What counts as your online reputation?

Search results about you

Your online reputation begins with what appears when someone searches your name. This includes your own websites, social media profiles, news mentions, business listings, and third-party sites that mention you. Not every result matters equally—ranking position affects visibility.

Reviews and ratings

Customer reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or industry-specific sites directly shape how people perceive you or your business. Negative reviews carry weight even when outnumbered by positive ones, because potential customers often read the critical feedback first.

Social media and comments

Your posts, photos, and comments create a permanent digital trail. Old tweets, tagged photos, and forum discussions can resurface years later. Even deleted content sometimes remains visible through archives or screenshots.

Less obvious sources

Mentions in comments on other people's posts, archived versions of old websites, court records, property records, and business filings also contribute to your searchable identity. These are harder to control but worth monitoring.