We’ve all done things in our lives we regret. Unfortunately, in today’s day and age, those things are often found on the internet, available to potential employers, schools and any other person who enters our life.  So can you protect your online reputation by having those pages removed from Google’s index?

Unfortunately, it is not as easy as you would hope for.  Google clearly states on their website that they do not own the internet. This means that in order to get the pages off of Google’s search results, the website that houses the undesirable information must be changed.  Your only hope of getting a change is to approach the webmaster of the offending site to request removal of the page or at least request they block the page from Google’s indexing.  Google’s response if you approach them first is a polite, but firm, “We are sorry, but we can’t do anything without action by the webmaster.”

Your only hope is if the information falls into one of the categories that Google is prepared to deal with.  They include:

·         Social security or credit information in results

·         Adult content in results, when SafeSearch has been turned on

·         Inappropriate images in video results

Beyond these points, you are pretty much on your own.  Once you understand that Google has no control over what is posted to the internet, it does seem to make a bit more sense.  Google’s job is to tell you what is out there, not to police what is already posted to the Web.

So what is the best way to protect yourself?  Be on your best behavior to keep your reputation intact, and well, if that doen’t work for you… than you’re in good company.  If you do have to approach someone to get a page removed, make nice and hope for the best.   If that does not work, just make sure you have lots of good stuff to make up for being less than perfect.  After all, nobodys perfect J  .

No one wants to see or hear a negative comment about their business. When you first read a negative blog post, you are likely to get a sinking feeling in your stomach. However, a negative blog post doesn’t have to mean impending doom. Instead of dreading seeing your company’s name, take this as an opportunity to spin a negative into a positive.
When a blogger mentions your business consider it an open invitation to respond. If a blogger criticizes a promotion you are running or pans your business based on their experience, it is your opportunity to craft a well thought out response.
You have every right to explain yourself. Address the specific issue raised in the blog; explain what your business is all about or the structure of your promotion in question. Be sure to take the high road and always be professional. Personal attacks are never appropriate; even if you were attacked first.
Opening a dialog with a blogger gives you the opportunity to provide an explanation, to correct misinformation and address misunderstandings. With a well thought out and timely response, showing your thought process and professionalism is likely to enhance your image.
Don’t forget that the blogger’s posting and your response is going to be viewed by all of the blog’s readers. Accuracy is a must. On a side note, a quick “Thank you for the kind words” post to a positive blog comment is always appreciated.