Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business  By  cover art

Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business

By: Michelle Mazur and Maggie Patterson
  • Summary

  • If you’ve ever felt like you’ve been duped by a celebrity entrepreneur or coach, or watched with wonderment as people do downright dirty things to grow their business online, this is the show for you. When it comes to starting and growing a business online, there’s no denying the appeal of a flexible, freedom-filled life where you can make more money than you ever imagined. But behind the glossy images on Instagram and big promises, there’s a dark side. In Duped, your hosts Dr. Michelle Mazur and Maggie Patterson do a deep dive into everything that’s wrong with the online business world. From scammy life coaches to sleazy sales practices to cult and MLM style tactics we talk about all of it. You’ll learn what to watch for as a consumer so you can protect yourself from falling prey to these tricks and tactics.
    2021 Small Business Boss and Communication Rebel
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • How To Read a Sales Page (Part 2)
    Apr 15 2024

    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.

    Show more Show less
    56 mins
  • The Bundle Breakdown: What Consumers Need to Know Before Buying
    Apr 1 2024

    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.

    Show more Show less
    50 mins
  • How to Read a Sales Page Part One
    Mar 18 2024

    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.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 1 min

What listeners say about Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.