Uncensored Direct Marketing

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 a refund adds up—and it's much more than the loss of the sale. The good news is that preventing returns and refunds is simpler than preventing chargebacks—and just as important. After-sale support is as crucial as getting customers through your funnel.  You need to ensure that every customer who is unhappy won't leave without giving you a chance to make things right. The 5 simple tips I'm going to review with you include:Letting customers know when they're being charged.Offer bulk-buys or yearly subscriptions.Be transparent with pricing at checkout.Train your customer service staff with sales acumen.Offer free products, especially digital ones. With these tips, as simple as they sound, you can reduce your refunds BY HALF! I've worked with 7- and 8-figure businesses who lose millions from poor return and refund handling. THESE TIPS WORK! 00:00 Refunds Are Just as Important as Chargebacks02:05 The Cost of a Refund04:21 Tip 1, Keep Customers Informed of Charges05:45 Tip 2, Offer Bulk Buy or Yearly Subscriptions07:13 Tip 3, Checkout Page Transparency08:18 Tip 4, Train Customer Service with Sales Acumen10:29 Tip 5, Offer Free Stuff13:00 Find The Root Cause of Refund Rate You can view more content on reducing chargebacks here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5k1B2OSsbMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW3sDEgCWzYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V--w9LN0Ws Connect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions/Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

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 to leverage technology to squeeze every dollar from his list and optimize his traffic buys.  The best offer owners know that having strong payment processing is vital to success, and they check their merchant statements regularly to ensure they're not paying too much for it. They also recognize a quality email list when they see one—and are willing to pay. If you're looking for inspiration from someone who's already made it big, this episode is one you won't want to miss! 00:00 Chad Hamzeh's Journey to 6 Figures05:02 It's Easier Than Ever to Get into Affiliate Marketing in 202209:20 Running Your Own Offer13:06 Best Offer Owners Have Strong Payment Processing20:31 Free Trial Offer Lessons Learned24:27 Check Your MIDs to Avoid and Reduce Costs27:17 How to Know You Have a Quality Email List31:15 ID Engine, More Leads with Less Traffic37:19 Email Is Making a Huge Comeback Connect with Chad:Website: https://chadhamzeh.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-h-4378a618/ID Engine email list optimization: https://idengine.com/Connect with Maria:DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comMaria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions/Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

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 your emails. And then what? You start losing money because you're not reaching out to them anymore.The good news is that Brennan has some tips for how to avoid this problem as well as where to start with your email marketing campaign.Email marketing is an important tool for business growth and has a much lower cost of acquisition than traditional channels such as Facebook Ads, Youtube and Native. "A healthy email list will have a 33% attrition rate." --Brennan 00:00 How Often Should You Email01:38 More Emails Doesn't Equal More Opens02:35 Most Brands Don't Need a Daily Email04:37 2-3 Emails Per Week Is a Good Starting PointCheck out a full interview with Brennan to learn more about his email marketing strategies: https://youtu.be/6ykods789YkIf you want to learn more about e-commerce email marketing, check out Brennan’s course, Lean and Mean Email Marketing: https://leanandmeanemail.thinkific.com/courses/lean-mean-email-marketingConnect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions/Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

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 us up on a few crypto concepts, explaining how community is the ultimate goal for every trader and bitcoin player. Everyone wins when crypto is played right, meaning you don't have to worry about competition.We'll also be talking about what it means for the future of cryptocurrency—the good stuff, like what it means for banks and governments; and the bad stuff, like how it might affect your privacy (or lack of it).Interested in entering the crypto market? You can join BIG Crypto and join a full-on community of people who range from experts in crypto to serious enthusiasts with a taste for sweet crypto fortune.00:00 Intro to Ryan Horst, His Journey into Crypto Coaching09:15 Don't Wait for the Best Opportunity, Just Take Your Chance11:24 Everybody Wins in a Crypto Community17:33 Measuring the Value of Bitcoin in 202520:26 Why Bitcoin Isn't Going Anywhere (But Won't Be Used for Payments)28:04 The Future of Currency Is Digital30:20 Consumer Privacy in the Crypto Space36:52 Understanding the Difference Between Blockchain and CryptoConnect with Ryan:Instagram: www.Instagram.com/ryanhorst_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-horst/BIG Crypto: https://www.blockchaininsightgroup.com/Connect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis/​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynet​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions/Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

