When it comes to reputation management and control, there are many techniques that can be employed, depending on the person, the brand, or the situation.
What works in a digital crisis environment does not always translate to a long term digital branded environment. The same is true in reverse.
An older article from 2013 examined this correlation and there has been a ton of blog posts and other material written about it, but still very few understand or practice this type of specific tactical methodology to achieve their long term strategic goals for search and or social media.
Here is an example from my own search results.
Note in order:
1. Twitter
2. Linkedin
3. Huffington Post (As I am a blogger and have a byline)
So what does this say about the correlation between social media, search and reputation management and control?
It very clearly shows the relationship, and the importance of using your social media accounts strategically and tactically with regard to keyword use, placement, and brand labeling. It also shows that even with a fully optimized website like and being an active blogger; the social media platforms take up the top chunks of search real estate. This is with taking a strategic approach. Especially with the constant changes in search engine algorithms.
But what happens when you do the opposite? When you do not think about this correlation and how it affects your personal, corporate or government brand on a daily basis, you open yourself and brand to reputation crisis, to reputation smears or outright destruction.
Social Media is the first and most basic step one must take to protect one's brand and reputation. It needs to be used carefully, proactively and with keywords, brand image and search results always in mind.
Individuals, Companies, Governments and Brands need to pay careful attention to the correlation between search, social media and reputation control and management. If it is left to the Internet, you will not be happy with the results. Take control of your reputation. Take control of your brand reputation management, and start with social media. There are many other steps. But start there.