The short version
Take one link at a time. The site that runs a page decides what’s on it, and Google decides what shows in search, so ask the site first and then ask Google to catch up. Start by saving the link and a dated screenshot.
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Audit what is actually visible
Search the exact personal or business name in a clean browser and record the first two pages, image results, review profiles and autocomplete phrases. Note which results are controlled by you, controlled by a platform, or published by an independent source.
Prioritise by real-world harm
A page that appears first for the exact name usually deserves more attention than a result found only through an obscure phrase. Rank each issue by visibility, accuracy, source authority, urgency and the decision it may affect, such as employment, customers or finance.
Choose correction before confrontation
If information is factually wrong, prepare a short request showing the exact error and reliable supporting evidence. If it is a review, use the platform policy and a calm owner response. Public threats and emotional arguments can create additional searchable material.
Keep your own profiles accurate
Complete the profiles that are genuinely yours, such as a work profile or business listing, and keep your name and details consistent. When there’s little accurate, current information about you, one bad result stands out more.
Check back over time
Search the same phrases every month or two and note what has changed. Record what you sent, when, and what came back, so you know what to do next.
Checklist
- List the first 20 results for the exact name or business
- Mark each result accurate, inaccurate, outdated, private, review-related or unrelated
- Preserve URLs, screenshots, dates and source evidence
- Identify the correct publisher, platform or Google tool for each issue
- Complete official profiles and current business information consistently
- Search your name again each month or two and note what has changed
Questions
What is the first step in online reputation repair?
Audit the exact search result page and preserve the evidence. Without that map, it is easy to work on content or requests that do not address the visible problem.
Should I respond publicly to a negative result?
Only when a calm, factual reply serves a clear purpose, such as replying to a review. Most issues are better handled with a private request to the website or a report to the platform.
Can my own profiles help?
Accurate, current profiles give people something true to find. Keep them genuine and complete rather than making lots of thin ones.
Is this a one-time job?
Usually not. Pages change, and new ones appear. Checking back every month or two lets you see whether a request worked and catch anything new.
Fix My Name Online is a self-service tool, not a law firm, and this isn’t legal advice. Publishers, platforms and search engines make their own decisions; no one can promise a result. Need a lawyer?
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