Click & Convert with Maria Sparagis

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 development entrepreneurs. She also created the SPEARS Method, an affiliate coaching and certification program. There's a wealth of information here; it’s almost like attending a mastermind in direct response and affiliate marketing for free. So don't miss out!“You don't have to work with everyone. You can just choose 10 to 30 affiliate partners that can drive volume for you.” - Amber SpearsTake advantage of Amber's special gifts:If you'd like to join Amber's Traffic Tribe, please use this special link for 50% off monthly (code MARIA): https://eastfifth.samcart.com/products/traffic-tribe-joinKnow your Numbers Guide - Free!Download Amber's value-packed "Know Your Numbers" guide(will help you no matter what level you are at)east5thavenue.com/giftEverflow Your Partner Connections - Free! (Normally $1,997)This mini-course is specifically designed to remove confusion out of partnership marketing; to empower and connect you, and to help you grow your partnership revenue with the friendliest dealmaking community in the world!https://traffictribe.com/connectionsConnect with Amber:Amber Spears Website: https://www.ambermspears.com/East 5th Avenue Website: https://east5thavenue.com/Email Amber: [email protected] Email Mike (Amber's Assistant): [email protected] 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

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 to act. In today's episode, Chris “Mr. Moneyfingers” Haddad returns to announce the launch of his most awaited course, The P.I.G. Method. This course promises to teach copywriters how to craft those “PUNCHED IN THE GUT”  stories Chris is famous for. Let's hear all the details from Chris, so you won't want to miss out on this fantastic offer. For even more tips check out these episodes:Episode 17: How to Use Emotional Storytelling to Write Persuasive Copy with Chris Haddad (Part 1)Episode 18: Your Unshakeable Why With Emotional Direct Response Copywriter Pauline Longdon“You’re not selling a product, you’re selling emotion.” - Chris HaddadConnect with Chris and get first dibs on the P.I.G. Method Pre Launch:Website: https://thepigmethod.com/Facebook Group: https://web.facebook.com/groups/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

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 have a backup plan, and you educate yourself. So tune in to today’s episode to get some tips to help you move forward in the event Stripe restricts your business. “Just because your business is restricted doesn’t mean you’re doing anything unethical or anything wrong. It just falls outside the risk appetite of Stripe.” - Maria SparagisConnect 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

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 this episode to find out how to get a merchant account to help your business thrive. “Do quality control on the people you have promoting your product, to ensure they are selling your product ethically.” - Maria SparagisConnect 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

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 take steps to fix them.” - Maria SparagisConnect 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

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, Agora, New Market Health, and Organifi and coached over 150 copywriters in the last few years. Ning Li learned from Dan Ferrari, a world-class copywriting expert. If you want to know how to be a successful copywriter, you will definitely enjoy listening to this episode. “Find out what the fish like to eat and keep feeding them that.” - Ning LiConnect with Ning Li:Website: https://www.ninglicopywriting.com/1Email: [email protected] 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

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 customers.” - Maria SparagisConnect 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

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.” - Lane GordonConnect with Lane:Website: https://www.733park.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanegordon/Mailbox: [email protected] 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

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 running again -- if you should find yourself in this situation. “It's always best when you're in a high-risk industry to have your own merchant account and have Stripe as a backup.” - Maria SparagisConnect 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

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 let’s know your data.” - Maria SparagisConnect 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

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 should test.” - Maria SparagisConnect 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

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. It is also critical that you find the right merchant account provider. Tune in to get expert advice on how to navigate the adult entertainment industry in today's episode.  “There shouldn't be anything left to chance when you're working in this industry.”  - Maria SparagisConnect 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

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 front will save you time and frustrations down the road. So whether you’re a new entrepreneur or an e-commerce expert, you're sure to benefit from this episode. “Focus on what works.”  - Maria SparagisConnect 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

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 want to get someone's attention, you better move the value of them giving you that attention earlier and more forward.” - Rich SchefrenResources:Attention Age Doctrine by Rich Schefren (trailer) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh4l29Zmd3sConnect with Rich:Website: https://www.strategicprofits.com/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/ConversionClubGroup/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKSG9Ug9FKrFCYxSlTRwGiAConnect 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

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 learn from Rich's process of doing business. Plus, he's letting us take a sneak peek at what they are currently working on with their flagship program, Steal Our Winners. So grab a drink, sit comfortably, and get ready to take note of winning ideas to grow your business. “Getting your best ideas in front of other people is what gets people to want to join your coaching program.” - Rich SchefrenResources:Internet Business Manifesto by Rich Schefren: https://www.amazon.com/Internet-Business-Manifesto-Www-Strategicprofits-Com-Schefren/dp/1441451722Change or Die: The Three Keys to Change at Work and in Life: https://www.amazon.com/Change-Die-Three-Keys-Work/dp/0061373672#:~:text=A%20powerful%20book%20with%20universal,positive%20changes%20in%20our%20lives.Connect with Rich:Website: https://www.strategicprofits.com/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/ConversionClubGroup/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKSG9Ug9FKrFCYxSlTRwGiAConnect 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

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 this excellent talk to learn how to navigate the merchant account application process, especially if you’re thinking about launching an online CBD shop.“I can guarantee you there are providers out there ready to help you; just be upfront and honest about what you’re selling. ” - Maria SparagisConnect 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

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 your first time. Payment processors use a variety of criteria to determine whether to approve a merchant account or not. So tune in to this episode to learn how to navigate the merchant account application process and increase your chances of getting approved.“Getting a merchant account should not be painful. If you do it correctly, you can get through it quickly. ” - Maria SparagisConnect 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

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 the key to success.” Plus, get insights from Maria regarding payment processing and conversion tips. So let's dive in!“It’s crucial to know your numbers, especially if you’re going to spend money on traffic.”  - Luca SheleskyConnect with Luca:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lshelesky/ 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

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 eventually run into some problems. Are you ready to learn how you ended up on the MATCH list in the first place and what to do next? Tune in to today’s episode to arm yourself with the knowledge and expertise to help manage your payment processing. You can also check out the previous episodes on Merchant Account and Chargeback Management. “Don’t be caught off guard. Get yourself a backup merchant account while you’re working with Stripe.” - Maria SparagisConnect 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

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 road. As you can see, there are pros and cons to each type of payment system. By being aware of how credit card processing works, you can make an informed decision about the most effective way to accept credit card payments, while delivering a seamless experience to your clients. Tune in to this episode for a quick guide to choosing your payment solution. “Prevention is the best recourse.” - Maria SparagisConnect 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