The internet offers an unrivalled platform for freedom of expression, promotion and public relations.

By the same merits, this freedom can sometimes result in individuals finding themselves unjustly subject to online activity, that can harm their reputation and image.

This is especially true, if they have a high-profile public status, or hold considerable power and influence in the business world.

You don’t have to look far to find examples of celebrities or politicians, suddenly finding themselves at the centre of a character assassination, due to something posted online.

Controversy can spread like wildfire

What might start out as a minor remark on Twitter can be taken out of context and misinterpreted, having long-lasting consequences.

Even if you publicly apologise for what you have said, it may be too late, because it will have taken on a life of its own.

Controversy spreads like wildfire, and you can quickly feel the full impact of the crowd weighing in against you.  It may also spill over onto mainstream media channels, causing further reputational damage.

How can Aqueous Digital help?

Aqueous Digital are specialists at helping clients who are having problems online and provide a professional reputation management service that can help address these issues. We specialise in long-term solutions and prevention, as proactive reputation management is the surest way to protect your name.  We can equally turn our hand to helping clients with specific short-term problems. From negative stories, posts and tweets about you, to direct personal attacks.

We know that individuals can be unfairly lampooned, lambasted and libelled and whilst you can take recourse from the law, that generally takes time. In the meantime, your reputation is being destroyed online.  So when Google search brings up stories about you that you’d rather not see, where do you turn?

Our professional reputation management service is discreet, effective and focuses on long term solutions and prevention. We never make a song and dance about what we do, we prefer to just be quietly effective and help you get on with your life.

How do we approach Reputation Management?

The main issue for anyone who has had something negative published about them online, is how to either remove it or distance themselves from it.

Just as Google search can be highly effective at helping people find a business, it works negatively too, and you can find that damaging material comes up prominently in searches associated with your name.

This could be the result of malicious or even criminal activity, but it could also be the result of your own careless tweet or post.

Online reputation management requires an effective strategy.   Outdated or inaccurate information can remain online for a long time.

Even if this isn’t actively harmful, it can contain enough inaccuracies to be damaging, if, for example you are pitching for new business opportunity or are applying for a new job and someone looks you up via a Google search.

Removing information online can be difficult, but not impossible. One approach to remove inaccurate or damaging listings is to counter the old, inaccurate or harmful information by posting updated information, in a concerted effort, underpinned by a sound technical understanding of how search engines will find you

This is more than an extended public relations exercise. It is designed to bolster and reshape your online reputation through careful use of content, shared through a variety of channels.

An understanding of the swiftest, most effective means of retracting or moderating online statements is essential.

Depending on the nature and complexity of the online damage, for a more complete and comprehensive approach it maybe necessary to work closely with a specialist reputation management solicitor.   In many cases we also work with a PR specialist or agency to support essential media relations activity to  counter any negative press coverage and help restore your image and brand back to where it should be.

For advice on the best strategy and approach to take, contact us for a confidential and discreet consultation.