If you’ve ever Googled your name and cringed, you’re not alone. One bad article, review, or forum post can sit on page one for years. It doesn’t even need to be recent or accurate. Once it’s indexed, it sticks.
So here’s the question everyone eventually asks:
Can I actually remove Google search results about myself or my business?
The short answer? Sometimes. And when removal isn’t possible, suppression is the next best thing. This guide breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and how to take control of what shows up when people Google you.
Why Google Results Stick Around
Google doesn’t host content. It indexes it. That means it’s pulling pages from across the web and ranking them based on relevance, authority, and popularity.
So if a news article, blog post, or Reddit thread has your name in it, and it’s on a site with good domain authority, it can rank high for months—or years.
Even if the information is outdated or unfair, it might still show up. That’s the problem.
Can You Remove Search Results?
Yes, but only in specific cases. Google has strict rules about what it will remove. Here are a few examples:
- Content that includes personal info like ID numbers or home addresses
- Non-consensual images
- Copyright violations
- Court orders or legal removals
- Spam, phishing, or harmful content
- Outdated content no longer on the source website
If the result meets one of those policies, you can file a request directly with Google. If approved, the link will be deindexed and removed from search.
But here’s the catch. Most embarrassing or negative content doesn’t qualify. It’s not illegal. It’s just bad press.
That’s when suppression becomes your best option.
What Is Suppression?
Suppression is the process of pushing down unwanted results by adding better content above them. If you control the first page, most people won’t see the rest.
Here’s why it works. Over 90% of people never click past page one of Google. If you can get the negative result onto page two or lower, it becomes invisible to most users.
This approach is often called how to push down negative content on Google. It’s the most realistic fix for most cases.
What Makes Suppression Work?
It’s not about flooding the internet with spammy blogs. Google is smarter than that. You need quality content, real authority, and a strategy that targets the right keywords.
1. Build High-Ranking Content
This includes:
- Personal websites
- Updated LinkedIn and business profiles
- Guest articles or interviews
- Video content (YouTube ranks well)
- Press releases with real distribution
- Listings in trusted directories
Each page should use your name or brand in the headline, meta description, and body text. You’re not just publishing content—you’re building competition for the bad result.
2. Use Authority Platforms
Pages on strong domains are more likely to outrank negative content. Focus on:
- Medium
- LinkedIn
- YouTube
- Google Sites
- Local news outlets
- Niche blogs or industry sites
If your content appears on trusted platforms, it will perform better than low-value posts or personal blogs.
3. Link Building
Google cares about backlinks. If you create content and link to it from other sources, it gains strength. Think of each link as a vote of confidence. The more quality links, the higher it will rank.
How Long Does Suppression Take?
It depends. Some results drop in a few weeks. Others take months. On average, expect:
- Short-term suppression: 4 to 8 weeks
- Mid-term progress: 2 to 3 months
- Long-term control: 4 to 6 months
It also depends on how many bad links exist, how competitive your name is, and how strong the original content is.
What About Using a Service?
Managing this on your own takes time and technical know-how. That’s where reputation management services come in.
One of the best right now is Reputation Database. They focus on content suppression, removal requests, and long-term reputation strategy.
One of their clients, a fitness trainer in San Diego, had a Reddit thread accusing him of scamming clients. It wasn’t true, but it showed up on page one. Reputation Database created a personal website, built out five optimized profiles, and secured two press features. Within 60 days, the Reddit post dropped to page two. His updated site now ranks number one.
They don’t rely on tricks. They use real SEO strategies that actually stick.
What Does It Cost?
Pricing varies depending on how many results you need to suppress or remove.
| Service Type | Average Cost (USD) |
| Basic suppression campaign | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Multi-link suppression | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| One-time removal requests | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Monthly monitoring and SEO | $500 – $2,000 |
Some companies offer flat rates. Others use pay-for-performance. Always ask for a timeline and proof of success before signing a contract.
What to Avoid
Not all reputation companies are created equal. Watch out for:
- Guaranteed first page control. No one can promise exact rankings.
- Cheap blog spam. This content won’t rank and could hurt your site.
- Hidden fees or upsells. Make sure the quote includes all services.
- Companies that won’t show examples. Ask for case studies or past success.
If a service sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
What You Can Do Right Now
Step 1: Search your name in Google using incognito mode. List the top 20 results.
Step 2: Identify what you want removed or suppressed.
Step 3: Check if any results qualify for Google removal using their removal tools.
Step 4: Start creating good content. Use your name in the title, URL, and tags.
Step 5: Reach out to a company like Reputation Database if you need expert help.
Take Back Your Search Results
You don’t need to let one bad post define you. Whether it’s a blog, article, or Reddit thread, you can fight back. Start by removing what you can. Then build better content to outrank the rest.
Knowing how to push down negative content on Google is a powerful skill. And with the right team behind you, it works.
Your search results are your first impression. Make sure they actually represent who you are today.