Have you ever wondered what the internet says about you or your business? Have you  “Googled” yourself or your brand recently? Did you find anything interesting?  Your online presence is no longer just a personal curiosity; it’s a professional necessity that shapes perceptions that can have a real-world impact. 

In today’s hyper-digital world,  the past tends to resurface unexpectedly. Those university party photos or unfavourable comments about your company from years ago could still haunt your search results and brand. Your online reputation is, essentially, the sum of what search engines say about you or a corporate brand. Whether it’s positive reviews, comments, images, or blog posts, maintaining control over your online narrative is essential.

Online Reputation Management (ORM) has become the go-to for individuals and businesses. It’s about positioning yourself as a credible, authoritative source in your field and ensuring that the most relevant, positive results dominate the first page of search engines. In a world where most business transactions often begin online, a negative search result can be a significant risk, potentially costing you opportunities

Let’s delve into the world of Online Reputation Management (ORM) and discover new strategies to enhance your digital presence:

Claim Your Space

Whether your ‘brand’ is your own name itself or a corporate brand, you need to make sure that no one else has control of it – check who owns what domain names and which ones should be yours. Sign up for as many user accounts as possible, including social media platforms. Did you sign up for threads already? Have you claimed your brand’s name on TikTok? You might have no use for it now, but how quickly things change in the digital realm. These platforms might lead in the future, and you don’t want to be late to the game only to realise your brand name has been taken already. Facebook was once the go-to platform for early teen adopters and has, over time, shifted to an older demographic.

Focused Channel Approach

Follow the 80-20 rule: focus on the top 20% of platforms that bring 80% of the impact. Ensure your profiles are complete, featuring engaging content, a professional photo, and links to your other online assets.

Horizon Scanning 

Monitoring search results, blog posts, tweets, status updates and other mentions online can be tough and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are some fantastic tools available for businesses to monitor their brand name properly, such as Meltwater. You can also set up Google Alerts (which is free))  to automatically email you when a new mention comes up in the results.

Tips for Removing or Burying Negative Search Results

If you ever find yourself dealing with a lot of negative online content, here are some tips to help you effectively deal with them:   

• Direct Removal: Take charge of your narrative by removing negative content from your owned assets, which you have direct control over, such as social media or your blog. Control what the audience sees first-hand.
• Engage with Webmasters: If the content is beyond your control, initiate a dialogue with the webmasters of the respective sites. Diplomacy and negotiation can be potent tools in mitigating unwarranted negativity. Flag up factual inaccuracies.
• Leverage Google’s Removal Tools: Expedite the removal process by using Google’s URL removal tool. Swiftly eliminate undesired content from search results, minimising its impact on your digital persona.
• Strategic Profile Creation: Use key online platforms to create profiles that tell your story.  Establish a robust online presence across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
• Testimonials as Counterforce: Showcase positive client testimonials prominently on your website, blog, forums, and social media profiles. Genuine endorsements act as a powerful counterforce against negative comments, offering a balanced perspective to your audience.

One timeless strategy for maintaining a compelling online reputation is consistently publishing high-quality content. It’s not just about text—think videos, photos, podcasts, e-books, and newsletters. Transform the digital space with content that resonates with your audience and showcases the best of your business and self..

Remember, the digital mirror reflects more than just the past; it reflects your present and shapes your future. Embrace the challenge of maintaining an authentic online reputation, for in doing so, you not only weather the storms of public perception swings but emerge as a coherent trusted voice in the vast sea of clutter out there.

Curzon PR is a London-based PR firm working with clients globally. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Business Development Team [email protected]