Qwoted 100 PR Superstar: Kyle Ankney of Wisteria PR

Based in Ft. Lauderdale, Kyle Ankney of Wisteria PR has a boutique stable of fascinating clients, ranging from a biohacker to a certified sex therapist. There’s also something sexy about the placements he lands. Our latest Qwoted 100 PR Superstar, Ankney has landed coverage in dozens of top-tier publications and outlets: CBS News, Elle, Forbes and People among them.

Here Ankney discusses how, even in an age of digitized automation, “transparency and authenticity” will continue to reign as key differentiators. No wonder he sees honesty, resourcefulness, and an equal dedication to clients and media members as touchstones for his successful career. 

Qwoted: What do you see as the future of PR—technologically, strategically, or in any category you’re passionate about?

Kyle Ankney: The future of PR for me will focus on transparency and authenticity. As AI becomes more integrated and the number of publicists grows, cutting through the noise is essential. Authenticity, in our dealings with clients and media relationships, is key.

Qwoted: What do you do that you’re most proud of and that other PRs could learn from?

Ankney: I pride myself on the time and energy I devote to creating comprehensive digital media kits for my clients. These kits contain all the information a journalist might need, simplifying the process for both my client and the journalist, fostering better relationships and increased coverage.

Qwoted: What’s your toughest challenge with reporters?

Ankney: Cutting through the noise is my toughest challenge. With a ratio of seven publicists for every journalist, making your client stand out is increasingly difficult, especially with frequent launches and announcements.

Qwoted: What learnings have made a tremendous difference in your career?

Ankney: Being there for anyone you’re in contact with and going above and beyond can significantly impact in terms of whether your client receives coverage.

Qwoted: How do you break through the noise floor to get effective coverage?

Ankney: Being a resource with readily available information is crucial. The more I can provide upfront and simplify a journalist’s job, the more likely they are to feature my client and view us as a future resource.

Qwoted: How does PR in 2024 square with the future of journalism?

Ankney: The balance between PR and journalism in 2024 will be more complex due to the rapidly changing media landscape and media industry layoffs. Valuing and capitalizing on relationships will be essential for a cohesive, mutually beneficial partnership.

Qwoted: What advice would you give to those who seek an effective PR person?

Ankney: First, set realistic expectations. PR is crucial but not a standalone solution for sales or KPI improvements. Second, always promote honesty and transparency with your publicist and clients to achieve understandable and exciting results.

Qwoted: What is your golden rule of PR?

Ankney: My golden rules are: Always be honest, be a resource and go above and beyond for your clients and media contacts.

Qwoted: If there’s one thing you could change or improve about journalism or PR—in any area—what might that be and why?

Ankney: For me, the key change would be a paradigm shift in how we view reporting and analytics in PR. It’s about moving beyond surface-level metrics to understand the deeper impact of our efforts. Analytics should not just quantify reach but should help us interpret the significance of our engagements and the narratives we shape. This mindset shift towards a more nuanced understanding of analytics can transform how we measure success in PR, making our strategies more aligned with meaningful outcomes rather than just visibility

Qwoted: Anything else to add?

Ankney: Focus on building authentic connections with clients and journalists. Understand their needs and how you can be a resource. Establishing genuine relationships based on mutual goals and expectations benefits everyone.

You can reach out to Qwoted 100 PR Superstar Kyle Ankney at kyle@wisteriapr.com or connect via LinkedIn.

Lou Carlozo is Qwoted’s editor-in-chief and host of the financial services podcast Bankadelic. Email lou@qwoted.com or connect via LinkedIn.