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 decline messages, reserve funds, and more.For more tips to increase your conversions, make more money and save on payment processing fees, check out the full episode with Julian here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1vQ8RV0F4U&t=1871s   00:00 Leverage Your Merchant Service Provider's Process01:25 Check Your Reserves for Quick Cash01:40 Don't Toss Your Offers, Optimize Them02:33 Money Comes from Your Backend, Too03:25 Guide Your Traffic All the Way Through Your FunnelConnect with Julian:Red Hot Marketing: https://redhotmarketingllc.comConnect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagisFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynetTwitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagisPinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

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 endlessly record video content, and follow his roadmap that shows you how you can record 30 minutes worth of video content that can be used for an entire month of social media and video posts.  Don’t know when to use short-form video like Reels and YouTube Shorts, Stories, or long-form for successful lead generation? Kevin’s got you covered. Each type has its own time and place to shine. Let Kevin help you come up with a winning content strategy that not only gets views but, more importantly, leads.00:00 Kevin "The Video Guy" and How He Grew His Freelance Career from Scratch03:20 Businesses Don't Need to "Go Viral"08:05 Long-form vs. Short-form Video, When to Use Them10:21 The Video Platform That Does Best15:25 Biggest Mistake People Make When Recording Content16:35 Rule of Thumb for Repurposing Published Content19:42 How to Effortlessly Plan Your Content for the Year25:15 Tips to Improve Your Video Skills30:30 Transitioning into a New, Lucrative CareerConnect with Kevin DuBose:Kevin DuBuse Website: https://kevindubose.comTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kevinthevideoguyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuObXNE7WVaav-3apPNUAcAFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvideossuck Connect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis/​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynet​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions/Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

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 uses them and why? Or how they work and what makes them different from other advertising technology? No worries. I have you covered.00:26 What a Native Ad Is and How You Can Place One03:28 Competition in the Native Ad Space04:02 The Industries That Can Benefit from Native Ads04:59 Native Ads vs. Other Ad Platforms06:29 The Best Demographic for Native Ads07:32 Native Ad Audience Targeting10:02 Optimizing Your Native Ads ConversionsConnect with Eli: Connect with Maria and she can connect you with Eli.Connect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagisFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynetTwitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagisPinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

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 working in seemingly disconnected industries and applying it to your offer to maximize its potential. We are especially focusing on affiliate marketing compliance.Since affiliate marketing is its own industry yet involves aspects of many other industries (i.e., supplements, nutraceuticals, adult space, etc.), compliance in affiliate marketing is mixed, to say the least. Raanan helps break down what's what, so you can have a better understanding of what's possible when building up an offer or taking an existing offer and bringing it to a new market. 00:00 Introducing Raanan Rosenbaum03:40 To Survive in Affiliate Marketing, Never Stop Learning08:44 What Compliance Looks Like for High-Risk Sectors13:37 Complying with Cross-Industry Regulations15:49 What a Director of Business Development Does at MaxWeb19:25 Raanan’s Top Compliance No No's27:18 Common Traits in Top Performing Offers35:12 Raanan's Tips for the Netherlands Connect with Raanan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raanan-rosenbaum MaxWeb: www.maxweb.com  Connect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions/Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynetTAGS#affiliatemarketing #affiliatemarketingtips #compliance

"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 have generated 7 & 8 figures for PaleoHacks, who sell e-cookbooks for under $10. He shares with us 4 tips on copywriting that can help anyone who wants to start making money, whether you're a beginner copywriter, seasoned freelancer or a business looking to boost sales.The most important part of your business is what's at the forefront: your marketing and sales copy. You have to get people's attention, you have to show off what your solution can do, you have to SELL if you want to be successful.Check out a full-length interview with Ning where he shares a ton of information on the tricks he uses to write hundreds of winning sales letters per year, making him one of the most sought after copywriters in Direct Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fapwsf0VTOg&t=7s 00:16 Choose Projects Wisely00:40 Master the Fundamentals of Copywriting01:53 If Something Works, Keep Doing It03:38 Avoid Shiny Object SyndromeConnect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions/Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

“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 restrictive mold.If you’d like to hear the full-length episode for even more how-tos, tips, and steps to getting your business running smoothly after Stripe suspends your account, you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6eWhaIyyzc 00:00 Open Another 3rd-Party Account01:23 Contact 3 Merchant Account Providers03:10 Prep an Application Package05:09 Focus Only on the Merchant Account06:31 Have a License Agreement ReadyConnect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com ​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis/ ​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynet ​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet