How to Remove Unwanted Search Results from Google

Have you ever Googled yourself and found negative or embarrassing search results that you want to remove? Maybe it’s an old social media post, an unflattering news article, or sensitive personal information. Whatever the case, unwanted search results can damage your reputation, career, and relationships. But you don’t have to live with them forever.

As an attorney who has helped countless clients take control of their online presence, I know how overwhelming and frustrating it can be to try to remove negative content from Google. But with the right strategies and tools, it is possible to clean up your search results and protect your privacy.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps you can take to remove unwanted information from Google, from quick DIY tactics to more advanced legal options.

Why Do People Want to Remove Search Results from Google?

There are many reasons why someone might want to remove content from Google search results. Some of the most common include:

• Negative or defamatory content: Articles, reviews, or comments that paint you or your business in a false, negative light. This could be a misleading news story, a scathing review from a disgruntled customer, or even defamatory posts from an ex-partner or competitor.
• Outdated or irrelevant information: Maybe you’ve changed careers, but your search results still reflect your old job. Or perhaps there’s an article about a past event that’s no longer relevant to who you are today. Outdated information can give people the wrong impression of you.
• Personal or sensitive details: Is your home address or phone number showing up in search results? Or maybe there are photos or videos of you that you’d rather keep private. Personal information in Google can make you vulnerable to doxxing, stalking, identity theft, and other privacy threats.
• Illegally published content: This could include copyrighted material, like photos or articles, that are being used without your permission. Or it might be stolen trade secrets or confidential business information published online. In these cases, you may have legal grounds to have the content removed.

Whatever your reasons for wanting to clean up your Google search results, know that you’re not alone. Online reputation management is a growing concern for individuals and businesses alike in today’s digital age. The good news is that there are steps you can take to remove unwanted search results and protect your privacy.

How to Determine Which Search Results to Remove

When you’re faced with a long list of search results for your name or business, it can be hard to know where to start. Should you try to remove every negative mention, or just focus on the first page?

Here are some key factors to consider when prioritizing which unwanted search results to tackle first:

• Relevance: How closely does the content relate to your name or target keywords? Results that show up on the first page for a search of your exact name or business are usually more pressing than those buried on page 10.
• Authority: Pay attention to the domain authority and page authority of the websites showing up in your search results. All else being equal, negative content on a high-authority site (like a major news outlet or popular blog) will be more visible and damaging than posts on smaller, lesser-known sites.
• Content type: Give priority to search results that are especially harmful or sensitive in nature. For example, if your social security number is exposed on a page, getting that removed should be your top concern. Similarly, blatantly defamatory or harassing content warrants immediate action.
• Shelf life: Some types of negative content, like news articles, tend to rank well initially but drop off over time as they lose relevance. Reviews, on the other hand, can stick around and show up prominently for years. Prioritize search results that are likely to have staying power.
• Removal difficulty: This is where you’ll need to pick your battles. Some webmasters are cooperative when asked to remove content, while others may ignore or even refuse your requests. And it’s much easier to remove unwanted content from sites you control versus third-party sites. Factor in the time and effort required when deciding which results to go after first.

The goal is to be strategic and focused in your removal efforts. By prioritizing the most relevant, authoritative, damaging, and long-lasting negative search results, you can start to make meaningful improvements in your online reputation.

How to Request Removal of Search Results from Google

In some cases, you may need to ask Google directly to remove a search result from its index. This is particularly useful for sensitive personal information, copyrighted material, or content that violates Google’s policies.

Google will remove search results in the following situations:

• Personal information: This includes confidential government identification numbers, bank account and credit card details, images of signatures, and explicit personal images published without consent.
• Copyright violations: If a search result links to content that infringes on your copyright (such as an illegally uploaded video or plagiarized blog post), you can submit a DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) complaint to have the result removed.
• Spam or malware: Google may remove search results that link to sites containing spam, malware, or deceptive pages.
• Legal reasons: If a piece of content violates the law (such as defamation, hate speech, or child abuse imagery), Google may remove the associated search results upon receiving a valid court order.

