How to Become a Health Copywriter with Benjamin Watkins

Ben Watkins is a direct response copywriter specializing in health and tech brands. Additionally, he is the writer behind the La Vie Ben Rose Newsletter on Substack.

Currently, Ben is focused on expanding his newsletter, where he shares insights into copywriting and delves into storytelling about various authors, creators, and brands. He is also preparing to launch a cohort dedicated to copywriting and storytelling.

How Did You Become a Writer?

I became a writer through a bit of desperation. 8 years ago, I was trying to get into nursing school but things weren’t exactly working out, so I started side hustling while I worked as an emergency medical technician.

I was looking for side work as a content writer and copywriter. I always loved writing and have a Master’s in history, but I never considered writing full-time – I thought I’d be a starving artist if I ever went that route.

I eventually learned about copywriting on a Reddit thread. And I didn’t look back. I studied other writers, creators, and copywriters. I love writing now because I’ve built something from it.

How Did You Get Your First Writing Job?

Through Upwork. Created a profile. Sent a bunch of messages and someone hired me to write an article in healthcare.

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Good Writer?

You need to be able to adapt. There isn’t one particular style or way of doing things that will make you a good writer. Sure, short sentences are helpful. Having some sense of grammar helps. Even knowing your audience and topic helps.

But more than anything, you have to adapt. You have to adapt to the feedback you receive as a writer. You have have to adapt your writing to different platforms. You have to adapt your writing based on your environment.

There is no perfect environment or way of writing. You learn to adapt and you write because you know you can do it. You believe you can write because you were born to write.

What Influences Your Writing the Most? 

Bill Simmons’ perspective on writing. He writes from the point of a view as a fan (at least when he did write). That’s how I think of it.

What topic am I a fan of? What topics do I love writing about that carries energy? What stories can I tell that resonate with me? That’s how I think when I write. 

I also love Neil Gaiman’s approach to writing. It’s conversational, friendly, and beyond creative. His storytelling is masterful, and that’s what I want my writing to my readers to be.

What Tools and Software Do You Use for Work?

I use Grammarly, and that’s it. If it’s research, I look at the Paris Review and read articles from past authors. I often publish on Substack.

What Are Your Writing Habits?

I wake up at 4:30 am and write until the kids wake up at around 6:00 am. That’s when I get my best writing done. I love the morning because there’s something peaceful about it. When I’m not working on client projects, I’m writing until at least 4:00 pm.

A non-writing habit is walks. I often takes walks with my kids that helps me unwind and get my mind off of writing. Exploring things outside is a great escape from the writing world.

I practice writing by reading as much as I can about it. I love reading and studying the writings of other authors. I also love being critical of my writing when it comes to a certain piece I’m publishing, giving it more attention than other pieces of work.

I stay productive by drinking coffee and refocusing myself every hour. I also put my phone in another room. I remind myself daily that this work doesn’t get done by itself. If I’m burnt out, I go outside on a bike ride, go on a run, and watch a movie. I step away from the work.

What’s the Best Investment You Made in Your Career?

The best investment isn’t in any particular course or education. I think the best decision I’ve ever made was marrying my wife. She’s super supportive and I wouldn’t be anywhere without here.

What Are the Most Influential Books in Your Life?

Reading is learning. But like anything, it can be a crutch from actually writing. Reading is a way to understand, learn, and feel inspired. But it doesn’t replace the work of writing.

I love books like Style: Toward Clarity and Grace by Joseph Williams. I also love books like The Third Door by Alex Banayan because it’s about perseverance and knowing what doors look through. 

What Are Your Favorite Writing Quotes?

C.S Lewis: “We do not write in order to be understood; we write in order to understand.” 

Kurt Vonnegut: “Talent is extremely common. What is rare is the willingness to endure the life of the writer.”

If Someone Wants to Be Where You Are Now, How Can They Get There?

Take action every day for the kind of person you want to be. Write every day on social media and create a newsletter about the topics you want to write about. Be the go-to person for that topic.

The biggest mistake to avoid is believing your writing is going to wow people in the first week or month. The only miracle in writing is doing the work day in and day out. Focus on becoming better every single day.