Online Reputation Management FAQs - Your Questions Answered

Online Reputation Management is the process of controlling what appears when someone searches your name or company on Google and other search engines. It covers three core areas:

• Monitoring - understanding what is being said and where it appears
• Suppression - pushing down content that is harmful or misleading
• Promotion - building accurate, positive content that reflects who you are today

ORM is not about hiding the truth. It is about making sure a fair, complete picture is what people find, not the most outdated or sensational version of your story.

These are two distinct approaches, and knowing the difference matters.

• Removal means getting content taken down from its source - the website, platform, or database where it lives. This is always pursued first where it is viable.
• Suppression means building enough strong, positive content that harmful results get pushed from page one of Google to page two, three, or beyond.
• Most people never click past page one, so suppressed results effectively disappear for the majority of searchers.

Suppression is the more reliable long-term tool and works even when removal is not possible.

They overlap, but they are not the same thing.

• PR focuses on media coverage, press releases, and shaping public narrative through journalists and publications.
• ORM focuses specifically on search engine results - what people find when they search your name.
• PR can contribute to ORM by creating positive coverage that ranks well, but ORM involves technical SEO strategy, content architecture, and digital asset building that falls outside traditional PR.

We work alongside PR professionals where needed, but our focus is on your search results.

Yes, it makes a significant and measurable difference. Here is why:

• 92% of all search traffic stays on the first visible page of Google.
• Content beyond page two is rarely seen by anyone.
• When negative results are pushed off page one, virtually no one finds them.

Clients regularly see the difference in:

• Professional conversations that go more smoothly
• New business activity and inbound enquiries increasing
• Job interviews and due diligence processes that go further
• A general reduction in the anxiety of being searchable

Anyone whose search results do not accurately or fairly represent who they are today. This includes:

• Professionals facing outdated or misleading articles
• Executives dealing with negative press or an unfair narrative
• Doctors and lawyers whose practice is being affected by unfair reviews
• Individuals wrongfully associated with a case or incident
• Students and job seekers whose search results are costing them opportunities
• Businesses whose brand narrative has been shaped by others

If what people find when they search your name does not reflect who you are, we can help.

No. Your existing positive results are protected and built upon, not displaced.

• Your LinkedIn, website, and positive press become the foundation we build on.
• Our strategies add authoritative content that strengthens your overall search presence.
• Nothing that is currently working in your favour is interfered with.

The goal is always to reinforce and extend what is already positive.

Some basics are absolutely doable yourself:

• Claiming your Google Business profile
• Setting up and completing your social media accounts
• Responding professionally to reviews

But suppressing a negative result that is already sitting on page one requires:

• Deep SEO knowledge and technical strategy
• Publishing relationships on high-authority platforms
• Months of sustained, consistent effort

If the issue is already visible and actively affecting you, professional help is almost always the faster and more effective route.

In some cases, yes. In many cases, no - but it can be made effectively invisible.

• Content that violates platform policies, constitutes defamation, or breaches privacy law can often be removed.
• Content that is simply negative, embarrassing, or inconvenient is rarely removable through standard channels.
• Where removal is not possible, suppression pushes the content far enough down in results that the vast majority of searchers never see it.

We pursue removal in every case where it is realistic, and apply suppression in parallel so your results improve regardless of the removal outcome.

This is one of the harder challenges in reputation management, and we will always be honest with you about it.

• Most reputable publishers will not take down or edit accurate reporting.
• Google's policies generally protect journalistic content from de-indexing requests.
• Legal avenues like defamation claims exist but are costly and rarely quick.
• In practice, suppression is the primary tool - we build high-authority content that takes the positions above and around the article.

The article may remain, but it stops being the first, or only, thing people find.

Google will remove reviews that clearly violate its content policies. This includes:

• Spam and fake reviews
• Offensive or hateful language
• Reviews that are clearly not about a genuine customer experience

However, negative reviews that reflect a real experience, even if you disagree with them, are generally not removable. For those:

• A professional response strategy helps manage the narrative publicly.
• A proactive campaign to generate authentic positive reviews from real customers dilutes the impact over time.

We do not create fake reviews. Building genuine social proof is the only approach that holds up long-term.

Yes. Social media profiles and posts can be both suppressed and, in some cases, removed.

• Platform reporting can lead to removal where content violates community guidelines.
• Old or inactive social profiles can be optimised to rank positively, turning a liability into an asset.
• Suppression works by building content that outranks the social content in question.

The right approach depends on what the content is, which platform it lives on, and whether removal is realistic.

Each platform works differently, and we approach each one accordingly.

• Ripoff Report has a firm stance against removal, but that does not mean the content has to stay on page one of Google. Suppression is the most effective route here.
• Glassdoor may remove content that violates its community guidelines through a formal review process.
• Reddit posts can sometimes be actioned by moderators or through legal processes where defamation applies.

