Amy Porterfield’s Digital Course Academy Review: Should You Join?

As an experienced internet entrepreneur who’s been fortunate enough to build a 6-figure online business, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to find the right path to success. Before going full-time with my online ventures, I dabbled in just about every side hustle you can imagine—affiliate marketing, dropshipping, freelancing—you name it. While each of those experiences taught me valuable lessons, nothing has been as transformative for my business (and my income) as creating and selling digital courses. That’s why I was so intrigued when I first heard about Amy Porterfield’s Digital Course Academy (DCA).

I’ve always believed in the power of leveraging your expertise to create scalable income streams, but let’s be real: turning your knowledge into a profitable course isn’t as easy as it sounds. That’s where DCA comes in.

In this review, I’ll share my honest experience with the program—what worked, what didn’t, and whether it’s worth the investment for anyone looking to create a thriving online course business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your existing business to the next level, this review will help you decide if DCA is the right fit for you. Let’s dive in!

What is Digital Course Academy?

Digital Course Academy (DCA) is Amy Porterfield’s flagship program that teaches entrepreneurs how to turn their expertise into a profitable online course. As someone who has tried various ways to make money online, I can confidently say that DCA provides one of the most comprehensive roadmaps for creating a scalable income stream. The program walks you through every step of the process—from validating your course idea to crafting high-quality content, marketing it effectively, and launching it with confidence.

What sets DCA apart is its focus on actionable strategies. You’ll learn how to create a course that resonates with your audience, build a high-converting webinar to promote it, and use tools like email marketing and social media ads to drive sales. Amy doesn’t just teach you how to launch once; she equips you with the skills to turn your course into a repeatable revenue-generating asset. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have an audience, DCA provides tailored tracks to meet your specific needs. For me, the ability to package my knowledge into an evergreen product has been a game-changer in achieving consistent income and time freedom.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Who Created Digital Course Academy?

Amy Porterfield is the creator of Digital Course Academy, and her reputation in the online marketing world speaks for itself. Before launching her own business, Amy worked as the Director of Content Development for Tony Robbins, where she honed her skills in marketing and course creation. Despite her first online course being a flop (earning only $247), Amy didn’t give up. She learned from her mistakes, refined her strategies, and eventually built a multi-million-dollar business centered around digital courses.

Today, Amy is recognized as one of the leading experts in online marketing and course creation. She’s launched eight successful courses, served thousands of students, and hosts the popular podcast Online Marketing Made Easy. Her teaching style is known for being clear, detailed, and empowering—qualities that have helped countless entrepreneurs achieve their goals. Personally, I admire Amy’s journey because it proves that persistence and learning from failure can lead to incredible success.

Who is Digital Course Academy For?

Digital Course Academy is perfect for anyone looking to leverage their expertise into a scalable business model. Whether you’re a service provider tired of trading hours for dollars or a coach ready to reach more people without burning out, DCA offers solutions tailored to your needs. It’s also ideal for brick-and-mortar business owners who want to pivot online or entrepreneurs who’ve struggled with selling courses in the past.

Here’s who will benefit most from DCA:

• Beginners: If you’re starting from scratch with no audience or email list, DCA includes modules specifically designed to help you build your foundation.
• Experienced Entrepreneurs: If you already have an audience or existing course but struggle with launches or conversions, DCA provides advanced strategies like webinar frameworks and email funnels.
• Side Hustlers: If you’re juggling a 9-to-5 job and want to transition into full-time entrepreneurship, DCA can help you create a passive income stream.
• Anyone with Expertise: From photographers to consultants, if you have knowledge others are willing to pay for, DCA will show you how to package it into a profitable digital product.

For me personally, DCA was the perfect fit because it gave me clarity on how to structure my ideas and market them effectively. It’s not just about creating a course—it’s about building a sustainable business that aligns with your goals. If you’re ready to invest time and effort into creating something impactful, this program might just be what you need.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How is Digital Course Academy Structured?

Digital Course Academy is thoughtfully organized into modules that guide you step-by-step through the process of creating, marketing, and selling your digital course. As someone who values clear direction, I found the structure incredibly helpful—it’s like having a roadmap to success. Here’s a breakdown of the key modules:

For Beginners (Start From Scratch Track):

1. Build Your Audience: Learn how to attract and grow an email list using lead magnets and social media.
2. Validate Your Workshop Topic: Discover how to test your course idea with a simple workshop and define your offer.
3. Create Your Workshop: Develop an engaging live presentation to deliver value and refine your teaching style.

