Blogger Spotlight: Charlie Watson, The Runner Beans

Self-professed foodie and fitness fanatic Charlie Watson is the author of our top-ranking running blog The Runner Beans. Her goal is simple – and that is to make fitness and healthy eating more accessible without missing out on any of the good things in life. In this spotlight Charlie talks to us about the winning formula behind her brand, why the health and fitness market is booming, the challenges of creating share-worthy images, and how she likes to work with PRs. 

Why should people read your blog? What makes it different? I’m honest, I’m real, I don’t have an all or nothing lifestyle. I feel that I have a balanced, approachable attitude to running, fitness and healthy living, without missing out on any of the fun.

How do you measure the success of your website? Of course I look at stats, social following and brand engagement, however for me the thing that means the most is emails, messages from readers, and meeting people that read my blog in real life.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a blog? Go for it, I am so glad I started mine, but know that it takes a lot of work. I never feel like I can take a day off completely, there’s always something you can be doing.

How do you work with marketers and PRs? I love working with marketers and PRs to create stories around products, review kit and races, travel, and provide advice to readers. I really love when a brand that wouldn’t necessarily think of as a health and fitness company wants to create relevant, interesting content for my audience. The health and fitness market is booming, and it doesn’t have to stop at kit and classes, I’d love to venture more into wellness, beauty, travel, and balanced healthy living.

How do you use social media to promote/share content? What are the challenges? I try to be active on Instagram especially, posting there at least once a day. I’ll promote my blog posts on twitter and Facebook, then use Snapchat to share my daily life, products, training etc. I have to say, one of the major challenges is creating share-worthy images, especially when you are taking the pics yourself!

What can PRs do in working better with you? Coming up with fun original ideas on content creation, or allowing me to work with them to come up with ideas. As much as I hate the cliche – thinking outside of the box!

What has been your blogging highlight? That’s a tough one – there have been a few, both big and small. Having people approach me telling me they love what I do is definitely one that gets me every time!

What will be big in your blogosphere in the coming months?
Vlogging! I recently made my first vlog and have had some great feedback so am going to be making more!