factor in selecting a merchant account provider, especially when you're on a budget, but there are other things you need to consider. And if you're serious about keeping your expenses to a minimum, you must pay close attention to the most common...
2021-06-24
20 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Stripe Account Suspended
You thought your business was running smoothly after a successful launch. Your payment processing set up with Stripe was quick and didn’t cost anything upfront. The first few credit card transactions worked fine -- then you wake up one morning unable to process payments. Next, you get an email saying Stripe suspended your account. Just like that. No warning, no explanation. Worse, they put a hold on your funds for the next 90 to 180 days in case someone files a chargeback. What should you do? In today's episode, Maria walks you through the necessary steps to get you...
2021-06-17
13 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Build a 7-Figure Business Playing the Guitar with Jonathan Boyd
What is it about music that makes it so appealing? Music is a creative language that allows humans to express emotions. Can you imagine a party or a movie without music? Probably not. So it's not surprising that music education is a great business opportunity. Today’s guest is Jonathan Boyd, a passionate musician who built his business, Breakthrough Guitar, to help people enjoy music. Tune in to hear Jonathan and Maria talk about what goes on behind the scenes of a 7-figure business and how to craft great offers. Expect to learn about analogies and metaphors and how the...
2021-06-10
39 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
The Email Paramedic: Reviving Dead Subscribers with Troy Ericson
When you want to communicate something about your brand or sell a product, email marketing is one of the most common ways to do so. A well-crafted message can have a profound impact on your customers, potentially leading them to make a purchase. But with people receiving more and more emails every day, it can be challenging to stand out in cluttered inboxes. There's a huge possibility that your emails could end up in the spam folder or promo tab, never to be seen. How do you navigate this challenge? Today you'll get a chance to learn from the...
2021-06-03
41 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Going Global
With the surge in e-commerce and more people having access to the internet, it becomes easier for businesses to reach international markets. Thus, selling all over the world may not be far from any entrepreneur's dream. But there are a few simple things you have to prepare for when entering the global market trade. Whether you’re selling physical goods or digital products, you’ll get a lot of valuable information from this episode. Stay tuned and learn how Maria and DirectPaynet can help you navigate the global market. “By opening up your markets and off...
2021-05-27
18 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Increasing Your Revenue Using Affiliate Marketing with Brittany Bankston
Are you worried about affiliates not representing your brand in the right light?Are the leads you're getting not as good as the ones going directly to your website?You might not be getting traffic from a reputable source and this is making your brand look bad...If you're concerned about working with affiliates to increase your revenue, then you'll want to listen to this week's episode of Uncensored Direct Marketing...My guest is superstar affiliate manager, Brittany Bankston...And we got to talk about different ways to leverage...
2021-05-20
29 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Making Crypto Accessible to Everyone with Bitcoin ATMs (guest Zach Harvey)
Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are one of my favorite subjects to talk about and I got a chance this week to sit down and chat with Zach Harvey?Zach Harvey is the CEO of Lamassu, an early and active provider of cryptocurrency vending machines. Lamassu is the Bitcoin ATM market leader. In its first year, it has built over 250 Bitcoin ATMs, delivered to 150 operators, in 40 countries.I had the honor of having him as a guest on my show where we got into talking about…How he started in Israel as a gui...
2021-05-13
41 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Finding a Network of Affiliates to Promote your Offers and Products with Jazette Pester
In This Episode of Uncensored Direct MarketingOur special guest today is Jazette Pester. She’s a senior account executive at Ratespecial interactive LLC and the original OG of affiliate marketing.Without a doubt, finding a reliable network of affiliates to promote your products and offers online can definitely help to grow your business at an alarming rate...In this episode, Jazette shares her infinite experience in affiliate marketing by sharing some of her best tips and insights about:Best pra...
2021-05-06
40 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Use Emotional Storytelling to Write Persuasive Copy with Chris Haddad
Looking for fresh copywriting inspiration or just planning to venture into copywriting? You’re in the right place. In today’s episode, Maria interviews legendary copywriter Chris Haddad. He created a persona named Michel Fiore, who appeared in the Rachel Ray Show. Chris became famous for a women's dating offer that brought in hundreds of sales a day. He’s so good at writing copy that one of his clients called him “money fingers.” Stay tuned as Chris reveals his rollercoaster ride to becoming a highly-paid copywriter and offer owner. Learn how to craft emotionally compelling stories and pick up valuabl...
2021-04-22
49 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
The Technology Behind Email Marketing with Brennan Hopkins
How do you write natural-sounding emails that actually convert? A lot of marketers struggle to craft emails that people would want to read. But some can write emails that function as automated sales machines from the moment you click send. Today, Maria invites email marketing expert and direct response copywriter Brennan Hopkins to talk about what happens when you combine technology with delivering delightful messages that draw people to your CTA. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, but his strategy can make a significant impact on your revenue. Make sure to take some notes and try out a couple of t...
