Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business Michelle Mazur and Maggie Patterson

Sales pages are designed to make us buy. But if the way they’re done is scammy or deceptive, should we really buy from them at all? 
In part one of this two-part series on sales pages, we covered program promises, pain points, and the solution. But there’s way more you need to watch for, so in this episode, we’re digging into FAQs, bonus stacks and more.
We discuss:
Why long sales pages can leave you confused and worn out.
How do you identify possible red flags when you read an about section?
Key questions to keep in mind when you read testimonials. 
Why FAQ sections devoted to overcoming money objections should give you pause.
Value stacking: What is it, and why is the math used often complete BS?
For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.

Business bundles seem to be everywhere these days, leaving everyone wondering if these are actually a good deal and they should jump on the bundle train. 
Sure, they often seem like a total steal, but if the bundle doesn’t actually bring YOU any value, the fact that the price was “reasonable” is irrelevant.

How can you tell if a business bundle is worth the price or if you should run away entirely? 
In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about those business bundles from how they work, why they’re so enticing and what to consider before you buy.
We discuss: 
What business bundles are and how they work. 
The potential benefits of business bundles. 
Business bundle examples and some red flags.
The psychology behind business bundles and the concept of loss aversion. 
Questions to ask yourself before you buy a business bundle.
What to consider if you’re invited to participate in a bundle.
For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.

If there’s one place on the internet it’s all too easy to get tripped up and make an impulsive decision, it’s sales pages.
Yes, sales pages are designed to draw you in and pique your interest, but in many cases, these pages are cross the line from persuasion to straight-up manipulation. 
So how do you spot the red flags? 
In part one of this two-part series on sales pages, we’re covering program promises, pain points, and the solution. We discuss:
The psychology behind using long-form sales pages.
Examples of the empty promises we often see from group programs. 
How to identify headlines designed to suck you in,
The difference between pressing on pain points versus agitating them.
How to identify red flags when reviewing offered solutions.
Key takeaways to keep in mind when reading sales pages. 

For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.

Is the state of ethical business actually improving in 2024? Are we actually making some progress?
Well, it’s a good news/bad news kind of story.
The good is that we’re finally starting to see more and more people reject the status quo business practices, including manipulative marketing and scammy sales practices. 
The bad is that this industry is very fickle, and while it’s good to hear more discussions about ethical business, certain topics have fallen off the radar. And whether these conversations translate into change still remains to be seen.
In this episode, we’re digging into the state of ethical business in 2024 and having a raw conversation about where things really stand. 
We discuss:
The monetization of burnout and why hustling isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.
The sudden pivot from people who used to talk about “the right way to market” to now preaching the opposite. 
The predictable patterns in the industry and why it’s often easy to see what’s coming as things shift.
What we recommend you watch for in the coming months.

For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon

In a world where we’re connected to people across the globe, it’s nearly impossible for us NOT to create parasocial relationships.
If you publish content or have an audience filled with people you don’t know personally, you create parasocial relationships. And that’s totally fine
The trouble starts with ensuring everyone understands that we’re in these relationships and that they can make us more vulnerable to predatory tactics. 
In this episode, we’re answering the questions of what parasocial relationships are, how they affect us, and how they’re  being weaponized against us?

We discuss:
What are parasocial relationships?
The evolution of parasocial relationships.
How we create these relationships with online content creators.
The deliberate cultivation of parasocial relationships by celebrities and online business owners.
The impact of parasocial relationships on consumer behavior.
What consumers need to be aware of with their parasocial relationships and how it influences buying decisions. 

For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.

You’re excited about signing up for a new program, and you’re just about to check out, then you decide to read the terms and conditions…but maybe they’re super long and you’re in a rush. 
Fast forward three weeks later and you realize this was a terrible choice and the program is hot garbage. 
So,  what now? 
In this episode, we’re looking at the fine print of T&Cs, guarantees and refunds so you can save yourself this exact headache and not waste your time or money with people who don’t live up to their marketing hype. We discuss:
The power dynamics around payments
Why clear and balanced payment-related policies are essential to protect both buyers and sellers.
Why understanding terms and conditions is crucial.
Key questions to ask when reviewing terms and conditions.
Why guarantees can be a slippery slope. 
What to watch for as a consumer.
For detailed show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, please visit duped.online.

For more Duped, including monthly bonus episodes, join the Patreon.