Skool Review 2024: Best Online Community Platform?

Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner looking to reach a wider audience and build a solid online community?

In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, having a thriving online presence and brand is essential for the success of any business.

Luckily, there are numerous platforms available that aim to help you connect with your target audience, spread your message, and grow your brand!

However, with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose which platform is best suited for your needs. Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at Skool – an up-and-coming online community platform!

Recently, Alex Hormozi, serial entrepreneur and best-selling author of $100M Offers (book summary) invested a significant amount of his money into Skool! He is betting big on this community-building platform, which has generated quite the buzz on social media. 

In this Skool review, I will determine if Skool truly stands out as the ultimate community platform! Keep reading to determine if this tool should be considered the go-to choice for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Skool Pros & Cons

When considering an online community platform, it’s essential to weigh its pros and cons against your specific needs and preferences to make the right decision.

Skool Pros

• Enhanced Learning Through Collaboration: Skool transforms the learning experience of your customers. It’s not just about consuming information; it’s about engaging with your community that shares your interests and goals. You’ll create an online environment of dynamic discussions, collaborative projects, and a supportive network.
• Create Content for Client Growth: Skool excels in enabling you to create content that’s not just educational but also aligned with your client’s development. This tool isn’t just a source of information; it’s a platform for creators. You’ll give resources that resonate with your audience, fostering their growth in areas that matter most.
• A Streamlined, User-Friendly Interface: Navigating Skool is a breeze. The design is intuitive, making it easy for your customers to find what they need without unnecessary complexity. This simplicity means they spend less time figuring out the platform and more time engaging with the content and community.

Skool Cons

• Limited Customization Options: While Skool offers a seamless interface, the customization options are limited. This isn’t a significant issue, as the existing layout is well-designed, but if you enjoy personalizing your online spaces extensively, this might be a minor drawback.
• Requires Consistent Engagement: Regular participation is key to fully benefiting from Skool. This isn’t a downside but more of you being engaged in your community for it to stay active. Your community will get the most out of the Skool platform by consistently staying plugged in with them and updating your course material.
• Subscription Model: Skool operates on a subscription basis, which might be a consideration for those mindful of ongoing expenses. However, the value gained from the platform’s resources and community features is well worth it, especially with solid revenue coming in. 

Quick Verdict – Is Skool Worth the Money?

After spending countless hours as both a user and community member on Skool, it is definitely worth trying out!

Skool offers an enriching, flexible, and interactive learning experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s a platform that enables you to foster community growth and provides the tools necessary for your group members to thrive.

What sets Skool apart is its focus on community-based learning. Your community is not just gaining knowledge but becoming part of a community that supports and encourages their learning journey. Plus, the flexibility for members to learn at their own pace, anytime and anywhere, is a game-changer.

The subscription model may be a deterrent. However, considering that Skool takes a lot of work out of supporting your community members, the investment is reasonable. 

If there’s one thing to nitpick, it’s the potential for overwhelm. With such a vast array of communities out there, you may feel overwhelmed when keeping your members engaged. However, if you make engagement and updates a habit, this becomes less of an issue.\

So, if you’re looking for a platform that offers more than just a platform for creators if you’re seeking a place for your people to grow, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals, Skool is undoubtedly worth it!

Take the leap and invest in your community and content today with Skool!

Who is Skool for?

You’ll love Skool if:

• You’re a community builder passionate about creating meaningful connections. Skool provides online tools similar to Facebook groups to make that happen effortlessly.
• You’re an educator or mentor looking to create an interactive learning environment. Skool’s features are tailor-made to foster engagement and boost learning outcomes for your students or members.
• You’re an entrepreneur seeking to build a robust online presence for your brand. Skool allows you to easily grow and manage your community, ensuring your brand remains top-of-mind.
• You value creating a community that offers support, motivation, and interaction. Skool is a great fit as it fosters a sense of belonging and provides an environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals.
• You thrive in environments where learning is organized and follows a clear path. Skool is perfect as it excels in providing structured courses and materials that guide you step by step through your learning journey.

You won’t love Skool if:

• You prefer fostering face-to-face interactions over digital ones. Skool, while powerful, is primarily an innovative online platform and may not be the best fit if you prefer offline community building.
• You’re averse to technology or find it overwhelming. While Skool is user-friendly, it does require a basic level of comfort with digital platforms.
• You’re looking for a quick fix or instantaneous results for your community. Having an ultimate community-building platform takes time and effort, and while Skool can facilitate the process, it can’t bypass the need for patience and persistence.

What is Skool?

Skool is an innovative online community platform that provides interactive learning and networking. It is a dynamic space where you can create courses, foster discussions, and build a community of like-minded people.

This platform merges social networking and online education, creating a unique personal and professional growth environment.

What is the key benefit of having Skool?

