What is Skool?
Skool is a comprehensive community and course platform launched in 2019 by entrepreneur Sam Ovens. Designed to simplify the management of online courses, membership sites, coaching programs, and community interactions, Skool integrates key business functions into a single user-friendly platform. It allows creators to host courses, manage subscriptions, build communities, and offer premium content, all while gathering valuable feedback from users.
With its broad range of features, Skool aims to address the gaps in traditional course and community platforms, providing a one-stop solution for content creators looking to engage their audiences and drive revenue. In this review, we will explore Skool’s features to help you decide if it’s the right platform for your business.
Key Features of Skool
1. Online Course Creation
Skool’s course creation feature is straightforward and easy to use. The platform’s “Classroom” feature allows you to create and upload course content quickly. You can organize your courses into sets and modules, each containing various media types such as links, files, and descriptions. This modular approach makes the learning experience structured and easy to follow.
However, Skool currently does not support native video hosting, which means you’ll need to upload your videos to third-party platforms like YouTube or Vimeo and then embed the links. While this can be a slight inconvenience, it does not significantly hinder the course creation process. The platform’s layout is uniform across all courses, limiting customization, but its modern and clean design compensates for this.
Pros:
- Intuitive Interface: Easy to navigate, even for beginners.
- Modular Course Design: Helps structure content clearly for learners.
- Completion Tracking: Allows you to monitor student progress across modules.
Cons:
- No Native Video Hosting: Requires external platforms for video content.
- Limited Customization: Courses have a standard layout.
- No Built-in Assessments: Lacks support for quizzes and tests.
2. Community Management
Skool’s community feature is arguably its strongest asset. The interface resembles Facebook, making it familiar and easy for users to engage with content. Members can interact through posts, polls, videos, and more, creating a dynamic environment where community engagement thrives. Administrators can manage posts, set group rules, and even restrict posts to admin-only if desired.
Skool’s community feature also allows for post categorization, enabling users to focus on specific topics of interest. This personal touch helps build a sense of belonging among members, potentially increasing community size and engagement over time.
Pros:
- Engaging Interface: Feels like a social network, encouraging interaction.
- Admin Controls: Flexibility to manage community posts and engagement.
- Personalization Options: Users can filter posts based on categories of interest.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: Community design options are somewhat basic.
- No Dedicated Mobile App Branding: Users access via the Skool app rather than a custom-branded app.
3. Gamification
Skool incorporates a unique gamification element that rewards users with points for active participation. Members and community managers earn points for various interactions, which contribute to leveling up within the community. These levels add a competitive element, encouraging members to stay engaged and build credibility within the group.
For business owners, gamification serves as both an engagement and monetization tool. Higher levels signal trustworthiness and expertise, which can positively influence customer perceptions and drive sales.
Pros:
- Encourages Engagement: Points and levels motivate ongoing interaction.
- Adds Credibility: Higher levels can enhance your reputation within the community.
- Rewards Active Users: You can recognize and reward highly engaged members.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: Gamification is primarily point-based, with few additional incentives.
- No Built-in Rewards: You need to create your own incentives for top contributors.
4. Calendar and Event Management
Skool’s built-in calendar feature allows creators to manage and promote events seamlessly. Events are automatically adjusted to users’ local time zones, reducing confusion and ensuring better attendance rates. The calendar also syncs with personalized coaching sessions, providing reminders to both organizers and attendees.
This tool reduces the manual effort needed to coordinate events and keeps members informed, contributing to a smoother user experience.
Pros:
- Automated Time Zone Adjustments: Simplifies scheduling for global audiences.
- Event Reminders: Ensures users stay informed about upcoming events.
- Integrated with Community: Enhances community engagement by promoting active participation.
Cons:
- Basic Functionality: Limited customization options for event details.
- No Advanced Scheduling Features: Lacks complex scheduling tools found in dedicated calendar apps.
5. Funnels Without Landing Pages
Traditional sales funnels often involve guiding users from a landing page through various steps to a purchase. Skool simplifies this process by allowing creators to funnel prospects directly into the community. Once inside, users can explore courses, events, and coaching options, fostering a sense of immediate belonging and increasing conversion rates.
Skool’s approach to funnels leverages the power of community, creating an interactive and engaging sales process without the need for extensive landing page setups.
Pros:
- Simplified Funnel Process: Reduces steps to engage prospects.
- Community-Centric: Encourages immediate interaction and engagement.
- Higher Conversion Potential: Leveraging community can boost trust and sales.
Cons:
- Limited Funnel Customization: Skool’s funnel is basic compared to dedicated sales funnel tools.
- Dependent on Community Engagement: Success relies on active community participation.
Additional Features
Mobile App: The Skool mobile app offers seamless access to communities, courses, and events, although it is not custom-branded.
Search Functionality: Advanced search options allow users to find relevant content across posts, courses, and discussions.
Integrations: Limited integration options, mainly through Zapier, can connect Skool to other apps, but this adds additional costs.
Live Messaging: Real-time chat increases engagement and conversion rates but requires active management.
Single Dashboard: A comprehensive dashboard provides an overview of engagement metrics and business health.
Automatic Affiliates: Skool’s affiliate program offers 40% commissions when community members create their own Skool communities, turning the platform into a potential revenue stream.
Pricing
Skool charges $99 per month per community with no member or course limits. While there are no bundling options, the value offered by Skool’s comprehensive feature set justifies the price, especially for those prioritizing community-driven growth.
Final Verdict: Is Skool Right for You?
Skool offers an all-in-one solution for creators who want to manage courses, communities, and coaching programs under one roof. While it lacks some advanced features found in dedicated tools, its community-first approach makes it a powerful platform for those who value engagement and interaction as the cornerstones of their business.
If you’re looking to build a vibrant community, centralize your content, and create multiple revenue streams, Skool could be a great fit for your business. Its simplicity, combined with robust community features and gamification, makes it an appealing choice for content creators aiming to enhance audience interaction and loyalty.
Click here to start your Skool journey today!