Most online communities fail to create real connections. They end up feeling like transactional forums—a place where people consume content but never build real relationships.
But the most successful Skool groups? They feel like a family—a place where members actively engage, support each other, and build lasting bonds.
Ryan Duncan has seen firsthand that when a Skool community feels like home, people show up, stay engaged, and never want to leave. In this guide, you’ll learn:
✅ The difference between a transactional forum and a true community
✅ How to make members feel valued and connected
✅ Community bonding strategies that create a deep sense of belonging
✅ How to turn casual members into loyal advocates
Want to see a Skool group that feels like a family?Join Ryan’s free Skool community and experience the power of real community connections.
Why Most Online Communities Fail to Build Deep Connections
Many community owners assume that members will engage just because they’re there. But without intentional connection strategies, most groups remain surface-level spaces where no one really knows each other.
The Difference Between a Forum and a Family-Like Community
Typical Forum ❌
Family-Like Skool Group ✅
Members consume but don’t contribute
Members actively post, engage, and support each other
Conversations feel transactional
Conversations feel personal and meaningful
No one really knows each other
Members build real friendships
People leave when they’ve “gotten what they need”
People stay because of the relationships they’ve built
Pro Tip: A community that feels like a family keeps people engaged even when they don’t “need” more content.
1. Make Every New Member Feel Like They Belong (Instantly)
The first impression a member gets inside your Skool community determines how engaged they’ll be.
How to Make New Members Feel Welcome
✔ Send a Personal Welcome DM – Instead of an automated message, personally acknowledge each new member with a DM.
✔ Pin an "Introduce Yourself" Post – Encourage every new member to share something about themselves.
✔ Ask a Fun Icebreaker Question – Instead of just “Where are you from?” try “What’s a weird talent you have?” or “What’s one goal you’re working on this month?”
✔ Use Community Tags & Shoutouts – When a new member joins a discussion, tag them so they feel included right away.
📌 Example: Inside Ryan’s Skool group, new members aren’t just welcomed—they’re tagged in key discussions and invited to contribute within their first week.
Pro Tip: People stay in communities where they feel seen, valued, and included from Day 1.
2. Create Personal Connection Points (Not Just Business Talk)
People engage more when they feel personally connected to others in the group—not just to the information being shared.
Ways to Create Deeper Member Connections
✔ Host Virtual “Meet & Greet” Calls – Create a casual Zoom session for members to connect.
✔ Encourage Personal Story Sharing – Ask members to share their biggest wins, struggles, or lessons learned.
✔ Use Fun, Non-Business Conversations – A “What’s your favorite guilty pleasure TV show?” post can spark unexpected engagement.
✔ Recognize & Celebrate Members – Highlight birthdays, achievements, and community contributions.
📌 Example: Many top Skool communities have a “Member Spotlight” feature where they highlight one member each week, making them feel valued.
Pro Tip: The best communities don’t just talk about work—they talk about life.
3. Foster a Culture of Giving & Support
The most engaged communities aren’t just about content—they’re about members helping each other.
How to Encourage Peer-to-Peer Support
✔ Create a "Help Each Other" Thread – A space where members can ask for feedback, advice, or collaborations.
✔ Make Contribution a Community Norm – Set expectations that everyone should give, not just take.
✔ Recognize & Reward Members Who Help Others – Give shoutouts or badges to members who consistently provide value.
✔ Encourage Collaboration Opportunities – Introduce members who could benefit from working together.
📌 Example: Inside Ryan’s Skool group, members actively help each other find solutions—this increases retention because people feel like they’re part of something bigger.
Pro Tip: People stay engaged when they feel useful to the group.
4. Make Engagement a Habit (Using Community Rituals)
Strong communities don’t rely on random interactions—they have repeatable engagement loops that members look forward to.
How to Create Rituals That Keep People Engaged
✔ Daily or Weekly Engagement Threads – Example: “Motivation Monday” or “Wins Wednesday.”
✔ Monthly Challenges – Example: “30-Day Growth Challenge” where members commit to a small daily action.
✔ Exclusive Live Sessions – Monthly hot seat coaching, Q&As, or industry expert calls.
✔ Create Inside Jokes & Traditions – Shared humor and references build a unique culture.
📌 Example: Many Skool groups run accountability challenges where members commit to posting progress every day—this increases participation dramatically.
Pro Tip: Rituals make a community feel like home. The more people know what to expect, the more they engage.
5. Keep the Leader Visible & Engaged
A strong community needs a visible leader—if members never see the community owner or moderators engaging, they won’t feel as connected.
How to Be a Present & Engaged Community Leader
✔ Reply to Member Posts Regularly – Even just a quick comment makes people feel valued.
✔ Post Personal Stories & Insights – Share behind-the-scenes experiences to create deeper bonds.
✔ Jump Into Discussions & Live Chats – Your presence sets the tone for community culture.
✔ Host "Ask Me Anything" Sessions – Allow members to directly interact with you.
📌 Example: Ryan makes sure to personally reply to key discussions and engage in DM check-ins—this increases community trust and participation.
Pro Tip: Members engage more when they feel like they actually “know” the person running the group.
Join a Community That Feels Like a Family
Want to experience a Skool community that fosters real connections? Join Ryan’s free Skool community and see how deep engagement creates a thriving group.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes a Skool community feel like a family instead of just another forum?
✔ Real relationships (not just transactional discussions).
✔ Member-to-member connections (not just leader-led content).
✔ Shared traditions and inside jokes that create a unique culture.
2. How do I encourage members to connect with each other?
✔ Host virtual meetups & networking calls.
✔ Encourage introductions & fun icebreakers.
✔ Create collaboration threads where members can help each other.
3. What’s the easiest way to make new members feel welcomed?
✔ Send a personalized welcome DM.
✔ Tag them in their first community post.
✔ Encourage them to introduce themselves & interact quickly.
4. How do I make engagement a habit in my community?