DEAR VICKI My company got some bad press a few years back – can I get this scrubbed from Google?

My company was the subject of some bad press a few years ago, which is the first thing that pops up when you put our name into Google. It’s not representative of who we are these days. Is there a way of over-riding this search result?

In today’s digital world, where online information carries significant weight, sustaining a positive online image is essential. It heavily influences how individuals perceive, trust and engage with businesses. Consequently, as a business owner, negative search results are understandably of concern.

Most internet users rarely venture beyond the first page of search results.

Moreover, studies reveal that a staggering 70pc of purchasing decisions are influenced by online reviews, with 90pc of consumers relying heavily on search engines such as Google to guide their choices.

Given these statistics, it is essential to manage your online reputation and cultivate a positive digital footprint. By doing so, you not only safeguard your business’s image but also enhance its credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of potential customers.

While submitting the post to Google for review is an option, the platform usually doesn’t remove content from search results unless it breaches specific legal guidelines. But while deletion of negative search results might not be achievable, using strategic online-reputation management can diminish the visibility of negative posts online.

Essentially, this approach entails inundating search results with positive content that search engines prioritise over negative ones.

To achieve this, you need to create high-quality and up-to-date “good news” stories that reflect your current business.

Through content creation and publication over several months, positive information should gradually supplant the negative content in search rankings.

Establishing a presence on various platforms also ensures positive content takes precedence when individuals search for your business.

Unless you have a dedicated colleague who is good at implementing these strategies, managing your online reputation can be too time-consuming for many business owners.

Therefore, seeking assistance from a reputable online-reputation management company could be beneficial.

These professionals are adept at efficiently managing online profiles, creating original content, and mitigating unwanted search results, thereby relieving business owners of this challenging responsibility.

Hi Vicki, I’m planning to launch a new business this year, and I’m wondering what type of structure to use. Is a limited company best, or are there drawbacks to it?

Choosing to operate as a limited company offers entrepreneurs many advantages. In Ireland, they benefit from a favourable corporation tax rate, of 12.5pc.

Another plus is the limited liability protection they provide to shareholders. In the event of business insolvency, the personal assets of directors or shareholders are shielded from liability. Only the company’s assets are used to settle debts.

By establishing a limited company, you create a legal entity separate from yourself. Directors have access to various tax reliefs, enabling them to minimise personal liabilities. Operating as a limited company enhances credibility within the industry, and increases eligibility for government grants. Companies are also more likely to secure credit approval.

You must weigh these benefits against the drawbacks, including the costs of setting up and closing a limited company, the time it takes, and the administrative burden of corporate filings. The public will have access to your financial accounts, and directors have fiduciary duties, and face fines for non-compliance.

Registering as a sole trader is more straightforward. There are fewer legal filings and no requirements to prepare financial statements.

On the flip side, if things go wrong in their business sole traders face the risk of creditors having a claim on their personal assets to settle debts, potentially leading to personal bankruptcy. Profit is taxed at personal rates and there are limited opportunities to avail of pension tax breaks.

Many people start as sole traders, and convert to a limited company as their needs dictate.

‘As a sole trader, there are fewer legal filings and no requirements to prepare financial statements’

About Vicki O’Toole

A director of Limerick Racecourse, Vicki O’Toole runs her own company, Tola Consultancy. Do you have a question about your business you would like to ask Vicki? Email finance@independent.ie