Increasing your visibility can improve your credibility with clients and prospects, leading to growth in your practice.

“The more visible you are in the public’s eye, the greater your chances of being viewed as an expert with whom clients and prospects are proud to be associated,” says Nadira Lawrence-Selan, public relations consultant with Hathleigh Consulting in Woodbridge, Ont. “It is best to establish yourself as an expert in a specific area that is linked to the services you offer.”

Advisors with a public profile stand a greater chance of attracting clients, according to Raymond Yates, financial advisor and senior partner with Save Right Financial Inc. in Mississauga, Ont. But, he cautions, developing a profile requires significant time and effort.

Here are five ways to create a public profile:

1. Write articles and blogs
Writing for print publications and websites is a great way to get noticed, says Lawrence-Selan.

Select an area in which you can be seen as an expert, such as retirement planning or estate planning, then choose a medium . You may wish to create your own blog or write for a community newspaper, local trade publications or other web-based publications.

“Use social media to share what you write,” Yates says. “And use search engine optimization to make it easier for people to find you on the web.”

2. Get quoted in the media
Contact journalists from your local television and radio stations and newspapers to let them know that you are available to provide expert commentary in your subject area and that you are available for interviews. Refer these journalists to other stories in which you have been quoted, or articles or columns you have written.

Being quoted in articles and news items on topics relevant to your practice can boost your credibility and knowledge, Yates says. Articles in which you are quoted can be used as part of your marketing material, giving you additional mileage with clients and prospects.

3. Speak at public events
Volunteer to speak at seminars or public and industry events. Just be sure to provide valuable advice — not self promotion.

“When participating in public events, always bear in mind that your listeners come first,” says Lawrence-Selan. “You want to establish yourself as a resource or expert they can contact and whom they can trust. Never push products.”

4. Get involved in your community
Joining community organizations whose goals and values are aligned with yours. Your objective is to make people know who you are and what you do, says Larence-Selan — but not to actively seek new business.

Try to add value to your group without expecting something in return. “When you show the group that you have expertise in a specific area,” Yates says, “referrals can come naturally.”

5. Share success stories in a newsletter
Create your own newsletter to send to prospects and clients. Write about topics and situations pertaining to your target market.

“Add a personal touch by sharing a client success story,” Lawrence-Selan says. (Be sure to change names and other details to protect the client’s privacy.) People relate to success stories, she says. “It can go a long way toward building your credibility.”