The Google Test: What Your Prospects Really See When They Search for You

by John Preston  - September 18, 2025

If I go to Google right now and search for you, what am I going to find? Do you even know?

As I mentioned in yesterday's tip, that's one of the first things a customer does when you schedule an appointment. They want to find out everything they can about you, and you need to know exactly what they'll see. Many salespeople have no idea what their online footprint looks like to a complete stranger.

The Private Browser Reality:

Here's the critical part: Don't just search for yourself in your regular browser. Search engines know who you are and will show you personalized results that strangers won't see.

Go to a private/incognito browser first. This gives you the unfiltered view that your prospects get.

The Search Strategy:

Search for multiple variations:

  • Your full name
  • Your name + your city
  • Your name + your company
  • Your name + your industry

The Results Analysis:

If nothing pops up: You have a visibility problem that needs immediate attention.

If something pops up: Make sure it says "I can help you" rather than raising red flags or questions about your credibility.

The Common Problems:

  • No results at all (you're invisible)
  • Outdated information (old jobs, wrong companies)
  • Negative content (complaints, bad reviews)
  • Irrelevant results (someone else with your name)
  • Unprofessional social media (party photos, controversial posts)

The Optimization Opportunity:

Your online presence should tell a clear story:

  • Who you are
  • What you do
  • How you help people
  • Why you're credible
  • How to contact you

The Implementation Plan:

Week 1: Conduct your private browser audit Week 2: Clean up any negative or irrelevant content Week 3: Create or update professional profiles Week 4: Start publishing content to improve your search results

Your Google Audit Challenge:

Right now, open a private browser window and search for yourself. What would a prospect think based on what they find?

If the results don't position you as a credible expert who can solve their problems, it's time to take control of your online narrative.

Remember: Your prospects are already Googling you. The question is whether you're managing what they find.

Comment HELP if your Google results aren't positioning you as the expert you are and want to learn how to optimize your online presence.

#OnlinePresence #PersonalBranding #JPBusinessAcademy

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About 

John Preston

John Preston is a Hall of Fame sales and business coach who transforms complex concepts into actionable insights for entrepreneurs and sales teams, drawing from his 22+ years as a television news reporter and producer. 

As the creator of JP Business Academy, he specializes in making business education accessible through live, engaging training sessions and online teaching.

After successfully running several neighborhood magazines, John discovered his passion for helping other business owners grow. His practical teaching approach has generated over $100 million in sales and helped thousands of entrepreneurs thrive. Based in Danville, Kentucky, he combines business coaching with innovative content creation, including the "40 Flushes" series - business books designed for bite-sized learning.

Through his membership-based platform, which features live webinars, coaching sessions, and practical resources, John continues his mission of making business and sales education digestible, actionable, and entertaining for busy entrepreneurs. Be sure to take his free sales course on handling objections at
ihateobjections.com

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