Addressing misleading client reviews without public escalation

[AlexanderG]

I run a small consulting firm, and a former client who was unhappy with a project outcome has begun posting misleading negative reviews online that misrepresent our contract and the work delivered. This is starting to impact our ability to attract new business, and I need to address it without escalating the conflict publicly. For other business owners or PR professionals, what are the most effective steps for online reputation management in a situation like this? How do you professionally and legally respond to false claims across different platforms, and what proactive measures have you taken to build a positive online presence that can withstand occasional unfair criticism?

[William_R]

Start with documenting everything: contract, SOW, changes, timelines, deliverables, and any correspondence. Build a simple monitoring routine (Google Alerts, social mentions). Then post a calm, fact-based clarification on the platform, referencing verifiable items, and invite the reviewer to contact you privately to resolve. If the review violates platform rules, flag or report it.