In most cases, a suppression strategy running alongside any direct removal attempts is the most reliable way to neutralise the impact.

Many states have passed legislation requiring these sites to remove images upon request, particularly where charges were not pursued or a conviction did not follow.

• We assess the legal landscape in your jurisdiction and pursue removal requests where the law supports it.
• Suppression is applied in parallel so your search results improve while any removal process runs its course.
• Even where full removal is not possible, we can significantly reduce the visibility of these results.

We assess each case individually to identify the most practical route for your specific situation.

Public court records are, by definition, public. In most jurisdictions, neither Google nor the court system is legally required to remove them simply because they are damaging.

• Some expungement or record-sealing processes exist at the state level and, if granted, may support a de-indexing request.
• Outside of that, suppression is the most practical strategy.
• We build a professional digital presence that dominates search results under your name, so the record is not the first or only thing people find.

FINRA BrokerCheck and SEC EDGAR records are public regulatory databases and they are not removable. These exist by legal requirement.

• Neither Google nor Reputation360 can have mandatory regulatory disclosures taken down.
• What we can do is build a strong enough presence of professional, credible content around the disclosure so it is not the first or only thing people see.
• For financial professionals, this typically means thought leadership articles, LinkedIn authority, professional profiles, and press in reputable industry outlets.

We cannot erase the record, but we can make sure it does not dominate the conversation.

Yes, though it takes more work and more time than a typical case.

• When coverage comes from major publications, those pages carry significant authority in Google's eyes, which means the content we build to outrank them has to be equally authoritative.
• We focus on assets Google genuinely respects: thought leadership pieces, legal publications, industry recognition, high-domain profiles, and press in reputable outlets.
• Over time, these assets climb above the case coverage in search results.

We have worked on cases with significant media footprints. The same principles apply, the strategy just needs to be more concentrated and sustained.

Yes, completely. Every method we use is fully compliant with Google's webmaster guidelines.

• We build real content on legitimate platforms - nothing fabricated or artificially inflated.
• We do not use link schemes, keyword stuffing, cloaking, or any other practice that violates Google's policies.
• Our approach is designed to be durable. Tactics that cut corners may show short-term movement but collapse when Google updates its algorithms.

We build things to last, not to game a system.

Yes, when done honestly. Here is how we think about it:

• Everyone deserves a fair representation online, not just the loudest or most dramatic version of their story.
• A single result, however old or one-sided, should not permanently define a person's professional or personal life.
• We do not fabricate content, suppress true and current information that the public has a legitimate interest in, or help anyone evade accountability for serious wrongdoing.

Our work is about fairness, not deception. We give every situation careful consideration before taking it on.

Yes, always. This is not optional for us.

• We do not create fake reviews, fabricate content, or use methods that could expose our clients to further risk.
• We do not engage in black-hat SEO practices that violate Google's guidelines.
• Everything we build is real: genuine publications, authoritative profiles, legitimate content on high-quality platforms.

Black-hat tactics can be reversed by algorithm updates and may create new legal exposure. Our approach is built to last.

Our work runs across four phases:

• Audit - we map your entire search footprint, identify what is ranking, and prioritise what needs to be addressed. Every decision from this point is grounded in data.
• Strategy - we build a custom plan covering removal requests, suppression tactics, and content creation. No templates, ever.
• Execution - we implement everything on your behalf. You are kept informed throughout.
• Monitoring - ongoing tracking protects what has been built and responds to new threats early.

Search results do not reorganise overnight, but progress is measurable and consistent. An honest timeline for most engagements:

• Weeks 1-4: Audit complete, strategy live, initial content published and indexed.
• Months 2-4: Measurable movement in rankings, positive content gaining traction.
• Months 5-8: Significant displacement of primary negative results in most cases.
• Months 8-12: Substantial transformation complete for the large majority of cases.

The exact timeline depends on:

• How authoritative the negative source is
• How many negative results need to be addressed
• How competitive the search landscape is for your name

We will give you a specific, honest estimate for your situation in the initial consultation.

For most clients, the goal is to ensure that the first page of results for your name reflects who you actually are today. This typically means:

• Harmful content pushed off page one and no longer visible to most searchers.
• Professional, accurate, and positive content taking those positions instead.
• A search result that you would be comfortable with anyone seeing - a recruiter, an investor, a client.

Complete removal of content from the web is not always possible, but significantly reducing its visibility to the vast majority of searchers almost always is.

We adapt, and you will always know exactly what is happening.

• Progress is monitored continuously throughout your engagement.
• If something is not moving as projected, we adjust the strategy - increasing content velocity, expanding the platform mix, or targeting different search angles.
• You will never be left wondering. Regular reporting means you always have a clear picture of where things stand.

We do not sit still if a strategy needs adjusting. That is part of what you are engaging us for.

