Why Reputation Is Now a First Impression
Search First, Ask Later
People Google you before they meet you. This is true in dating, hiring, business deals, and even friendships. According to a 2023 survey by Harris Poll, 71% of people trust Google results more than a resume. That means your search results are your new business card.
If your top results include old tweets, bad press, or nothing at all, you are losing trust before the first handshake. A clean and strong online presence sets the tone before you ever speak.
The Problem With Bad Press and Dead Links
Old News Never Dies
One of the biggest issues people face is how long bad news sticks around. Google indexes old news forever. That arrest from college or an angry blog post from 2015 still shows up. Even if it was dismissed or fixed.
You can delete negative news articles from some sources, but not all. In some cases, you have to use content suppression strategies to bury them. Either way, ignoring bad press never works. You have to take action.
Inaccurate Info Hurts You
Wrong job titles, outdated profiles, or even people confusing you with someone else can cost you real opportunities. You have to control the narrative. And that means being proactive.
Where to Start: Google Yourself
What You Find Might Surprise You
Open a private browser window. Type your name in quotes. Add your city, profession, or company. Scroll through the first 3 pages. Take screenshots of anything negative, outdated, or confusing. That is your current reputation.
Check:
- Google search
- Google Images
People search websites. You can’t fix what you don’t know.
Clean Up What You Can
Start With the Basics
Update your LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and any public profiles. Use the same clean headshot and short professional bio. Be consistent.
Remove old posts that don’t reflect who you are now. Ask blog owners to take down anything inaccurate. If you find a news article that’s hurting you, try contacting the editor to request a correction or removal. In tougher cases, you may need legal help.
If you can’t delete negative news articles, use SEO and content creation to push them down. Most users never go past the first page of search results.
Own Your Name in Search Results
Build Out Positive Content
The best way to control your online reputation is by creating new, high-quality content. This pushes bad content lower.
Start with:
- A personal website (use your name as the domain if possible)
- A blog with weekly or monthly posts
- Press releases if you’re in business
- Interviews or podcast appearances
- Guest posts on trusted blogs
- Profiles on review sites or industry platforms
Make sure each one uses your name naturally in the headline or page title. Google picks up on that fast.
Create Content That Sticks
Think Evergreen and Relevant
Content that ranks well is usually helpful, searchable, and long-lasting. Aim for how-to guides, expert tips, or personal stories that relate to your field. Use your real name in the byline and keep the tone simple and honest.
One founder I worked with wrote an article titled “What I Learned Failing My First Startup” and posted it on Medium. It now outranks the local news article about his company going under.
Use Google Tools to Your Advantage
Set Up Alerts and Monitor Regularly
Google Alerts is your early warning system. Set one up with your name in quotes. You’ll get emails every time a new page with your name is indexed.
Use a tool like BrandYourself or Mention to track mentions across the web. Some reputation tools also show sentiment analysis so you know what people are saying, not just where.
Engage, Don’t Hide
Positive Activity Builds Trust
People with strong online reputations aren’t perfect. They’re visible. They post updates, share ideas, and interact. This shows you’re active and current.
Comment on LinkedIn posts in your industry. Answer a few questions on Quora or Reddit. Share your opinions without being offensive or political. The goal is to leave a trail of positive breadcrumbs.
One recruiter I spoke with said, “I skip candidates who don’t exist online. If I can’t find you, I assume you don’t care or have something to hide.”
Use Reputation Tools When You Need Help
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
There are companies that specialize in this. If your problem is complex or legal, a reputation expert can save time. They use tools the public doesn’t have access to.
If you’re not sure where to start, a consultation with a reputation firm can help you map it out. They can show you how to build content, delete negative news articles when possible, and create a long-term strategy.
Key Stats to Remember
- 88% of people read reviews before deciding to trust a brand or person
- 45% of employers screen candidates using search engines
- Only 6% of users go past the first page of Google
Final Thoughts
You are what shows up when someone searches your name. If the results are blank or bad, it’s time to fix that. Building a strong online reputation doesn’t have to be hard. It just has to be consistent.
Start small. Clean up what you can. Post one good piece of content each month. Own your name and control your narrative. Because someone is searching. Right now.
Photo Credit
Image by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi from Pixabay
Guest Author Bio
AMRYTT MEDIA LLC GUESTPOSTLINKS.NET
+17196002784
email us here: hello@guestpostlinks.net
Visit us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guestpostlinks/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/guestpostlinks
Recent Guest Author Articles:
- Your Online Reputation Is Everything (Here's How to Build It Fast)
- 5 Spiritual Resources to Help Humanity in Times of Crisis
- Between Judgment and Hope: Navigating the Gray Areas of the Justice System
- Empowered to Advocate: How to Become the Voice for the Silent
- How to Build a Celebration-Ready Wine Cellar
Please Share Your Thoughts - Leave A Comment!