Why I Downgraded My Skool Community to $9/Month and Rethought My Links

In this week’s AI Shortcuts to Work Smarter livestream, we talked through a real behind-the-scenes decision I made to downgrade my Skool community and why it made sense based on how I actually use the platform. I shared what changes when you move from Skool’s Pro plan to the $9/month Hobby plan, what you gain, what you lose, and why clarity, consistency, and leadership matter more than features. The conversation also flowed into community building more broadly, including why people show up for people, not platforms, and why ownership and direct connections still matter. We also uncovered an issue with link shorteners and affiliate links. I shared a lesson learned the hard way and what creators should pay attention to when it comes to control, trust, and redirects. Along the way, we touched on AI tools like ChatGPT and Magai, not as shiny objects, but as support systems that help reduce friction and simplify workflows without overcomplicating things. If you’re questioning your tools, your platform choices, or what’s actually worth paying for, this conversation will help you simplify and think more clearly about your setup. 📅 We're live every Thursday at 1pm ET 🔔 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to catch our weekly sessions. Helpful links • Join my Social Media & AI Shortcuts community: https://www.skool.com/social-media-shortcuts-8317 • Follow me on X: https://x.com/MadalynSklar • Follow and subscribe on Substack: https://madalynsklar.substack.com Magai is my FAVORITE all-in-one AI Tool http://magai.co/madalyn Get 30% off for 3 months using my code: MADALYN30 LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.skool.com/social-media-shortcuts-8317 https://badredheadmedia.substack.com https://magai.co/madalyn https://bitly.com https://geni.us/GGSBGa IF YOU’RE NEW HERE Hi, I’m Madalyn Sklar. I’ve spent 30 years in digital marketing, long before social media, algorithms, or AI were part of everyday business. On this channel, I share what I’m uncovering in the world of AI, along with a dash of social media know-how, to help you stay ahead of the curve. I focus on tools, tips, and strategies I actually find useful and exciting. My goal is simple, to help you work smarter, not harder, so you can save time, strengthen your digital presence, and get better results without burning out. 🔗 This video is not sponsored. Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. ⚠️ The content on this channel is for informational and entertainment purposes only. I do not guarantee results from any methods or products shared here. Always do your own research before making decisions.