The bottom line: Strong media relations are step one. Results are step two, and what really matter when it comes to delivering business value. So far in 2026, Ketner Group has averaged a 50-60% share of voice against our clients’ named competitors, with coverage spanning The Wall Street Journal, Women’s Wear Daily and top trade publications.
Last month, my colleague Matthew Boncosky wrote about the factors that really matter when it comes to managing a media relations program in 2026. His insights are spot on and reflective of what media relationships have meant to the Ketner Group team for more than 30 years.
We are extremely proud of that. It is a significant reason why our clients trust us to tell their stories to the editors that matter the most. But it’s not the only thing our clients expect from a partnership with us.
At the end of the day, our clients also expect results.
As we’ve discussed in previous blogs, the right media coverage can yield significant sales and marketing results for a retail tech company, especially if shared via the right channels.
The Ketner Group team works diligently every day to ensure we secure meaningful media coverage for our clients. These results mean a strong share of voice among competitors, increased thought leadership for key executives and a heightened brand awareness that can help generate improved website traffic and, ultimately, sales leads.
In fact, across our retail tech client roster, we’ve averaged a 50-60% share of voice against named competitors so far in 2026.
What do meaningful media relationships actually deliver?
So, here’s the proof. Over the last few months, our team has landed coverage across a data and measurement partner as well as three retail technology vendors, spanning top-tier business press, trade publications and bylined thought leadership. Here’s a sampling:
How client NIQ uses data and SMEs to capture coverage
- Women’s Wear Daily broke an exclusive on NIQ’s new data-sharing collaboration with Ulta Beauty. Chain Store Age, Beauty Packaging, Chain Drug Review and Drug Store News all picked up the story within the same week.
- NIQ spokesperson Kaleigh Theriault was quoted in both USA Today and Forbes this summer, on tequila sales trends and the looming federal deadline for THC drinks. Two very different audiences, same expert.
Working with Appriss Retail, GK Software and Inspectorio to meet their PR goals
- The Wall Street Journal quoted Appriss Retail’s team on the returns economy in two separate pieces. Appriss Retail has led share of voice against named competitors since 2023, averaging 80%.
- GK Software’s Michael Scheibner published two bylined articles this year with Forbes Technology Council, establishing him as a go-to voice on unified commerce and AI in retail.
- Business Insider covered Inspectorio’s work helping apparel retailers navigate tightening supply chain regulations, putting the company in front of one of the largest business audiences in the country.
Why does coverage matter for my stakeholders?
This is just a sampling of the media relations work we do for our clients. Putting in the work to develop positive relationships with the right reporters and editors is absolutely step one.
But step two, generating results, is key. It’s the justification they need to prove to the board and other stakeholders that a PR program is critical to the success of the organization.
If you are a retail tech company looking to see what a relationship-driven PR program with real results could look like for your team, I’d love to talk! You can book some time with me here.
Or, if you will be at RetailClub next month, I’d love to meet in person.
Until then, here’s to landing the next big story!
Austin
