Skool Review: The Ultimate Platform for Building Engaged Online Communities

skool agency
by Bogdan Ilies
skool review

Table Of Contents

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The online business landscape is rapidly evolving, and so are the tools creators, coaches, and educators use to host their communities, courses, and membership programs. One platform that has been gaining significant traction in this space is Skool.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a solution to replace clunky Facebook Groups or overpriced course platforms like Kajabi, Skool promises simplicity, engagement, and affordability. But does it live up to the hype?

In this definitive Skool review, we’ll dive deep into its features, pricing, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against the competition. We’ll also share actionable insights to help you decide if Skool is the right platform for your online community or course business in 2024.


skool review

What is Skool?

Skool is an all-in-one platform designed to host online communities, courses, and membership programs. It simplifies the process of building and monetizing your audience by combining community engagement, gamification, and learning tools in one place.

At its core, Skool aims to replace fragmented tools like Facebook Groups, Thinkific, and Slack with a cleaner, more streamlined alternative.


Who Should Use Skool?

Skool caters to a wide range of users, but it’s particularly well-suited for:

  • Coaches: Build thriving communities around your expertise.
  • Course Creators: Host your courses with a gamified twist to keep students engaged.
  • Entrepreneurs: Offer paid memberships or monetize your skills through premium communities.
  • Consultants: Deliver value to clients in a structured, organized format.
  • Community Leaders: Replace outdated tools with a modern, distraction-free platform.

If you’ve ever struggled with keeping your audience engaged or faced challenges monetizing your expertise, Skool offers solutions tailored to your needs.


The Key Features of Skool

1. Clean, Distraction-Free Interface

Unlike Facebook Groups, where ads and notifications dominate, Skool offers a clutter-free environment. Members can focus entirely on the community and course content without distractions.

The intuitive layout allows creators to easily organize content while offering a seamless experience for members.

2. Gamification to Boost Engagement

Gamification is one of Skool’s strongest features. Members are rewarded with points for activities like posting, commenting, and completing lessons. These points contribute to leaderboards and levels, fostering healthy competition and encouraging participation.

3. Streamlined Course Hosting

Skool simplifies course hosting without sacrificing quality. Creators can:

  • Upload Videos, PDFs, and Resources: Provide diverse content formats to cater to different learning styles.
  • Organize Lessons into Structured Modules: Ensure your courses are easy to follow and navigate.
  • Track Member Progress: Monitor how your members are advancing through your courses.

While it may not have the advanced customization of platforms like Kajabi, it offers everything you need to deliver high-value courses efficiently.

4. Membership Management

Skool makes monetization easy with built-in support for paid memberships. Set up recurring subscriptions or charge one-time fees for course access, allowing you to generate consistent revenue.

5. Seamless Integrations

Skool integrates with popular tools like:

  • Zapier: Automate tasks and connect Skool with thousands of other apps.
  • Stripe: Collect payments effortlessly.
  • Email Marketing Tools: Connect platforms like MailerLite or ActiveCampaign for email campaigns.

6. Mobile-Friendly Design

Skool’s mobile app ensures your community is always accessible, providing a smooth experience for members on the go.


What’s New in Skool for 2024?

Skool has introduced several updates to enhance the user experience:

  • Native Video Hosting: Directly upload videos to Skool without relying on third-party platforms like Vimeo or YouTube.
  • Advanced Analytics: Gain deeper insights into member activity, course progress, and overall engagement.
  • Better Customization: Improved options for branding your community space.
  • Improved Mobile App: A more intuitive and responsive mobile experience for members.

Skool Pricing

Skool keeps things simple with a flat-rate pricing model:

  • $99 per month
    • Unlimited members
    • Unlimited courses
    • No additional transaction fees

This transparent pricing is a breath of fresh air compared to platforms like Kajabi, which charge based on features and audience size. Find out more about the Skool fees here.


Skool’s Pros and Cons

Pros

Clean Interface: No ads, spam, or distractions.

Affordable Pricing: A flat rate of $99/month with no hidden fees.

Engagement Tools: Gamification boosts participation and retention.

User-Friendly: Simple for creators and members alike.

Scalable: Unlimited members and courses at no extra cost.

Cons

Limited Customization: Advanced users may find the design options restrictive.

No Funnel Builder: Requires external tools for marketing funnels.

Missing Email Tools: Native email marketing is absent, but integrations solve this.


