Ever searched your name or business only to find outdated, incorrect, or downright negative results? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Unwanted Google search results can happen to anyone, and while it might feel frustrating, there’s good news: you can take steps to manage what people see when they search for you. 

Why Tackling Unwanted Google Results Matters

Think of your Google search results as a first impression. Negative content, outdated links, or personal info floating around in search results can damage your online reputation or even expose you to privacy risks. 

Search engines can dig up more information on you or your business than you’d think—old profiles, articles, and even snippets from forgotten corners of the internet can show up with a simple search. For business owners, this can be both helpful and harmful. Positive content builds credibility, but outdated or personal information can muddy your brand image. If sensitive data or old details are floating around, it’s important to take action. Controlling your search presence is part of the cost of doing business in 2024 (and it won’t be going away).

While it might seem like everything online is permanent, there are actually practical ways to get unwanted results removed or to push them down in search rankings, protecting your brand and privacy in the process.

How to Remove Unwanted Search Results

1. Reach Out to the Site Owner Directly

One of the simplest steps is to contact the website owner (aka the webmaster) of the page hosting the unwanted content. Be polite but clear about why you’d like it removed. Many site owners are responsive, especially if the content violates their policies or is outdated.

  • Pro Tip: Often, contact information can be found in the footer or “Contact Us” section of the website—send them a brief, courteous removal request, and you may be surprised at how effective this can be!

2. Use Google’s Own Removal Tools

Google has a dedicated Removal Tool that will temporarily remove Google search results from sites you own. This tool is ideal for outdated or sensitive info (think old cached pages or personal data that really shouldn’t be public).

  • Example: Your business recently moved locations, but the old address still appears in Google search results from an outdated cached page. Using the Removal Tool, you can request a temporary removal of this information so customers only see accurate, current details for your business.

4. Suppress Negative Search Results with Search Engine Optimization

Can’t get a web page removed? Bury it instead. Creating high-quality, positive content on your website or social channels can push negative results lower in the search rankings. By strategically promoting this content, you’ll occupy those top spots that people actually click on.

  • SEO Tip: Optimize the new content with keywords that are relevant to you or your business, so it competes with (and ideally replaces) unwanted search results.

5. Consider Legal Requests for Defamatory Content

Sometimes, unwanted results cross a line. If defamatory or illegal content is involved, legal action may be an option. Whether it’s a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown request for copyrighted materials or a court-ordered removal for defamation, consulting a lawyer can help if other methods fall short.

  • Note: A legal removal request can be time-consuming and expensive—often a last resort, but sometimes the right call if reputational damage is significant.

6. Monitor Your Search Results Regularly

Make a habit of checking your search results every so often, so you’re never caught off guard by what’s out there. Setting up Google Alerts is a great way to stay in the loop whenever new content is published that’s related to you or your business.

  • Suggestion: Regularly checking your Google Search Console can also help you keep track of your website’s performance in search results, so you’re in control of what appears under your brand.

How BlueHat Marketing Can Help Manage Unwanted Search Results

Taking control of unwanted Google results is all about managing your online image—and with BlueHat Marketing, you don’t have to do it alone. Our digital marketing and SEO services go beyond the basics to highlight the best of your brand. By refining your online visibility and optimizing key content, we naturally boost your positive search results while minimizing the impact of any outdated or less flattering content.

An online reputation management service isn’t just about cleaning up—it’s about presenting a consistent, professional presence that resonates with your audience. You can count on BlueHat to put your best digital foot forward—let’s talk about how we can help you reach your goals.