Skool Review 2024: My honest review after 1 year of using Skool.com

Hey there! So, you’ve been thinking about creating an online community or launching some courses, right? I’ve been down that road, and I wanted to share my experience with Skool—a platform that’s been making waves lately. Let’s dive deep into what Skool offers, the good, the bad, and whether it’s the right fit for you.

---

Table of Contents

1. What is Skool?
2. Why I Decided to Try Skool
3. Getting Started with Skool
4. Key Features of Skool
   • Community Building Tools
   • Course Hosting Capabilities
   • Gamification and Engagement
   • Mobile App Experience
   • Integrations and Add-Ons
   • Security and Privacy Measures
5. Skool Pricing Breakdown
6. Pros and Cons of Skool
7. Skool vs. Competitors
   • Skool vs. Kajabi
   • Skool vs. Circle
   • Skool vs. Facebook Groups
   • Skool vs. Mighty Networks
8. Who Should Consider Using Skool?
9. My Personal Experience with Skool
10. Tips for Success on Skool
11. Frequently Asked Questions
12. Final Thoughts

---

1. What is Skool?

So, let’s start from the beginning. Skool is an online platform created by Sam Ovens—yes, the guy from consulting.com. It’s designed to help people like us—creators, coaches, consultants—build online communities and host courses all in one place.

Think of Skool as a blend between a social media group and an online course platform, but without all the distractions that come with platforms like Facebook. It’s like having your own private clubhouse where you can interact with your community, share content, and offer courses seamlessly.

Key Highlights:

• Unified Platform: Combines community forums and course hosting.
• Distraction-Free: No ads or unrelated content to pull members away.
• Engagement-Focused: Features that encourage member participation.

---

2. Why I Decided to Try Skool

I’ve been in the online business space for a few years now, and I’ve tried a bunch of different platforms. From hosting courses on Teachable to running communities on Facebook Groups and Slack channels, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly.

What drew me to Skool was the idea of simplifying everything. Managing multiple platforms can be a headache—different logins, scattered communication, and let’s not even get started on trying to keep engagement high in a Facebook Group where your posts might get buried under cat memes and political debates.

Reasons I Chose Skool:

• Simplicity: One platform for both community and courses.
• Enhanced Engagement: Gamification features to keep members active.
• Control Over Content: No algorithms deciding who sees my posts.
• Professional Environment: A dedicated space for serious learners.

---

3. Getting Started with Skool

Signing up for Skool was pretty straightforward. They offer a 14-day free trial, which was great because I could test the waters without any commitment.

Setup Process:

1. Sign Up:
   • Visited Skool’s website.
   • Clicked on “Get Started” and filled in my basic details.
2. Create Your Community:
   • Named my community and added a catchy tagline.
   • Uploaded a logo and cover image to reflect my brand.
3. Set Up Courses:
   • Navigated to the “Courses” tab.
   • Created modules and lessons, embedding videos and adding resources.
4. Customize Settings:
   • Set up community guidelines.
   • Configured notification settings.
5. Invite Members:
   • Sent email invites to my existing email list.
   • Shared the community link on my social media channels.

First Impressions:

• User-Friendly Interface: The dashboard was clean and easy to navigate.
• Quick Setup: I had my community up and running in under an hour.
• Helpful Tutorials: Skool provides guides to help you get started.

---

4. Key Features of Skool

Now that I’ve walked you through the setup, let’s dive deeper into the features that Skool offers.

Community Building Tools

Skool’s community area is where members can interact. It’s similar to a forum or a social media group but without the ads and distractions.

Features:

• Discussion Boards: Members can start topics, ask questions, and share insights.
• Commenting System: Threaded comments make conversations easy to follow.
• Member Directory: Find and connect with other members.
• Private Messaging: Members can communicate privately.

Why It Matters:

• Fosters Engagement: Encourages members to participate actively.
• Builds Relationships: Helps create a sense of community and belonging.

Course Hosting Capabilities

Skool lets you host your courses right alongside your community.

Features:

• Structured Learning Pathways: Organize content into courses, modules, and lessons.
• Video Integration: Embed videos from YouTube, Vimeo, or Wistia.
• Text and Images: Add written content and images to supplement videos.
• Progress Tracking: Members can see their progress through courses.

