In today’s world of Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks, maintaining your online reputation takes on a special priority. Not only can friends and loved ones find you on the Internet, so can employers and prospective customers. Many companies now turn to Google and other search engines to research information about you and other prospects, which makes having a positive online reputation especially important.

The Internet and social media make for excellent platforms to make yourself heard, but for those who’ve been arrested for a crime, the negative publicity that often surrounds a stay in jail can negatively impact your online reputation. After all, a picture may be worth a thousand words, but the last thing you want is your mug shots to speak for you.

For years, law enforcement agencies throughout the nation have made arrest and booking information available to the general public. However, these records can easily circulate throughout the Internet thanks to websites that specialize in posting mug shots and other information. Regardless of whether you've been convicted or gone to trial, having your mug shot on display can negatively influence employers, business partners and just about anyone else who comes across this information.

While there are plenty of online reputation management tools you can use to monitor your online image, you might need a helping hand when it comes to getting rid of those unwanted mementos from the past. Companies like unpublisharrest.com specialize in permanently publishing and unpublishing arrest records and mug shots. When looking for such an online reputation management company, it's important to understand what to look for seeking to choose the company that best meets your needs:

Learn about the reach of the mug shot removal company you choose. You want one that can eliminate your photos from not just one, but all of the main databases in the U.S. A credible online reputation management services company has established relationships with the mugshot database companies and can usually get it done quickly and at a reduced price.

Find out how long it takes for the company in question to provide results. After all, you want all public records of your stint in jail to be erased as soon as possible.

Compare prices with other competitors and make sure your service comes with a money-back guarantee, just in case things don’t go to plan.

In the end, the best online reputation company is one that offers fast and reliable results that lessen the negative impact of your previous mistakes and bad choices.