Ever wondered how people end up with their own Wikipedia page? Whether you’re a business owner, artist, author, or just someone who thinks they or their work deserves recognitionโWikipedia page creation can feel like entering a world full of rules and editors. But donโt worry. This guide breaks it all down for you in simple, clear steps.
Creating a Wikipedia page is not simply typing your story on a blank pageโit’s finding a garden in which you can plant a seed and tell contributing gardeners what you are doing. You have to find the right soil (notability), do the planting (say, including credible sources), and after that, maintain it (adhering to Wikipedia guidelines and conventions). Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? Letโs get started.
1. What Is Wikipedia Page Creation?
Wikipedia page creation is the action of writing and publishing a new article on Wikipedia about a person, brand, organization, or topic. Whereas blogs and social media are more subjective sources, everything on Wikipedia must be factual, neutral and sourced. It is an encyclopedia, not a marketing opportunity.
2. Can Anyone Create a Wikipedia Page?
Technically, yes. Anyone with a connection to the internet can create a Wikipedia account and start editing. Butโand it is a big butโnot every page stays up. Wikipedia editors are constantly reviewing articles. If they determine your page doesn’t meet their standards, it could be flagged for deletion or possibly deleted.
3. What Makes You Eligible? (Notability)
Here is the first hurdle: notability. Wikipedia only accepts articles about people, or topics, that have received coverage from independent reliable sources such as reputable newspapers, books or notable websites.
So ask yourself:
- Have you or your work been mentioned in multiple independent articles?
- Are the sources reliable? (ex. BBC, Forbes, The New York Times).
If not, you need to build your reputation before giving it another attempt.
4. Do You Need Reliable Sources?
Absolutely no doubt. Without ongoing, strong, reputable references, your page won’t stand a chance.
The references should be:
- From influential publications.
- Independent from you (not your personal blog or press release).
- Factually accurate and comprehensive.
Think of your sources as the base of a house. If it isn’t strong, everything will cave in.
5. How to Create a Wikipedia Page: Step-by-Step
Letโs get to the coreโhow to create a Wikipedia page:
Step 1: Create a Wikipedia account
Go to Wikipedia and sign up. This lets you edit and track pages.
Step 2: Start small by editing existing pages
Build your reputation. Make a few edits to existing articles. This shows youโre serious.
Step 3: Draft your article in the sandbox
The โsandboxโ is your private space to draft your page. Write your article here, and include all citations.
Step 4: Follow the Manual of Style
Wikipedia has specific rules for how content should be written. Avoid bias, write in third-person, and donโt promote.
Step 5: Submit the page for review
Once done, submit it for review. If it passes, itโll go live. If not, youโll get feedback.
6. What Should You Avoid?
When you’re new to Wikipedia page creation, itโs easy to make mistakes. Hereโs what to avoid:
- Writing about yourself directly (it can be seen as a conflict of interest).
- Using promotional language.
- Lacking proper references.
- Copying content from elsewhere.
Think of Wikipedia like a libraryโeverything must be neutral and proven.
7. How to Keep Your Page Live
Your page isnโt safe just because it went live. Editors can still flag or delete it. Here’s how to protect it:
- Update it with new, reliable info.
- Avoid editing too much yourself.
- Encourage editors to contribute neutrally.
Treat it like a gardenโprune and nurture it, donโt dominate it.
8. Is It Okay to Hire a Wikipedia Expert?
Yes, but be careful. There are legitimate Wikipedia writers for hire, and there are shady ones too. Make sure the person:
- Follows Wikipedia guidelines.
- Uses proper sources.
- Discloses paid editing.
If youโre unsure how to create a Wikipedia page on your own, hiring help can save time and prevent mistakes.
10. Final Thoughts on Page Creation
Establishing your own Wikipedia page is not unsolvable, but it’s definitely not as easy as when you simply create a post for Instagram. You will need some credibility, local sources, and an unbiased view of the story. Basically, think of it as creating your own spot in an encyclopediaโnot claiming it!
And if you’re not quite there yet? Start by developing your own digital footprint. Write some guest posts, have some media exposure, and let your story blossom organically. Then the Wikipedia entry, if the opportunity arises will be a cherry on the topโnot the start of your story.