How to Google Yourself (to Find Negative Search Results)

When was the last time you Googled yourself? If you’re like most people, the results probably included a mix of professional profiles, social media accounts, and maybe a few photos. But dig a little deeper and you might find some information you’d rather keep private – or even downright negative content that could damage your reputation.

In today’s digital age, your Google results are often the first impression you make. Employers, clients, dates, and even friends will likely search for you online. So it’s crucial to know exactly what they’ll find – and take steps to control your online narrative.

At Minc Law, we focus on helping individuals and businesses protect their online reputations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective strategies to search for yourself on Google, uncover potential issues, and take action to safeguard your digital footprint.

Why Is It Important to Google Yourself Regularly?

Your online presence is more important than ever in today’s connected world. What appears in your Google search results can significantly impact various aspects of your life, from career opportunities to personal relationships.

Potential employers often conduct online searches to learn more about job candidates. According to a 2018 CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates during the hiring process, and 43% use search engines like Google to research potential hires. Negative search results, such as unflattering photos or comments, can hurt your chances of landing a job.

Your Google results can also affect your personal life. A 2019 study by the Pew Research Center found that 30% of U.S. adults have searched for information about someone they were dating or about to meet for a first date. Negative search results can lead to awkward conversations or even cause potential partners to lose interest.

Moreover, your online reputation is not static. Search results can change over time as new content is published and indexed by Google. This means that even if your current search results are positive, there’s no guarantee they will stay that way. Regular monitoring allows you to catch and address any negative content early before it has a chance to cause significant damage.

The Definitive Process to Search for Yourself on Google

To conduct a thorough self-search on Google, follow these steps:

Strategy 1: Search for your name in quotes

Start by searching for your full name in quotation marks (e.g., “John Doe”). This will return results that contain your exact name as it appears within the quotes. Be sure to search for any variations of your name that you commonly use, such as nicknames, middle names, or initials.

Strategy 2: Search for common name variations

Next, search for common variations of your name, such as:

• First name and last initial (e.g., “John D.”)
• Last name and first initial (e.g., “Doe, J.”)
• First and middle initials and last name (e.g., “J. D. Doe”)
• Common misspellings of your name

Strategy 3: Search your phone number, email, and address in quotes

In addition to your name, search for your phone number, email address, and physical address in quotation marks. This can uncover any online listings, databases, or documents that contain your personal information.

Strategy 4: Go beyond page 1 and check Google Images and Videos

Don’t stop at the first page of search results. Look through at least the first 5-10 pages to get a comprehensive view of your online presence. Also, click on the “Images” and “Videos” tabs to see any photos and videos associated with your name.

Strategy 5: Use incognito mode for unbiased results

To get a more accurate picture of what others see when they search for you, use incognito or private browsing mode. This prevents your search history and other factors from influencing the results.

Strategy 6: Set up Google Alerts for ongoing monitoring

To stay on top of new content mentioning your name, set up a Google Alert. This free tool notifies you via email whenever your specified search terms appear in new Google results.

How to Evaluate Your Search Results to Identify Red Flags

Once you’ve conducted a thorough self-search using the steps outlined above, it’s time to analyze the results. This involves carefully reviewing each item and classifying it as positive, negative, neutral, or private.

When evaluating your search results, look for:

• Inaccurate or outdated information: This could include incorrect details about your education, employment history, or personal life.
• Negative reviews or comments: Look for any unflattering feedback or criticism related to your professional or personal life.
• Private or sensitive information: This might include your home address, phone number, or other personal details you’d prefer not to be public.
• Inappropriate or embarrassing content: Be on the lookout for any photos, videos, or posts that paint you in a negative light or could be misinterpreted.

As you review each search result, assign it one of the following classifications:

• Positive: The content reflects well on you and enhances your reputation.
• Negative: The content could damage your reputation or raise red flags for employers, clients, or others.
• Neutral: The content is neither positive nor negative and has little impact on your reputation.
• Private: The content reveals personal information you’d prefer to keep private.