We provide regular reporting that tracks every key metric throughout your engagement:

• Search ranking positions for every target result, both the content we want moved down and the content we are building to replace it.
• SERP screenshots showing visible progress over time.
• Supporting metrics including indexation, domain authority, and content performance.

Progress is rarely perfectly linear, but you will always have visibility into what is happening and why.

The short answer is: it can, if the positive content is not maintained. Here is why:

• Suppression works by maintaining a strong presence of positive content around you.
• If that content stops being updated or refreshed, it can slowly lose ground and older negative content may resurface.
• For clients who complete an engagement and actively maintain their own digital presence, results can hold for years.

This is why we offer ongoing monitoring as part of our service. We are transparent about this dynamic from day one.

ORM is not a commodity service, so there is no one-size-fits-all price. The cost depends on:

• How many harmful results exist and how authoritative their sources are
• How competitive the search landscape is for your name or business
• How quickly results are needed
• Whether removal attempts are required alongside suppression

We provide a detailed assessment and a tailored proposal after understanding your situation in the initial consultation. We do not offer fixed packages because fixed packages do not work in ORM.

It can be either, depending on your situation.

• Some clients need an intensive push to shift a specific result and then manage their reputation independently from there.
• Others, particularly executives, public figures, and businesses in competitive industries, benefit from ongoing monitoring and content maintenance to stay ahead of new threats.

We work with you to identify which model fits your needs and budget, and we are honest about when ongoing support is and is not necessary.

We do not make guarantees about specific outcomes, and you should be cautious of any ORM company that does.

• Search engine results are influenced by many variables outside our full control.
• What we can guarantee is rigorous work, transparent reporting, ethical methods, and honest communication throughout.
• We will tell you clearly what is realistic before you engage, and we will not take on work we do not believe we can deliver.

Our track record speaks for itself. We are happy to share relevant case studies during your consultation.

AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity generate answers by drawing on publicly available web content. This means any negative content that exists online can influence what these tools say about you.

• This is an emerging area, but the underlying solution is the same as traditional ORM.
• A strong body of accurate, authoritative web content associated with your name shapes what AI tools say about you.
• What we build for Google suppression increasingly benefits your AI search presence too.

We are actively developing specific AI reputation strategies as the landscape evolves.

No. If anything, it makes it more important.

• AI search tools summarise what the web says about you. If the web says negative things, AI tools will repeat them.
• Unlike a human reader, AI tools often present information without context or caveats.
• A strong foundation of authoritative, positive web content is the most durable protection across every search platform, present and future.

False content is one of the most frustrating situations we work with. Here are the options:

• Where content violates a platform's terms of service or constitutes clear defamation, removal may be possible.
• Legal channels exist for defamatory content, though they are rarely a quick solution.
• In many cases, suppression is the faster and more reliable route - we build strong, accurate content that outranks the false material so searchers find the truth first.

We look at every case individually and give you an honest picture of what is and is not achievable.

Content created by a third party falls into several categories, each with different routes to resolution.

• Where the content constitutes harassment, defamation, or violates platform policies, removal may be possible through direct platform reporting.
• Legal action under defamation or harassment law may be appropriate depending on the content and jurisdiction.
• We work alongside legal professionals where needed and coordinate a strategy that combines removal attempts with suppression.

Your search results can be protected in the interim, regardless of how long any legal process takes.

This is a sensitive situation and we handle it with full discretion. Depending on the content, several routes may apply:

• Platform reporting where the content violates community guidelines or involves private information.
• Legal action under defamation, harassment, or privacy law where applicable.
• Emergency injunctive relief in serious cases where content poses immediate harm.

We apply suppression in parallel so your search results are protected while any legal processes run their course.

This is one of the most sensitive situations we handle.

• Depending on your jurisdiction and whether a conviction followed, legal routes may exist - expungement, record sealing, or state-specific removal laws.
• Where granted, these create grounds for de-indexing requests to Google.
• Where legal removal is not available, suppression is the practical alternative.
• We build a professional digital presence that takes the top positions under your name, so the record is not the first or only thing people find.

Every situation is assessed individually. We will tell you honestly what is and is not achievable in your specific case.

Yes. Executives face a different level of scrutiny.

• Boards, investors, journalists, and potential business partners all search your name before making decisions.
• A single negative result at this level can affect deals, board appointments, and company valuation.
• We work with C-suite leaders and senior executives who require speed, discretion, and results that reflect their professional standing.

The strategy is more aggressive, the timelines are tighter, and the content we build is calibrated for a high-scrutiny audience.

Bad reviews directly affect conversions - most consumers check reviews before making a purchasing decision. Our approach combines:

• Legitimate review removal requests where policy violations exist.
• A structured, professional response strategy for reviews that cannot be removed.
• A proactive campaign to generate authentic positive reviews from real customers.