Why It Matters:

• Convenience: Members don’t have to switch platforms to access course content.
• Enhanced Learning Experience: Combines social learning with structured courses.

Gamification and Engagement

One of the fun aspects of Skool is how it encourages engagement.

Features:

• Leaderboard: Ranks members based on their activity.
• Levels and Badges: Members earn points and unlock levels.
• Quests and Challenges: Set up tasks for members to complete.
• Reaction Emojis: Members can react to posts with emojis.

Why It Matters:

• Motivates Participation: Friendly competition encourages more activity.
• Creates a Fun Environment: Makes the community experience enjoyable.

Mobile App Experience

Skool has a mobile app available on both iOS and Android.

Features:

• Full Functionality: Access all features available on the desktop version.
• Push Notifications: Stay updated with real-time alerts.
• Optimized Interface: Designed for smooth navigation on mobile devices.

Why It Matters:

• Accessibility: Members can engage with the community anytime, anywhere.
• Increased Engagement: Mobile access leads to higher participation rates.

Integrations and Add-Ons

While Skool focuses on simplicity, it does allow for integrations to enhance functionality.

Features:

• Zapier Integration: Connect Skool to thousands of other apps.
• Email Marketing Tools: Integrate with ConvertKit, Mailchimp, etc.
• Calendars: Sync events with Google Calendar or Outlook.
• Webhooks: For advanced users who need custom integrations.

Why It Matters:

• Automation: Save time by automating repetitive tasks.
• Enhanced Capabilities: Extend the platform’s functionality to suit your needs.

Security and Privacy Measures

Skool takes security seriously to protect your data and your community.

Features:

• Secure Authentication: Options for two-factor authentication.
• Data Encryption: Protects data in transit and at rest.
• Moderation Tools: Control over member access and content.
• Compliance: Adheres to GDPR and other data protection regulations.

Why It Matters:

• Trust: Members are more likely to engage in a secure environment.
• Control: You have oversight of your community’s safety.

---

5. Skool Pricing Breakdown

Let’s talk about the cost. Skool keeps it simple:

• 14-Day Free Trial
  • Credit card required.
  • Full access to all features.
• Monthly Subscription
  • $99 per month per community.
  • Includes unlimited members and courses.

What’s Included:

• Community Features: All tools for engagement and interaction.
• Course Hosting: Unlimited courses with all features.
• Support: Access to customer support and community forums.
• Updates: Regular platform updates and new features.

Additional Costs:

• External Tools: You might need to pay for third-party services like video hosting or email marketing platforms.
• Payment Processing: Since Skool doesn’t handle payments, you’ll need a separate service to process transactions (e.g., PayPal, Stripe).

Value Proposition:

• Cost-Effective: Compared to platforms that charge per member or limit features.
• Scalability: No extra cost as your community grows.

---

6. Pros and Cons of Skool

No platform is perfect, so here’s my honest take on what I liked and what I thought could be better.

Pros

1. User-Friendly Interface
   • Easy to navigate for both admins and members.
   • Clean design minimizes distractions.
2. Unlimited Members and Courses
   • No worries about hitting caps as you grow.
   • Encourages scaling your community and offerings.
3. Engagement Features
   • Gamification elements boost participation.
   • Leaderboards and badges add a fun competitive edge.
4. Focused Environment
   • No ads or unrelated content.
   • Members stay engaged with your content.
5. Mobile App
   • Accessibility on the go.
   • Increases member interaction.
6. Responsive Support
   • Helpful customer service.
   • Active user community for peer support.

Cons

1. No Native Video Hosting
   • Need to use external services for video content.
   • Could incur additional costs.
2. Limited Customization
   • Can’t heavily brand or customize layouts.
   • Might not suit those wanting a unique aesthetic.
3. No Built-In Sales Funnels or Payment Processing
   • Requires integration with other tools for sales.
   • Adds complexity to the setup process.
4. No Native File Hosting
   • Can’t upload PDFs or other files directly.
   • Must use external links for resources.
5. Basic Analytics
   • Lacks in-depth analytics on member behavior.
   • Limited insights for data-driven decisions.

