Unlock the Power of Community: Is Skool the Right Platform for You?
You want to build a community? Welcome. In the digital world, many want to gather people online. Communities create magic. They spark connections. And yes, they can be profitable. Enter Skool. What is Skool exactly? Let’s dive in.
What in the World is Skool? (The Platform Lowdown)
Skool.com is your online clubhouse. Not just another social media platform. It’s for creators: coaches, course builders, consultants, small businesses, and educators. It’s for anyone wanting to gather their tribe and offer value. Host communities, share courses, and schedule events under one roof. There are about 1,000 paid Skool communities now. Clearly, they find it useful.
A “Skool community” is a platform designed for individuals and businesses. It’s for building and managing online communities. It’s like your Swiss Army knife for community building. It has the tools you need: discussion boards for questions and insights, member areas for exclusive goodies, and course access for those knowledge bombs. Monetization features make passion projects that pay possible.
Skool’s Secret Weapon: The Feature Arsenal
Now let’s look at what makes Skool tick. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about features that simplify community management. It aims to make your work manageable and enjoyable.
- Discussion Boards: Think of a modern forum. These spaces help members share ideas, ask for help, and nerd out together. Collaboration is all here.
- Member Areas: A VIP section for your community. Exclusive content and special resources. Members feel part of something special. Exclusivity is powerful.
- Course Access: Want to sell a course? Skool helps you organize lessons, drip feed content, and watch students learn. It combines a learning management system with a community platform.
- Calendar Feature: No need for multiple scheduling apps. Skool’s calendar allows you to plan events directly. Q&A sessions, live streams, workshops – stay engaged.
- Gamification: Skool adds fun with points, badges, and leaderboards. Encourage participation and watch your community thrive.
- Broadcast Feature: Need to announce something to your community? The broadcast feature serves as your megaphone. Share updates, announcements, or motivational talks.
- Custom Links: Want to keep certain resources under wraps? Custom links allow you to share private or public content easily. Think exclusive event invites or links to resources.
- Discovery: Want more members? Skool’s discovery feature boosts visibility. It helps others find your corner of the internet.
Who’s Invited to the Skool Party? (Target User Breakdown)
Who is Skool for? Is it for everyone? Not really. It’s not likely for grandma’s bridge club unless she’s tech-savvy. But if you fit these categories, Skool might be your friend:
- Course Creators: If you sell online courses, Skool is ideal for you. It simplifies course creation and sales.
- Coaches and Consultants: Have expertise to share? Build a loyal following with Skool. Create communities around your niche.
- Small Business Owners: Want to build customer loyalty? Skool helps small businesses foster a community. It lets your audience connect with your products.
- Educators and Creators: If you want to teach and connect, Skool is user-friendly. It helps build community and learning without needing deep tech skills.
Skool’s Functionality: Making it Work for You (and Your Wallet)
Functionality is not the sexiest term, but it’s crucial. How does Skool work for you? Let’s break it down:
- Money, Money, Money: Skool lets you charge for access. Set subscription fees or one-time purchases. It’s a direct way to earn online.
- Course Creation Central: Creating courses on Skool is streamlined. Course organization, member management, and integrations are all there for you.
- Community is King (or Queen): Skool focuses on community, not just courses. Engagement tools like forums and gamification elements thrive here.
Simplicity: Skool’s Double-Edged Sword
User-friendly. Intuitive. Easy. Skool is a simple solution. Many creators enjoy this. But simplicity can be limiting. Some users may want more features or customization. It’s a trade-off between ease and control. You decide what’s important.
Decoding Skool Communities: Finding Your Niche (or Creating Your Own)
You’re intrigued by Skool communities. Want to join one? Or build your own? Let’s explore this further.
The Numbers Game: How Many Skool Communities Are Out There?
There are nearly 1,000 paid Skool communities today. That shows the platform is popular. Creators find value in building communities on it.
Community Hunting: Where to Find Your Skool Tribe
How do you find these Skool communities? There isn’t a giant online directory for groups (though there should be). Here are some strategies:
- Profile Peeking: Want to know what communities someone belongs to? Visit their profile. Many display the groups they join. Profile investigations can lead you to interesting communities.
- Search Engine Sleuthing: Google can help. Try searching “[your niche] Skool community.” You may find surprising results.
Community Archetypes: What Kind of Skool Community Are You Looking For?
Not all Skool communities are the same. Different styles exist, just like in real life. Here’s what you should know:
- Private vs. Public (Mostly Private, Mostly Paid): The majority of Skool communities fall into this category.
- Skool groups are private. They need payment to join. This isn’t your average Facebook group. It’s about curated, premium experiences.
- Free vs. Paid (Mostly Paid, but Gems Exist): Most Skool groups run on paid memberships. Some free groups exist. They are rarer. Think of them as hidden treasures for smart seekers.
- Freebie Thread Goldmines: There are threads dedicated to finding free Skool groups. These threads serve as digital scavenger hunts for community deals. Check them out if you want to explore Skool without spending money.
Community Deep Dive: Analyzing the Top Dogs
Curious about success on Skool? Someone analyzed the top 1000 Skool communities in August 2024. The leading communities charge around $999 per month! Even mid-tier ones generate serious value. There’s money in Skool communities if you play wisely.
Show Me the Money: Skool Pricing and Revenue Realities
Let’s talk about money. Dollars, cents, cash – understanding pricing and revenue is key for creators and Skool.
The Price Tag: How Much Does Skool Cost?
To be clear: Skool costs $99 per month for each group. That’s the magic number. Consider it your digital clubhouse rent. Want multiple groups? Each one costs another $99 a month. It’s a flat fee that’s mostly simple. There’s a 14-day free trial too. Good call, Skool.