We do not create fake reviews. Building genuine social proof is the only approach that holds up under scrutiny.

Yes, and the earlier you start, the better.

• Public roles invite scrutiny, and any negative content that exists is likely to be found and amplified.
• We audit your current online presence and proactively build the kind of digital footprint that holds up to close examination.
• This is far easier to do before a story breaks than after.

We work with individuals preparing for elections, board appointments, media exposure, and public launches.

Yes, and this is one of the more straightforward things we do.

• LinkedIn ranks exceptionally well on Google, often appearing in the top three results for a person's name.
• If yours is not showing up where it should, it usually comes down to how the profile is set up, how complete it is, and whether it has enough authority signals pointing to it.
• We audit your profile, optimise it for search, and where needed, build supporting content that pushes it up.

If you want LinkedIn to be the first thing someone sees when they search your name, that is a very achievable goal.

Yes. We work with clients who have already attempted DIY ORM and hit a wall.

• We audit what has already been done, identify what is working and what is not, and build on it.
• Past efforts are never wasted. Existing content and profiles often form part of the foundation we build on.
• What typically holds DIY efforts back is the combination of publishing access, technical SEO depth, and sustained consistent effort over months - which is what we provide.

There is no need to start from scratch. We work with what exists and accelerate from there.

Completely. Confidentiality is not a policy we apply selectively - it is fundamental to how we operate.

• Everything you share with us, from the initial enquiry onwards, is held in strict confidence.
• We do not reference clients, discuss engagements, or share any details about our work publicly.
• The results of our work appear as ordinary improvements in search rankings. Nobody looking at your results can tell whether they improved naturally or with professional support.

Yes. A mutual NDA is a standard part of every engagement.

• This protects your information throughout the process.
• It also reflects how seriously we take the trust clients place in us.

If you would like to review the NDA before the consultation, we are happy to share it in advance.

No, and this is something most clients ask about early on.

• Reputation management works by building content and improving search rankings - outcomes that are indistinguishable from organic change.
• Nobody looking at your search results can tell whether they improved naturally or with professional support.
• We do not reference clients, disclose engagements, or discuss our work publicly.

Your privacy is protected from the very first conversation.

The consultation is a straightforward, no-obligation conversation. In that session:

• We review your current search results in detail.
• We identify the specific risks, their sources, and their authority levels.
• We give you an honest assessment of what is achievable and a realistic timeline.
• We outline the approach we would take and answer any questions you have.

There is no sales pressure. If we are not the right fit, we will tell you that too.

Your strategy is active within five business days of engagement.

• A full audit of your search footprint is conducted immediately.
• A fully custom strategy is designed around your specific situation - no templates, ever.
• Execution begins promptly once the strategy is confirmed.

Every engagement starts with a thorough analysis of the sources involved, their authority levels, and the most effective path forward.

That is entirely up to you. We accommodate every level of involvement.

• Closely involved: review and approve content before it is published, provide direction throughout, join regular check-ins.
• Moderately involved: give your direction during onboarding, review monthly reports, check in as needed.
• Hands-off: approve the strategy once at the start and review high-level reporting. We handle everything else.

Most clients settle somewhere in the middle. We follow your lead.

Very easy. You will never feel like you are chasing us.

• You will have a named point of contact throughout your engagement.
• Questions, concerns, or updates can be raised at any time, not just at scheduled check-ins.
• We proactively keep you informed so you are rarely left wondering where things stand.

Responsiveness is something clients consistently mention when they refer others to us.

Yes. You will work with the same person from consultation through to completion. We do not rotate clients between account managers or pass you to a junior team once the work begins.

Both. And we treat them differently because the challenges are different.

• Individuals need personal search results protected and, often, a degree of sensitivity that business engagements do not require.
• Businesses need brand narratives managed, review profiles strengthened, and search results controlled across multiple terms.

We tailor the approach entirely to the context. A CEO, a small business, and a private individual all require different strategies.

Yes, sometimes. We are selective about the work we take on.

• We do not work with clients seeking to suppress content that is true, current, and in the genuine public interest.
• We do not assist anyone looking to evade accountability for serious wrongdoing.
• If we do not believe we can make a meaningful difference in a given situation, we will tell you that honestly rather than take your money.

This selectivity is part of what allows us to stand behind the work we do.

No situation is too small. We have helped clients with:

• A single negative result on page two that was costing them job opportunities
• One bad review affecting a small business's conversion rate
• A LinkedIn profile that simply needed to rank higher

If your search results are affecting your life or your business, it is worth a conversation. The initial consultation is free and there is no obligation.

Not much. We can get a clear picture quickly with just a few things:

• The search terms most relevant to your situation - usually your name, business name, or both.
• The specific URLs that concern you.
• A brief background on how the situation arose.

Everything you share is held in confidence. You do not need to have all the answers - part of what we do in the initial audit is piece together the full picture for you.