How we helped a small farm shop defend its reputation

Many small business owners will recognise the sinking feeling that comes when a single disgruntled customer, even after attempts have been made to address their concerns, launches into an online campaign to destroy a reputation built over many years and thousands of hours of hard labour. This was exactly what happened to our client in this case study. We share how we helped the owners of a rural farm shop stop a campaign of fake reviews and defamatory posts, protect their reputation, and regain control.

Read more: Fighting fake reviews and online defamation

How a social media post caused a professional nightmare

Our client, a dentist working in Manchester, contacted us after his life was turned upside down by a single moment and an even faster-moving online backlash. One misunderstood comment outside a nightclub, followed by an Instagram story accusing him of harassment, snowballed into a near reputational ruin only spared by his fast response and prompt legal advice he sought. This case centres around one critical theme: how defamation via social media, even without formal charges or evidence, can destroy a career and future prospects.

Read more: Case study: defamed after misgendering – when social media destroys reputations

Instagram has become a breeding ground for anonymous online abuse. Many people find themselves the target of defamatory posts, doctored images or invasive content shared without consent. These attacks often come from hidden accounts, making it very difficult to take action, especially for people trying to resolve matters on their own. But there is a solution, and there is hope. Disclosure is possible through the courts in England. With expert legal help, victims can take meaningful steps to identify the people behind the abuse and begin to put things right.

How our client fought back and got defamatory reviews removed from Trustpilot

Imagine spending years building a trusted brand, only to find your company accused of being a scam online. That’s exactly what happened to one UK home and garden retailer, who found themselves under attack on Trustpilot.

Dozens of anonymous reviews claimed fraud, dishonesty and worse, none of it true. The platform refused to help. Here’s how we helped restore their online reputation, got the worst reviews removed, and forced Trustpilot to give back control.

Read more: Trustpilot reviews nearly ruined this business - until we stepped in

How review websites get to the top of Google searches for your company's name

This video illustrates how certain techniques make defamatory content highly visible on Google search results, leading to significant financial losses for UK businesses. The video provides insights into legal remedies available to businesses, including the removal of harmful reviews from Google.

Legal help for businesses facing fake and defamatory online reviews

Every day, businesses across the UK are targeted by fake and damaging online reviews. These attacks are often malicious, sometimes even planted by competitors, and they can quickly ruin reputations built over years—if not decades. At our firm, we specialise in helping business owners not only remove these harmful reviews but also restore their good name. Here's how we helped one client fight back and reclaim control over their business identity.

Read more: Facing fake online reviews as a business? This is how we helped one client fight back

Unique features of defamation on social media

If someone has posted false or harmful statements about you online, you may be facing social media defamation. This can damage your reputation, impact your personal and professional life, and leave you feeling powerless. However, you do have options. Understanding what defamation is and how to respond can help you take the right steps to protect yourself and your reputation.

Read more: Social media defamation

Helping You Navigate Defamation Claims: Protecting Your Small Business and Reputation

Defamation can significantly impact your business, especially when you're working hard to build your reputation and client base. Small businesses, in particular, face unique challenges when it comes to defamation claims—whether the defamatory remarks target your company or you personally as a director or owner. Let’s explore how we assist our clients in navigating these challenges, particularly under the Defamation Act 2013, and help them overcome some of the legal hurdles they may face.

Read more: Defamation against a business