by Net Reputation
Do you need to request image removal from Google? This article will explain everything you need to know.
Image removal from Google is a constant preoccupation in today’s digitally-driven reality. That’s because many pictures appearing on Google’s first page may not only hurt your reputation, but also damage your brand and even your career.
The main problem with removing an image from Google is that most content cannot be removed easily from the internet. Image search results tend to stick around because other sites pick up Google results and then republish content.
And while it’s generally easier to remove an image from an article, blog post, or mugshot site, Google search result removal can sometimes get a little complicated.
If you’re sitting at your computer wondering how you can get rid of Google photos, know that hope is not lost. No matter how embarrassing, incriminating, or detrimental the outdated images are, we can show you how to remove them and restore your reputation for good.
NetReputation provides information and services to help you remove outdated images and protect your digital presence. Call us at 844-461-3632 to learn more, or fill out the contact form below for a free consultation.
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Can I Remove an Image From Google Search Results?
Google’s image removal process is problematic because Google only agrees to remove images or content under certain circumstances.
Basically, when removing an image from the internet, there are two main approaches:
- Remove an image from content you own.
- Request image removal posted on a third-party site.
The first scenario is the easiest one to control. Simply delete the image from your website or social profile. Then, make sure Google Images has removed the image from search results.
Regarding the second scenario, start by checking Google search results to see where your image is posted, then take the steps needed to remove it. Each site will have different procedures for removing images (if there’s a process posted at all).
Sound too complicated? NetReputation can help clean up Google search results, request removal on your behalf, and protect your reputation. Call us at 844-461-3632 to speak with an expert.
Removing Images From Sites You Don’t Own
The process of removing an image from a source you control is straightforward: Delete the image from any and all platforms it appears on, then wait for Google to update its results. (We also go into ways you can move that process along later in the article).
In this section, we’ll explore what you can do when third-party sites have posted your image online.
Why Removing an Image From Google Search Is So Difficult
When you aren’t the webmaster, removing an image is more difficult. Often, Google refuses removals for a variety of reasons. For example, the information may be deemed important for the public interest.
In general, just because you request content removal doesn’t mean that Google will comply with your request.
Google Search can be a challenging entity to navigate, but by taking the necessary steps, you’ll have a better chance of improving Google search results for your name — and protecting or repairing your reputation.
Also, as long as the image is removed from the original source and any sources that republished it, Google will eventually remove that image from search results pages, too.
Option 1: Contacting the Website Owner
When you come across embarrassing Google photos that you can’t delete on your own, the first step is to contact the site owner directly. When you contact the site owner, be sure to include a link to the image and the reasons for your request. If your image was posted maliciously, your request likely stands a good chance of success.
Remember to be polite, even if you’re frustrated with the website owner. They’ll be more likely to help you if you remain calm.
While removing content like personal images from third-party sites might be tricky, particularly in cases of unresponsive webmasters, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
Option 2: Point Out a Violation of the Website Policy
Pointing out to the website owner or to Google that an image is in violation of their policy is a great way to get the content removed. Google will often remove content that meets certain criteria, such as:
- Containing personal or sensitive information
- Exploitative in nature
- Involuntary pornography
- Sexual abuse material
- Spam
Once Google reviews the images you’ve requested removal for, they may find that those images violate the content policy and delete them from search results. Other websites hosting inappropriate images may have similar content policies.
Option 3: Take Legal Action
If an image was posted maliciously, is affecting your reputation, and you’re not having luck getting it removed, you may need to move on to a legal solution, such as a formal takedown notice.
Getting a court order may solve the situation the fastest, though. Court orders can be useful if, for example, you had a mugshot or other arrest photo posted online, but your records are sealed or expunged. If courts require offending sites to remove an image like this, you may be in luck.
Hiring an attorney will significantly improve your chances of success in removing an image from Google. However, going this route can be expensive and time-consuming.
At NetReputation, we can help you remove an image from Google and improve your digital reputation. Call us at 844-461-3632 for more information.
Option 4: Use Content Suppression Tactics
When all other Google image removal efforts fall short, the best course of action is to suppress those images in search results.
How do you do that, though?
To bury unwanted content and regain control of your online footprint, you first need to own your Google search presence. Owning your search results means posting positive content to occupy those top spots while pushing embarrassing photos out of sight.
Posting images on random websites rarely works, though. Instead, you need to present your images and other content in a way that will gain visibility and entice links.
The more people click on your picture, the more relevant it’ll be for search engines. Practices like reputation management and SEO can be extremely valuable. The better your content, the more likely it is to appear in search results where others can find it.
At NetReputation, we work with individuals and businesses to help them improve their online presence using SEO strategies. Give us a call at 844-461-3632 to learn more.
 Deleted Image Still Showing Up in Google Search
In some situations, the image will be deleted from the original source but still appear in search results.
This happens because search result removal doesn’t happen immediately. Google Images stores the initial search content on its servers and only links to your website when a visitor clicks the image.
It can take anywhere from a week to a few months to update results. Removal depends on how quickly Google de-indexes the updated content.
Moreover, Google Images is a popular place for people to conduct searches. Because of this, the service has high authority and receives prominent rankings in search engines. That means that until the link is removed from the results, people are likely to see it on the SERP.
Submit an Image Removal Request
If you’re anxious to speed up the Google-specific image-removal process, try this: Get the image URL, visit the Google content removal tool and submit a request.
While it may take Google some time to complete the removal, the photo will eventually disappear from search results if it’s been removed from web content.
Update Social Media Settings
If the image that you want to hide publicly is on one of your social media accounts, updating your profile settings could do the trick. Changing a social media account to private should quickly remove the image from appearing in Google Search, at least when linking to the social account. It’s still possible that the image will appear online if it’s been republished elsewhere.
Ongoing Reputation Monitoring and Management
Removing your image from Google Search once isn’t enough to maintain a stellar online reputation forever. Ignoring your digital presence leaves your online reputation open to attack.
Regular monitoring of your name in search results prevents potential crises from doing further damage. This technique can help you identify problems before they can harm your online reputation — the positive digital footprint you’ve worked so hard to maintain.
Manually monitoring the internet for mentions of your name is time-consuming and taxing. That’s why it’s smart to work with an experienced ORM company.
NetReputation’s specialists can help you remove and suppress harmful images for good. Additionally, our comprehensive reputation management solutions include:
- Arrest records and mugshot removal
- High-quality content creation
- Negative news article suppression
- Online review management
- Professional branding for individuals and companies
If you’re ready to request removal of images or simply need help with establishing, building, or restoring your online reputation, speak to one of our reputation experts today at 844-461-3632. If you prefer, simply complete the form below and one of our representatives will be in touch promptly.