Skool vs. Competitors

Skool vs. Kajabi

FeatureSkoolKajabi
Pricing$99/monthStarts at $149/month
Course HostingSimple and intuitiveAdvanced features
Community ToolsGamification-focusedBasic
CustomizationLimitedExtensive

Skool vs. Mighty Networks

FeatureSkoolMighty Networks
UsabilityFocused on simplicityOffers complex features
GamificationBuilt-inLimited
PricingFlat-rate $99/monthVariable pricing tiers

Skool vs. Facebook Groups

FeatureSkoolFacebook Groups
EnvironmentAd-free and focusedDistracting ads and spam
EngagementGamifiedOrganic but unstructured
MonetizationBuilt-inRequires external tools

How to Maximize Your Skool Experience

To get the most out of Skool, follow these tips:

Leverage Gamification

Encourage members to earn points by engaging with your content. Offer incentives for top contributors to boost participation.

Use Integrations

Connect Skool with email marketing tools, CRMs, and payment processors to streamline your workflows.

Offer High-Value Courses

Pair Skool’s simple course hosting with engaging, actionable content to maximize member satisfaction.

Engage Consistently

Stay active in your community by responding to posts, starting discussions, and hosting Q&A sessions.


FAQs About Skool

Is Skool beginner-friendly?

Yes! Skool’s intuitive interface makes it perfect for first-time creators.

Does Skool have a free trial?

Yes. Skool offers a 14-day free trial, allowing you to explore its features risk-free.

Can I cancel Skool anytime?

Absolutely. Skool’s monthly subscription gives you the flexibility to cancel without long-term commitments.


Final Verdict: Is Skool Worth It in 2024?

Skool is an excellent choice for creators and business owners who want to simplify their workflows and focus on building engaged communities. While it lacks some advanced features, its gamification tools, flat-rate pricing, and user-friendly interface make it a standout platform for 2024.

Verdict: Highly Recommended!


Get Started with Skool Today

Ready to experience Skool for yourself? Start your free trial today and see how it transforms the way you manage your online community and courses.

Sign Up Here


Additional Tips for Building a Successful Skool Community

To further enhance your community-building efforts on Skool, consider these additional tips:

Leverage Skool’s Integration Capabilities

Skool integrates with various tools and platforms that can enhance your community experience:

  • Email Marketing Tools: Connect your email marketing software to automate member onboarding and communication.
  • Payment Gateways: Use integrated payment systems to streamline the process of selling memberships and courses.
  • Analytics Tools: Integrate with advanced analytics platforms to gain deeper insights into your community’s performance.

Create a Content Calendar

Planning your content in advance ensures consistency and helps you cover all necessary topics:

  • Monthly Themes: Assign themes to each month to focus your content and activities.
  • Regular Posting Schedule: Establish a routine for posting content, hosting events, and engaging with members.
  • Content Variety: Mix different types of content, such as tutorials, success stories, and interactive posts, to keep the community engaged.

Encourage Member-Generated Content

Empower your members to contribute to the community:

  • Guest Posts: Allow members to share their expertise by writing guest posts or leading discussions.
  • Member Projects: Support projects initiated by members, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.
  • Showcase Success Stories: Highlight the achievements of your members to inspire others and build a positive community culture.

Utilize Skool’s Mobile Features

With many users accessing communities via mobile devices, ensure your Skool community is optimized for mobile:

  • Responsive Design: Make sure your community’s layout is mobile-friendly.
  • Mobile Notifications: Use mobile notifications to keep members informed about new content and upcoming events.
  • Accessible Resources: Ensure that all resources, including videos and PDFs, are easily accessible on mobile devices.

Foster a Positive Community Culture

A positive and inclusive culture keeps members happy and engaged:

  • Clear Guidelines: Establish and enforce community guidelines to maintain respect and support.
  • Active Moderation: Monitor discussions to prevent spam, harassment, and off-topic conversations.
  • Inclusive Language: Use language that welcomes and includes all members, fostering a sense of belonging.

Continuously Learn and Adapt

The digital landscape is always evolving, and so should your community strategies:

  • Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest features and updates from Skool to leverage new tools effectively.
  • Experiment with New Ideas: Don’t be afraid to try new engagement strategies or content formats to see what resonates with your members.
  • Seek Inspiration: Look at successful communities on Skool and other platforms to gain insights and ideas for your own community.

By implementing these strategies and maintaining a focus on providing value and fostering connections, you can build a thriving community on Skool that not only attracts new members but also retains and nurtures them over time.

Happy community building!

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