The Marketing Misfits He Sold His Brand to Start Gambling?! | Michael Jackness
Nov 4, 2025
Mike Jackness, a former e-commerce titan and now the creator of Desert Degens, dives into his surprising transition to a YouTube gambling channel. He explains why he sold his Amazon brands, predicting future market challenges. Listeners learn about his innovative content strategy, including daily videos and engaging fans, particularly women over 50 who drive views. Jackness reveals how to effectively monetize through YouTube RPMs, merchandise, and sponsorships, while emphasizing the importance of owning your audience for sustainable growth.
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Why Amazon Margins Shrunk
- Amazon became less attractive as fees, tariffs, and competition from manufacturers tightened margins.
- Mike exited because net profits shrank to low single digits and stress outweighed rewards.
Use Micro-Transactions To Build Loyalty
- Convert first-time buyers into lifetime customers with low-friction offers, one-click upsells and email funnels.
- Use free samples or low-cost shipping offers to acquire emails and drive repeat purchases.
Community Converts Customers Into Defenders
- Weekly live interaction builds community and turns customers into defenders who police haters.
- Investing in community amplifies lifetime value and reduces moderation workload.