Public Relations: Simple ways to build visibility in 2026

By Ellen Keiley

A new year offers a natural reset – an opportunity to be more intentional about how visible you are in your professional and in the legal community. Public relations is often narrowly defined as media quotes or article placements, but in reality, it goes far beyond that. Whether you’re looking to grow your book of business, expand your network, or strengthen your personal brand, visibility doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of consistent, strategic actions taken over time.

Here are a few practical ways to increase your public visibility in the year ahead – starting with one of the most powerful and often underutilized tools.

1. Network with intention and focus on building relationships

Networking remains an effective way to build visibility, but the key is shifting the mindset from just collecting business cards to genuinely building relationships.

This can be accomplished by:

• Attending industry or professional events.
• Joining a networking group or professional association.
• Participating in alumni groups, community organizations, or other social organizations aligned with your interests or values.

The goal isn’t to attend everything – it’s to be selective and intentional. Choose environments where the people you want to build relationships with are likely to be, and commit to showing up consistently.

When you attend events or meetings, focus on:

• Having real conversations rather than quick exchanges.
• Listening, asking thoughtful questions, and showing curiosity.
• Following up afterward with a personal note, LinkedIn invitation, or coffee invitation.

If you meet people, have meaningful conversations, and then do nothing afterward, the time spent at the event is largely wasted.

Visibility grows when people recognize you, remember you, and associate you with meaningful interactions. Over time, those relationships naturally lead to referrals, opportunities, and increased credibility.

2. Show up consistently where your audience is

Visibility isn’t just about being seen once – it’s about being seen repeatedly in the right places. Whether that’s industry events, LinkedIn, professional committees, speaking engagements, or in media publications, consistency builds familiarity and trust.

3. Share your perspective and expertise

Visibility increases when you contribute value. Sharing insights – whether through conversations, articles, quotes, panels, or social media – helps position you as someone with expertise.

4. Strengthen existing relationships while building new ones

While building new connections is important, don’t overlook the power of nurturing relationships you already have. Reconnecting with former colleagues, clients, or contacts can be just as impactful as meeting new people – and often easier.

A quick check-in, a congratulatory note, or a coffee meeting can go a long way in keeping you top of mind.

Building visibility doesn’t require dramatic changes. Small, consistent actions – especially around relationship-building – can make a meaningful difference over the course of the year. When you focus on being present, intentional, and authentic, visibility follows naturally.

 

Ellen M. Keiley, CPC, is president of EMK Consulting Group, which offers public relations, business development coaching, and marketing services for law firms and other professional services firms. She can be contacted at [email protected].