How to Submit a Removal Request to Google

To submit a removal request to Google, follow these steps:

1. Go to Google’s removal request page: Visit Google’s Remove Outdated Content tool and click on “New request.”
2. Select the type of content you want to remove: Choose whether the content you’re reporting is personal information, copyrighted material, spam/malware, or something else.
3. Enter the URL of the search result: Paste in the web address of the page you want removed from Google’s search results. Be sure to provide the exact URL that appears in the search results.
4. Submit your request: Fill out any additional information required, such as your contact details or the nature of your copyright claim. Then, click “Submit” to send your request to Google for review.

Google will evaluate your request and determine whether the content in question meets its criteria for removal. If approved, the search result will be deleted from Google’s index within a few days. However, keep in mind that this only removes the result from Google; the actual content will still exist on the third-party website unless it’s deleted at the source.

It’s also important to note that Google may deny removal requests that are incomplete, inaccurate, or do not meet their strict standards. For example, they’re unlikely to remove negative reviews or news articles simply because the subject doesn’t like them. The content typically needs to be illegal, explicit, or demonstrably false to warrant removal from search results.

If your removal request is denied, don’t despair. You still have options for dealing with negative search results, such as contacting the webmaster directly or suppressing the unwanted result with positive content. We’ll explore these strategies in the upcoming sections.

How to Remove Search Results from Third-Party Websites

Removing search results from websites you don’t control can be more challenging than cleaning up your own online properties. You’ll need to contact the webmaster or site owner directly and convince them to either delete the content in question or add a “noindex” tag to remove it from search engines.

Here’s a step-by-step process for removing unwanted search results from third-party sites:

1. Identify the website owner: Start by looking up the domain’s WHOIS information to find the registered owner’s name and contact details. You can use a free WHOIS lookup tool like whois.net or DomainTools. If the domain’s registration is private, look for an email address or contact form on the website itself.
2. Reach out with a polite request: Once you have the webmaster’s contact information, send a friendly email explaining your situation and politely asking them to remove the content. Be specific about which page or piece of information you want taken down, and provide the exact URL. Keep your message concise and professional, and avoid making threats or accusations.
3. Explain the impact of the negative content: If the webmaster is reluctant to remove the content, try appealing to their sense of empathy. Explain how the search result is affecting your reputation, career, or personal life. If the content is factually inaccurate or misleading, point out the errors and provide evidence to support your case.
4. Escalate to legal action if necessary: If the webmaster ignores or refuses your polite requests, and the content in question is illegal or demonstrably false, you may need to pursue legal action. This could involve sending a formal cease-and-desist letter, filing a DMCA takedown notice (if the content violates your copyright), or even filing a defamation lawsuit. However, legal action should be a last resort, as it can be costly and time-consuming.

It’s important to remember that webmasters are under no obligation to remove content simply because you don’t like it. They may refuse your request if they believe the information is accurate, newsworthy, or protected under free speech laws. In these cases, your best bet may be to focus on suppressing the negative search result with positive content (which we’ll cover in the next section).

Also, keep in mind that even if a webmaster agrees to remove a piece of content, it may take some time for the associated search result to disappear. Google and other search engines need to recrawl the page and update their index before the change will be reflected. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

If you’re having trouble getting a webmaster to remove unwanted content, or if you’re dealing with a particularly challenging situation (such as revenge porn or online harassment), it may be worth enlisting the help of a professional reputation management service or an experienced internet attorney. They can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the removal process.

How to Suppress Negative Search Results with Positive Content

When removing a negative search result isn’t possible (or while you’re waiting for a removal request to take effect), another strategy is to suppress the unwanted result by prioritizing positive content. Essentially, this means creating and promoting new web pages, social media profiles, and other online assets that will rank higher than the negative result for your target keywords.