2021-04-15
1h 13
Uncensored Direct Marketing
The Present and Future of BTC, NFTs, and Other Digital Assets
Even if you’re new to the world of cryptocurrency, you’ve probably heard about Bitcoin (BTC). But what is it exactly? Could cryptocurrencies allow you to buy goods or services, and can they be traded for profit? Tune in to today’s episode and get ready to pick up exciting information about cryptocurrency; how to buy it, invest in it, use it as a form of payment, and how to protect yourself financially. As with previous episodes, Maria touches on relevant and fascinating topics, so let’s dive in. “I’m a big believer that it’s very importa...
2021-04-08
33 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Discover Your Next Revenue Opportunity Using Native Advertising with Eli Cohen
Consumer behavior is constantly evolving, and people are getting smarter. With more than 10,000 ads running per day, getting a share of buyer attention is more challenging. How can a marketer generate conversions? Tune in to this informative and value-packed conversation between Maria and her guest, Eli Cohen, an expert media buyer specializing in native advertising. Eli learned about native advertising from James Van Elswyk, the founder of Purple Leads. Whether you're an online business owner, media buyer, copywriter, or affiliate who wants to know how to run profitable ads with native advertising this episode is for you.“An...
2021-04-01
1h 02
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Simple Ways to Save Up to 3% in Merchant Account Fees Overnight
Have you taken a close look at your merchant account statements? Merchant account fees can seem overwhelming, but they don’t have to be. In today’s episode, Maria will discuss how you can optimize your merchant account, get the best rates possible, and how and when to negotiate with your payment processor. Knowing your numbers and understanding the variables you have control over can save you thousands of dollars. So grab your most recent account statement and listen up. With Maria’s simple tips, your business can begin saving money today. “You have to know your numbers...
2021-03-25
32 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How Andrew Contreras Went From Zero to $20 Million in a Year
Want to get actionable tips to increase your bottom line? On today’s episode, Maria talks to Andrew Contreras about copywriting offers, trends in direct marketing, and more. Andrew is one of the biggest influencers in the direct response industry. He wrote the most successful Christian offer, The Shepherds Diet. He is also one of the managing partners and the CEO of New Crescent Media, a company that is transforming the supplement industry. Whether you’re a copywriter, an offer owner, or an entrepreneur, you won’t want to miss this! If you liked this episode, head on to C...
2021-03-18
52 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Shaking the Digital Economy: Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Tech Explained with Marc Hochstein
Today’s episode is an interesting conversation with Marc Hochstein, the Executive Editor of CoinDesk, a news site specializing in bitcoin and digital currencies. Marc has more than 20 years of business journalism experience, including 17 years at American Banker, covering banking, technology, capital markets, real estate, and other industries. You don’t have to be a tech-nerd to enjoy this conversation. If you’re interested in what the future holds, stay tuned and expect an intense exchange of ideas between Maira and Marc around cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and how money transforms in the digital economy. “Don’t put in more than y...
2021-03-11
58 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
How to Write Better Copy and Be 99% Ahead of the Competition with Stefan Georgi
Are you an entrepreneur who’s looking for an amazing copywriter or a freelance copywriter who wants to level up your skill? Whichever side you may be, you will benefit enormously from listening to this podcast. Today, Maria gets on a conversation with Stefan Georgi, a direct response copywriter whose words have grossed over $700MM. He’s the inventor of the RMBC method, a systematic approach to writing better sales copy more consistently in less time. Stefan is the co-founder of Copy Accelerator, a high-end copywriting mastermind whose 170 members generate over 1.5 billion dollars in annual sales. As with her othe...
2021-03-04
48 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Ecommerce Fulfillment Strategies to Attract Customers with Malcolm McKinnons
When consumers want something, they want it now. They want free shipping, excellent packaging, and a product that’s as perfect as they expect it to be with returns options. Customer expectations around the globe are continually shifting. If you are an online merchant, fulfilling those demands is easier said than done. Order fulfillment is a function that directly impacts your revenue. You need to have a well-built process around it. Listen to today’s episode and get actionable steps as Maria exchanges best practices and strategies with guest Malcolm McKinnons, an expert in just about everything in the onlin...
2021-02-25
38 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Look Into the Future: AI, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies with Dr. Daniel Diemers
Are you ready to navigate the future? Do you see yourself buying products and services using the digital gold currency and having your own electronic identity? How far should we allow technology to rule our lives? Listen to this mind-blowing episode as Maria interviews Dr. Daniel Diemers, author, thinker, speaker, an active futurist in the international Fintech and Crypto/Blockchain community, and co-founder of tech company SNGLR Group. Stay tuned and get ready to take a ride into the future of AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies.“There’s going to be a lot of challenges around technology, but I’m...
