How can you manage negative search engine results that affect your online reputation or brand?

2 Respond to negative feedback

The second step to managing negative search engine results is to respond to negative feedback promptly and professionally. Ignoring or deleting negative comments can make the situation worse, as it can fuel more criticism or resentment from your audience. Instead, you should acknowledge the problem, apologize if necessary, and offer a solution or a way to resolve the issue. You should also try to move the conversation offline or to a more private channel, such as email or phone, to avoid further escalation or exposure.

3 Create and publish positive content

The third step to managing negative search engine results is to create and publish positive content that showcases your online reputation or brand in a favorable way. You can use your own website, blog, social media, or other platforms to share your achievements, testimonials, awards, case studies, or other relevant information that highlight your value and credibility. You can also use keywords and SEO techniques to optimize your content for search engines and increase your visibility and authority.

4 Request removal or update of outdated or inaccurate information

The fourth step to managing negative search engine results is to request removal or update of outdated or inaccurate information that might harm your online reputation or brand. Sometimes, you might find that some of the negative results are based on false, misleading, or outdated information that does not reflect your current situation or reality. In such cases, you can contact the website owner or the publisher and ask them to remove or update the information. You can also use Google's removal tool to request Google to remove certain URLs from its index if they violate its policies or laws.

5 Build and maintain your online network

The fifth step to managing negative search engine results is to build and maintain your online network of supporters, influencers, and partners. You can leverage your online network to amplify your positive content, generate positive reviews, referrals, or endorsements, and counteract any negative feedback or criticism. You can also collaborate with your online network to create and share valuable content that benefits your audience and enhances your online reputation or brand.

6 Seek professional help if needed

The sixth and final step to managing negative search engine results is to seek professional help if needed. Sometimes, the negative results might be too severe, persistent, or complex to handle on your own. In such cases, you might need to hire a professional online reputation management service or a SEO expert to help you devise and implement a more effective and comprehensive strategy to improve your online reputation or brand and restore your trust and credibility.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?