Expert Guide: How To Remove Negative News Articles From Search Engines

Man discovers negative news on Google and the Internet

Have you “Googled” your name (or company) recently? If yes, were you shocked to find a negative news article ranking at the top of Google’s search results? Are you concerned that a negative news story online will harm your personal/professional life or your ability to generate new clients? If so, Reputation Resolutions is here to help. This comprehensive guide outlines strategies and tactics we have implemented for thousands of clients over the past decade to successfully remove negative news articles or minimize their visibility in Google search results.

If you would like professional help in permanently removing or suppressing a negative news article as quickly as possible, please fill out our contact form or call us today at (855) 239-5322 for a free consultation. If you qualify for our removal service, you only have to pay for our service AFTER the negative articles have been permanently removed. 

It’s important to note that you typically only have one shot at getting a negative news article removed—we are here to help!

 

Why Negative News Articles Rank Highly in Google Search Results

It can take years for individuals and companies to build a rock-solid reputation—but mere days for one negative news article online to bring it all tumbling down. When negative news articles are published online, it is highly probable they will rank at the top of Google search results when someone searches for your name or company. You may wonder why such a thing is happening, especially if the negative news article ranks above other web properties that have existed for years. There are three main reasons why this occurs:

1. Clicks: The #1 search ranking factor in 2024 is the number of clicks a specific link on a page gets over time. Generally speaking, the more clicks a link on a page gets, the higher it will rank in Google search results. When people search for your name or business on Google, they are far more likely to click the negative news article than your website orLinkedIn profile – it’s just human behavior. This inevitably leads to this negative news article ranking higher in search results.

2. Domain Authority: Every website on the Internet, including search engines, news websites, and news articles, has a certain level of “trust” or “domain authority” on Google. The higher a site’s domain authority, the higher it ranks in search results on Google. Most news-related websites are highly trusted by Google, which is one of the primary reasons why negative news articles quickly reach the top of search results.

3. “Virality”/Links: It is not uncommon for a negative news article to go “viral” due to sharing on social media or other blogs/forums/etc. re-publishing the story. When other online news outlets link to the original negative article, it signals to Google that the article must be of value to users. Again, this causes these articles to rank highly in search results.

 

Measuring the Impact of Negative News Stories

Negative news stories can significantly impact your business and online reputation. It is crucial to measure this impact to understand the extent of the damage and then take appropriate actions to mitigate it. Here are some steps you can take to measure the impact of negative news stories on your business and online reputation:

1. Monitor online mentions: Keep a close eye on social media platforms, news websites, and online forums to identify any negative news stories or mentions related to your business. Use tools like Google Alerts, Mention, or Brand24 to automate this process and receive real-time notifications.

2. Analyze sentiment: Determine the sentiment behind the negative news stories by analyzing the tone and language used. Are the stories neutral, slightly negative, or extremely critical in tone? This analysis will help you gauge the severity of the impact.

3. Track website traffic: Monitor your website traffic during and after the publication of negative news stories. Look for any significant drops in traffic, bounce rates, or changes in user behavior. This data can provide insights into how negative news stories affect your online presence.

4. Review social media engagement: Examine your social media engagement metrics, such as likes, comments, and shares, to see if there is a noticeable decline after the release of negative news stories. A decrease in engagement could indicate that your audience is concerned or disengaged due to the negative publicity.

5. Evaluate customer feedback: Pay attention to customer feedback, reviews, and comments online. Look for any noticeable changes in sentiment or an increase in negative feedback following the news stories. This feedback can indicate how the negative news surrounding you or your company has impacted your customers’ perception of your business.

6. Monitor media coverage: Keep track of media coverage surrounding the negative news stories. Look for any patterns or trends in how journalists report on the issue. This information can help you understand how the media is shaping public opinion and can guide your communication strategy.

7. Compare with competitors: Compare your business’s performance and reputation with that of your competitors during the same period. Are they also experiencing negative news stories and any related consequences? This comparison will provide valuable context and help you assess whether your entire industry is being impacted.

