While the Covid-19 pandemic has kept us apart, brought business to a halt, and even forced some businesses to close their doors for good, it has also inspired and connected a whole new generation of entrepreneurs. One of the biggest opportunities in this time of need has been to connect with like-minded business owners and marketing professionals online.

Marketing Charts has recorded an increase in the number of people in the market for online marketing groups since before the pandemic in 2020. This is mostly driven by the increased need for collaboration and resources during this time of need, and the recognition that businesses that thrive during difficult times have a significant advantage in the long run.

To coincide with this trend, we’ve compiled a list of the top six online marketing groups that you should be a part of.

1. The Evolved Marketers’ Group

You’ve probably heard of the Evolved Marketers’ Group, or EMG, now that you’re reading this. This is the group for marketers who want to continue evolving and learning during and after the pandemic. You can access a lot of valuable content from experienced marketers who can help you improve your skills and grow your career in the process.

EMG was one of the first online communities built for marketers. Back in 2011, Keith Weed began the platform with a small group of marketers who were looking for a collaborative space to share knowledge and resources. Since then, the group has grown to over 25,000 subscribers and over 150,000 monthly active users. You can think of EMG as LinkedIn for marketers. It’s an amazing resource for those looking to grow their careers in digital marketing.

2. Inbound Marketing Institute

Another great place to connect with other marketers is the Inbound Marketing Institute. Similar to the Evolved Marketers’ Group, the Inbound Marketing Institute’s main purpose is to serve as a learning platform for marketers. Additionally, you’ll find a lot of valuable information about marketing, digital marketing, and business strategy here. There are a variety of free resources, such as podcasts, email newsletters, and live chats where you can get inbound marketing education from experienced marketers.

3. Digital Marketing Club

Founded in 2015, the Digital Marketing Club is an international group of marketers whose members are based in over 150 countries. The group’s mission is to educate and empower marketers to achieve excellence through research-backed marketing strategies. You can read their blog to stay up to date with all things marketing related and gain valuable insights from marketing experts.

4. Marketing Charts

Marketing Charts is a digital marketing community that was built on the idea that marketers should have an environment where they can easily access the resources they need to grow their business. Launched back in 2011, the platform quickly gained attention from marketers around the world who wanted a place to connect, find answers, and build their professional networks.

Marketing Charts now has over 200,000 monthly active users, over 50,000 of whom are online marketing professionals. It is the preferred network of choice for marketers who want to grow their careers during this time of need/business transformation.

5. MarketingProfs

MarketingProf.com is the authority in marketing education. Established in 2001, the website offers a variety of free marketing courses, such as marketing analytics, digital marketing, and social media marketing. Additionally, you’ll find a variety of paid resources for marketers, including eBooks, checklists, and webinars.

6. MarTech Institute

The MarTech Institute is a community of marketers, digital marketers, and social media managers who want to grow their careers in marketing. The platform was built on the idea that people should be able to find the resources they need to grow their businesses. You’ll find a variety of training programs and courses, as well as a community of marketers who are willing to help each other grow their careers.

As with the other marketing groups mentioned here, MarTech Institute was also founded as a response to the pandemic. Back in 2009, the founders of MarTech Institute saw the enormous need for professional development during this time of crisis. Since then, the group has grown to over 37,000 subscribers and 148,000 monthly active users.

Looking for more ways to grow your career during this time of need? Here are a few more suggestions that come from the MarketingCharts community. Consider starting a blog, contributing to a local academic journal, or participating in local marketing events.