Keeping track of your classifications in a spreadsheet can help you prioritize which items need to be addressed most urgently.

What Are Your Options for Removing Negative Search Results?

If your self-search uncovers negative or inaccurate content, you may be wondering what you can do to remove it from Google. While there’s no guaranteed way to erase content from the internet, there are several strategies you can try:

1. Contact the website owner: If the content is posted on a website you don’t control, reach out to the site owner or webmaster and politely ask them to remove it. Explain why the content is problematic and how it’s affecting you.
2. Flag the content for violation of terms of service: If the content violates the website’s terms of service (e.g., it’s defamatory, harassing, or infringes on your privacy rights), you can flag it for removal. Most websites have a process for reporting content that violates their guidelines.
3. File a legal removal request: In some cases, you may have legal grounds to demand the removal of content. For example, if the content is defamatory, invasive of your privacy, or infringing on your copyrights, you can work with an attorney to send a legal takedown notice.
4. Suppress negative content with positive content: If removal isn’t an option, you can try to bury the negative content by publishing and promoting positive content about yourself. This could include creating a personal website, blog, or social media profiles that showcase your skills, accomplishments, and values.

It’s important to note that removing content from Google doesn’t necessarily remove it from the internet. The content may still exist on the original website or be accessible through other search engines. However, removing it from Google can significantly reduce its visibility and impact on your reputation.

5 Proactive Strategies to Protect Your Online Reputation

In addition to removing negative content, there are several proactive steps you can take to safeguard your online reputation:

1. Own your online presence: Secure your name across major social media platforms and consider creating a personal website or blog. This allows you to control the narrative around your name and provide a central hub of positive information about yourself.
2. Optimize your privacy settings: Review the privacy settings on your social media accounts and adjust them to limit what information is publicly visible. Be selective about what you post and who you share it with.
3. Monitor your reputation regularly: Set up Google Alerts for your name and any variations to stay on top of new content. Regularly conduct self-searches to catch any potential issues early.
4. Publish positive content: Proactively publish and share positive content about yourself, such as articles, blog posts, or social media updates that highlight your expertise, achievements, and values. This can help push down any negative content in your search results.
5. Manage your online relationships: Be mindful of who you connect with and engage with online. Avoid getting involved in heated debates or controversial topics that could reflect poorly on you. Focus on building positive, professional relationships that enhance your reputation.

Taking Control of Your Google Results and Online Reputation

Your Google search results are a reflection of your online reputation – and in today’s digital world, that reputation matters more than ever. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can take proactive steps to understand and shape your digital footprint.

Remember, negative search results don’t have to be permanent. With persistence and the right approach, you can work to remove unwanted content and build a positive online presence that accurately reflects who you are.

At Minc Law, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges and protect your reputation. Our experienced attorneys focuses in a wide range of online reputation management services, including:

• Removing defamatory or negative content from websites and search results
• Identifying anonymous online attackers and holding them accountable
• Developing proactive strategies to build and maintain a positive online presence
• Providing legal counsel and representation in online defamation cases
• Assisting with online privacy and security issues

Whether you’re dealing with a single piece of unwanted content or need comprehensive reputation management support, our team has the resources to help. We’ve successfully assisted hundreds of individuals and businesses in protecting their online reputations and taking control of their digital presence.

In addition to our online reputation management services, Minc Law also offers assistance with:

• Internet defamation
• Online harassment and cyberbullying
• Invasion of privacy and false light
• Copyright infringement
• Domain disputes
• Online investigations

Don’t let your Google results define you. Take action today to safeguard your digital reputation and ensure that you put your best foot forward online. Contact Minc Law today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your online reputation goals. Our dedicated team is ready to provide the guidance and support you need to protect your most valuable asset – your reputation.

You can contact us by calling (216) 373-7706, speaking with a chat representative, or filling out our contact form.