By following these steps, you can effectively measure the impact of negative news stories on your business and online reputation. Remember, understanding the extent of the damage is the first step towards crafting a strategic plan to rebuild trust and restore your reputation.

 

Your Options for Removing Negative News Articles From Google

There are three ways to remove negative news articles from search results.

1. Complete Removal: If the editor or admin of a website agrees to remove the article completely, the associated link will also be removed from search results. This is the ideal scenario and the first option we look into when helping our clients. If a site removes a news article completely, a “404 page” will appear, as seen below.

A Google logo being erased, showing how to remove negative news articles from search engine results.

2. De-indexing: If Google de-indexes a negative news story, it means the link associated with the story will be completely removed from search engine results. The main issue with the negative news article is not necessarily the fact that it exists but rather the fact that it is highly visible in Google’s search results. In most instances, having the link to the negative article de-indexed from Google is just as good of an outcome as complete removal.

3. Redaction: In rare instances, a news publication will agree to redact (remove) your name from a negative news story. This is a more likely outcome if you were not the article’s main focus. It is also more likely if you were the victim of a crime and the news articles discussing the incident rank highly in Google search results associated with your name. If your name is redacted from the news article, the link associated with the article will, in time, also be removed from search results.

 

Types of News Stories to Target for Deletion

When it comes to removing negative news articles from their source, it’s important to understand the different types of news stories that can be targeted for deletion. Here are some common categories of negative news stories that you may encounter:

 

Type of News Story Features Pros Cons Differences
False Information Contains inaccurate or misleading information – Removal helps prevent the spread of misinformation 

– Protects the reputation of individuals or organizations mentioned in the article

– Can be challenging to prove the information is false 

– May require legal action to remove

False information articles contain inaccurate or misleading content.
Defamatory Content Contains false statements that harm a person’s reputation – Removal can protect the reputation of individuals or organizations mentioned in the article 

– Legal recourse may be available

– Difficult to remove without legal action 

– May require evidence to prove defamation

Defamatory content articles harm a person’s reputation with false statements.
Outdated News Contains information that is no longer relevant or accurate – Removal helps ensure accurate and up-to-date information is available 

– Prevents confusion among readers

– May require contacting the source to request removal 

– Can be time-consuming to identify and address outdated articles

Outdated news articles harm one’s reputation even though they contain information that is no longer relevant or accurate.
Sensitive Personal Information Contains personal details that could be used for identity theft or harassment – Removal protects individual privacy and security 

– Prevents potential harm or misuse of personal information

– Requires proving the information is sensitive and poses a risk 

– May involve legal processes to remove

Sensitive personal information articles expose personal details that could be misused.

 

These are just a few examples of the types of news stories that we can help you remove from the internet.

Removing negative news articles can be a complex process. It requires persistence and patience. It’s essential to approach each situation with a clear understanding of the type of news story you are dealing with and the appropriate steps to take for removal.

 

Challenges in Deleting News Stories

There are several factors to consider when it comes to removing negative news articles from Google searches. Firstly, there are legal considerations that must be addressed. This includes protecting the privacy rights of individuals, preventing defamation and libel, and ensuring compliance with regulations. 

Secondly, there are ethical dilemmas to consider. It is important to uphold journalistic integrity, maintain trust with readers, and avoid potential harm to individuals or communities. Additionally, technological limitations must be considered. This involves protecting against unauthorized access, ensuring data security and privacy, and preventing manipulation or tampering. The reputational impact should also be considered, as deleting news stories can affect credibility and reputation. It is crucial to avoid negative publicity and demonstrate accountability and transparency.  

Lastly, the archive and historical context should not be overlooked. Preserving historical records, providing context for future analysis, and facilitating research and fact-checking are all important aspects to consider when dealing with negative news articles on Google’s search engine.

