An anti-sensationalistic website? Could it possibly exist? One that offers video content no less. Sounds like a sensationalist ploy.
Only, it isn’t. HeyPressPlay wants to offer about the only thing left on the Internet that can raise an eyebrow without trying hard – family friendly videos. Rather than offer everything under the sun at once, the site also aspires to present a sane number of videos.
This of course raises the stakes for choosing content well, balancing finding enough hits to grow an audience while holding to founding principles. Owner and administrator of HeyPressPlay, who goes casually by Dan, runs the show on his own for the time being.
As if the project doesn’t sound strangely sweet and wholesome already (in an entirely non-creepy way), you’ll want to hear Dan’s refreshing take on success and bootstrapping. He may have studied entrepreneurship, but he has distinct views.
What’s your company about? What do you do? Who are your customers?
HeyPressPlay is a family friendly video website. We are dissimilar to most video websites on the Internet as we avoid featuring videos that are either unsuitable for all ages or are generally sensationalistic in nature. We are not just a funny video website; rather, we feature all kinds of videos: funny, educational, inspirational, cute, science, news, pretty much anything we think that might add ‘value’ to your life in some shape or form. We are anti-sensationalistic; we feel that there are more than enough websites on the Internet to cater to that taste.
What’s the greatest thing about your company/website? Why is it better than the competition?
The greatest feature about the site is the simplicity. The videos are usually ahead of the curve and you can see viral videos before they go viral.
What time do you usually start work each day? How many hours a day do you usually work?
We scour the Internet beginning as early as 5:30 am EST, and stop as late as 9 pm on weekdays. Weekends are a bit more relaxed. We post videos we deem worthy as soon as possible. Some days there can a dozen videos while others only a few.
When’s the last time you went on vacation and where did you go?
The last trip I took was to Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day – watched the river turn green.
How many people did you start the company with and how many people work for you now?
One person owned and operated.
A lot of people have big ideas. What gave you the confidence to actually go after yours?
The idea came to me when I heard about how much money can be made on popular websites and YouTube videos. Years ago I heard that FailBlog.org made over $500,000 a year from their YouTube revenue alone. Since then, I have taught myself web design and have tried to become one of their rivals.
Remember the early days of starting up? Describe the struggles you went through.
I was completely new to web design, and finding the path to go on was difficult. There are so many web design and web development languages and classes to choose from. Also, being a small start up, I had to manage my time and prioritize. I could only devote part of my day towards learning and designing and scouring the web for the best content. The other parts were filled with working other jobs to fund my passion.
How do you handle frustration? What has been your biggest professional frustration?
My biggest struggle is getting recognized in social media and growing the number of followers. I also struggle with limitations of my knowledge of web design, and sometimes simple coding problems could take weeks for me to figure out.
What’s your office environment like? Do you listen to music? Watch movies? Play video games?
The office is out of my bedroom at home. I have my keyboard and mouse on a plastic shelf and positioned it to a height so I stand and work, instead of sitting. I also use my TV as my screen.
How do you picture your company in 5 years?
I imagine my business growing to the millions of followers while keeping the simplicity of the website. So many sites nowadays are jam-packed with content. HeyPressPlay.com is clutter-less. I don’t want there to be so much content that people feel lost if they are new or haven’t visited in a while. I would like to expand the work load and hire a couple employees. Creating an app for the site would be completed. Possibly, even a online store to purchase merchandise.
Who or what inspires YOU? Role models? Quotes? Running? Video games? Snack food?
I have also created a motivational quotes website. More as a hobby than for income. I enjoy motivational quotes and have collected thousands of them over the years. “Don’t stop until your idols are your rivals.” That is my favorite one going through my head at this moment.
How’d you fund this venture?
I majored in entrepreneurship at college. So I am familiar with how to start a business and stuff of that nature. This business has low overhead costs and generates enough revenue to run itself. It does not, however, generate enough income to pay for my lifestyle, which is why I have two other part-time jobs.
Got any great bootstrapping tips for the lean startups out there?
Do what makes you happy. Find a way to make money with what makes you happy. Be first and be better. Whatever you’re thinking about when you catch yourself day dreaming is an easy way to start.
What other advice do you have for other entrepreneurs struggling to get started?
Don’t make today a zero day. Do something every day that brings you closer to your goals.
Do you consider yourself a successful entrepreneur? If not, what’ll make you feel successful?
I am a successful entrepreneur, but I strive to be better everyday. To be successful in life, you should be mentally and physically sound and be financially stable – all while accomplishing the goals you have set forth.
Top 5 mobile apps you’re in love with and why?
I don’t use a lot of mobile apps. At the time of typing this, I am addicted to the game 2048.
Number 1 country you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t yet? (And why that country?)
Next on my list would be Thailand. It is extremely affordable and there are some crazy parties on the beach every full moon.
Click over to heypressplay.com to watch killer videos. For more visual delights, visit HeyPressPlay on Facebook and Twitter.
