Imagine this: you Google your name to check what pops up, and instead of your glowing reviews or gym selfies, you see news of someone with your name getting arrested in Valencia or involved in a Santa Clarita brush fire. Suddenly, your name has an unintended association, and your online presence no longer reflects who you are. Whether you’re a Santa Clarita resident or a celebrity, managing your personal brand online is crucial in today’s world. Here’s how you can clean up outdated or unwanted content online and ensure that when people search for you, they find your story. Why Personal Branding Matters—Even for Non-Celebrities We see this issue play out constantly in Hollywood. Take Katy Perry, for example. When she switched from gospel to pop, she changed her name from Katheryn Hudson to avoid being confused with Kate Hudson. Similarly, Michael B. Jordan added his middle initial to stand apart from the basketball legend. These moves weren’t just practical; they shaped how these stars were perceived. For everyday people in Santa Clarita or beyond, your online reputation works similarly. Whether you’re looking to join classes at LA Fitness or applying for a job at Magic Mountain, your online presence can influence how people perceive you. When it comes to content online, you want to ensure your name is linked to your accomplishments—not to a random arrest or another person’s story. Step 1: Audit Your Online Presence Start with a simple search. Type your name into Google with variations like “Santa Clarita” or “Newhall” to see what comes up. Are there outdated social media posts, old photos, or confusing associations with someone else? Make a list of everything you want to remove or update. Local Example: A resident searching for “Jake Taylor Santa Clarita” might discover that another Jake Taylor was arrested in Canyon Country. Even if it’s not you, it’s essential to control your narrative by pushing your content higher in search results. Step 2: Remove or Hide Outdated Content If you find old posts or irrelevant information, here’s how to take action: Social Media: Go through your accounts and delete or hide posts that no longer represent your goals. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow you to archive content instead of permanently deleting it. Contact Website Owners: If outdated or false information appears on a website, politely contact the owner and request its removal. For example, a local news site like The Signal SCV might be willing to correct or update an article. Leverage Privacy Tools: Platforms like Google offer tools to request the removal of outdated or incorrect search results. Use them to clean up your presence effectively. Professional Online Content Removal Services: For persistent issues, consider hiring services that specialize in online content removal. They can assist with getting outdated or harmful material removed from search results or websites, saving you time and ensuring a polished online presence. Step 3: Push Positive Content Higher The best way to bury unwanted search results is to create new, relevant content. When people search for you, the goal is to ensure that your achievements and interests dominate the first page. Ideas for Fresh Content: Write about local topics, such as where to see fall colors in California or fitness classes at Valencia Westfield Mall. These posts can connect you to your community while boosting your online presence. Share accomplishments. Did you complete a marathon? Take part in a Santa Clarita Canyon workout class? Post it online. Contribute to platforms that showcase your expertise. If you’re a lawyer or entrepreneur in Newhall, write about local legal updates or business trends. Step 4: Take Inspiration from the Pros Celebrities are masters at controlling their narrative. When David Bowie realized he shared a name with Davy Jones from The Monkees, he rebranded entirely, leaning into his Ziggy Stardust persona. Likewise, Vanessa Williams navigated confusion with another actress of the same name by emphasizing her unique projects and talents. These strategies aren’t just for stars. For instance, if your name is tied to fitness in Santa Clarita, focus on sharing content that highlights your involvement with exercise classes at LA Fitness or events at Magic Mountain. Build a strong connection between your name and your interests. Step 5: Be Consistent Across Platforms Ensure your profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and even lesser-used platforms like Twitter or TikTok are up-to-date and professional. Consistency helps search engines associate your name with your preferred narrative, making it harder for unrelated content to dominate. Step 6: Create a Professional Website Nothing says “I own my brand” like having your own website. A simple site with your name in the domain (e.g., JakeTaylorSantaClarita.com) can act as your online headquarters. Include a bio, a blog, and links to your social media. This approach works especially well for professionals and entrepreneurs who want to showcase their skills. Local Impact: Why It Matters in Santa Clarita Santa Clarita is a tight-knit community where local news spreads fast. Whether it’s headlines about fires near Valencia or breaking stories from The Signal SCV, you don’t want someone else’s story tied to your name. For example: If you’re a member of the Young Marines program in Newhall, you want search results to highlight your achievements—not articles about unrelated arrests in Santa Clarita. As a gym instructor at Ignition Fitness, you’d want people searching for “group fitness classes near me” to find your profile instead of unrelated news stories. Take Control of Your Story Whether you’re a Santa Clarita local or a public figure, your online reputation matters. The internet is often the first place people look to learn about you. By following the steps above—auditing your content, removing outdated posts, leveraging online content removal tools and creating new material—you can ensure your name reflects who you are and not someone else. Remember, stars like Katy Perry and Michael B. Jordan faced similar challenges and came out stronger. With a little effort, so can you. Control your narrative, own your name, and make sure your story shines above the noise. The post How to Own Your Online Image and Control Your Search Results appeared first on Santa Clarita Valley Signal.