 

How to Remove Negative News Articles From the Source

News sites are unlikely to remove articles directly from their website, but there is always a slight possibility they will. News sites, editors, and journalists are used to getting requests to have negative and embarrassing articles removed, and they know how to rebut these requests. So, coming up with a proper removal strategy is extremely important.

Before trying to remove a news article, consider the following:

  • If there are multiple negative news articles, document each URL and its ranking in search results. This will help you get organized and prioritize your removal efforts.
  • If you’re dealing with only one negative news article, copy and paste its title into a Google search to ensure it hasn’t been re-published on other sites.
  • Look for ways to contact the website(s) that hosts the article and/or the journalist who wrote the article. Most news sites will have a “Contact Us” page where you can leave a message. And most journalists will provide you with a way to contact them (via e-mail, Twitter, etc.). If there is no contact method available, do a Google search for the journalist’s name to see if there are any social media profiles (i.e., Linkedin) you can reach them on.
  • When contacting an editor or journalist, never initiate contact threateningly. Doing so will greatly hurt your chances of getting the news article removed. It could even make the problem worse.
  • If you attempt to remove a negative news article over a couple of years old, you can use that aspect to your advantage. Historically, news sites are more likely to remove older/outdated news stories than recent ones.
  • You generally only get one shot to remove negative news articles. If you are unsure of the most optimal approach and want one of our online reputation experts to attempt removal on your behalf, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

 

How Do You Remove Negative News Articles From Google Search Results?

Removing negative news articles from Google search results can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Google provides a process for content removal requests, including removing specific URLs from search results. This process involves submitting a request to Google through their Content Removal tool, where you can specify the reasons for removal (e.g., defamation or copyright infringement). Additionally, Google complies with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), which allows copyright owners to request the removal of infringing content. While it might not be easy to remove negative news articles, these avenues at least provide individuals and organizations with a means to address and mitigate the impact of such articles on their online reputation.

Grounds for Google Content Removal Requests

Several grounds can be considered for Google content removal requests. These grounds provide valid reasons for individuals or organizations to request the removal of certain content from Google’s search results or other platforms. Let’s explore some of the common grounds for such requests:

 

Grounds for Content Removal Pros Cons Differences
Defamation – Protects reputation

– Prevents harm

– Upholds truth and accuracy

– Potential impact on free speech

– Difficulties in determining truth

– Balancing rights and interests

– Focuses on false statements made about a person

– Requires proof of harm

Copyright Infringement – Protects intellectual property rights

– Encourages creativity and innovation

– Challenges in identifying infringement

– Potential impact on fair use

– Balancing rights and interests

– Focuses on unauthorized use of copyrighted material

– Requires valid ownership claim

Privacy Violations – Protects personal         information

– Prevents harm and harassment

– Respects individuals’ rights

– Challenges in defining privacy boundaries

– Balancing rights and interests

– Impact on public interest

– Focuses on non-consensual sharing of private information

– Requires valid privacy claim

Hate Speech – Promotes inclusivity and tolerance

– Prevents harm and discrimination

– Upholds community standards

– Challenges in defining hate speech

– Balancing rights and interests

– Impact on freedom of expression

– Focuses on speech that incites violence or targets specific groups

– Requires valid hate speech claim

Child Exploitation – Protects children from harm and exploitation

– Upholds legal and ethical standards

– Challenges in detecting and verifying content

– Potential impact on privacy

– Balancing rights and interests

– Focuses on explicit or abusive content involving children

– Requires valid child exploitation claim

 

These grounds for content removal requests serve as a framework to address various concerns that may arise online. However, each case has its own complexities and potential trade-offs. Google strives to balance protecting individual rights and fostering an open and diverse online environment.

By addressing these grounds, Google aims to maintain a safe and reliable search experience for its users and a responsive approach to content removal while upholding principles of fairness and accountability. Content removal requests are carefully evaluated based on the specific circumstances and applicable laws or policies.