2021-02-18
49 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
5 Ways to Prevent Chargebacks and Add Up to 8% in Revenue
One of your priorities as a direct marketer is preventing chargebacks because they can hurt your conversion and profit. It is also time-consuming to process a dispute and deal with an unhappy customer. Plus, there are other costs associated with disputes and refunds. But how do you prevent chargebacks? In today’s episode, Maria provides five tools available to merchants to avoid chargebacks, save money, and make more money. Don’t just wait for a dispute to happen. Be proactive and analyze what’s happening in your business. Q1 is usually the highest chargeback season, so make sure you have a...
2021-02-11
30 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
What You Need to Know About Declined Transactions and How to Increase Your Conversion Rate By At Least 5%
If you’re selling products online, you can really benefit from listening to this episode. Host Maria Sparagis, payment solutions expert and sales conversion consultant, shares quick and actionable tips to understand consumer behavior, minimize declined transactions, and improve your conversion rate. Even if your approval rates are at 95%, there’s still room to get better. Explore and utilize your payment gateway’s capabilities, make some tweaks, and easily get better conversions in a thriving global marketplace.“Conversions don’t stop when you get to the checkout page. Actually, that’s where the real work happens.” - Maria Sparagis...
2021-02-04
26 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Taking Chances: The Maria Sparagis Story
Are you looking for inspiration or someone with a message that speaks to you? This podcast aims to inspire and educate, to encourage people to carve their own path, take risks, and pursue their passions. In today’s episode, Maria Sparagis shares her adventures as a young Greek immigrant, the risks she had to take, and the many lessons she needed to learn to get to where she is now. Who is Maria Sparagis, and why should you listen to what she has to say? Before establishing DirectPayNet, Maria used to work for the adult entertainment empire Man...
2021-01-28
44 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Copywriting Tips and Trends with Julian Reyes
Are you running your own business? When is the right time for you to find a business partner? Do you write your own copy? What does it take to craft a copy that converts? Maria’s guest, Julian Reyes, will answer all these questions and more. Julian had an interesting childhood, from being a product of psychological experimentation to becoming a “juvie,” then bouncing back to being an actor to emerging as what Maria refers to as “One of the Best Copywriters in the Universe.” Listen to this entertaining episode and pick up golden nuggets of wisdom as Maria and Julian...
2021-01-21
43 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Online Marketing Strategies with David McMenomey
Are you looking for ways to start or grow your online marketing business? In today’s episode, Maria invited Digistore24’s Performance Marketing Manager, David McMenomey, to share some helpful tips. David, affectionately referred to by his closest colleagues as “McMoney,” created multiple offers and businesses online that have generated millions of dollars. He became a marketing expert using affiliate marketing, direct response advertising, and data-driven optimizations, growing companies like Microbe Formulas to become top elite, powerhouse brands. Stay tuned as he talks about his journey from failure to success and learn the simple process of building a successful online m...
2021-01-14
47 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Five Needle Movers for 2021
Ready to grow your online business in 2021? If you’re wondering what you can do to improve your sales conversion and keep yourself competitive, this episode is for you. Stay tuned and learn how to grow your conversion 5 to 10% by doing simple things that won’t cost you extra money. Today, Maria shares her Five Needle Movers -- quick and little changes to your process that will help increase your revenue. If you don’t know Maria just yet, she is the President of DirectPayNet, a company that offers international merchant accounts and consulting for high-risk online businesses. Listen to Mar...
2021-01-14
32 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Direct Response Marketing in the New Reality with Justin Goff
DISCLAIMER: Please note this episode was recorded before the legal issues for PornHub arose. I do not condone, nor encourage non-consensual or illegal production of adult content.I will have an episode shortly discussing the legal implications and my thoughts on the victim's claims.Are you an online marketer wanting to grow your business and bring in more sales? Then you’re going to get so much value from today’s podcast. Justin Goff, the co-founder of Copy Accelerator and one of the most successful people in the direct response space, joins Maria to discuss the...
2021-01-14
42 min
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Welcome to the Uncensored Direct Marketing Podcast
Hosted by Maria Sparagis, president of DirectPayNet, and payment solutions expert for entrepreneurs in the high risk industries of supplements, dating, business opportunities, gambling and more. On this podcast, Maria shares her knowledge on how to reduce decline ratios, add thousands of dollars to your bottom line with a few simple conversion hacks, and maximize revenue while keeping your high-risk merchant accounts happy and healthy. As a cryptocurrency advocate since 2012, Maria will also share her knowledge on the digital currency markets. Maria has worked with several high level entrepreneurs in Direct Marketing including Christian Hudson, Julian Reyes, Jeremy Schoemaker “ShoeM...
2021-01-04
11 min