When I was teaching the Administrative Professional course at Robertson College we did a customer service module and part of that was reputation management. One of the assignments that I gave my students was to take a portion of the customer service module and break it down into a more specific subject and give us (the class) more detailed information on it. One of my students actually chose to research reputation management with SEO. It was really interesting to see his take on it.
The thing I remember most from his presentation is that people tend to only look at the results on the first page of searches – sometimes the second or third page – so the information that shows up there is really important. Because people are naturally drawn to the negative you have to make sure that the only thing they see on the first few pages is positive.
What is on the first couple pages when people do a search on your name? Personally, I love to do searches on my name. 
Currently, my Twitter accounts are showing up first and then this website. When I did a Google search (just now) I also found that I am on Gawkk.com with this video:
Bing and Yahoo get similar results. So, I’m happy with what is showing up.
One of the other things you can do is sign up for Google Alerts. Once you sign up you will be sent an email each time something comes up using your keywords – ie. your name. Yahoo has the same service with Yahoo alerts. Or try using Kurrently to see if your name is turning up on Facebook or Twitter.
So, what are you doing to manage your online reputation?
Article by Danielle
I'm a social media junkie and professional freelance writer living in small town Manitoba, Canada. I drink a lot of coffee and love my computer (named Garcia after Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds - the ultimate girl geek!), my kids, my husband, and my cats. In 10 years I hope to be that crazy lady travelling across Canada and the States with her three cats and her loving hubby. :) If you're interested in my professional services please visit my professional writer's site to find out more about my services or check out some testimonials from some of my clients.
has written 248 awesome articles for us at The Social Freelance Writer
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Thank you, thank you, thank you, Danielle, for reminding me to check this! I had not Googled myself in a while (maybe last fall?) And, I was pleasantly surprised to find out my links took up almost half the first page. And, I’m listed at least once on the next nine pages. SCORE for social media marketing and SEO-friendly WordPress blogging.
(Then there’s that other Tina Bonifacio, the international harpist. I guess she can have the other half of the first page.
)
Great post. Thanks again, Danielle!
Twitter: DanielleMcGaw
August 18, 2010 at 10:13 pm
It’s so exciting to find your name on page 1 isn’t it? But it must be hard when you’re competing against an international harpist!