Your name is searchable. That’s the world we live in. Whether you’re applying for a job in Dublin, starting a business in Cork, or running for local office in Galway, people will look you up.
And what they find matters.
But there’s a lot of bad advice out there. Myths, assumptions, and shortcuts that can hurt more than help. Especially here in Ireland, where online reputation is often treated as “someone else’s problem”—until it’s not.
Let’s bust five of the biggest myths about personal reputation and show you how to actually stay in control.
Myth 1: “If It’s Old, It Doesn’t Matter”
Wrong. Old news still ranks on Google.
Even if something happened ten years ago, if it’s on a popular news site, forum or blog, it can show up near the top of search results. And most people don’t check the date. They just read the headline and move on.
A job applicant in Limerick was rejected after an old article about a student prank resurfaced during a routine Google search. The story was from 2012. The company didn’t ask questions—they just passed.
Old stories stick. Don’t assume time will bury them. You need a plan to replace or remove them, especially if the content is no longer accurate.
Myth 2: “Only Celebrities and Politicians Need to Worry”
Not true. Your online rep matters at every level.
In Ireland, over 70% of employers now search candidates online before interviews, according to a 2023 LinkedIn report. And it’s not just bosses. Neighbours, customers, journalists, and even dating matches can check you out with a few taps.
This affects:
- Small business owners
- Contractors and tradespeople
- Solicitors and teachers
- Students applying to internships
- People with common names who get mistaken for someone else
One builder in Kerry found out a poor Google review—posted by someone with the wrong name—was costing him new jobs. It had nothing to do with him, but it still did damage.
Myth 3: “Google Will Remove It If You Ask Nicely”
Only sometimes.
Google won’t remove content just because it’s embarrassing or inconvenient. They only take down content that breaks their policies—like:
- Personal medical info
- National ID numbers
- Explicit content posted without consent
- Clear cases of impersonation or defamation
But if the link is to a real news site, a forum comment, or a public record, it usually stays.
That’s where companies like Guaranteed Removals come in. They specialise in helping people remove content from third-party sites or suppress it by replacing it with stronger, newer content.
Asking Google directly rarely works unless you meet strict criteria. You need a strategy, not just a request.
Myth 4: “If It’s True, I Can’t Do Anything About It”
This is one of the most common myths—and it’s not always true.
Yes, true content is harder to remove. But it depends where it’s posted, who controls it, and how long it’s been up.
For example:
- If you were cleared of charges, and the story hasn’t been updated, you can ask the site to correct or remove it.
- If a review includes accurate but private details (like home address), you can flag it.
- If an article no longer serves the public interest and is hurting your career, it might qualify under the EU’s “right to be forgotten” rule.
Under GDPR, Irish citizens can request search engines to stop linking to certain pages in some cases. It doesn’t always work, but it’s worth trying—especially with legal or professional help.
Myth 5: “You Can’t Fight Back Without Hiring a PR Firm”
Not true—and not necessary.
You don’t need to spend thousands to manage your name online. You just need to be consistent and smart about it.
Here’s how to start:
- Google your name regularly in private mode
- Create a basic website with your name and a short bio
- Post content on LinkedIn, Medium, or a personal blog
- Ask for positive reviews from clients, co-workers, or employers
- Monitor your name using free tools like Google Alerts
One teacher in Waterford started a blog about maths tips for parents. It now ranks higher than an old news mention from years ago. No PR firm needed—just a bit of effort.
Final Thoughts
Your online reputation is your first impression. It can cost you a job, a client, or a chance—before you even know it happened.
The biggest mistake people make in Ireland? Waiting until there’s a problem to care.
Don’t fall for the myths. Your name is your brand. Whether you’re rebuilding, rebranding, or just getting started, it’s worth protecting.
And if something negative shows up? You’re not stuck. There are real steps you can take to reduce the damage and take back control. Just don’t leave it to luck. Ireland may be small—but the internet never forgets.