The key benefit of Skool lies in helping you create a community-centered approach to learning. Unlike traditional online community management platforms, Skool emphasizes interaction and collaboration, making it more than just a place to provide educational content.

It’s where you can share insights, get feedback, and build relationships with your community that shares your interests and goals.

How does Skool work?

Skool operates by helping you combine structured learning with social interaction. Once you join, you create your own community that offers various courses, live sessions, and discussion forums.

The intuitive platform allows you to create and share courses easily, foster community discussions, and track your student’s learning progress. It also offers tools for creating study groups and facilitating peer-to-peer learning and networking.

How is it different from competitors?

Skool’s strong emphasis on community building and real-time interaction sets it apart from other online learning platforms. While most e-learning platforms focus primarily on content delivery, Skool creates a more engaging and social learning experience.

Skool blurs the line between education and networking, offering a space that educates and connects you with a network of peers and professionals. This aspect makes learning in Skool a more holistic and interactive experience, starkly contrasting to the more solitary learning journeys found on traditional platforms.

Reasons I Recommend Skool to Everyone

#1) Engaging Learning Experience for all Community Members

The first thing that amazed me about Skool is the incredibly engaging learning experience that you can provide or get from other communities. Unlike traditional online courses where students passively watch videos, Skool brings each topic to life through interactive discussions and collaborative projects. You’re not just a creator or learner here; everyone is an active participant in your their own success.

The benefit for you and your community is a deeper understanding and retention of knowledge. I noticed this when I built a course for business operations and when I was part of a blogging community. Instead of merely watching lectures, we discussed strategies and applied concepts in real-time projects.

The hands-on approach solidified learning and made it enjoyable. This is a stark contrast to the forgettable, passive learning on other platforms.

#2) Community Support and Networking

Another aspect of Skool that I found incredibly valuable is the community support and networking opportunities. The platform allows you to foster and join communities with enthusiastic learners and experts from various fields, so you’re always a message away from advice, feedback, or a new perspective.

For you, this translates to an enriched learning environment where anyone can learn not just from courses but also from other members with diverse experiences and skills.

In my blogging course, I connected with a mentor through Skool who guided me through doing cold outreach, something I hadn’t experienced with other online learning tools. It’s more than an educational platform; it’s your own professional network that keeps giving.

#3) Customizable Learning Path

Finally, Skool’s customizable learning path is incredible. You and your students are not confined to predetermined courses or linear paths; everyone can tailor their learning experience to suit their own personal and professional goals.

The benefit here is the flexibility and relevance of each person’s learning journey. You choose what you learn and at what pace.

While exploring blogging topics, I could focus on specific tactics and software relevant to my business projects. This level of customization ensures that my and my student’s time at Skool was always productive and aligned with our objectives.

It’s a personalization that I haven’t found in many other online learning platforms.

What You Might Not Like About Skool

#1) Overwhelming Content and Discussions

One aspect of Skool that you may find challenging is the sheer volume of content and discussions that are possible. Initially, I was excited about fostering community with courses and topics. However, you may find yourself sifting through many discussions and getting overwhelmed by the many notifications.

For you, this can mean spending extra time navigating through the platform to find the right threads. While the conversations are a plus, they can also lead to information overload, especially if you and your students prefer a more streamlined, focused approach to learning.

I found myself spending more time than I anticipated just keeping up with the latest posts and community updates, which, at times, can detract from the community.

#2) Variable Quality in Skool Community Members’ Contributions

Another aspect to consider is the variable quality of community contributions. Skool thrives on user-generated content and discussions, but this also means the quality of your communities can be inconsistent. In my experience, while many discussions were insightful, others lacked depth or were off-topic.

This variability could affect you and your students’ learning experience, as you might need to spend time discerning valuable insights from less informative contributions. Unlike platforms with strictly curated content, Skool requires you to evaluate the information and opinions shared within its community more proactively.

While this platform aspect fosters a dynamic and open environment, so your students are relying on your students to provide vetted content in the courses.

Skool Pricing

Skool offers a straightforward and transparent pricing model: $99 per month for a comprehensive package. This single plan includes everything – unlimited courses, groups, and Skool community members, with no hidden fees.

You can start with a 14-day free trial to explore its features, and there’s a modest 2.9% transaction fee. The simplicity of this pricing structure makes it an accessible and hassle-free choice for anyone looking to join an online learning community.

Skool: Key Features Breakdown

Interactive Courses

Interactive Courses allow you to blend native video hosting of lectures, hands-on projects, and real-time discussions for your community. Unlike the one-way communication in traditional online courses, Skool helps you design courses to be dynamic and engaging. You’ll find your students not just watching content but actively participating in it – from interactive exercises to group projects.

What sets these courses apart is their emphasis on active learning. Your students are not just passively consuming information; they are applying it, discussing it with peers, and getting instant feedback.

