Before hiring an online reputation management (ORM) provider, ask what content appears, where it appears, and which response options are realistic. Be cautious of removal promises made before the provider reviews the case.
Start with a case review
Ask what is ranking, where it originated, how credible the claim is, which audiences are affected, and which platforms are involved. Responses may include content changes, platform reports, review responses, media handling, or monitoring. Legal questions may require counsel.
Ask how tactics are chosen
- How do they handle search results differently from social content?
- When do they recommend a platform report or legal review?
- How do they avoid fake reviews, spam, or misleading content?
- What will they monitor and report over time?
Look for clear explanations of evidence and trade-offs, including cases where a response could draw more attention to the issue.
Keep the response defensible
Fake reviews, spam, aggressive takedown attempts, and misleading content can harm credibility. Do not assume content can be removed or that a particular tactic will change search results.
Agree what progress will be measured
Depending on the case, reports may track search-result composition, branded search pages, or review trends. Agree which measures are available and keep them separate from sales and other business outcomes.
Choose a provider who explains the case, options, limits, and reporting before work begins.