For Established Entrepreneurs (Ready to Launch Track):

1. The 9 Key Decisions: Plan every phase of your course creation journey, from content development to launch.
2. Validate Your Course: Get actionable steps to ensure your course idea resonates with your target audience.
3. Outline & Record Your Course: Learn how to structure your content and record professional-looking lessons.
4. The Marketing Blueprint: Create irresistible offers and high-converting sales pages.
5. The Webinar Framework: Master the art of selling through webinars with Amy’s proven strategies.
6. Crafting Email Sequences: Write email campaigns that drive registrations, sales, and engagement.

Additionally, DCA includes live Q&A sessions with Amy Porterfield, bonus training on evergreen funnels and paid ads, and access to a tech library for setting up tools seamlessly. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing course, these modules ensure no step is overlooked.

Are Digital Course Academy Students Getting Results?

One of the most impressive aspects of DCA is how many students have achieved life-changing results by following the program. For example, Rachel Harrison-Sund shared that her first course launch generated over $63,000 in sales without spending a dime on ads—all by using the organic marketing strategies Amy teaches. She later turned her course into an evergreen product, which has since brought in over $550,000 in revenue.

Another student reported building an email list from zero subscribers and filling up their first webinars with over 1,000 registrants. These kinds of results aren’t isolated—DCA has helped thousands of entrepreneurs create profitable courses that generate consistent income.

Personally, I’ve seen similar success stories within the DCA community. The private Facebook group is filled with inspiring testimonials from students who’ve launched their courses and hit revenue milestones they once thought were out of reach. It’s proof that when you put in the work, this program delivers.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How Much Does Digital Course Academy Cost?

The investment for Digital Course Academy is $1,997 if you pay in full, or you can opt for a payment plan at $387 per month for six months. While this might seem like a significant upfront cost, I believe it’s worth every penny considering the depth of training and resources included. Plus, Amy often sweetens the deal with bonuses for those who pay in full.

If you’re hesitant about committing, DCA offers a 14-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to test out the program by working through the first two modules—covering course creation and validation—and still get a refund if it doesn’t feel like the right fit for you (as long as you show proof of effort). This policy gave me peace of mind when I first enrolled.

In my experience, investing in DCA is more than just buying a course; it’s investing in a proven system that can transform your expertise into a scalable business model. If you’re ready to commit to building something impactful, this program could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

Praises for Digital Course Academy

Digital Course Academy (DCA) has many standout features that make it a favorite among entrepreneurs looking to create and sell online courses. Here’s what I personally loved about the program:

• Comprehensive Step-by-Step Framework: The course leaves no stone unturned. From validating your idea to launching your course, Amy provides a clear, actionable roadmap. For someone like me who values structure, this was a game-changer. I didn’t have to second-guess what to do next—it’s all laid out in the modules.

• Focus on Marketing and Sales: Many programs teach you how to create a course but fail to address how to sell it effectively. Amy’s emphasis on webinars, email marketing, and sales pages ensures you’re equipped to turn your course into a revenue-generating asset. I used her webinar framework in my first launch and saw incredible results.

• Supportive Community: The private Facebook group is a goldmine for networking and accountability. It’s inspiring to see other students share their wins and challenges, and the group fosters a sense of camaraderie that keeps you motivated.

• Lifetime Access with Updates: This was a big selling point for me. The online business world evolves quickly, but Amy regularly updates the course materials so you’re always learning the latest strategies. I’ve gone back to the modules multiple times as my business has grown.

• Amy’s Teaching Style: Amy has a way of breaking down complex topics into digestible steps. Her teaching feels approachable and empowering, which is perfect for beginners and experienced entrepreneurs alike. She makes you believe that success is possible if you follow the process.

Criticisms for Digital Course Academy

While I found DCA incredibly valuable, it’s not without its downsides. Here are some areas where I think the program could improve:

• High Upfront Cost: At $1,997 (or $387/month for six months), DCA is a significant investment. While I believe it’s worth the price for those committed to creating a course, it may not be accessible for everyone, especially if you’re on a tight budget or just starting out.

