Cory Long’s Digital Storefronts Review: Should You Join?

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably dabbled in countless online side hustles, hoping to crack the code to financial freedom. From flipping products on eBay to experimenting with affiliate marketing, I’ve tried it all. But it wasn’t until I went all-in on building a full-time online business that I started seeing consistent six-figure success. Along the way, I’ve come across numerous courses promising the dream lifestyle, and one that caught my attention recently is Cory Long’s Digital Storefronts program.

This course claims to teach you how to create and rent out digital properties—like websites and Google Maps listings—to local businesses in need of leads. It’s an intriguing concept, especially for those looking for a semi-passive income stream. But is it worth the hefty price tag? And more importantly, does it deliver on its promises?

In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts as someone who has built a thriving online business and knows firsthand what it takes to succeed in this space. Let’s dive in!

What is Digital Storefronts?

Digital Storefronts is an online training program that teaches you how to build a local lead generation business. The idea is simple: you create small, niche-focused websites (or “digital storefronts”) that rank on Google and attract potential customers for local businesses. Once these sites start generating leads—whether for plumbers, landscapers, or cleaning services—you rent them out to business owners for a recurring fee. Essentially, you’re acting as the middleman, connecting businesses with customers while earning passive income.

The course walks you through every step of the process, from finding profitable niches and building your storefronts to ranking them using SEO and even leveraging paid ads for quicker results. It’s a straightforward concept, but the execution requires time, effort, and a solid understanding of digital marketing principles. What I appreciate about this model is its scalability—you can start with one or two storefronts and gradually build a portfolio of income-generating assets. If done right, it’s a sustainable way to make money online without worrying about physical inventory or dealing with customer service headaches.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Who Created Digital Storefronts?

Digital Storefronts was created by Cory Long, an entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in internet marketing. Cory’s journey is an interesting one—he started as a pastor before transitioning into the world of online business. He launched this program in 2019 after parting ways with another lead generation course created by Dan Klein. While Cory’s reputation as an expert in local lead generation has grown over the years, his program hasn’t been without controversy. Some critics argue that Digital Storefronts heavily borrows from Klein’s original course structure.

That said, Cory positions himself as someone who genuinely wants to help others achieve financial independence through this business model. He claims to have personally built and ranked hundreds of digital storefronts, earning six-figure incomes during some months. While there isn’t an overwhelming amount of public testimonials from his students, Cory’s experience in the field lends credibility to his teachings. Whether you resonate with his approach or not will likely come down to your personal expectations and trust in his methodology.

Who is Digital Storefronts For?

Digital Storefronts is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build a steady online income stream without diving into overly complex business models. If you’re someone who enjoys working behind the scenes—creating websites, optimizing SEO, and connecting businesses with leads—this course could be a great fit for you. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for semi-passive income opportunities that don’t require constant hands-on management.

That said, this program isn’t for everyone. If you’re on a tight budget, the upfront cost might be a dealbreaker—it’s not cheap at around $5,000. Additionally, while the training is beginner-friendly, it does require commitment and patience; ranking websites organically can take time, and paid ads come with their own learning curve.

I’d say Digital Storefronts is ideal for people who are serious about building a long-term business and aren’t afraid to put in the work upfront. Whether you’re new to online entrepreneurship or already have some experience under your belt, this course offers a structured path to creating income-generating digital assets. Just make sure you’ve done your research and are comfortable investing both your time and money into this venture!

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How is Digital Storefronts Structured?

Digital Storefronts is divided into seven modules designed to guide you through the entire process of building a local lead generation business. Each module includes pre-recorded training videos and resources that cover everything from finding profitable niches to closing deals with local businesses. Here’s a breakdown of the course structure:

• Module 1: Finding the Perfect Locations
  This module focuses on identifying high-value service businesses in your area and pinpointing the best locations for your digital storefronts.

• Module 2: Creating Digital Storefronts
  Cory walks you through the process of building lead-generation websites, primarily using WordPress. He also covers setting up Google Business Profiles for additional visibility.

• Module 3: Getting Ranked
  Learn SEO strategies to rank your websites organically on Google, ensuring they attract consistent traffic without relying solely on paid ads.

• Module 4: Quick Lead Generation Methods
  This module introduces paid advertising and social media strategies for faster lead generation, helping you get results while waiting for organic rankings to improve.

• Module 5: Finding and Closing Deals
  Cory shares techniques for identifying potential clients and converting them into paying customers who will rent your digital storefronts.

• Module 6: Tenant Attraction System
  A continuation of client acquisition strategies, this module teaches how to retain clients and ensure long-term partnerships.

• Bonus Module
  Additional tips and insights to help you scale your business effectively.

The course aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for building and monetizing digital properties, but some users have noted that certain aspects, like website creation on WordPress, could be more detailed.

Are Digital Storefronts Students Getting Results?

One of the biggest questions people ask is whether Cory Long’s students are achieving success with Digital Storefronts. While there aren’t an overwhelming number of public testimonials, there are a few promising stories. For example, one student reportedly secured their first verbal commitment for a deal within just a few hours of joining the program, which speaks to the potential effectiveness of the training.

Cory also highlights other success stories on his platform, claiming that many participants have been able to create steady income streams by helping local businesses grow through lead generation. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews express skepticism about the lack of widespread testimonials or visible proof of large-scale success among students. If you’re considering this program, it’s important to weigh these mixed signals carefully.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How Much Does Digital Storefronts Cost?

The cost of Digital Storefronts is approximately $5,000, which is certainly on the higher end compared to similar courses in the local lead generation space. This price grants access to the training modules and the private Facebook community, but it doesn’t include additional expenses like paid advertising or tool subscriptions that may be necessary for scaling your business.

