Google is where most people go to learn about someone. That includes employers, clients, journalists, and even neighbors. If there’s something bad on page one, it can cause real problems. It could be an old news story, a negative review, or a comment you didn’t write but still gets linked to your name.
So the big question is this:
How can you remove bad Google search results about yourself or your business?
This guide breaks it all down. What you can remove. What you can’t. And how to bury the rest using smart tactics that actually work.
Why Bad Search Results Matter
First impressions are online now.
According to a 2024 survey from BrightLocal, 87% of people read Google reviews before contacting a business. For individuals, the number is similar. Job seekers, public figures, and entrepreneurs all face the same issue. A single bad result can hurt your reputation, cost you work, or follow you around for years.
Even if the content isn’t true, it still ranks.
Google doesn’t fact-check. It just lists what it finds.
Can You Actually Remove Search Results?
Sometimes yes. But only if the content meets certain rules.
Here are examples of content Google may remove:
- Personal information like your home address or ID number
- Revenge content or non-consensual images
- Financial info or medical records
- Content taken down from the original source (outdated cache)
- Court-ordered removals or legal notices
- Copyright violations or fake listings
- Spam, phishing, or malware pages
You can use Google’s Content Removal Tools to submit a request. If the result violates their policies, it may be removed from search.
But here’s the truth. Most negative content doesn’t qualify for removal. It might be embarrassing or inaccurate, but it’s still allowed to stay.
That’s when you need to bury it.
What Does It Mean to Bury Google Results?
Burying content means pushing the bad stuff off page one. The goal is to make it invisible to most people.
Think of Google like a popularity contest. The top 10 links are the most clicked. If you add better, newer, and stronger content that targets the same keywords, the bad links get pushed down.
This strategy is also known as how to bury bad Google search results. It’s the most reliable way to take control when removal isn’t possible.
How to Start Burying Bad Search Results
The process takes time and effort. But it works.
1. Audit Your Search Results
Search your name or business in incognito mode. List everything on page one. What’s positive? What’s negative? What could be improved?
Take screenshots and document the URLs.
That’s your starting point.
2. Build Authoritative Content
You need strong content that ranks. Not blog spam. Not AI junk. Content that actually has value.
Start with:
- A personal website with your name as the domain
- A business site with an updated About page and contact info
- Active social profiles (LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram)
- Blog posts, how-to guides, or thought leadership pieces
- Press releases or interviews on third-party sites
- Business listings in trusted directories
Each page should include your name in the headline, URL, and tags. The more content with your name on it, the more Google has to index—and the harder it is for negative content to stay on top.
3. Focus on SEO and Backlinks
Content only works if people can find it. That means you need basic SEO.
Use your full name or brand name as the target keyword. Add relevant terms based on what’s showing up in search. For example, if the negative content is tied to “John Smith marketing fraud,” create a blog post titled “John Smith on Ethical Marketing: Lessons from 2025.”
Next, get backlinks to your new content. That means other websites linking to your pages. You can earn these by:
- Guest posting
- Partnering with small blogs
- Sharing content on Reddit or forums
- Posting in industry groups
Every link helps your good content rise.
Use Platforms That Rank Fast
Some websites naturally rank better than others. Focus on platforms that Google likes.
Here are a few:
| Platform | Strength |
| Fast to rank, trusted by Google | |
| Medium | SEO-friendly blog hosting |
| YouTube | Video content ranks well and adds trust |
| Google Sites | Tied directly to your Google account |
| Local directories | High authority, especially for business owners |
Publish content on these platforms with your name in the title. Share them widely. Monitor which ones move up in rankings.
When to Hire a Professional
Sometimes the job is too big to handle alone. If you have more than one negative result, or it’s on a high-authority site like a news outlet or Reddit, it might be time to call in help.
Reputation Database is one of the most effective services in 2025. They focus on removing and burying harmful Google search results using proven strategies.
One of their clients, a real estate agent in Phoenix, had a one-star review on a niche forum that ranked higher than her website. It wasn’t even a real customer. After four weeks of content creation, local press mentions, and profile optimization, the forum post dropped to page two. Her Zillow and LinkedIn profiles now rank first.
They don’t just bury content. They rebuild your entire front page.
How Long Does It Take?
Burying search results takes time. Google needs to crawl and re-rank pages based on freshness and authority.
Here’s a rough timeline:
| Task | Estimated Time |
| Simple content push | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Full suppression plan | 2 to 4 months |
| Long-term reputation | 6 months or more |
The older or more viral the bad link is, the longer it takes to bury.
Tips to Maintain a Clean Search Profile
- Keep publishing. One post won’t do it.
- Monitor your name using Google Alerts.
- Update your social profiles regularly.
- Share positive content through forums and social posts.
- Respond to reviews and manage your online presence weekly.
If you stay active online, Google will follow your lead.
You’re Not Stuck With What Google Shows
Bad search results aren’t forever. You can’t always erase the past, but you can outgrow it. Whether it’s a negative article, a mean review, or a Reddit thread from years ago, you can bury it and move on.
If you need help, Reputation Database has the tools, content team, and track record to make it happen. They know exactly how to bury bad Google search results and keep them from coming back.
Start building your story today—before someone else does it for you.