---

7. Skool vs. Competitors

Let’s see how Skool stacks up against some popular alternatives.

Skool vs. Kajabi

Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that includes course hosting, email marketing, website building, and sales funnels.

Pricing Comparison:

	Skool	Kajabi
Price	$99/month	Starts at $149/month
Members	Unlimited	Limited based on plan
Courses	Unlimited	Limited based on plan

Feature Comparison:

Feature	Skool	Kajabi
Community Features	Robust	Basic
Course Hosting	Yes	Yes
Email Marketing	Requires integration	Built-in
Sales Funnels	Requires integration	Built-in
Customization	Limited	Extensive
Mobile App	Yes	No (as of my last update)

Who Should Choose What?

• Skool: Ideal for those who want a focused community with course hosting and are comfortable using other tools for marketing.
• Kajabi: Suits users who want an all-in-one solution and are willing to pay a premium.

Skool vs. Circle

Circle is a community platform that offers more customization and integrates with various tools.

Pricing Comparison:

	Skool	Circle
Price	$99/month	Starts at $39/month
Members	Unlimited	Up to 1,000 (Basic plan)
Courses	Unlimited	Higher-tier plans required

Feature Comparison:

Feature	Skool	Circle
Community Features	Robust	Robust
Course Hosting	Yes	Requires higher-tier plan
Customization	Limited	High
Integrations	Via Zapier	Extensive
Mobile App	Yes	Yes

Who Should Choose What?

• Skool: Best for those who prioritize simplicity and unlimited growth.
• Circle: Great for those needing advanced customization and integration options.

Skool vs. Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups are free and familiar to most users.

Feature Comparison:

Feature	Skool	Facebook Groups
Ads and Distractions	None	High
Algorithm Control	Full reach	Algorithm-limited reach
Customization	Limited	Very Limited
Data Ownership	Yes	No
Analytics	Basic	Basic
Monetization	Direct (with integrations)	Indirect

Who Should Choose What?

• Skool: For those wanting a professional, controlled environment.
• Facebook Groups: Suitable for casual communities or those starting without a budget.

Skool vs. Mighty Networks

Mighty Networks is another platform for building communities with courses.

Pricing Comparison:

	Skool	Mighty Networks
Price	$99/month	Starts at $33/month (Community), $99/month (Business)

Feature Comparison:

Feature	Skool	Mighty Networks
Community Features	Robust	Robust
Course Hosting	Yes	Business plan and up
Customization	Limited	Moderate
Mobile App	Yes	Yes
Monetization	Requires integration	Built-in options

Who Should Choose What?

• Skool: Ideal if you prefer simplicity and using your own payment systems.
• Mighty Networks: Good if you want built-in monetization and are okay with higher costs for more features.

---

8. Who Should Consider Using Skool?

Skool isn’t for everyone, but it could be a great fit if:

• You’re a Coach or Consultant
  • Offer group coaching sessions.
  • Provide resources and foster community discussions.
• You’re a Course Creator
  • Host your courses and engage with students in one place.
  • Use gamification to enhance learning.
• You Run a Membership Site
  • Offer exclusive content and benefits.
  • Build a loyal community around your brand.
• You Lead a Mastermind Group
  • Facilitate high-level discussions.
  • Share insights and resources.
• You’re Building a Niche Community
  • Bring together like-minded individuals.
  • Encourage peer-to-peer learning and support.

Considerations:

• Not Ideal For:
  • Those needing advanced customization.
  • Businesses requiring built-in payment processing.
• Complementary Tools:
  • Be prepared to integrate with other platforms for a complete solution.

---

9. My Personal Experience with Skool

I’ve been using Skool for several months now, and overall, it’s been a positive experience.

Community Engagement

• Increased Participation: Members are more active compared to when I used Facebook Groups.
• Quality Discussions: Conversations are more focused and meaningful.

Course Hosting

• Positive Feedback: Students appreciate having courses and community in one place.
• Ease of Use: Uploading content and organizing courses is straightforward.

Support and Updates

• Responsive Team: Skool’s support has been helpful whenever I’ve had questions.
• Continuous Improvement: Regular updates and new features are rolled out.

