Common forms of Negative Publicity
For our purposes we generally classify negative publicity into two categories:
1. Online negative publicity - Any negative publicity that appears on the internet
2. Offline negative publicity - Any negative publicity that happens outside of the internet. Examples include: within media such as newspapers, TV Ads, magazines etc. Often times this negative press is duplicated on the online version of the particular media (e.g. the newspaper’s website).
Resistance to New Ideas, Products or Services
Innovative people and companies often face harsh criticism when they release new ideas or products. The negative press and discussions that occur at this time can often linger on even after the idea, product or service was found to be a success.
So whether it’s competitors who attempted to downplay the new information or actual consumers who simply thought it wouldn’t be a hit… you are likely to find some forms of dissent lingering on blogs, forums, industry hangouts and similar websites.
Negative Reviews and Ratings by Clients or Consumers
Unfortunately people are much more likely to spare a moment to leave a damaging review or rating on a consumer opinions site than they are to leave a positive reference for a job well done. Most people who tend to see a negative rating which appears sincere would be startled to learn that there are countless individuals who simply leave nothing but negative comments. We’ve seen this type of “trolling” first hand – apparently NOTHING works well, provides good service, or has value in the eyes of some.
Rumors and Gossip Online
Certain professions or personal lifestyles may lead to speculation about you becoming a sport for others. Rumors and gossip are most prevalent on blogs and forums where discussions are started and visitors can chime in with their comments. Keep tabs on what blogs or forums your peers/colleagues/critics frequent or even possibly publish themselves.
Outdated Information
A troubled reputation from yesteryear (or a decade ago for that matter) can resurface out of nowhere with today’s digitization of prior print media. Old newspaper archives are constantly being scanned and published online for example. What you or your company did long ago may still have damaging effects even if you feel you have redeemed yourself or your company’s name after all this time.
Private Life Becomes Public
That college photograph of you doing a kegstand? A hazy memory. Photos of a risqué Halloween outfit? Scary! Excerpts from a loveletter posted by a vengeful ex? Tearjerking. All of these private things are just a few examples of the types of private content that somehow manage to materialize on the web every day unbeknownst to the subjects – generally until a really important time such as a new job interview, a new relationship being formed, an investor doing due diligence; the list goes on.
So what can You Do to Defend your Reputation?
Brand Titan offers a reputation protection product which is aimed to fortify the good press, the positive recommendations, or your own accurate webpage in order for that content to command and maintain the topmost positions on the search engines. With the doorway to most negative content largely being search engines this proactive approach vastly improves the chance that a past indiscretion or even old inaccurate information does not find the prying eyes of those researching you or your company’s name.