How to Get Articles Removed from Google

Having unwanted articles show up on Google can be frustrating and damaging to your reputation. If you’re looking to clean up your online presence, here’s how to get articles removed from Google effectively.

Understanding Google’s Policies

Before diving into the methods, it’s essential to understand Google’s policies on removing content. Google generally does not remove content from search results unless it violates specific policies, such as privacy concerns, defamation, or legal violations.

Steps to Remove Articles from Google

1. Contact the Website Owner

The first and often most effective step is to contact the website owner or webmaster. Politely request the removal of the article. Explain why you want it removed and provide any relevant information to support your case.

How to Find Contact Information:

• Look for a “Contact Us” page on the website.
• Use WHOIS lookup to find the website owner’s contact details.
• Check the website’s footer for contact information.

2. Request Content Removal via Google

If contacting the website owner doesn’t work, you can request Google to remove the content directly. This works if the content violates Google’s policies.

How to Submit a Request:

• Visit the page.
• Select the appropriate category that best fits your situation.
• Follow the instructions to submit your request.

Legal Methods for Content Removal

3. Send a Legal Removal Request

If the content is defamatory, violates your privacy, or infringes on your intellectual property, you can send a legal removal request to Google. This requires providing evidence and may involve legal proceedings.

Types of Legal Requests:

• Defamation: If the article contains false information that damages your reputation.
• Privacy Violation: If the article includes personal information without your consent.
• Copyright Infringement: If the content violates your copyright.

4. Use the EU’s Right to Be Forgotten

If you are in the EU, you can use the “Right to be Forgotten” law to request the removal of outdated or irrelevant information from search engines.

How to Submit a Request:

• Visit the form.
• Fill in the required details and submit your request.

Alternative Methods

5. Suppress the Content with SEO

If removing the article is not possible, you can suppress it in search results. This involves creating high-quality content that outranks the unwanted article.

Strategies for Content Suppression:

• Create Positive Content: Publish positive articles, blog posts, and press releases about yourself or your business.
• Optimize Your Content: Use SEO techniques to ensure your content ranks higher than the unwanted article.
• Engage on Social Media: Maintain active social media profiles to push down negative content in search results.

Monitoring and Maintenance

6. Set Up Google Alerts

To stay informed about new articles or mentions, set up Google Alerts for your name or business. This allows you to take quick action if new unwanted content appears.

How to Set Up Google Alerts:

• Go to
• Enter your name or business name.
• Customize your alert settings and create the alert.

Conclusion

Getting articles removed from Google can be a challenging process, but by following these steps, you can effectively manage and improve your online presence. Whether through direct contact, legal requests, or SEO strategies, you have several options to address unwanted content. Stay proactive and monitor your online reputation to ensure it remains positive and professional.

By understanding your options and taking strategic actions, you can successfully remove or suppress unwanted articles, maintaining a clean and positive online presence.