4 Easy Steps To Erase Unwanted Results On Google
In a perfect world, we could just 'erase' unwanted, biased or outdated information about us from Google's search results. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. A large proportion of negative or unwanted content appears in the search results for months or even years. Only under very special circumstances, does the search giant choose to block defamatory information and that is usually after a court order.
Luckily, there are a number of steps that you can take to counter unwanted information on Google and take control of your online image.
It is important to point out that these tips are for people who are not too worried about their online privacy and are comfortable with having some personal information appear on the Web. This is crucial since our method for taking control of the search results for your name involves creating new content to balance out the existing, unwanted information.
First Step: Create and Manage Online Profiles
There are a large number of sites available that allow individuals (and companies) to open online profiles about themselves. These sites usually rank highly in Google's search results and the vast majority of them are completely free.
On these sites you post your biography. Each profile site must contain a freshly written biography because Google frowns upon duplicate content.
Here are a few profile sites worth considering:
Step 2: Comment on Articles, Forums and on Social Media
When you are ready, start speaking out online. Use your real name and contact details. Comment on a range of articles, forums, blogs, and on social media. Assuming that you are ready for this kind of exposure, this is an excellent way to market yourself over the long term. Taking this step helps to increase the probability that when someone searches for you, they will encounter not only the unwanted information but also conversations you participated in and comments you have made. Make an effort to comment and to give your opinion on topics that you want to establish your reputation in as an expert, whether personally or professionally. Do not forget to review your comments for grammatical mistakes before you publish them.
Step 3: Create Links to Different Sites
One of the ways that Google ranks sites in its search engine is by the number of 'active' links leading back to that site. You can boost the ranking of your profile sites and other online content by linking between them. For example, link your Facebook account to your LinkedIn profile. Then link these two profiles to a third one. If you have a blog, you can link it to these three profiles and so on.
Of course, if you are active on different social media sites and interact with other users, then you increase the chances that those users will link to your sites. As a result, you can 'strengthen' the sites that you want to appear in Google's search results even more.
Step 4: Pay Attention to Keywords
If when searching for your name, Google automatically suggests certain words that reveal additional unwanted or negative search results, you have to take control of the situation. In practice, it means 'taking over' those keywords.
For example, say that your name is 'Joan Smith' and when searching for this pair of words, only positive results appear. However, a search for 'Joan Smith' + 'sorority' shows less flattering results. To improve this situation, you need to include 'sorority' in the biographies your upload to profile sites. Taking this extra step will help ensure that the positive information you write about yourself will have a more significant impact on your searches over the long run.
**The author is the Business Development and Marketing Director at Veribo, an online reputation management company.
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