How to Control Google Image Results for Your Name

Image results are often the first thing people see. You can shape them by publishing good photos and removing unwanted ones.

For many people, the first thing they see about you in a search is a row of images. A single old photo or a mugshot can shape an impression before anyone reads a word. Controlling image results is therefore an important part of managing your reputation.

The approach combines removing what you can, publishing good images and helping search engines understand which ones belong to you.

Steps

1. Search your name in ImagesNote each unwanted picture and where it is hosted.
2. Remove what you canContact the host and use Google's request forms.
3. Choose a profile photoUse the same professional photo on key profiles.
4. Optimise imagesUse descriptive file names and alt text on your website.
5. Publish more imagesAdd event, speaking or work photos on trusted sites.
6. MonitorCheck images regularly.

How images get into results

Google Images draws pictures from web pages. It looks at the image file, the text around it, the title of the page and the file name and alt text. Images from profiles you control, such as your website and LinkedIn, can appear if they are well labelled and the pages rank well.

Removing unwanted images

• Find where each image is hosted and ask the owner to remove it
• Use Google's forms for personal information, explicit imagery and copyright
• Ask for outdated images to be refreshed after they are changed
• Record every request and its result

Putting good images in front

Choose a professional photo and use it consistently across your profiles. Add a few additional images from events or work. On your website, use descriptive file names such as your name with your job title, add alt text that describes the image and place images near relevant text. Embed images on pages that already rank well.

Be careful with privacy

Do not publish images that reveal your home, your family or other details you want to protect. Check the metadata of photos before you upload, because it can include location data. Think about how an image might look in a few years.

A simple image checklist

• Use the same professional headshot on your main profiles
• Name image files with your name and role instead of random numbers
• Write short, accurate alt text for each image
• Place images next to relevant text on pages that rank well
• Request removal of unwanted images from search and from the source
• Check image results every month

Following a checklist makes the work less overwhelming and ensures that you do not skip simple steps.

Email us for help with removals.

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information, not legal advice. DMCA Reputation is not a law firm.