Creator Cash Flow: How YOU Make Money on Skool
Paying $99/month? How do you earn that back? The model is simple: charge community members a subscription fee. It’s like a mini-Netflix for your niche. You set prices, deliver value, and hope members pay up. Recurring revenue builds as your community grows.
Skool’s Cut: How Skool Stays Afloat
How does Skool generate cash? They earn that $99/month from creators. Additionally, they use affiliate marketing. Members earn a portion of subscription fees by referring new users. This benefits both sides: extra cash for members, more users for Skool. A smart move.
The Transaction Tax: Skool Fees to Consider
Hold up, there are fees to consider. Like many platforms, Skool takes a cut from transactions. For transactions under $900 USD, they charge 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction. It might not seem steep, but factor it into your pricing projections. Those small costs can accumulate.
Skool vs. the Competition: Choosing Your Community Platform Champion
Skool is in the community platform arena, but it’s not alone. Let’s compare it with others. Think of it as a platform showdown and may the best one win!
Skool vs. Patreon: Content Creators Face Off
Patreon dominates supporting individual creators, especially in artsy areas. If you want exclusive content like art or music, Patreon is ideal. They have tools tailored to creator-fan relationships. Yet, for structured communities and courses, Skool shines over Patreon.
Skool vs. Mighty Networks: Feature-Rich Rumble
Mighty Networks is often called the “feature-rich” community platform. Skool, however, focuses on simplicity. Mighty Networks offers extensive customization and complexity. Skool excels in ease of use and gamification. For a fun, engaging experience, go with Skool.
Skool vs. ClickFunnels: Sales Funnel Showdown
ClickFunnels and Skool operate in different zones. ClickFunnels is focused on sales funnels and marketing automation. It deals with landing pages and sales sequences. In contrast, Skool centers on community building and online courses. They serve different purposes.
Skool vs. Circle: Customization Clash
Circle provides comprehensive and customizable community management tools. It suits larger communities needing fine control. Meanwhile, Skool focuses on gamified engagement and course creation simplicity. For a huge community that needs robust tools, Circle may suit you best.
Skool vs. GoKollab: Marketplace Mayhem
GoKollab offers a unique marketplace feature, exposing potential members directly on the platform. In contrast, Skool lacks this feature. To grow your Skool community, you’ll rely on external promotion more heavily.
Behind the Curtain: The People Powering Skool
Ever wonder about the minds behind our favorite platforms? Let’s meet the creators of Skool.
The Founding Fathers: Sam Ovens and Daniel Kang
Founded in 2019, Skool is the vision of Sam Ovens (CEO) and Daniel Kang (CTO). Sam is a known figure in online business, while Daniel focuses on tech operations. A classic duo: the visionary and the builder.
The Co-Owner Curveball: Alex Hormozi Enters the Scene
Fun fact: Alex Hormozi is another notable name in online business and a co-owner of Skool. He made a “significant investment” recently too. Having Hormozi boosts Skool’s credibility and adds seriousness to their brand.
Skool as a Business Launchpad: Earning Potential Exposed
Let’s return to the big question: can you make money? The answer is yes! Let’s explore actual examples and strategies.
The Big Bucks: Skool Earning Hall of Fame
Get ready to be impressed: The top earner on Skool reportedly makes $134,000 per month. Not just an outlier; others earn between $70,000 and $100,000 monthly. Those are significant earnings! Moreover, one creator added $6,500 in monthly recurring revenue in just 34 hours. This shows strong potential ahead.
Making it Rain: Strategies for Skool Success
You likely won’t reach $134k overnight (likely). So how do you make money on Skool? Focus on key components:
- High-Quality Courses: Worth repeating! To get paid, your courses must be excellent. Deliver valuable content and real results.
- Engage, Engage, Engage: Community is in the name! Communicate with your learners.
- Foster discussions. Answer questions. Build connections. A thriving community keeps members engaged and attracts new ones. Avoid being a ghost host.
- Marketing Magic: Just building it does not guarantee visitors. Effective marketing is key. Promote your community. Highlight its value. Use social media, email, and word-of-mouth to drive traffic to your Skool community.
Community Building 101: Beyond the Digital Realm
Skool focuses on online communities. Yet, community building extends beyond the internet. The same principles apply offline. Real-world connections can enhance your life.
Finding Your People: Offline Community Hotspots
Searching for local connections? Here are classic spots to find your tribe:
- Local Community Centers and Libraries: These often serve as activity hubs. They offer diverse groups and classes. Great for meeting others with shared interests, from book clubs to pottery. Don’t overlook community centers.
- Workout Classes: Exercising together can build bonds. Workout classes provide a way to meet those with similar fitness interests. Plus, endorphins boost moods. Fitness and friendship create a winning combo.
The Ideal Community Blueprint: What Makes a Community Great?
What marks a truly great community? It involves quality over quantity. Here’s a checklist for an ideal community:
- Acceptance and Inclusivity: A great community welcomes everyone. Background or beliefs don’t matter. No judgment allowed.
- Accessibility and Resources: An ideal community simplifies life for its members. It offers services, resources, and growth opportunities. Think便利, as they say in Japan.
- Shared Values and Purpose: A strong community unites around values or common goals. This foundation creates a sense of belonging and identity.
The Many Hats We Wear: Multiple Community Memberships
Consider this: we belong to multiple communities—family, friends, work, hobbies, and online groups. We juggle these affiliations daily. They intertwine and shape our identity. Embrace your diverse communities online and offline.
That’s it. A dive into Skool’s features and pricing. Is Skool the right fit? Hopefully, this helps you decide. Go build or join an awesome community!
