How to Start an Online Community That Changes Lives (2024 Guide)
If you’ve been thinking about starting your own online community but don’t know where to begin, this guide will walk you through the exact platform and strategy I’m using to build my own thriving community. I’ll show you why I chose this specific platform over others, what features matter most, and how you can get started today whether you want to teach, motivate, or simply connect with like-minded people.
In my video, I share my personal journey and give you an inside look at the tools that are helping me create a space for real transformation.
Let me show you how to build a community that can change lives, including your own.
Why I Decided to Start a Community
In my video, I open up about something deeply personal: this past year has been one of the worst years of my life. While I might have looked happy and blessed on the outside, I was dealing with a serious battle that left me feeling alone. Coming from humble beginnings in South Carolina on a dirt road, I’ve always had to work hard to create a better life for myself. But even after going to college, working a 9-to-5, and doing everything “right,” I found myself struggling in ways I never expected.
That’s exactly why I decided to start the Self-Improvement Lab. I realized that so many people feel alone in their struggles, and I wanted to create a space where people could come together to grow mentally, physically, and financially. When you’re going through tough times, having a community of people who understand and support you can make all the difference. I explain in my video that even when you feel like you’re walking through the valley of the shadow of death, you have to trust that God has you and fear no evil.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Community
Before I could launch my community, I had to find the right platform. I explain in my video that I chose Skool after comparing it to several other options, and I’m genuinely impressed with what it offers. The platform has so many capabilities all in one place that it made the decision easy for me.
One of the biggest factors in my decision was cost and features. I used to use Kajabi, which cost me $200 per month and didn’t include many of the features that Skool offers. With Skool, I can email my members, host live sessions, upload courses, share PDFs, and even allow people to sell my courses. These are essential features for building an engaged community, and having them all integrated into one platform saves me time and money.
What I love most about Skool is that you can create a free account and explore thousands of different communities. There are groups about fitness, hair growth, trading, grants, and virtually any topic you can imagine. I’m actually a member of several groups myself, and I’ve found them to be incredibly helpful. In my video, I mention that if you click the link in my description, you can sign up for Skool and even get a percentage off if you decide to start your own community.
Inside the Self-Improvement Lab
In my video, I take viewers on a complete tour of my community dashboard to show exactly what members get when they join. The Self-Improvement Lab currently offers four comprehensive courses designed to help people elevate in different areas of their lives. These courses focus on wealth, health, business, and personal development because I believe that true transformation requires growth in all these areas.
The first course focuses on building self-esteem, which I consider the foundation for everything else. No matter what you want to achieve in life, you have to get your mind right first. The workbook is available through Canva, and members can either download it and print it out or use it digitally on their computers or iPads. This flexibility means people can engage with the material in whatever way works best for their learning style.
I also offer a vendor list course that has been incredibly popular. This list contains over 100 vendors for people who want to start their own business selling hair, makeup, shoes, clothes, or anything else. So many people have asked me about starting a business, and this resource gives them everything they need to get started. There’s also a course specifically about creating side hustles and generating extra income, which is perfect for anyone looking to increase their financial stability.
Weekly Live Sessions and Ongoing Support
One of the most valuable aspects of the Self-Improvement Lab is that I go live weekly to answer questions and provide coaching. These live sessions create real connection and allow members to get personalized guidance. I explain in my video that I’m constantly adding new courses and resources, including upcoming AI courses that will help members use artificial intelligence to transform their businesses.
The community aspect is just as important as the courses themselves. We’re motivating each other and helping each other get to the next level. When you join a community like this, you’re not just getting information—you’re getting accountability, encouragement, and the support of people who are on the same journey.
How to Start Your Own Community
If you feel called to start your own community, I want to encourage you to take that step. In my video, I emphasize that if there’s something you want to share with people or something you’re going through that others can relate to, you should absolutely start a community. There are people out there who need exactly what you have to offer, and creating a space for them can be life-changing for both you and your members.
Starting a community doesn’t have to be complicated. You can begin with a free Skool account and explore how the platform works. Once you understand the features and see what other successful communities are doing, you can create your own group. The dashboard makes it easy to upload courses, create discussion topics, schedule live sessions, and communicate with your members.
One thing I’m still deciding is the name of my community. I started with Self-Improvement Lab, but I’m also considering changing it to Elevation Station. I ask viewers in my video to let me know which name they prefer because community input matters. Your members should feel like they have a voice in shaping the space you’re creating together.
Making Your Community Accessible
In my video, I mention that I’m offering a limited-time free trial for new members. While the Self-Improvement Lab won’t be free forever, I wanted to give people a chance to experience the value before committing financially. I explain that the free trial is only available for the next 48 hours, so people need to act quickly if they want to take advantage of it.
Creating a community requires investment of time and energy, so it makes sense to eventually charge for access. However, offering a free trial or introductory period allows people to see the value firsthand. Once they experience the courses, live sessions, and community support, they’ll understand why it’s worth the investment.
The resources available through my link include not just the courses I’ve already created but also weekly live coaching sessions, monthly AI challenges, done-for-you AI prompts and tools, and exclusive resources and giveaways. These ongoing benefits mean that members continue to get value long after they join.
The Power of Community During Difficult Times
I want to be real with you about why this community matters so much to me. In my video, I share that I’ve been going through a battle with a company that has made this year incredibly difficult. There have been times when I felt completely alone, even though people saw me smiling on the outside. During those dark moments, my faith in God and the support of community have been what kept me going.
That’s the real power of community. When you’re struggling, knowing that you’re not alone can make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with business challenges, personal setbacks, or just feeling stuck in life, having people who understand and can offer guidance is invaluable. I explain in my video that throughout my journey from South Carolina to where I am now, I’ve learned that you can’t trust everyone and that there are evil people in the world, but I’ve also learned that God has always been with me.
If you’re feeling alone or like you need support, I encourage you to join a community—whether it’s mine or someone else’s. And if you have knowledge or experiences that could help others, consider starting your own community. The platform and tools are available, and the world needs what you have to offer. Don’t let another day go by feeling isolated when you could be part of something bigger that helps you and others grow together.