Filling Out Google’s DMCA Form for Content Removal

When it comes to removing content from Google that violates the DMCA, filling out the necessary form is essential. Here are the steps to follow when completing Google’s DMCA form for content removal:

  1. Visit the Google DMCA page: Go to the Google DMCA page using a web browser.
  2. Provide your contact information: Fill in your contact details, including your name, email address, and phone number. This information is crucial, as it allows Google to communicate with you regarding the content removal process.
  3. Identify the infringing material: Clearly identify the specific material you want removed. Include the URL(s) of the webpage(s) hosting the infringing content.
  4. Specify the copyrighted work: Describe the copyrighted work that has been infringed upon. Provide information such as the title, author, and any registration or copyright numbers associated with the work.
  5. Declare good faith belief: State that you have a good faith belief that the use of the copyrighted material is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
  6. Confirm accuracy of information: Confirm that the information you have provided is accurate and, under penalty of perjury, that you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.
  7. Submit the form: Once you have completed all the necessary fields, submit the form to Google for review.

Filling out Google’s DMCA form does not guarantee immediate removal of the infringing content. Google will evaluate the request and take appropriate action based on its policies and guidelines.

Pros:

  • Clear and straightforward process
  • Allows copyright owners to protect their intellectual property
  • Provides a mechanism for reporting copyright infringement

Cons:

  • Removal process may take time
  • Content may reappear on other platforms or websites

Remember, it is crucial to provide accurate and complete information when filling out the DMCA form to increase the chances of successful content removal.

 

Suppressing Negative News Articles on Google (If Removal Fails or Is Not a Possibility) 

A screenshot of a 404 webpage. This shows what happens when you successfully remove negative news articles online.

The reality is that most news publications will not remove, de-index, or redact your name from a negative news article. This leaves you in a position to look for an alternative solution. The next best strategy to repair the damage caused by a negative news article is to suppress it deeper in Google search results (i.e., beyond position 10). There, it is unlikely to be seen.

The technical term for this process is “search engine suppression.” This process involves creating a network of new positive web properties to push down the negative article. The timeframe to suppress a negative news article to page 2+ of Google varies greatly and depends on several factors. In most cases, suppression will effectively remove the negative article from the top Google search results while strengthening your personal brand and/or promoting your business positively.

How Does Suppression of Online Content Work?

There are several strategies and tactics to suppress a negative article, such as:

  • Setting up high-ranking web 2.0 profiles and keeping them active
  • Starting a personal or company blog and posting high-quality, optimized content
  • Publishing press releases on high-ranking web properties
  • Publishing other media types, like videos, interviews, podcasts, etc.
  • Optimizing content you already own (i.e, your LinkedIn profile)
  • Becoming a guest poster on credible third-party websites

 

Key Takeaways:

When dealing with a negative news article on the internet, it’s crucial to have a plan and be rational. It can be easy to feel a rush of anger and trepidation when reading a negative article about yourself or your business. But try your best to channel that energy into creating a strategy to get the article removed or suppressed.

 

Looking For Professional Help to Remove Negative Articles From Google?

If you want to remove or suppress negative news articles in Google’s search results, our team at Reputation Resolutions can help. The first step in our process is to analyze your circumstances and evaluate the website(s) that host the negative news article(s). Once the analysis has been completed, we will provide you with an honest assessment of the most optimal and time-efficient strategy to remove or suppress the negative news article(s). If we think the removal of the negative news article(s) is a realistic possibility, you will only be charged for our service if we are successful in completely removing the negative news article(s) from Google’s search results.

Reputation Resolutions is proud to be rated as one of the top reputation online management firms in the United States by four independent agencies. We are also one of the few reputation management firms with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau

Furthermore, Reputation Resolutions has been selected to join the exclusive Google Partner Program and was also selected by Business.com as the #1 online reputation management firm for removing negative content and online attacks. For reviews from past clients who have used our services, click here.

 

Schedule a FREE Consultation with a Negative News Article Removal Expert TODAY:

To learn more about how Reputation Resolutions can help you remove negative news articles from Google, please fill out the form below or call us at (855) 239-5322 for a FREE consultation.

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