Online presence plays a crucial role in defining our personal and professional image. With Google being the go-to search engine for more than 70% of internet users, we must ensure that we don’t have any harmful content associated with our name.
The negative content can harm our reputation and adversely impact our careers and relationships. However, removing negative content from Google is not easy, and it requires a well-planned strategy and approach.
In this ultimate guide, we will discuss proven techniques that work to remove search results you don’t like in Google.
Contact The Website Owner
If the negative content is posted on a website other than your own, the first approach should be to contact the website owner or webmaster directly. You can politely request them to remove the content, explaining the negative impact it’s causing.
You can also mention that if the content is defamatory or violates laws. However, remember that the website owner may not always agree to your request.
Create Positive Content
One of the best ways to remove harmful content from Google search results is by creating new, positive content that can outrank the negative one. You can create a personal website, social media profiles, and blogs with positive reviews, testimonials, and achievements.
The more quality content you create, the more it will improve your online reputation and push the negative content down in the search results.
Use Search Engine Optimization Techniques
SEO techniques can be used to optimize all of your online content, including the new positive content you create. Using relevant keywords and optimizing your online content for search engines can improve its ranking in search results and push down harmful content.
Disavow Backlinks
Backlinks are links from other websites that lead to your website or content. If the negative content is linked to your website, disavowing backlinks can effectively remove it.
Use Google’s Disavow Tool, which allows you to tell Google not to count specific backlinks when ranking your website or content.
Lodge A Request With Google
Google allows you to remove search results that violate its policies, such as personal information, copyrighted content, or revenge porn. You can submit a removal request through Google’s public removal tool, mentioning the specific URL and the reason for the request.
The process may take some time, but if your request is legitimate, Google will remove the content from its search results.
Use Online Reputation Management Services
If you find removing negative content from Google search results challenging, consider hiring an online reputation management (ORM) service provider. ORM service providers use proven techniques and tools to suppress negative content and promote positive content online.
They can help you remove negative content from Google search results, monitor your online reputation, and provide ongoing support to maintain an excellent online presence.
Take Legal Action
If the negative content violates laws or defames your reputation, you can take legal action against the content creator or website owner. You can hire an attorney specializing in internet defamation or privacy laws to represent you.
Legal action can be costly and time-consuming, but it can effectively remove negative content from Google search results and even compensate you.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, removing harmful content from Google search results takes work, and it requires a strategic approach and an open mind. Whether you contact the website owner, create positive content, lodge a request with Google, use ORM services, or take legal action, staying calm and professional throughout the process is essential.
Remember that your online reputation is your responsibility, and it’s up to you to maintain it. Use these proven techniques to remove harmful content from Google search results and create a positive online presence.