18 Questions About Online Reputation Management That Prospective Clients Ask Me 

The Most Asked Online Reputation Management Questions Answered by Recover Reputation

1. Do you have a case study I can view?

Five case studies are covering a range of industries and online reputation management issues.

2. What is your most successful project or client?

I recently helped a highly successful and well-known CEO who had a damaged online reputation that occurred 19 years ago. As a result, two extremely harmful articles appeared on the first page of Google search results: one from the New York Times; one from the Wall Street Journal, which made it impossible for him to get a new job. I was able to repair his reputation in three months–usually a six to nine-month process. He was able to find a new high-level six-figure sales position shortly after the repair was completed.

3. What was the most significant turnaround you made for a client?

The biggest online repair project was for a client with the first five pages of Google search results covered in negative links, mostly from hard to suppress sites such as news sources, television stations, and local newspapers. These there also repaired quickly.

4. What were the steps to accomplish the repair process?

Although suppressing negative links can be challenging, the best approach includes extensive research, identifying and re-writing existing content, finding the right platforms to share, connecting with key influencers, and constantly adding articles, links, images, videos, etc. For example, for this client, I focused on the creation of a handful or more new general social media related platforms; optimized his LinkedIn and other profiles; wrote a detailed Wikipedia article, highlighting past accomplishments; added a strong presence on several industry-specific platforms and sites; promoted all existing good content and articles; created comments on other industry blogs; identified and engaged with key influencers online, etc.

5. What is your team and business structure like?

To maximize efficiencies, be nimble and offer customized hands-on solutions, all work is done by me in-house. This also reduces the possibility of any security leaks. I’ve found this approach to be highly successful and effective.

6. What are the philosophies that guide your organization?

Very simply, my philosophy is to be of service, listen, be honest and work hard.

7. What are your most vital skills as an online reputation management specialist?

My two main strengths are online reputation repair and online brand building. Most of my clients are individuals or professionals and have a negative web reputation is resulting in a loss of trust, loss of income, or both. I love the repair process because I can see successful progress, and it’s clear when I make a positive difference in other people’s lives and businesses. For example, if something terrible shows up on the first page of Google searches, that’s a problem; if it’s moved to the second or third page, I’m successful, and both the client is happy.

8. What is the timeline you work on?

Most projects take about six months, sometimes longer, for about nine months, and sometimes shorter, depending on the issue. However, I’ve had a brand-building project for the last two months and a limited repair case for the past three months.

9. What are some tangible goals you can make for yourself regarding what we are looking for?

I usually have a basic milestone framework, which includes the first few weeks being dedicated to research, strategy, and further assessment; often in the second month, the repair process is fully initiated; in the third month, some of the new content should be visible; by the fourth and fifth months, additional content should be pushing down the negative links; by the end of the sixth or seventh months for the successful conclusion of the case.

10. What is your usual process for working with a client?

Usually, I have one or more phone or in-person meetings to understand the issue and client as much as I can. Then, I send out a series of survey questions to gather additional background information and learn what I need to be cautious of and which topics should be avoided. Then I create a customized strategy and start to implement it. For some clients, they want to work closely together. For others, they want approval before significant actions are taken. Others like the problem solved and are updated with a progress report.

11. We are looking for a close-knit relationship – how do you think your company aligns with our in-house team?

I’m incredibly flexible and can work in any capacity, either alone, with partners, or with other firms.

12. What do you love about a client usually? What do you not love?

I’m elementary going and have dealt with various clients, different personalities, and those with high expectations. Generally, I love a client that is just ready to move on and get their reputation repaired. The thing that can be challenging is if they don’t understand the time required or the impact Google has in this process.

13. What is your business’ pace like?

Flexible, thoughtful but very focused, and striving for perfection.

14. What press outlets your company mainly work with?

None–that is more for my PR partner.

15. What is the range of costs?

Prices also are flexible depending on the scope and budget. Some projects are a one-time, flat fee of $1,500 or $3,000. However, most require ongoing monthly charges, such as $1,500 for deficient level issues, $3,000 for moderate cases, to $6,500 for complex damages.

16. Any additional services not included?

Things not included could be anything other than what is listed in the agreement. These usually are very minimal such as domain name charges and web hosting fees. Higher costs could be other services that my strategic partners might supply, such as extensive press relations services.

If there are any additional costs or benefits, written approval is required. Usually, however, the vast majority of clients never are charged any extra fees.

17. Do you have any competitors you set yourself apart from?

There are many large firms, but my approach is to offer boutique, hands-on services. This allows me to be quick, responsive to Google’s changes, and pivot to the most effective solution. I also only work with three or four clients and only take on projects I think I can be successful with.

18. Do you have any clients or references we can speak to?

Yes, I can provide contact information as requested.