Have you ever searched for a successful entrepreneur, author, business, or figure in the public eye only to find that a Wikipedia page comes up on the first page of your results?
For many, a Wikipedia page represents the ultimate mark of legitimacy. It can lend credibility and prestige to any other person or organization. Although, writing a Wikipedia page or obtaining one is anything but a clear-cut process. Wikipedia is commonly misunderstood as a platform where anyone can write about their accomplishments without any effort. However, it is not true.
Wikipedia is not meant to be a business directory, personal page, or marketing tool. It is an encyclopedia based on one basic principle: it should only cover the people or organizations that have earned their recognition through reliable and independent sources. In other words, Wikipedia does not make people famous; it only records those who have become famous.
The First Question Wikipedia Asks: Is The Subject Notable?
It is important to note that notability is the primary condition for writing a page for Wikipedia. This concept is often confused with popularity. Many people believe that being a successful business owner or social media influencer automatically means that they should get a page on Wikipedia.
However, Wikipedia has its own definition of notability. According to this definition, a person, company, or organization can be considered notable when they have been properly covered by credible and independent sources.
For instance:
A business owner might have an exceptionally successful company with many employees, but if no one has written about them outside of that company, they will likely not be included in Wikipedia.
At the same time, a smaller company that has been mentioned in well-known newspapers or industry magazines would have a better chance of making it to Wikipedia. The distinction lies in the accolades received by these entities.
Think of Wikipedia as a Reputation Check
One way to look at Wikipedia is as a check of one’s reputation. Imagine someone searches for your name online. The search engine would likely prompt a few questions like these:
- Who are you?
- What have you accomplished?
- Why should people care?
- What independent sources of information acknowledge your significance?
Wikipedia editors think about subjects in similar ways. They do not care about the marketing claims made. They want proof that the subject has made a difference or has attracted attention from sources, organizations, or entities beyond the subject’s own community. A website can tell who you are, but it cannot provide proof of your recognition in the world.
Your social media fans and followers show popularity, but do not represent real encyclopedic value. Independent recognition is the key in this case.
The Power of Independent Media Coverage
The main factor determining if a person is eligible for inclusion in Wikipedia is the presence of information in reliable and trustworthy sources.
Such sources could be:
- National news media
- Trade journals
- Credible online magazines
- Imprints put out by reputable publishing houses
- Scientific publications
- Interviews with industry figures
But it must be noted that not all the information available on the websites is equal.
For instance, a news release distributed by hundreds of portals does not hold the same importance as an in-depth story written by an independent reporter.
Here is an example:
Weak evidence: “ABC company has introduced a new service.”
This is merely a recapitulation of the information supplied by the company itself.
Strong evidence: “How ABC Company has changed the healthcare technology market within the last ten years.”
This is an independent assessment, suggesting that a wider audience is interested in the topic. Wikipedia takes interest in the sources that discuss an issue, rather than repeating the announcement made.
How Do Individuals Qualify for a Wikipedia Page?
For individuals, on the other hand, Wikipedia requires proof that the individual has attained some form of recognition within their profession.
These may include:
Professional Recognition
Awards, leadership positions, important works or achievements, or involvement in any particular industry may prove notability.
Such as:
- A technology entrepreneur who has been awarded for innovations
- A researcher who other researchers quote
- An artist whose work has gained critical acclaim
- A speaker whose lectures have been endorsed by notable entities
Nevertheless, not only achievements but these must also be verified by third-party sources.
Publication and Creative Works
Writers, filmmakers, artists, and other creative people are often eligible on the basis of recognition for their works.
Some examples include:
- Reviews in reputable publications
- Interviews related to their creative process
- Reports about awards or accomplishments
- Academic commentary on their works
Publication of a book or production of a work does not make one eligible to be on Wikipedia automatically. What matters is whether the work has gotten any attention.
How Can a Business Get a Wikipedia Page?
Most businesses seek a Wikipedia page as it helps build credibility with customers and stakeholders. However, the presence of a registered company, professional website, and successful sales figures do not automatically qualify a company.
Usually, Wikipedia considers indications that the company has been recognized externally.
These can be:
- Industry awards highlighted in media
- Profile of the company on an independent platform
- News stories highlighting the growth of the company
- Interviews with the founders/executives
- Analysis by credible business publications
A company with no external existence other than its own marketing platform may find it difficult to fulfill the criteria of Wikipedia.
Pro Tip: Gain Notability First, then Create a Wikipedia Page
The most common mistake that anyone can make is to create a Wikipedia page before they have earned it. Their rationale may be something like: “If I build a Wikipedia page, people will perceive me as credible.”
But the thing about Wikipedia is that it works the other way around.
Instead, you should: Gain recognition first, then write about it.
Do these:
- Showcase your expertise on public platforms
- Get involved in industry conferences
- Receive legitimate media exposure
- Make legitimate accomplishments
- Establish yourself outside of your own platforms
Common Errors that Lead to Rejection of Wikipedia Articles
Many Wikipedia contributions have been turned down as a result of violating the rules of Wikipedia.
Some of the common errors include:
1. Being Promotional in Style
Articles on Wikipedia need to be neutral. Phrases such as: “XYZ company is the world leader in innovation” appear to be promotional in nature.
The style preferred by Wikipedia would be something along the lines of: “XYZ Company was founded in 2015 and received recognition for its technology solutions.”
2. Relying on Self-Published Works
The website, LinkedIn page, and corporate blog might help in the process of gathering information, yet normally, they can’t be used to demonstrate notability. References are needed by Wikipedia in order to verify the information from outside.
3. Creating a Page with Insufficient References
References are necessary for any article on Wikipedia. It is essential that all claims in the article have sources.
Wikipedia Qualification Criteria Checklist
When planning to write a Wikipedia page, check whether:
- Independent publications have discussed my company or me?
- These sources are reputable and established?
- These publications have given a full discussion rather than a mention?
- Has there been any recognition of my accomplishments that has not happened on my website?
- Is my importance verifiable by an unrelated individual?
If your answer to all the questions is “Yes,” then you might be on the right track.
Conclusion: Being a Subject of Wikipedia Requires Patience
A Wikipedia article is not created through promotion; it needs recognition and accomplishment.
Those who have a better chance of being included in Wikipedia are individuals and companies who have earned a good reputation outside their networks.
In order to be eligible for having a Wikipedia page, you should concentrate not only on making the page but also on the story behind the page. Earn independent recognition of your expertise and be notable before you become a subject of Wikipedia.
