In today's increasingly digital world, novice writers are at an advantage. Every day, new blogs with new themes are being created and put out for the world to see. You can create your own themed blog at virtually no cost. Creating your own blog reserved for poetry can be both great practice and a great way to gather attention. Since you know the blog will be seen by whomever happens to stumble upon it, you must only publish your finished work or work that presents you in a favorable light.
To go one step further, find blogs dedicated to creative writing that accept submissions. If your work is published on someone else's blog or better yet a literary journal's blog, this can add a bit of prestige to your portfolio. You now have published work and, if your confidence was wavering, that work will serve as a nice motivational booster.
Contests can serve as a great medium for publishing poetry and increasing your visibility. Search the Internet, your local library and literary journals for lists of contests coming up. Be wary if you search online. Contests that ask you to send a reading fee could be potential scams. Always research every contest you are submitting to in order to avoid theft of work, finances or, worse, your identity.
The better place to look would be between the articles and stories in your very own magazines and journals. You are more assured that these contests are not scams. Most journals hold their own annual contest in search of new work, which is always a great opportunity. Since you read the journal regularly, you are more likely to produce writing the editors will select.
Most colleges and universities have their own literary journal published twice yearly. Try submitting to these journals, especially if you are attending or are an alumnus of the school. If your work is accepted, you have formed a connection with that journal. Many will even encourage you to submit new work for their next collection. While publishing online can be beneficial to your motivation, publishing in print is a real confidence booster.
When you are breaking into any new profession, the same rule always applies: Work your way up. Starting online, submitting to contests and small presses all serve as great practice and can help you achieve your goal in the publishing big leagues.