This approach ensures your people get a deep understanding and a more memorable learning experience. It’s a refreshing change from the usual online course format, bringing the dynamics of a classroom environment into the digital space.

The interactive courses transformed my approach to online course creation and learning. During a course on blogging and SEO, I wasn’t just learning SEO; I was actively blogging, sharing progress with peers, and getting real-time feedback from coaches. This course experience not only solidified my understanding but also made learning more enjoyable and engaging.

On the flip side, I have also built courses on business operations, in which I have seen transformations. What I teach can seem boring, but with Skool, I produced an interactive course with engaging videos and quizzes, making the learning experience more dynamic and enjoyable for my students.

Community Discussions

Community Discussions are vibrant forums where your learners engage in meaningful conversations about various topics. These discussions go beyond simple Q&A; they’re dynamic, involving debates, shared experiences, and collaborative problem-solving. You can create and find threads on various subjects, from specific course content to broader industry trends.

Unlike the often superficial interactions on typical online forums, Skool’s community discussions help you provide rich insights and expertise to your community.

You’re not just reading comments but helping create ongoing conversations that deepen your students’ understanding and perspectives. This interactive environment fosters a sense of belonging and dramatically enhances the learning experience for everyone.

During my SEO course, I found myself deeply involved in a discussion about the latest trends in using AI to write blog posts. The insights I gained from that conversation were invaluable, going far beyond what I’d learned from the course materials alone. This feature has not only enriched my blogging and SEO knowledge but has also connected me with a network of individuals who are passionate about the same things as me.

In my own community, I set up and facilitated forums for automating your business, the best tools for project management, and the best metrics to use for your business. I saw transformations taking place as people could take the next step in their business!

Networking Opportunities

Skool is not just a platform for learning; it’s also a hub for networking. It provides ample opportunities for your members to connect, collaborate, and build relationships with each other.

What makes this feature special is its emphasis on community building. Skool understands that learning is not a solitary endeavor but a social one. The platform fosters an environment where you can facilitate and engage in meaningful conversations, share ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences.

In communities I have joined and created, I’ve connected with like-minded individuals, learned from their insights, and even collaborated on joint partnerships and social media. It’s not just about growing your professional network but also about building meaningful relationships that enrich your business and learning journey.

Customizable Learning Paths

Unlike rigid, one-size-fits-all course structures, Skool allows you to customize courses, modules, and interactive sessions for your community. This means you can design a learning path that aligns perfectly with what your students are passionate about or what skills they want to develop.

What makes this feature stand out is its user-centric approach to education. After creating the content, your students are in control of their learning. Whether they’re diving deep into a particular subject or exploring a range of diverse topics, Skool adapts to their pace and preferences.

As someone with varied business needs, I understood the importance of having multiple modules to meet my clients where they are in their business. There are many paths to optimizing and systemizing a business, and so my clients appreciated the customizable approach to learning. Some clients choose to focus on organizing their business using systems, while others need to hire a virtual assistant desperately.

Further, in my blogging and SEO course, this level of customization made learning more relevant and enjoyable and empowered me to learn the skills that I needed at the moment. I choose to first walk through the entire course and then deep dive into keyword research, hiring, and backlink outreach, one at a time.

Resource Library

The Resource Library helps you create a repository of various learning materials, from course readings and lecture notes to webinars and videos. The library is organized to make it easy for you and your students to find the resources you need.

Skool’s Resource Library helps you carefully curate the course and community resources to ensure they are relevant and valuable to your students’ learning journey. Moreover, these resources are easily accessible, allowing everyone to learn anytime, anywhere.

In my course or other courses, when we wanted to deepen our understanding of a particular course topic, the library was there for additional materials. This feature has not only enriched the learning experience but also saved me and others countless hours we would have otherwise spent searching for resources elsewhere.

Feedback and Assessment

Feedback and Assessment help you provide constructive feedback and evaluate the learning progress of your students. This system includes peer reviews, instructor feedback, and self-assessment tools. Whether they are completing a project, participating in a discussion, or submitting an assignment, you can provide timely and relevant feedback that helps your community members gauge their understanding and areas for improvement.

Unlike traditional platforms where feedback can be limited or one-sided, Skool encourages a multi-dimensional feedback process. Your people will get insights from coaches and peers, which adds diverse perspectives to their learning. This comprehensive feedback system ensures a well-rounded understanding and helps identify specific areas to focus on for improvement.

This not only helped me refine my course material but also helped my students deepen their understanding of the subject matter. The constructive criticism and encouragement that members have received have been excellent for business growth. 

Mobile Accessibility

The Skool mobile app gives you access to all the platform’s resources and features from your mobile device. Whether using an iPhone or an Android device, you and your students can learn on the go with Skool’s mobile-friendly design.

