Google can be your best friend or your worst enemy. When someone Googles your name, what they find shapes their opinion of you. A negative search result—whether it’s an embarrassing photo, an unfair review, or outdated information—can do real damage.
The good news? You don’t have to live with it forever. Removing or managing negative search results takes effort, but it’s completely doable. Here’s how to take back control of your online reputation.
Why Negative Search Results Hurt
Negative content can impact your personal and professional life. Employers, clients, and even dates are likely to Google you. According to CareerBuilder, 70% of employers research candidates online, and 54% have rejected someone based on what they found.
For businesses, the stakes are just as high. A BrightLocal study found that 85% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Negative search results can scare off potential customers.
The bottom line? What shows up on Google matters.
Step 1: Audit Your Search Results
The first step is to figure out what’s out there. Open an incognito browser window and Google your name. Look at the first two or three pages of results.
Make a list of any negative or harmful content you find. This might include:
- Old social media posts.
- Embarrassing photos or videos.
- Negative news articles.
- Bad reviews.
Check images and videos as well as the regular search results.
Step 2: Request Removal from the Source
Once you’ve identified the problem content, the next step is to contact the source. This is often the fastest way to resolve the issue.
How to Contact a Website Owner
Find the website’s contact information. Look for a “Contact Us” page or use a WHOIS domain search to get the owner’s email.
Be polite and professional in your request. Explain why the content is harmful and ask for its removal.
Lisa Harper, a reputation specialist from Austin, TX, recalls, “I had a client whose old party photo ended up on a blog. We emailed the blog owner, explained the situation, and it was removed within a day. Most people are willing to help if you approach them the right way.”
Step 3: Use Google’s Removal Tools
If the website owner doesn’t cooperate, Google offers tools to help you manage harmful content. These tools work best for specific cases, like outdated or sensitive information.
Outdated Content Tool
Use this tool for links to pages that no longer exist but still appear in search results. Google will remove the cached version.
Personal Information Removal Request
Google allows you to request the removal of personal information, like your address or explicit photos, if it violates their policies.
Copyright Complaints
If the content uses your photos, videos, or written work without permission, you can file a copyright takedown request.
Step 4: Push Negative Results Down
Sometimes, you can’t delete negative content about you from Google completely. In these cases, suppression is your best option. The goal is to push harmful results down where fewer people will see them.
Create Positive Content
Build new, high-quality content that reflects well on you. This could include:
- A personal website or blog.
- Social media updates.
- Articles showcasing your expertise or achievements.
Positive content often ranks higher over time, pushing negative results lower.
Optimize Your Online Profiles
LinkedIn, Twitter, and other profiles often rank high in search results. Keep these profiles professional and up-to-date.
Mark Evans, a content strategist from Denver, CO, shares, “One client had an old mugshot dominating his search results. We helped him create a blog and post weekly updates. Within six months, the mugshot was buried on page three.”
Step 5: Seek Professional Help
If the content is especially damaging or widespread, consider hiring a reputation management expert. These professionals specialize in removing and suppressing harmful content.
What They Do
Reputation experts can:
- Negotiate with website owners.
- Use legal tools to remove defamatory or harmful content.
- Create strategies to improve your search rankings with positive results.
When to Hire Them
Professional help is worth considering if:
- The content is defamatory or false.
- It’s spreading to multiple platforms.
- Your efforts to remove it have been unsuccessful.
Step 6: Protect Your Reputation Going Forward
Once you’ve cleaned up your search results, take steps to prevent future problems.
Monitor Your Name Regularly
Set up Google Alerts to notify you whenever new content appears about you. Search yourself every few months to stay on top of what others see.
Lock Down Your Privacy
Adjust the privacy settings on your social media accounts. Limit who can see your posts or tag you in photos.
Think Before You Post
Before sharing anything online, ask yourself: “Would I want a future employer or client to see this?” If the answer is no, don’t post it.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
The longer negative content stays online, the more damage it can do. Harmful content can spread, get indexed by search engines, and become harder to remove. Acting quickly is the best way to protect your reputation.
“Negative content has a ripple effect,” says Chris Taylor, a reputation consultant from San Diego, CA. “I’ve seen people lose job offers, clients, and relationships because of what showed up on Google. Taking action early is key to stopping the damage.”
Final Thoughts
Negative Google search results don’t have to define you. By auditing your online presence, removing harmful content, and creating positive results, you can take back control of your reputation.
Whether you handle it yourself or hire a professional, every step you take makes a difference. Start today and shape the way the world sees you—because your online reputation is worth it.