Ever wondered how a single hit piece can devastate a hardworking entrepreneur’s business? Or how a comedian could turn negative media attention into a positive narrative?
In this episode, Gert and James address a topic that has become crucial in today’s digital age: managing one’s online reputation.
Join Gert as he shares real-life stories, including that of a health product facing damaging allegations and a comedian dealing with bad press. Learn proactive measures to control your narrative and the importance of high-level customer service. Plus, discover how AI can both help and hinder your efforts.
Tune in to discover actionable strategies to protect and enhance your brand’s image online!
Podcast Highlights:
00:00 Prologue
01:00 Podcast INTRO
01:51 Impact of AI on Online Reputation
03:33 SEO focus shifted to include WhatsApp searches
05:01 The importance of training AI algorithms with positive content to influence online reputation
06:06 Examples of how online reviews on platforms can impact a brand’s reputation
08:33 Outrank negative content with positive and neutral
10:28 Branding alert tools essential for online reputation
13:43 Trust is crucial for online reputation management
17:34 What is the approach for dealing with negative content based on the platform it appears on?
21:43 Impact of current events and strategies
26:13 What are significant false accusations (e.g., being wrongly named in a crime), and how to rebrand or redirect negative attention
29:18 The importance of consistent online presence and updating social media profiles
33:12 How to address customer service issues to protect the brand
34:34 James shares personal experiences with poor customer service
37:02 Gert emphasizes the importance of baking brand information into AI algorithms
38:52 End
Connect with Gert Mellak:
Website: https://gertmellak.com/
Email: [email protected]
Connect with James Schramko:
Website: https://www.jamesschramko.com/
Email: [email protected]
My current take
This topic now fits into a broader Search Everywhere Optimization system. Google still matters, but buyers also use AI answers, YouTube, Reddit, reviews, and comparison content before they decide. The practical question is not whether this is an SEO task. The question is whether it helps the right buyer find and trust you.
If you want to know where your current visibility gaps are, start with a diagnostic call or the AI Readiness Check.