Bad press on Google is like an online scar. It might be old, one-sided, or resolved, but it still shows up on page one when someone searches your name. It can cost you clients, job interviews, or even personal relationships.
So here’s the real question:
Can you get rid of negative press on Google?
The short answer: sometimes. The long answer depends on where the content is hosted, what it says, and what you do next. This guide covers what works, what to avoid, and how to take back control of your search results.
Why Negative Press Is So Hard to Shake
News articles tend to rank high in Google. That’s because media sites have strong domain authority. Even a small local paper can outrank your website or LinkedIn profile.
And once it ranks, it sticks. Google keeps it on page one as long as people click it. Even if it’s outdated or misleading, it stays relevant in Google’s eyes.
According to a 2024 Pew Research study, over 82% of adults trust Google search results over brand websites. That means your reputation is being judged by headlines, not context.
Is It Possible to Delete Negative Press?
Sometimes, yes. But only in very specific cases.
Google will remove content if:
- It includes private data like addresses or ID numbers
- It violates copyright law
- It contains non-consensual personal images
- There’s a valid court order demanding removal
- The content is classified as spam, phishing, or deceptive
If your situation fits one of these, you can submit a removal request directly to Google. They’ll review it and may remove the link from search.
But if the article is a legitimate news report, even if it’s biased or unfair, it likely won’t be removed. In that case, you’ll need to suppress it.
What Is Suppression and Why Does It Work?
Suppression is the process of pushing bad search results off page one. You do this by creating and promoting new, positive content that ranks higher. It’s like burying the bad story under a pile of better ones.
Google only shows 10 organic results per page. If you can fill those spots with your own content, the negative article will drop off.
This method is often called how to bury negative search results, and it’s one of the most effective strategies in online reputation management.
Step-by-Step: How to Bury Negative Press on Google
1. Search Yourself and Take Inventory
Start in incognito mode so your results are unbiased. Google your name, your business, or the keywords tied to the bad press. Write down every link that shows up on the first two pages.
Screenshot the results. Save the URLs. That’s your baseline.
2. Build Better Content That Can Rank
Now you need to create content that pushes the bad article down. This includes:
- A personal website using your name in the domain
- A company site with updated About, Services, and Blog pages
- Profiles on LinkedIn, Medium, YouTube, and Google Sites
- Articles or interviews on trusted blogs or media sites
- Business listings on directories like Crunchbase or Yelp
Use your full name or business name in the title and body of each page. Make it clear, helpful, and easy to read. Google loves real content with value.
For example, if you’re a restaurant owner with a bad news article from 2020, write a post titled “How [Your Restaurant Name] Rebuilt Stronger in 2025” and publish it on Medium and your site.
3. Use Platforms That Google Trusts
Not all content carries the same weight. Focus on platforms that Google already ranks well. Here are a few good ones:
| Platform | Why It Works |
| Easy to rank and often shows up top | |
| YouTube | Video results stand out in search |
| Medium | Clean, SEO-ready blog hosting |
| Google Sites | Simple and fast to publish |
| Business directories | High trust and local SEO power |
Publishing across multiple platforms increases your odds of outranking the negative press.
4. Get Backlinks to Boost Your Content
The more sites that link to your content, the better it ranks. These are called backlinks, and Google treats them like votes of trust.
Here’s how to earn backlinks:
- Share your articles in community forums
- Partner with bloggers or journalists
- Post comments on related blogs with a link back
- Answer questions on Quora using your content as a source
- Submit your site to industry directories or event listings
Even a few solid backlinks can give your content a big boost.
How Long Does Suppression Take?
It depends on the strength of the negative article and how much effort you put in.
| Type of Content | Suppression Time |
| Small blog post | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Local news article | 6 to 10 weeks |
| National news outlet | 3 to 6 months |
| Reddit or forum threads | 4 to 8 weeks |
You may start seeing movement after a few weeks. Just don’t stop too soon. Google rewards consistency and freshness.
When to Hire a Reputation Management Service
Doing this on your own takes time, writing skills, and SEO know-how. If you don’t have that—or if the content is really damaging—get help.
Reputation Database is one of the leading companies for this in 2025. They specialize in suppressing negative press using smart SEO, real content, and trusted distribution channels.
One client, a finance executive, had an article from a past legal issue that still ranked on page one years after the case was closed. Reputation Database built a portfolio site, published an expert Q&A, and launched a LinkedIn content series. The article dropped to page two in under 60 days.
They didn’t just bury it. They replaced it with something better.
Watch Out for These Red Flags
Not all services are legit. Avoid:
- Guaranteed results or promises of deletion
- Cheap blog spam or AI-generated filler
- Companies that can’t show past examples
- Vague pricing or hidden fees
If it sounds too easy or too cheap, it’s probably a waste of time.
Keep Your Page One Clean
Once you suppress the negative press, keep the momentum going.
- Post new content every month
- Refresh old pages with new info
- Add testimonials, photos, or news updates
- Respond to reviews and stay active on LinkedIn
- Use Google Alerts to monitor your name
You’re not just fixing your reputation. You’re building a stronger one.
Final Word: You’re Not Stuck With Bad Press
Negative press doesn’t have to define you. You can’t always erase it, but you can outrank it. You just need the right plan and the right support.
Learning how to bury negative search results is a skill worth having. And if you need help, Reputation Database can give you the tools to do it the smart way.
Take control of your name. Because Google shouldn’t get the last word.
