My name is Hossni Mubarak, the founder & CEO of HMPlugin. I have 15+ years of experience in web application development. I’m the lead and only developer of WordPress Books Gallery Plugin, a plugin that launched on WordPress.org back in 2019.
I live in Dhaka with my wife and 3 kids. I studied Computer Science and Engineering, but most of what I’m doing has been self-taught.
The Journey Began
My digital life started when I was studying Computer Science. During that time, I started to learn web page development using HTML and CSS using Dreamweaver, and so on. At that time the internet was very slow and resources were not available, so I had to depend on printed books.
In 2007, I discovered WordPress and created an account for blogging. I can remember, I made a banner in Photoshop for that blog where I wrote “Just ignore, it’s too late!”
In 2010, I joined a very newly formed company as a web developer, where I made 11 WordPress plugins. Among them, one was featured in Smashing Magazine.
After that, I changed track and started working on various PHP frameworks like CodeIgniter, CakePHP, Laravel, and my own developed framework.
Even I also worked in ASP.net and raw C# to develop some embedded automation systems.
After passing 6 years, I realized I need to do something for my future. Then I started to figure out what was my strong point and what I can really do.
As I said earlier, I developed 11 plugins already for one of my companies but none of them were for my own.
Then I started with a very small plugin called Cool Author Box. After that, I made 19 plugins one after another as I started to love plugin development. You can see them in my WordPress Profile.
The Need for WordPress Books Gallery
WordPress Books Gallery Logo
During my work on PHP frameworks, I made a library management system in CodeIgniter. I had the intention that I would sell the system and earn some cash.
But as the technologies were rapidly changing at that time, I was unable to find a proper channel to utilize the opportunity.
Then one day when I was developing plugins for WordPress, I decided to convert the library management into a plugin. My initial intention was to create a portfolio for WordPress-related jobs. The business idea came after a long time.
In 2019, I submitted the Books Gallery Plugin and was successful to approve it without any hassle. During that time there were two or three books related plugins but none of them were doing great.
WordPress Books Gallery
Initially, I didn’t provide any special care on this plugin but continuously developed new features that were demanded by my users. So my users provided me with very good reviews on WordPress.
From the very beginning, I tried to make a very simple system to display some books with various information. I followed Amazon book’s resources and how they organized their system.
This helps me to add the affiliate features which is one of the key selling points of my Books Gallery Plugin.
It was very hard to find a suitable solution to convert my free plugin into a premium one. After searching a lot, I decided to work with Freemius. Then the magic happens and since then I have added 7 more freemium plugins with Freemius.
They are AidWP – formerly WordPress Stripe Donation, Top News, JobWP, Logo Showcase, Cool Authorbox, TinyBar, and Display FAQs.
Myself with my Brilliant Team
I work from home, so I don’t have an official office yet. But I do outsource some tasks like designing and content writing when they are needed. Here I am 🙂
Hossni Mubarak Workholic
My small world where all the dreams come true!
Hossni Mubarak Workplace
Advice for Business Owners
I waited far too long to start my own business, but I have the hunger to fulfill my dreams. I never stopped until I made a positive move.
So if you are still planning, take a deep breath and start it now. Never put too much pressure to make the idea perfect.
Just make a valuable solution that has a demand and believe me, your users will force you to make it perfect because they know better what they need.
I still believe there are lots of opportunities in WordPress Plugin Business and WordPress.org is a great place to convert your free users into great clients.
There are some companies who will promote your product with a paid service but if your product has a demand you will find free marketing.
There are lots of blogging sites that are continuously looking for valuable products as their content.
Stay in Touch
WordPress & Beyond
My current focus is to go with the current plugins and start my own team as soon as possible. There are lots of opportunities yet to introduce, like integration with Gutenberg and Elementor.
In the future, I have plans to make some products, especially for WooCommerce.
WordPress is rapidly changing and AI is about to make an impact. Thanks to the vast community, I think we are still in a safe place.
My only concern is to deal with the security risks. Thanks to Wordfence, they are doing great so far.
My Love for the WordPress Community
It’s been difficult to travel to a WordCamp for me but I try to be as involved as possible with the local WordPress community.
Thanks to Freemius, now I can also be involved with my international WordPress community and hope to attend a WordCamp soon.
It’s an excellent opportunity for me to learn and talk with some incredible people like Alex Denning from Ellipsis, Alan Fuller, and Aleksandar who own their own plugin business.
How I Keep Myself Updated
I follow a lot of sources, blogs and read different content. I mainly read stuff about cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, economics, etc.
I subscribe to various WordPress newsletters including WP Mayor, WPLift, Wordfence, etc.
In our Freemius internal slack channel, we have a lot of entrepreneurs both experienced and newcomers. So I can engage with them directly and get various useful information about their journey.
There are also some topic-based discussion channels available that are vast sources to keep me updated.
I have also joined some WordPress and other technology-related Facebook groups both local and international.
I Have a Life Other Than the Work
I love my work but during my free time, I take a rest and play small Android or PC games with kids. I love to read books and do social work.
Most of the time, I spend holidays visiting the zoo because I like animals or any other places where my kids can have fun.
I like to know what is happening around the world. So I spend some of my free time on gathering knowledge about politics and ancient history. Ancient Egypt and Babylon are my favorite subjects
I Reward Myself by
I reward myself by spending time with my friends and family, buying gifts for them and special foods. Sometimes I do buy special items for myself as well.
