This is a comprehensive guide for migrating online communities, courses, and related content from Skool to HighLevel. The goal is to transition seamlessly while leveraging HighLevel’s advanced CRM, marketing automation, and community-building tools to enhance member engagement and streamline operations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Preparation for Migration
- Data Migration
- Rebuilding Community and Courses
- Rebuilding Events and Automations
- Testing and Validation
- Team Training and Transition
- Decommissioning Skool
Preparation for Migration
Step 1: Review Current Skool Setup
- Identify Key Assets: Catalog all essential elements, including community members, courses, content, events, and automation workflows currently used within Skool.
- Assess Data Volume: Determine the size and complexity of the data to be migrated, including the number of courses, members, and community posts.
Step 2: Define Migration Objectives
- Set Clear Goals: Define the primary reasons for migrating to HighLevel, such as better CRM integration, advanced marketing automation, or a more unified platform.
- Prioritize Features: Identify the critical components for migration, focusing on community engagement, course content, and member management.
Step 3: Prepare Backup
- Export Data from Skool: Export all relevant data (members list, courses, community content) from Skool as CSV files or other applicable formats.
- Backup Documentation: Securely store all exported files and related documentation to ensure data safety before starting the migration process.
Data Migration
Step 1: Export Data from Skool
- Export Members: In Skool, navigate to the Members section and use the export function to download the member list as a CSV file, including names, emails, and any custom fields.
- Export Courses: Download course content, including video links, descriptions, and resources, ensuring all course materials are saved for re-upload to HighLevel.
- Export Community Content: Manually copy or export important community posts, discussions, and pinned content that needs to be recreated in HighLevel.
Step 2: Import Data into HighLevel
- Import Members: In HighLevel, go to Contacts > Import Contacts and upload the CSV file exported from Skool. Ensure all fields are correctly mapped during the import process.
- Recreate Courses: Navigate to the Courses section in HighLevel, and create new courses by uploading the previously exported content, including videos, descriptions, and resources.
- Rebuild Community Content: Use HighLevel’s community tools to recreate important discussions, posts, and other content. Pin essential posts or announcements using the Featured Posts feature.
Rebuilding Community and Courses
Step 1: Set Up Community Channels in HighLevel
- Create Channels: In HighLevel, create new channels for each community or discussion group that was present in Skool. Customize the channel settings, including privacy options and access levels.
- Invite Members: Send out invitations to all community members via email or unique invite links. Use the Contacts > Send Email feature in HighLevel to streamline this process.
Step 2: Recreate and Organize Courses
- Set Up Course Structure: Use HighLevel’s course creation tools to structure courses similarly to how they were organized in Skool. Create sections and modules as needed, and upload all relevant content.
- Assign Course Access: Set access permissions for each course, ensuring that only the appropriate members can access specific content, mimicking the access controls previously set in Skool.
Step 3: Manage Member Roles and Permissions
- Assign Roles: Assign roles such as Admin, Moderator, or Contributor to members in HighLevel, ensuring that the community hierarchy and permissions are preserved.
- Set Up Member Permissions: Configure member permissions to control access to specific channels, courses, and community features based on the roles assigned.
Rebuilding Events and Automations
Step 1: Recreate Events in HighLevel
- Set Up Event Calendar: Use HighLevel’s calendar feature to recreate events that were scheduled in Skool. Set up recurring events and ensure that all relevant members are invited.
- Configure Event Notifications: Set up automated email and SMS reminders for events to ensure high member participation, leveraging HighLevel’s communication tools.
Step 2: Rebuild Automation Workflows
- Create Automation Flows: In HighLevel, navigate to Automations > Workflows to recreate Skool’s automation processes, such as welcome messages, course completion notifications, and event reminders.
- Test Automations: Run tests on the newly created automation workflows to ensure they function correctly, making adjustments as necessary.
Testing and Validation
Step 1: Test Community and Course Functionality
- Perform End-to-End Testing: Simulate member interactions, such as joining channels, accessing courses, and participating in discussions, to ensure everything functions as intended.
- Validate Data Integrity: Cross-check imported data, such as member lists, course content, and community posts, to confirm that everything is accurate and accessible.
Step 2: Validate Event and Automation Setups
- Run Test Scenarios: Test each event and automation workflow to verify that triggers and actions work correctly, ensuring a smooth experience for all members.
- Verify Communication Channels: Ensure that all communication actions, including emails and SMS, execute properly within the workflows.
Team Training and Transition
Step 1: Train Team Members
- HighLevel Training: Conduct training sessions to familiarize team members with HighLevel’s interface, especially focusing on community management, course setup, and automation tools.
- Provide Documentation: Distribute user guides and SOPs tailored to HighLevel’s functionalities to support team members during the transition.
Step 2: Monitor and Optimize
- Monitor System Performance: Regularly review the performance of community engagement, course completion rates, and automation effectiveness post-migration.
- Optimize Workflows: Adjust workflows and community structures based on team feedback and operational needs.
Decommissioning Skool
Step 1: Transition Period
- Run Systems in Parallel: Consider running Skool and HighLevel in parallel for a brief period to ensure a smooth transition for members and administrators.
- Phase Out Skool: Gradually reduce reliance on Skool as confidence in HighLevel grows and all members have successfully transitioned.
Step 2: Cancel Skool Subscription
- Final Backup: Ensure all necessary data is backed up before canceling the Skool subscription.
- Official Cancellation: Follow Skool’s process to cancel your subscription and terminate any associated services.
Step 3: Post-Migration Review
- Review Success: Assess the success of the migration, documenting any challenges and resolutions for future reference.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Continue to monitor HighLevel’s performance, making necessary adjustments to optimize community and course management.