• Overwhelm for Beginners: Despite Amy’s efforts to simplify the process, the sheer amount of content can feel overwhelming for someone completely new to online business. If you don’t already have some experience with email list building or audience engagement, you might struggle to keep up.

• Dripped Content Delivery: The modules are released weekly rather than all at once. While this helps prevent overwhelm and keeps everyone on pace, I found it frustrating at times because I wanted to move faster through the material. If you have an unpredictable schedule or prefer working at your own pace, this might be a drawback.

• Additional Costs Beyond Enrollment: While DCA provides excellent training, you’ll still need to invest in tools like email marketing software, webinar platforms, and potentially paid ads. These extra costs can add up quickly, especially if you’re starting from scratch.

• Not Ideal for Everyone: If you’re still unsure about committing to creating an online course or if your primary challenge is traffic generation rather than course creation itself, DCA might not be the best fit for you. It’s designed for those ready to dive into the online course model with clear goals in mind.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Should You Join Digital Course Academy?

If you’re serious about creating and selling an online course, I believe Digital Course Academy is one of the best programs out there. It’s not just a course—it’s a complete system that teaches you how to turn your expertise into a profitable, scalable business. That said, whether or not you should join depends on your goals and where you are in your entrepreneurial journey.

You should consider joining DCA if:

• You’re ready to create a course: If you have an idea or expertise you want to share but don’t know how to package it into a sellable product, DCA gives you the tools and strategies to make it happen.
• You’re willing to put in the work: This isn’t a “get rich quick” program. It requires time, effort, and commitment. But if you follow the steps and stay consistent, the potential rewards are significant.
• You want a proven system: Amy’s framework has been tested by thousands of students who’ve achieved incredible results. If you’re tired of guessing what works, DCA provides a clear path forward.

However, DCA might not be for you if:

• You’re not ready to invest the time or money required to create and market a course.
• You’re still unsure about what niche or audience you want to serve.
• Your primary focus is on other online business models, like affiliate marketing or e-commerce.

Ultimately, DCA is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who are ready to commit to the online course model. It’s been a game-changer for me, and I’ve seen firsthand how it can transform businesses. But if creating a course doesn’t align with your current goals, there are other options worth exploring.

Digital Course Academy Alternative

While Digital Course Academy is fantastic for those focused on creating online courses, it’s not the only way to build a successful online business. If you’re looking for a broader approach to making money online, I highly recommend checking out Wealthy Affiliate as an alternative.

Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one platform designed to teach people how to build profitable websites through affiliate marketing. Unlike DCA, which focuses solely on course creation, Wealthy Affiliate covers a wide range of online business strategies. Here’s why I think it’s an excellent alternative:

• Beginner-Friendly Training: Wealthy Affiliate is perfect for those starting from scratch. It offers step-by-step lessons on everything from choosing a niche to building a website and driving traffic through SEO.

• All-In-One Tools: The platform includes everything you need to get started—website hosting, keyword research tools, content creation training, and even community support. This eliminates the need for additional investments in third-party tools.

• Lower Cost: Compared to DCA’s $1,997 price tag, Wealthy Affiliate offers much more affordable membership options. The premium plan costs just $49/month (or less if paid annually), making it accessible for those on a budget.

• Diverse Income Streams: While DCA focuses solely on selling courses, Wealthy Affiliate teaches you how to earn through affiliate marketing—promoting products and earning commissions—which can be a great way to generate income without creating your own product.

• Supportive Community: Similar to DCA’s private Facebook group, Wealthy Affiliate has an active community of members who share tips, provide feedback, and offer support as you grow your business.

In my experience, Wealthy Affiliate is ideal if you’re still exploring different ways to make money online or if affiliate marketing aligns better with your goals. It’s also a great starting point for building an audience that you can later leverage if you decide to create your own digital course.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith is an internet entrepreneur. He created the Side Hustle Ideas Database to help people find side hustles for making extra money, with the potential of turning into a full-time income.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree, he gained business experience at a consulting firm. At the same time, he tried various side hustles including freelance writing, blogging, and eCommerce. He managed to turn his side hustles into a full-time business, earning over $3 million. Now, he enjoys financial freedom and travels around the world as a digital nomad.