72: How to Get Featured in Big Publications Online (Nick Wolny Interview)

72: How to Get Featured in Big Publications Online (Nick Wolny Interview)

Author: Michael Leonard: Copywriter & Freelance Writing Coach March 27, 2020 Duration: 47:32

In this guest interview, I had the opportunity to connect with Nick Wolny, a successful content marketer and freelance writer about how he pivoted from an education in classical music (he has two music degrees!) to his now successful content marketing business.

Why a Portfolio is Better than a Resume

Nick believes strongly in putting what your passionate about out in the world and letting the work show for itself. Creating an online portfolio has allowed him to create a network for himself, where as he tells in the interview, has led to many job opportunities where he has never even had to apply first for the job! 

How He Discovered Digital Marketing and It Opened Up a Whole World of Opportunity

Nick found himself in position where he loved learning about digital marketing and content creation – but not only did he love it, he was able to apply those strategies to lead businesses to a higher ROI.

Nick niched his consulting business by helping business owners discover new prospect opportunities through email and as they say the rest is history. 

His Thoughts on Copywriting vs. Content Writing

These two different types of writing are often confused one for the other. 

Copywriting is oriented to sales and the job of each sentence in your copy is to get the reader to the next sentence. Content writing on the other hand is educating people on why their problem is a problem and why they should seek a solution. 

How Music Taught Him to Be a Better Writer

Having two degrees in classical music, might seem to some to have been a waste of time, but Nick attributes that to actually making him a better writer because it gave him a writing system that he can apply to each project:

1. Writing Fundamentals
2. Writing Repertoire
3. Write to Have Fun


How to Build Your Online Footprint and Pitch Publications

Nick believes in the ladder approach to building your digital footprint and this strategy has led him be featured in Entrepreneur and other huge media publications. 

Start with smaller guest posts and outreach and build upon each successful pitch that then will lead to bigger publications and opportunities. When approaching editors, Nick advises first building a relationship with them and then offering to help them. It's also wise to think of each rejection as building your prospecting 'muscle', it is a numbers game and don't take it too personally if an editor brushes off your pitch. 

Lastly, Nick gives these two pieces of advice to new writers:
1. Find your footing
2. Learn different types of writing 

If you want to connect with Nick, find him at nickwolny.com or email him at Nick@nickwolny.com

If you want to connect with Michael - follow him on Instagram (@iammichaelleonard).
 
To learn how to start your own freelance writing career, visit freelanceto5k.com

Michael Leonard was a professional copywriter earning a solid salary before he walked away from that career in 2017. With no safety net, he built a thriving online writing business from the ground up. In his Inspire Your Success podcast, he gets into the real work behind that transition, moving beyond simple inspiration to offer a practical roadmap. Each conversation is grounded in his experience as a freelance writing coach, focusing on the actionable steps needed to build a sustainable independent career. You’ll hear honest discussions about the mental shifts required to leave a traditional job, the systems that actually generate income, and how to navigate the common pitfalls of entrepreneurship. This isn't about vague motivational talk; it's a detailed look at creating a business that affords more freedom, whether that means paying off debt, traveling, or simply designing a life with more flexibility. Tune in for a blend of strategic business advice and personal development insights, all drawn from Michael’s own journey from a structured 9-5 to successful self-employment. The podcast serves as a direct mentorship for anyone feeling stuck, providing the tangible tools and mindset needed to turn professional aspirations into a working reality.
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