Have you ever Googled yourself? The results might surprise you. It’s possible that information you’d rather keep private – or even damaging posts – could be one quick search away from potential employers or colleagues.
Negative content, malicious attacks, or old, unflattering images can be tough to scrub from the internet, posing a potential risk to your career and reputation.
Fortunately, the book Wild West 2.0 – How to Protect and Restore Your Online Reputation on the Untamed Social Frontier by Michael Fertik and David Thompson offers practical strategies to help you remove or minimize harmful online content and build a strong, positive online presence.
Fertik, the founder and CEO of ReputationDefender (Reputation.com), and Thompson, the company’s chief privacy officer, provide step-by-step guidance for managing your digital reputation.
Understanding the Risks to Your Online Reputation
The authors outline the many ways in which a reputation can be damaged online, from anonymous defamation to the permanent visibility of personal information.
They describe today’s internet as a “Wild West,” where personal reputations can be harmed by misinformation or intentional attacks, often with little recourse. Here’s how they describe it:
“Imagine a place where anonymous vandals can spray repugnant graffiti about you or your business without consequence.
They may call you a criminal, accuse your business of fraud, or reveal your most personal secrets.
And this graffiti is not viewed by just a handful of passersby – instead, it’s spread worldwide, instantly broadcast to anyone searching for information about you. Copies of it are permanently saved around the world.”
The sheer accessibility of damaging information, they argue, is a result of the rapid growth of the internet, where cultural norms and regulations have yet to catch up.
Victims of online attacks often face significant challenges trying to address these issues, and even innocent people can have their reputations tarnished through misunderstandings or unfounded accusations.
Restoring Your Reputation with a Clear Action Plan
While Wild West 2.0 highlights the challenges of online reputation management, the heart of the book lies in its practical advice for restoring and protecting your online identity.
Here are some key takeaways:
- Conduct an Online Reputation Audit: Start by Googling yourself to understand what’s currently visible online. Take note of any negative content that may impact your personal or professional image.
- Develop a Reputation Road Map: The book encourages readers to create a plan for cleaning up their digital footprint and building a positive online presence. This involves creating and sharing positive, relevant content that reflects your values and professional expertise.
- Post Positive and Neutral Content: Fertik and Thompson recommend publishing enough positive or neutral information to push down negative content in search results. This could include blogs, social media posts, or contributions to professional forums.
- Address False Information Directly: The book provides specific advice on how to approach websites hosting incorrect information, including what to say and how to request corrections.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Help
While the book empowers readers to take control of their online presence, it also explains when it might be necessary to bring in professionals.
Reputation management services, including Fertik’s own ReputationDefender, offer advanced tools and support to address complex reputation issues.
Wild West 2.0 doesn’t oversell these services but suggests them as a valuable resource when a do-it-yourself approach may not be enough.
In today’s digital world, managing your online reputation is essential, whether you’re seeking a new job, protecting a business, or simply safeguarding your personal life.
Wild West 2.0 – How to Protect and Restore Your Online Reputation on the Untamed Social Frontier offers both the hope and guidance needed to repair a tarnished reputation and create a positive, lasting online presence.
For anyone looking to take proactive steps in maintaining a clean digital footprint, this book is a must-read.
By following its advice, you can protect your online reputation, maintain your career prospects, and keep your personal life private.
