If families, schools, or pediatricians in your area don’t know you exist, it doesn’t matter how skilled or experienced you are. Getting found locally is one of the most important parts of building a sustainable practice. Fortunately, there are simple, consistent actions that can help you stand out in your community. Here are five practical steps to improve local visibility and attract new referrals.
1. Build Relationships with Local Pediatricians
Pediatricians are often the first point of contact for parents seeking help for developmental or learning concerns. Creating a professional relationship with local offices can help your name come up when families ask for recommendations. Introduce yourself with a short, friendly email or drop off a one-page flyer explaining who you help and how. Keep it brief, relevant, and easy for their staff to share. Once you’ve made contact, stay connected by offering helpful resources or updates throughout the year.
Learn more about creating strong partnerships in How to Connect with Pediatricians.
2. Partner with Schools and Educators
Schools are one of the best places to build ongoing visibility. Teachers and administrators regularly notice students who could benefit from extra support and they often look for local professionals to recommend. Reach out to special education teams, guidance counselors, and school-based therapists in your area. Offer to provide short presentations, in-service training, or practical resources for their staff. Building trust with educators helps them feel confident referring families your way.
Explore strategies for outreach in How to Connect with Schools in Your Community.
3. Get Involved in Community Events
Visibility grows when families see your face in familiar places. Attend local fairs, parent nights, or library programs where you can meet people and share what you do. Bring a simple handout or small giveaway that includes your contact information and specialties. Community exposure builds familiarity and that familiarity builds trust. Over time, people start to associate your name with reliable, friendly support for children and families.
Learn how to strengthen your local ties in Building Community Partnerships.
4. Offer Value Before You’re Needed
One of the best ways to grow your local presence is by giving families and professionals something useful before they even ask. This could be a short educational talk, a printable guide, or a helpful post in a neighborhood Facebook group. When people see you as a consistent, approachable resource, they’ll remember you when someone asks for a recommendation. Visibility comes from trust—and trust comes from showing up with value first.
5. Make It Easy to Find and Contact You
Even the best local outreach won’t help if families can’t reach you. Make sure your contact information is current and easy to find everywhere you appear, Google, directories, social media, and print materials. Include a clear description of what you do and who you help. When parents can quickly tell, “This is the right person for my child,” you’ve already done most of the work to earn their call.
Local growth takes time, but every small effort adds up. Whether it’s connecting with schools, pediatricians, or community groups, each relationship helps more families discover the support they’re looking for right in their own neighborhood.