Here’s how to push down negative search results with positive content:

1. Identify your target keywords:
   Start by making a list of the search terms that are currently displaying negative results about you or your business. These could be variations of your name, your company name, or specific phrases related to the unwanted content (e.g., “John Smith lawsuit”).
2. Create positive, keyword-optimized content:
   Next, brainstorm ideas for new, positive content that you can create around your target keywords. This could include:
   -A personal website or blog
   -Social media profiles (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
   -Press releases or news articles
   -Guest posts or interviews on reputable websites
   -Online directory listings or business profiles
   -YouTube videos or podcastsThe key is to create high-quality, engaging content that showcases your expertise, accomplishments, and positive attributes. Be sure to naturally incorporate your target keywords into the page titles, headings, and body copy.
3. Optimize your content for search engines:
   To ensure that your positive content ranks well in search results, follow SEO (search engine optimization) best practices. This includes:
   -Using descriptive, keyword-rich page titles and meta descriptions
   -Structuring your content with clear headings and subheadings
   -Optimizing your images with relevant alt text
   -Securing backlinks from reputable websites
   -Ensuring fast page load speeds and mobile responsiveness
4. Promote your content on social media:
   Social signals (likes, shares, comments) can indirectly boost your content’s search rankings. Share your new web pages and blog posts across your social media profiles, and encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to engage with them. The more buzz you can generate around your positive content, the better.
5. Monitor your search results and adjust your strategy:
   As you create and promote new content, keep an eye on your search results to see how they evolve. Use a rank tracking tool like Moz or SEMrush to monitor your target keywords and measure your progress over time. If certain pieces of content aren’t gaining traction, try optimizing them further or promoting them more aggressively. Conversely, if a particular tactic is working well, double down on it.Suppressing negative search results with positive content is a long-term strategy that requires patience and persistence. It may take several months of consistent effort before you start to see significant changes in your search results. However, the benefits can be well worth the investment. Not only will you be pushing down any unwanted content, but you’ll also be building a strong, positive online presence that can serve you for years to come.

If you’re short on time or resources, consider partnering with a professional reputation management service. They can help you create and implement a customized content strategy to improve your search results and protect your online reputation. Look for a reputable firm with a track record of success and positive client reviews.

When to Consult an Online Content Removal Attorney

While many online reputation issues can be resolved through DIY tactics or with the help of a reputation management service, there are times when consulting an attorney is necessary. Here are some situations where you may want to seek legal counsel:

• Defamation or libel: If someone has published false and damaging statements about you online, you may have grounds for a defamation lawsuit.
• Copyright infringement: If someone is using your copyrighted material (such as photos, videos, or written content) without permission, you’ll need to file a DMCA takedown notice to have the infringing content removed.
• Invasion of privacy: If someone has published private or confidential information about you online without your consent (such as medical records, financial details, or intimate photos), you may have a case for invasion of privacy.
• Breach of contract: If an employee, business partner, or other contractually bound party has violated a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or other contract by sharing confidential information online, you’ll need legal assistance to enforce the terms of the agreement and seek damages.
• Complex or high-stakes situations: Even if your situation doesn’t fit neatly into one of the above categories, it’s wise to consult an attorney if the stakes are high or the issue is particularly complex.

Take Control of Your Online Reputation Today

At Minc Law, we understand the stress and frustration that comes with finding unwanted search results about yourself or your business. As a leading internet defamation law firm, we have extensive experience helping individuals and organizations remove negative content from Google and protect their online reputations.

Our team of expert attorneys and reputation management specialists can assist you with:

• Identifying and prioritizing negative search results

• Removing content from websites

• Submitting removal requests to Google

• Suppressing negative search results

• Pursuing legal action

• Ongoing reputation monitoring and maintenance

At Minc Law, we’re committed to providing compassionate, confidential, and results-driven service to every client we serve. We understand the high stakes involved in online reputation matters, and we’ll work hard to help you achieve your goals and find peace of mind.

If you’re struggling with negative Google search results or other online reputation challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a no-obligation consultation. Our team is here to listen to your concerns, assess your situation, and provide honest, actionable advice on the best path forward.

At Minc Law, we have extensive experience removing damaging and defamatory internet content. Contact us today to schedule your consultation by calling us at (216) 373-7706, filling out our contact form, or speaking with a chat representative.