This community feature stands out because it makes learning incredibly convenient. You’re not tied to a desktop or laptop; you can learn whenever you want, wherever you are. This flexibility means you can maximize your time, fitting in learning around your other commitments.

I often found myself revising course materials on my commute or listening to webinars while doing household chores. Learning seamlessly blended into my work routine, making it less of a chore and more of a joy. And learning on the go has undoubtedly helped me stay consistent with my learning goals.

FAQs about Skool

Does Skool offer analytics and payment processing?

Yes, Skool provides detailed analytics to track course performance and student progress. It also has a seamless payment processing system, allowing you to set up your pricing structure while Skool handles the payments.

Are there any additional tools needed with Skool?

While Skool covers many aspects of the online course platform market and online community management, you might still need additional tools like a website/funnel builder and an email marketing system. Skool has a Zapier integration, which can help connect to various CRMs.

Can I earn from Skool?

Yes, many people earn full-time incomes by building and managing their online communities on Skool. The platform supports various monetization methods, including paid memberships and course sales.

What kind of support team and resources does Skool provide?

Skool offers a range of support options, including email support and searchable help documentation. Additionally, there’s a Skool Community for more product discussions. Educational resources available include online courses, subscription memberships, group funnels better than a Facebook group, coaching programs, and support forums.

What is Skool’s approach to privacy and terms of use?

Skool has a Privacy Policy that outlines how user data is collected, used, and shared. They also have a Terms of Use document governing the use of their platform. It’s important for users to be aware of these documents as they sign up and use Skool’s services.

Final Verdict – to Buy Skool or Not to Buy Skool?

After thoroughly exploring Skool’s features and personally experiencing its potential, I believe Skool is the ultimate online community platform!

The community-building potential and the opportunity to create excellent content are just a few of the standout features that make Skool an excellent choice.

The proof lies in the details. Skool’s incredible features which bring a unique dynamic to online learning, allowing you to not only create amazing content but also contribute your own insights. The mobile accessibility ensures your students can fit learning into your daily routine, making it convenient and flexible.

I understand there may be reservations. Perhaps you’re unsure about the quality of the Skool community building or the variety of resources available. However, my personal experience is that Skool provides a vast range of resources, which enables you to cater to different learning styles and interests.

So, if you’re an entrepreneur, coach, influencer, or creator looking for a comprehensive platform to build a community and share knowledge, Skool is definitely worth considering.

Take the plunge and discover the benefits of Skool today!

Next up in this Skool review, let’s explore some alternatives to the app in case you’re still undecided or want to compare options. Stay tuned!

Skool Alternatives

If $99 is too much for you to stomach or if you need a different solution, you might like one of these alternatives.

#1) Teachable

Teachable contrasts with Skool in its focus and functionality. While Skool integrates community building with learning, Teachable specializes in creating and selling online courses.

It’s a platform tailored for those prioritizing course creation and distribution over community interaction. Teachable’s built-in email marketing and integrated payment processing make it a more streamlined platform for creators looking to market and monetize their content directly. 

However, it lacks Skool’s robust community features, making Teachable less ideal if fostering a learning community is your primary goal. Teachable’s suitability lies more with individual educators or small businesses focused on delivering structured online courses rather than those seeking an integrated community and learning experience​

#2) Mighty Networks

Mighty Networks is another alternative that offers a slightly different approach than Skool. It is more akin to a traditional community platform, offering robust features for community engagement and interaction among community members.

This platform creates a sense of community and belonging, with options for building courses and facilitating group discussions. Where Skool emphasizes the educational aspect with its course-centric approach, Mighty Networks leans more towards fostering connections and discussions within its community.

This makes Mighty Networks an excellent fit for those who prioritize community building and engagement, possibly at the expense of a more structured learning experience​

#3) Kajabi

Kajabi, in contrast to Skool, is an all-in-one platform that combines course creation, marketing, and sales tools. It focuses on providing a comprehensive suite for digital entrepreneurs and educators who want to create, market, and sell their courses.

While Kajabi offers community features, its strength lies in its marketing and sales capabilities, making it a superior choice for those looking to build a business around their courses.

However, for those seeking a platform primarily for community-driven learning experiences, Skool still holds an edge due to its focus on interactive and community-based learning. Kajabi is best suited for users who need robust tools for course creation, marketing, and sales rather than just a platform for video hosting and learning online communities​.

#4) Circle

Circle is an innovative way to communicate with your community. It’s different from Skool in that it emphasizes communication and collaboration in a secure and private environment. Skool may offer similar functionalities, but Circle offers unique features designed specifically for community engagement.

With Circle, you can create interest-based groups, share content, and even host events. It’s a robust platform that’s easy to use and offers a powerful suite of tools for community organizers. Whether you’re a business professional or a casual user, Circle is the perfect way to engage with your community on a new level.