How to Push Down Negative Search Results on Google

Negative search results can devastate your personal and professional reputation. When unfavorable pages populate page one for your name, they shape the first impression for anyone who Googles you. But you don’t have to let false, misleading, or irrelevant content define your online presence.

As leaders in Online Reputation Management, Minc Law has helped thousands of clients take back control of their digital footprint. In this guide, we share our proven 7-step strategy to effectively suppress negative search results and restore your online reputation.

To push down negative search results on Google:

1. Identify negative keywords and benchmark current rankings
2. Create positive, on-brand content optimized for target keywords
3. Strengthen existing web properties with fresh content and SEO
4. Explore removal options for false/outdated info or policy violations
5. Outrank negative pages with authoritative, relevant content
6. Monitor progress and adjust tactics to maintain improved rankings
7. Consult ORM experts for personalized strategies and faster results

With consistent effort, most clients see negative content pushed off page one within 6-12 months.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through our battle-tested process for evaluating your current search landscape, implementing proven suppression tactics, and monitoring your progress to ensure lasting results.

Our team of Online Reputation Management experts has refined this approach over years of helping clients from all industries and backgrounds overcome negative search results and regain their digital reputation.

Step 1: Assess the Damage: How to Identify and Track Negative Search Results

The first step in any successful search suppression campaign is understanding the full scope of the problem. You need to know exactly what negative content is out there, where it ranks, and what kind of impression it creates.

To get a clear picture of your search landscape:

• Conduct a branded keyword audit to find negative content. Search for your personal or business name, along with variations like “\[Name\] reviews” or “\[Name\] scam.” Don’t forget to check image and video results.
• Set up Google Alerts for your name and related keywords. This free tool will notify you anytime new content mentioning your keywords appears online, so you can quickly assess if it’s negative.
• Benchmark your current search results by making a list of the top 20 results for your main keywords. Note the URL, position, and sentiment (positive, neutral, or negative) of each result.

With this information in hand, you’ll be ready to create a tailored suppression plan to start pushing negative content down and replacing it with positive, on-brand messaging.

Step 2: Strengthen Your Owned Web Properties

One of the most effective ways to suppress negative search results is to optimize the web properties you control. Your website, blog, and social media profiles are valuable digital real estate that can rank highly for your branded keywords—if you use them strategically.

1. Start by updating your website with fresh, keyword-rich content that tells your story and highlights your expertise. Revise your About page, add new service/product pages, and publish blog posts on topics relevant to your personal brand or business. Be sure to optimize all content for your target keywords, using them naturally in page titles, headings, body copy, and meta descriptions.
2. Next, audit your social media profiles to ensure they are complete, active, and consistently branded. Choose a professional profile photo and write compelling bios that incorporate your keywords. If you have inactive accounts, consider deleting them or updating them with new content. Active, optimized profiles on sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can rank well and help push negative content off page one.
3. Finally, look for opportunities to build internal links between your web properties. Linking from your website to your social profiles, or from one blog post to another relevant article, can help boost the authority and search visibility of those pages. Just be sure to use descriptive anchor text that includes your target keywords.

By strengthening your owned web properties, you lay the foundation for a successful suppression campaign. In the next step, we’ll explore how to create new positive content to outrank negative results.

Step 3: Create New Positive Content to Outrank Negative Results

While optimizing your existing web properties is crucial, creating new, high-quality content is often necessary to fully suppress negative search results. The goal is to develop a diverse portfolio of positive, keyword-rich content that showcases your brand in the best possible light.

Start by researching the keywords you want to target. Look for phrases that include your name or business name, along with relevant industry terms or topics. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to gauge search volume and competition for each keyword.

Next, brainstorm a list of content ideas that align with your target keywords and overall brand messaging. Consider formats like:

• In-depth blog posts or articles showcasing your expertise
• Thought leadership pieces on industry trends or best practices
• Personal essays or interviews that humanize your brand
• Press releases announcing new products, services, or achievements
• Infographics or videos that educate or entertain your audience

As you develop this content, focus on quality over quantity. Each piece should be well-researched, engaging, and optimized for search with proper keyword usage, headlines, and meta tags. Publish the content on your own website or blog first to establish ownership and authority.

