

Uncensored Direct Marketing
Maria Sparagis
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 “ShoeMoney”, Mike Chang and many more.
She has been featured in American Banker, Vice, Inside Bitcoins, Coindesk, and Yahoo.
Connect with Maria mariasparagis.com or directpaynet.com
Maria has worked with several high level entrepreneurs in Direct Marketing including Christian Hudson, Julian Reyes, Jeremy Schoemaker “ShoeMoney”, Mike Chang and many more.
She has been featured in American Banker, Vice, Inside Bitcoins, Coindesk, and Yahoo.
Connect with Maria mariasparagis.com or directpaynet.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 20, 2021 • 29min
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 affiliate marketing to your business's advantage.Using affiliates to grow your business can be a cost-effective way to generate traffic for your business...You only pay for results and know your cost per acquisition (CPA), which helps you know whether you're making money or not.This is a show you don't want to miss...Find out more by listening to your favorite podcast...Connect with Brittany:http://linkedin.com/in/brittanybankstonConnect 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

May 13, 2021 • 42min
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 guitar shop owner and was the first store to accept Bitcoin…Why buying Bitcoin from a Bitcoin ATM can benefit you as opposed to using an exchange...We also get some of his views on investing in the current market and how he sees businesses using cryptocurrencies as a form of accepting payments in the future…This is definitely a show you don’t want to miss.Connect with Zach Harvey:https://lamassu.is/Go to https://coinatmradar.com/ to find your nearest Crypto ATM…Make sure to look for Lamassu machines.Connect with Maria:Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.comDirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaspar...Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynetTwitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagisPinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

May 6, 2021 • 41min
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 practices for attracting affiliates to promote your offers and products…Making sure you’re getting the right type of traffic to your offers…Building relationships with affiliates to maximize your results…And much, much, more…She also shares how she started in the affiliate marketing world and her thoughts on its future.Connect with Jazette:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazette-pester-90a8a71Connect with Maria:- Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com- DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynet- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagis- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

Apr 29, 2021 • 45min
Your Unshakeable Why With Emotional Direct Response Copywriter Pauline Longdon
In This Episode of Uncensored Direct MarketingOur special guest today is Pauline Longdon.Pauline is an Emotional Direct Response Copywriter and Marketer.She is a retired Army Nursing Major, and now an in-demand copywriter.We discussed how she started her copywriting career, traveling to the US and being mentored by top copywriters…How she researches, using “emotion graphics”, to read between the lines of what the market wants…How you can deal with imposter syndrome so you can charge what you’re worth…And she also reveals her unshakeable why and how she teaches her own mentees to approach it for themselves...If you want to Connect with Pauline:https://thecopyalchemist.com/

Apr 22, 2021 • 50min
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 valuable marketing wisdom you probably won’t get elsewhere. “What I’m going for more than anything when I write a letter is the emotional truth of the situation.” - Chris HaddadIn This Episode:- Meet Chris “Mr. Money Fingers” Haddad- The rollercoaster ride that brought Chris to where he is today- Transitioning from freelance copywriter to offer owner- Focusing on Women’s Relationship niche- How is it like working with two other copywriting geniuses- The critical role of ethics in marketing- Listen to the “Eight Stupid Tricks of Copywriting” on YouTube- Why storytelling is a powerful marketing tool- AI Copywriters: Threat or Opportunity- Potent copywriting skills: emotion and writing abilityConnect with Chris:- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/chris.haddadConnect with Maria:- Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com- DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynet- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagis- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

Apr 15, 2021 • 1h 13min
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 the proven tips that Brennan shares in this episode.“You have to email in proportion to what your brand or business can actually manage.” - Brennan HopkinsIn This Episode:- Meet Brennan Hopkins- B2C vs. B2B email communication- How to choose the right email copywriter for your brand- Do you really need a niche- Email marketing strategies that work- Driving up engagement without being “spammy”- Leveraging Klaviyo and other email marketing software- Email marketing pricing structure- Learn from Brennan: Check out his FB page for detailsConnect with Brennan:- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/brennan.hopkins.1?_rdc=1&_rdr- Website: https://www.brennanwhopkins.comConnect with Maria:- Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com- DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynet- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagis- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

Apr 8, 2021 • 34min
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 important to have as many payment modes as possible on your website so you can convert every sale.” - Maria SparagisIn This Episode:- How much do you know about cryptocurrency- Is BTC a good investment - Get informed by following influencers and experts- What are NFTs - How do you choose which coins to invest in- The role of blockchain technology in the digital economy- Crypto as a payment option and B2B remittances - Why you should consider using open-source platforms If you’re interested to learn more, listen to two previous episodes on the same topic:- Shaking the Digital Economy: Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Tech Explained with Marc Hochstein- Look Into the Future: AI, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies with Dr. Daniel DiemersConnect with Maria:- Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com- DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynet- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagis- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

Apr 1, 2021 • 1h 3min
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.“Anything that you sell can convert; it’s just going to take more steps to do so.” - Eli CohenIn This Episode:- Who is Eli Cohen- What is native advertising- The strategy and approach behind native advertising- What exactly does a media buyer do- The relationship between media buying and copywriting- How long should you run a campaign on a limited budget- The core competencies of a media buyer- What is a Grey hat offer- How ad blockers impact media buyingConnect with Eli:- Connect with Maria and she can connect you with EliConnect with Maria:- Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com- DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynet- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagis- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

Mar 25, 2021 • 32min
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; you have to know what you’re being charged. It’s important for you to know that reconciliation is key.” ~ Maria SparagisIn This Episode:- Why it’s good to scrutinize your monthly statements- Understanding the discount rate - Why Interchange Plus pricing model is beneficial for you- Transaction fees you should look out for- PCI Compliance fee and non-compliance fee- How your MCC code significantly impacts your Interchange fees- Integrating anti-fraud measures can save you lots of money- How much in reserves should you pay - Why you should do a thorough reconciliation Connect with Maria:- Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com- DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynet- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagis- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet

Mar 18, 2021 • 52min
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 Copywriting Tips and Trends with Julian Reyes. Julian is Andrew’s business partner at New Crescent Media.“In order to grow something bigger, you have to leverage other people, their minds, their hours of work, and their skill sets.”- Andrew ContrerasIn This Episode:- How Andrew discovered copywriting - Finding a business partner to scale your business- Why you need a coach and where to find the right one- The Pros and Cons of having a business partner- What’s unique about the Christian niche- Andrew’s best tips for driving traffic- Upcoming direct marketing trends- Exploring TikTok and new platformsResources:Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene M. Schwartz, the most important book ever written about persuasion, copywriting, marketing, and human behavior - https://breakthroughadvertisingbook.comConnect with Andrew:- New Crescent Media Website: https://redcrescentmedia.comConnect with Maria:- Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com- DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/directpaynet- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariasparagis- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/directpaynet