Online reputation repair: what it is and how it works
By Jeremy Andrews, Senior Reputation Expert, TheBestReputation · · 3 min read
Online reputation repair is the process of fixing what people find when they search your name or company. It starts with an audit of page one, then removes anything that breaks a law or platform policy, suppresses what can't be removed by out-ranking it, and builds credible assets you control.
Repair is different from routine reputation management. It begins with a specific problem: an article, a review pattern, a court record, or a post that is costing you deals.
The four stages
- 1.Audit: map every result on page one and how much authority each carries.
- 2.Remove: pursue legal and policy-based takedowns where they apply.
- 3.Suppress: publish and strengthen pages that out-rank the damaging result.
- 4.Defend: monitor so the problem doesn't return.
Be wary of anyone who guarantees removal before seeing your results. Honest repair starts with an assessment.
Want a straight answer on online reputation repair for your own name or company? Start with Jeremy Andrews.
Common questions
- Is online reputation repair legal?
- Yes, when it uses legitimate removal requests, legal remedies, and genuine content. Fake reviews and impersonation are not repair.
- Can I do it myself?
- Simple cases, like claiming profiles and answering reviews, often can be handled yourself. Entrenched, high-authority results usually need a team.