Creating an entry for yourself or your business on Wikipedia can be a valuable reputation management tool. However, doing so requires navigating a strict set of rules and principles. Here is what you need to know.
Wikipedia requires that entries be about notable subjects and defines notability as:
“…the property of being worthy of notice, having fame, or being considered to be of a high degree of interest, significance, or distinction. It also refers to the capacity to be such.”
To prove notability, entries must cite authoritative sources.
Examples of authoritative sources include books, academic papers, reports published by credible organizations and articles from news organizations. Self-published books and promotional materials are not considered credible.
If the notability of the subject you are considering for Wikipedia cannot be supported by citations, Wikipedia editors will remove the new entry, often within minutes of its posting.
Anyone can edit, write or remove information on Wikipedia.
Many people are intimidated by the thought of having a Wikipedia entry about them because they fear damaging commentary will be added. But Wikipedia has a rule against featuring contentious material about living people – and this rule is actively supported. Wikipedia’s editors will quickly remove negative commentary unless it is accompanied by solid factual support.
Your entry must adhere to Wikipedia’s core principals.
Wikipedia requires editors maintain a neutral point of view, in addition to providing sources for all statements. Wikipedia will reject material that is written in a promotional style.
