What’s the Best Platform to Host a Private Group?
When I first wanted to build a private group, I had no idea which platform to use. Facebook Groups were free, but they felt cluttered and full of distractions. Discord seemed too complicated for my audience. And other “all-in-one” platforms I tested felt like they were made for developers, not for regular creators or coaches like me.
After years of trying almost every tool out there, I finally found a platform that checked every box: Skool. It’s clean, easy to use, and designed specifically for building thriving private communities.
Here’s exactly why I now believe Skool is the best platform to host a private group and why I moved all my communities there.
Table of Contents
Why I Stopped Using Facebook Groups
I started on Facebook because everyone was already there. But over time, I noticed big problems:
- Distractions everywhere — Ads, notifications, and irrelevant posts pulled members away from my content.
- Low engagement — Facebook’s algorithm decides who sees your posts. Even my best content got buried.
- No control — Facebook owns the group, not me. I could be shut down or restricted at any time.
If you’re trying to build a real business around your private group, these are deal-breakers.
Why I Chose Skool for My Private Community
After researching platforms, I signed up for Skool and set up my first group in under an hour. It instantly felt different. Here’s why:
- All-in-one — Skool has a community feed, a classroom for lessons, a calendar for events, and built-in Stripe payments. I don’t need 5 different tools.
- No distractions — Members log in to learn, connect, and engage. There are no ads or outside noise.
- Engagement-focused — Skool’s leaderboard and gamification features keep members active.
- Control — I own my group and my member data. No algorithms deciding who sees what.
If you’re serious about building a private group, you can sign up for Skool here and set yours up in minutes.
What Makes Skool Different From Discord or Slack?
Discord and Slack are great for tech-savvy audiences, but they can feel overwhelming and messy. Channels multiply quickly, conversations get lost, and there’s no real way to organize structured content like courses or replays.
Skool, on the other hand, combines the best of both worlds: a simple, intuitive design and a dedicated classroom where you can host lessons, videos, and resources. Members can find exactly what they need, and you don’t have to constantly repeat yourself.
How I Monetized My Private Group on Skool
Before Skool, I was running free groups that didn’t generate income and required tons of energy. Now, members pay a small monthly fee to access the group, my lessons, and live coaching.
Because Skool integrates with Stripe, it’s completely hands-off. Payments process automatically, access is granted instantly, and I can focus on serving my members.
If you want to build recurring revenue, this one feature makes all the difference.
Steps to Launch Your Private Group
- Sign up for Skool here: https://www.skool.com/signup?ref=1ec568c8b52c4003bec6f83bc60e710c
- Name your group and upload your branding.
- Set your price (monthly or yearly).
- Create a welcome post and add one or two valuable resources.
- Invite your first members — even if it’s just friends or clients at first.
You don’t need a big audience to start. My first group had just 15 members, and it’s now one of the best parts of my business.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still struggling to decide where to host your private group, stop overcomplicating it. You need a platform that’s simple for members, easy for you, and built for growth.
For me, that platform is Skool. It’s where I run all of my communities now, and I can confidently say it’s the best platform for coaches, creators, and entrepreneurs who want to build engaged, profitable private groups.
Go to Skool and sign up here, create your group this week, and start building your community today.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the platform you choose can make or break your private group. If your members feel frustrated or lost, they won’t stick around. That’s why I love Skool’s clean and intuitive design. Members can easily find what they need, which leads to higher engagement and retention.
Another thing I appreciate is that Skool grows with you. Whether you start with 10 members or 1,000, the platform can handle it. I don’t have to switch tools as my group expands, and that peace of mind is priceless.
I used to spend hours dealing with tech issues and patching together multiple tools to manage my group. Now, I simply log into Skool, post updates, check in with members, and go about my day. It’s that simple.
If you’re serious about building a community, you need a platform that lets you monetize without extra work. Skool integrates directly with Stripe so you can charge monthly or yearly for access. Payments are automated, and you don’t have to chase down invoices or manually add and remove members.
Here’s what I suggest you do today: go to Skool and sign up here. Set up your group name, customize your branding, and upload a welcome message. You can be ready to invite your first members in less than an hour.
The great thing is you don’t need a huge audience to start. I began with a small handful of people who already followed my work, and that early momentum was all I needed to grow. Even 10 members at $29/month is nearly $300 in recurring income — and it only gets easier as the group grows.
One of my favorite features is the leaderboard system inside Skool. Members earn points for participating, which naturally boosts engagement. It creates a sense of community and keeps people coming back, which is key for building a thriving group.
I also use the classroom feature to host my content. This means I don’t need an external course platform or membership site. Everything my members need is in one place, from lessons to replays to downloadable resources.
If you want your group to stand out, you need to provide value and a great experience. Skool makes this easy with features like a built-in calendar for events, gamification, and a clean community feed that encourages conversations.
Don’t overthink it — start now. Sign up for Skool here, create your private group, and invite your first members this week. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can build momentum once you take action.
I used to think running a private group was a hassle. Now it’s one of the most enjoyable parts of my business. Seeing members connect, collaborate, and get results reminds me why I do what I do.
Your audience needs a space where they feel supported and engaged. Skool is the best platform I’ve found to create that space and grow a community that lasts. Start building yours today, and you’ll thank yourself later.