Be honest: How many times have you searched your name on Google? I’m betting it’s several times, especially if you run your own business or have a career with a public presence.
Unfortunately, not everything that comes up on Google is the sort of stuff we want to see associated with our name. Perhaps your business has received some negative online reviews, or your name appears in a lawsuit that has been filed online. Or maybe you share your name with someone with an unsavoury reputation, and you’re worried that colleagues or prospective employers will assume it’s you.
We often have little control over what lands on the web, but the good news is that there are companies who can help your curate and manage your online reputation. BrandYourself.com is one such company providing this service, allowing users to “clean up” and bury online items that may prove embarrassing or detrimental.
Another tip is to launch your own website under your name, which should push bad links down. Being active on Twitter, Flickr, or Facebook under your name can have the same effect.
If the link is truly libellous or unseemly, it’s worth contacting Google or the original webmaster to request that it be removed. They may or may not accept your request, but it never hurts to ask!