Self-publish your poetry. The age of the electronic book makes publishing your own work a far easier process. Amazon.com features an electronic self-publishing option that converts your work into a downloadable file readable by the Amazon Kindle. You can self-publish your own book of poetry or develop a book with friends.
Enter poetry contests. "Writer's Market 2009" offers multiple magazine and writer's journal contests that accept poetry. "Writer's Journal," for example, features numerous contests throughout the year. "Writer's Market" is a reputable resource for writers to rely on. Check out the entries and follow their contact data.
Submit to poetry magazines. "Writer's Market" also features reputable magazines that accept poetry submissions including "Poetry," "Poetry New Zealand," "Kit-Cat Review," "London Magazine" and "Junior Scholastic."
Attend writer's conferences. Writers network just like any other profession. Writer's conferences, whether mystery, romance or literary, offer you opportunities to get to know publishers, agents and editors. Going to a writer's conference can help you open doors and show off your poetry, which will give you a chance to publish..
Contact local businesses. Believe it or not, local businesses like to use poetry in their marketing materials including menus, brochures and newsletters. While marketing may not be your forte, it can be a good way to build your poetry portfolio.
Use social networking and blogs. You can publish your own poetry via social networking sites (Facebook and MySpace) and blogs (MySpace also features blogs). Publishing your poetry daily online can give you a platform to advertise your own work and to attract readers.