To further amplify your new content, consider guest posting on reputable sites in your industry. This tactic allows you to reach a wider audience while building high-quality backlinks that can improve your search rankings. Look for blogs or publications that accept contributor content, and pitch articles that showcase your expertise while subtly promoting your brand.

Another effective tactic is securing online profiles and business listings on high-domain authority sites. Platforms like Medium, Crunchbase, and industry-specific directories often rank well in search results. By creating complete, keyword-optimized profiles on these sites, you can occupy more space on page one for your branded terms.

Remember, the key to successful content creation is consistency. Develop an editorial calendar to ensure you’re publishing new, positive content on a regular basis. Over time, this steady stream of content will help push negative results further down the search pages, while establishing your brand as an authoritative, trustworthy resource.

Step 4: Pursue Removal Options When Appropriate

While creating new content is the primary focus of most search suppression campaigns, there may be cases where removal of negative content is possible or necessary. This typically applies to content that is false, defamatory, or violates platform policies.

Start by carefully reviewing the negative content in question. Look for any factual inaccuracies, misleading statements, or personal attacks that could be grounds for removal. If the content is hosted on a third-party platform like Google My Business or Yelp, check to see if it violates any of their community guidelines or terms of service.

If you believe you have a valid case for removal, your first step should be to flag the content through the platform’s reporting process. Be specific about how the content violates their policies, and provide any evidence you have to support your claim. Keep in mind that this process can take time, and not all requests will be approved.

In cases where the negative content is hosted on an individual website, you may need to contact the webmaster directly to request removal. This can be a delicate process, especially if the content is opinion-based rather than factual. Be polite and professional in your outreach, focusing on any inaccuracies or outdated information that could warrant an update or removal.

If the webmaster is unresponsive or unwilling to remove the content, your next step may be to consult with a legal professional. An experienced defamation attorney can help you assess your options and potentially send a cease-and-desist letter on your behalf. In extreme cases, you may need to consider filing a lawsuit to have the content removed.

Step 5: Optimize for Google Features to Maximize Visibility

In addition to traditional search results, Google offers a range of features that can help you control more real estate on page one. By optimizing your content for these features, you can increase your visibility and push negative results further down the page.

One of the most powerful features to target is Google’s featured snippet. This is the short answer or summary that appears at the top of the search results for certain queries. To win the featured snippet spot, you’ll need to provide clear, concise answers to common questions related to your brand or industry.

Start by identifying question-based keywords that you want to target, such as “What is \[Your Brand\]?” or “How does \[Your Product\] work?”. Then, create content that directly answers those questions in a format that Google can easily parse, such as a bulleted list or a short paragraph. Use headers and subheaders to break up your content and make it easy for Google to understand the hierarchy of information.

Another important Google feature to optimize for is schema markup. This is a type of code that you can add to your website to help search engines better understand your content. By using schema to mark up your name, business details, reviews, and other key information, you can increase your chances of appearing in rich results like the Knowledge Panel or People Also Ask box.

Finally, don’t overlook the power of visual content in search results. Google often displays images and videos prominently on page one, especially for branded searches. To take advantage of this, create high-quality visual content that showcases your brand in a positive light. This could include professional headshots, product photos, infographics, or explainer videos. Be sure to optimize your image and video files with descriptive, keyword-rich filenames and alt tags.

By focusing on these Google features in your search suppression strategy, you can create a more robust and attractive presence on page one, while pushing negative content further out of view.

Step 6: Monitor Progress and Maintain Momentum

Search suppression is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and monitoring. Even after you’ve achieved your initial goal of pushing negative content off page one, it’s important to stay vigilant and continue building your positive online presence.