As for refunds, there isn’t a clear refund policy mentioned in most reviews. Some sources suggest that once you’ve paid, there’s no option for getting your money back. This lack of flexibility can be a concern if you’re unsure about committing such a significant amount upfront. Before investing, I’d recommend scheduling a call with their sales team to understand exactly what’s included and whether it aligns with your goals.

Praises for Digital Storefronts

While Digital Storefronts has its share of criticisms, there are several aspects of the program that deserve recognition. Here’s what I think stands out:

• Proven Business Model
  The local lead generation model taught in Digital Storefronts is a legitimate and sustainable way to earn income online. By creating digital assets like websites and Google Maps listings, you can generate leads for local businesses, which is a service that remains in high demand. This model offers semi-passive income once your storefronts are up and running, making it appealing for those looking to escape the 9-to-5 grind.

• Step-by-Step Training
  The course provides a clear roadmap for beginners, covering everything from niche selection to SEO and paid advertising. Cory Long’s training simplifies what could otherwise be a technical process, making it accessible even for people without prior experience in website building or digital marketing.

• Community Support
  Students gain access to a private Facebook group where they can connect with other participants, ask questions, and share progress. This sense of community can be incredibly motivating and helpful, especially for those new to entrepreneurship.

• Focus on Financial Independence
  Cory emphasizes building assets you own and control, which aligns with the goal of achieving long-term financial freedom. Unlike some business models that rely heavily on third-party platforms, this approach gives you more control over your income streams.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Criticisms for Digital Storefronts

Despite its strengths, Digital Storefronts has several drawbacks that potential buyers should consider before investing:

• High Cost
  At around $5,000, the course is expensive compared to similar programs. This high price point may deter individuals who are just starting out or have limited budgets. Additionally, there’s no clear refund policy, which adds financial risk.

• Limited Social Proof
  While Cory claims many students have succeeded with the program, there’s a noticeable lack of widespread testimonials or verifiable success stories. For a course that has been around since 2019, you’d expect more visible evidence of student achievements.

• Controversy Over Originality
  Cory’s program has been criticized for allegedly copying the structure of his former mentor Dan Klein’s lead generation course. This raises questions about the originality of the content and whether it offers anything unique compared to other lead generation programs.

• Slow Results with SEO
  A significant part of the strategy relies on organic SEO to rank websites, which can take months to show results. For those seeking quicker returns on their investment, this might be frustrating.

• Ethical Concerns
  Cory’s reputation has been questioned due to his fallout with Dan Klein and allegations of unethical behavior during his time in Klein’s program. While this doesn’t necessarily reflect on the quality of Digital Storefronts itself, it may affect trust in Cory as a mentor.

Overall, while Digital Storefronts presents a viable business model with solid training content, these criticisms highlight areas where it falls short or may not meet everyone’s expectations. If you’re considering this program, weigh these pros and cons carefully before making your decision.

Should You Join Digital Storefronts?

After diving deep into what Digital Storefronts offers, I think whether you should join depends entirely on your goals, budget, and willingness to commit to the process. If you’re someone who’s serious about building a local lead generation business and you’re comfortable investing $5,000 upfront, this program could be a solid option. The business model itself is proven, and Cory’s step-by-step training provides a clear path for beginners to follow. Plus, the potential for semi-passive income once your digital storefronts are up and running is definitely appealing.

That said, it’s not without its risks. The high cost of the program is a significant barrier, especially since there’s no refund policy. Additionally, results aren’t guaranteed—ranking websites organically can take months, and paid ads require additional investment and expertise. If you’re someone who needs quick wins or isn’t ready to commit both time and money to this venture, Digital Storefronts might not be the best fit for you.

Ultimately, I’d recommend joining only if you’ve done your research, understand the risks involved, and are fully committed to putting in the work required to succeed in this business model. If you’re hesitant about the cost or have doubts about the program’s effectiveness, there are other alternatives worth exploring.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Digital Storefronts Alternative

If you’re looking for a more affordable and flexible way to learn how to make money online, I highly recommend Wealthy Affiliate as an alternative to Digital Storefronts. Wealthy Affiliate is one of the most respected platforms for learning affiliate marketing and building online businesses. It offers comprehensive training on creating websites, driving traffic, and monetizing your efforts—all at a fraction of the cost of Digital Storefronts.

Here’s why I think Wealthy Affiliate stands out:

• Affordable Pricing
  Unlike Digital Storefronts’ hefty $5,000 price tag, Wealthy Affiliate offers a free starter membership with basic training and tools. Their premium membership costs around $49 per month (or $497 per year), which is much more accessible for beginners.

• Broad Business Model
  While Digital Storefronts focuses solely on local lead generation, Wealthy Affiliate teaches affiliate marketing—a versatile business model that allows you to promote products or services from virtually any niche. This gives you more flexibility in choosing what kind of online business you want to build.

• Comprehensive Training
  Wealthy Affiliate provides step-by-step training on website creation, SEO strategies, content marketing, and more. The platform is beginner-friendly but also offers advanced tools and resources for experienced entrepreneurs.

• Built-In Tools
  With Wealthy Affiliate, you get access to hosting services, keyword research tools (Jaaxy), and website-building platforms—all included in your membership. This eliminates the need for purchasing additional software or tools.

• Active Community
  The Wealthy Affiliate community is incredibly active and supportive. Members share tips, success stories, and advice daily, which can be invaluable when you’re just starting out.

If your goal is to learn how to make money online without breaking the bank or committing to a single niche like local lead generation, Wealthy Affiliate is an excellent choice. It’s where many successful online entrepreneurs—including myself—got their start. Whether you want to build an affiliate site or explore other monetization methods like blogging or e-commerce, Wealthy Affiliate equips you with the skills needed to succeed in the digital world.

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.