Name: Jack Knowles
Position and company: Founder and Managing Director
Period of time in the role: 3 years+
Twitter ID: @datingbeyond
Tell us a little about DatingBeyond.
An online dating platform which is suitable for any individual, brand or business to start their own online dating operation. We make it easy for partners to launch their fully branded website within minutes. The DailyMirror quoted us as an “internet game-changer” and the “future of online dating”.
How did you get into the online dating industry?
After studying Business at Stratford-upon-Avon college for 3 years, I wanted to start my own business. After working in a sports shop to earn enough capital, I launched the company. During college I launched smaller niche sites, for example singles18-30.com, I was 19 at the time so perfect market to launch in. I knew that online dating and social networking was a fast growing industry and with the success of our niche dating websites, we decided to launch DatingBeyond.com to allow people to launch their own sites, just like I did.
How big is your team?
Under 10, and a really great mix, including PR experts from national papers to Virgin Media pioneers.
What makes your white label solution different from others?
We stress that it does not have to be complicated. Meeting people should be fun, straightforward and safe, just like our platform.
Which markets are you live in?
We launch in niche markets including the youth, over 50’s (mature), military and services and adult. In our opinion, the perfect mix.
How many partners do you have?
We have over 100 partners and heavily increasing weekly, now even daily after our UK Dating Award and iDate Award shortlistings last month. Being finalists in both is a real honour, and a testament to the quality service that we offer both partners and consumers.
What are your best performing sites?
One of our best performing partner sites has to be BirminghamLove.co.uk, which was recently shortlisted as ‘Best Newcomer’ dating website of the year at the UK Dating Awards. After the launch within 4 days they were at over 4,000 members. The website featured in most of the UK press, as well as FoxNews in America!
Which brands and individuals have you partnered with?
A growing number of top celebrities have joined as partners after being recommended by celebrities that have already launched with us. Chantelle Houghton (Celebrity Big Brother) has launched datewithchantelle.com with us for single parents, Kirk Norcross (TOWIE) has launched fitromance.co.uk with us for fitness enthusiasts.
Another top partner, ITV TakeMeOut favourite Lucy Harrold quoted said: “the great platform and team behind DatingBeyond made my decision easy and now I have my own dedicated revenue earning dating website!”
What do you think are the biggest challenges for growth in the online dating industry?
No challenges, simply opportunities.
Where do you see the biggest possibilities for growth?
We have already pin-pointed an opportunity for major growth which is now in the process of developing, ready for a launch early next year. Untapped and it’s really exciting!
What trends do you think we will see in 2015?
More social dating and more overall growth in the market as we see more people meeting online than offline. That tipping point is only a few years away.
What are your plans for the next year?
We’re really excited about a major new initiative to be announced next year. However, we want to maintain our growth of both partners and consumers, making DatingBeyond.com the number 1 platform used. The team here have over 30 years of combined experience in managing successful companies, that itself gives DatingBeyond.com a unique foundation for continued growth and stability. We can’t wait for 2015!
Visit DatingBeyond here.