The first step in monitoring your progress is to track your keyword rankings over time. Use a tool like Google Search Console or a third-party rank tracking software to monitor your position for key branded terms. Pay attention to any fluctuations or new negative content that may appear, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

In addition to tracking your rankings, monitor your online reputation more broadly. Set up Google Alerts for your name and business, and regularly search for your branded terms to see what content appears. Keep an eye on social media and review sites for any new mentions or reviews that could impact your reputation.

As you monitor your online presence, continue publishing positive, keyword-optimized content on a regular basis. This could include blog posts, press releases, social media updates, or contributed articles on third-party sites. The goal is to maintain a steady stream of positive content that reinforces your brand messaging and expertise.

Another important aspect of maintaining your search suppression progress is building high-quality backlinks to your priority pages. Backlinks from reputable, authoritative websites can help boost your search rankings and make it harder for negative content to resurface. Look for opportunities to earn natural backlinks through guest posting, media coverage, or partnerships with other brands in your industry.

Finally, be prepared to adapt your search suppression strategy as needed based on new developments or changes in Google’s algorithm. Stay up-to-date on SEO best practices and be ready to pivot your approach if certain tactics stop working or new opportunities arise.

By consistently monitoring your progress and maintaining your positive online presence, you can ensure that your search suppression efforts have a lasting impact on your reputation.

Step 7: Partner with Reputation Management Professionals for Faster Results

While it’s possible to handle search suppression on your own, partnering with an experienced Online Reputation Management (ORM) firm can provide significant benefits. ORM professionals have the expertise, resources, and tools to execute a comprehensive suppression strategy more efficiently and effectively than most individuals or businesses can on their own.

When you work with an ORM firm like Minc Law, you gain access to a team of specialists who understand the intricacies of search algorithms and know how to optimize content for maximum impact. Our strategists have years of experience helping clients across diverse industries suppress negative search results and rebuild their online reputations.

One of the key advantages of working with an ORM firm is the ability to scale your content creation and promotion efforts. Rather than trying to handle everything yourself, you can rely on a dedicated team of writers, editors, and outreach specialists to produce high-quality, keyword-optimized content at a much faster pace. This can help you achieve your suppression goals more quickly and with less stress and effort on your part.

Another benefit of partnering with ORM professionals is the ability to tap into their network of publishers, bloggers, and media contacts. Many ORM firms have established relationships with high-authority websites and can secure valuable backlinks and media placements that would be difficult to obtain on your own. These links and mentions can help boost your search rankings and establish your brand as a credible, authoritative source in your industry.

In addition to these tangible benefits, working with an ORM firm provides peace of mind and allows you to focus on running your business or living your life while the experts handle your online reputation. You’ll have a dedicated account manager who will keep you informed of your progress and adjust your strategy as needed based on data and results.

At Minc Law, we take a personalized approach to each client’s search suppression needs. We start with a thorough analysis of your current search landscape and work with you to develop a customized strategy that aligns with your goals and budget. Our team is committed to transparency, communication, and delivering measurable results that have a real impact on your reputation and your bottom line.

If you’re struggling with negative search results and want to explore how an ORM partnership could benefit you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our expert strategists. We’ll take the time to understand your unique situation and provide honest, actionable advice on the best path forward.

We Can Help You Take Back Control of Your Online Reputation

Negative search results can feel like an insurmountable obstacle, but with the right strategy and mindset, you can take back control of your online reputation. By implementing the seven steps outlined in this guide, you can suppress negative content, build a positive online presence, and regain the trust and credibility you deserve.

Remember, search suppression is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, effort, and consistency to achieve lasting results. But with persistence and a commitment to creating high-quality, value-driven content, you can gradually push negative results down the search pages and establish yourself as a respected, authoritative voice in your industry.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need expert guidance on your search suppression journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Minc Law and inquire about our online reputation management services. Our experienced ORM professionals are here to help you navigate the challenges of negative search results and develop a customized strategy that delivers real results.

Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your online reputation. Together, we can help you tell your authentic story, connect with your audience, and achieve your personal and professional goals with confidence.

To schedule your initial, no-obligation case evaluation, contact us by calling (216) 373-7706, speaking with a Chat representative, or filling out our online contact form.