Integrations

• Email Marketing: Integrated with ConvertKit for email campaigns.
• Sales Funnels: Used ClickFunnels for landing pages and connected it to Skool.

Challenges

• Learning Curve for Members: Some members took time to adjust to a new platform.
• External Video Hosting Costs: Subscribing to Vimeo added to my expenses.

Unexpected Benefits

• Member Ownership: Feels like a private community rather than a group on someone else’s platform.
• Better Retention: Members stay engaged longer due to the focused environment.

---

10. Tips for Success on Skool

If you decide to give Skool a try, here are some tips from my experience:

1. Onboard Your Members Effectively

• Welcome Messages: Create a warm welcome post or video.
• Guidelines: Clearly outline community rules and expectations.
• Tutorials: Provide a quick guide on how to navigate the platform.

2. Foster Engagement

• Regular Content: Post consistently to keep the community active.
• Interactive Posts: Use polls, questions, and challenges.
• Acknowledge Top Contributors: Highlight active members to encourage participation.

3. Leverage Gamification

• Set Up Levels: Align levels with meaningful milestones.
• Rewards: Offer small rewards or recognition for reaching certain levels.
• Leaderboards: Encourage friendly competition.

4. Integrate Seamlessly

• Automate Processes: Use Zapier to connect Skool with your other tools.
• Consistent Branding: Align your Skool community’s look with your overall brand.
• Unified Communication: Ensure messages across platforms are consistent.

5. Gather and Act on Feedback

• Surveys: Regularly ask for member input.
• Open Forums: Create spaces for suggestions and ideas.
• Implement Changes: Show members that their feedback matters.

6. Provide Value

• Exclusive Content: Share resources only available in your Skool community.
• Expert Sessions: Host Q&As or webinars.
• Networking Opportunities: Facilitate connections among members.

---

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I customize the look of my Skool community?

A: You can add your logo and cover image, but extensive customization of layouts or themes isn’t available.

Q: Does Skool handle payment processing for courses or memberships?

A: No, you’ll need to handle payments through external platforms like Stripe or PayPal and manage access accordingly.

Q: Is there a limit to how many members I can have?

A: No, Skool allows unlimited members in your community.

Q: Can I host live events or webinars on Skool?

A: While Skool doesn’t have built-in live streaming, you can share links to live events hosted on platforms like Zoom or YouTube Live.

Q: How secure is my data on Skool?

A: Skool uses standard security measures, including data encryption and secure authentication. Always review their privacy policy for detailed information.

Q: Does Skool offer analytics on member activity?

A: Skool provides basic insights like member engagement levels and leaderboard standings but doesn’t offer in-depth analytics.

Q: Can I integrate Skool with my existing website or platform?

A: You can link to your Skool community from your website, and use integrations via Zapier to connect with other tools.

---

12. Final Thoughts

So, after spending some quality time with Skool, would I recommend it? Yes, but with some considerations.

Why You Might Love Skool

• Simplicity and Focus: Keeps things straightforward, reducing overwhelm.
• Engagement-Driven: Features designed to foster an active community.
• Cost-Effective for Growing Communities: No extra charges as you scale.

Potential Drawbacks

• Limited Customization: Might feel restrictive if you want a highly branded environment.
• Dependence on External Tools: Need other platforms for payments, advanced marketing, and file hosting.
• Basic Analytics: May not suffice for data-driven strategies.

Is Skool Right for You?

• Yes, if:
  • You value simplicity over extensive features.
  • You’re building a community-focused business.
  • You’re okay with integrating a few external tools.
• Maybe not, if:
  • You require advanced customization and branding.
  • You prefer an all-in-one platform with built-in marketing tools.
  • You need detailed analytics for decision-making.

Final Recommendation

Skool offers a unique blend of community and course hosting in a user-friendly package. It’s particularly well-suited for coaches, consultants, and educators who want to create an engaging space for their audience.

---

Interested in Trying Skool?

You can take advantage of their 14-day free trial by visiting Skool’s website. It’s a risk-free way to see if it’s the right fit for you.

---

I hope this deep dive into Skool has been helpful! If you have any more questions or want to share your own experiences, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out. Let’s keep the conversation going!