One of the most consistent problems for online reputation management professionals is determining who to help, and who to let solve their own problems. Search engine reputation management professionals are basically public relations managers who work online–and like that industry, online reputation managers often have certain minimum standards that must be met.

For example: Few online reputation management professionals would take up O.J. Simpson’s cause in the aftermath of his famous murder trial and publicize him positively. Similarly, convicted criminals or corrupt politicians would find it hard to find online reputation management professionals who would take their cases without certain reassurances. Prospective clients in need of help just need to prove that they have been unfairly maligned online in order to convince online reputation management professionals to take their case. Of course, there are also always going to be professionals in the industry who accept any case, regardless of merit.