Have you ever considered creating a Wikipedia page for yourself or your business?
Wikipedia is among the top search engine results on Google, and is one of the first “Go-To” sources for facts about just about any notable subject. In fact, Wikipedia is the sixth most visited website on the Internet. Wikipedia publishes over 4.3 million articles in English alone. There is no advertising, and the site is free to use. The site is controlled by volunteer editors who review and edit all new and existing articles.
To ensure that the content is notable, factual, and and contains a neutral point of view, Wikipedia has put in place strict editorial guidelines. In the past, one could create an article and “self-publish” it on Wikipedia without initial editor approval. Now, all new articles MUST meet Wikipedia standards, and many articles that are submitted are rejected outright if they do not meet those standards.
We at Brichouse have created many approved Wikipedia pages for our clients, including TV networks, entertainment personalities, public figures and causes. We know and respect the strict rules that govern Wikipedia’s writing style, their format, content inclusion criteria and the many other rules which make it more and more difficult for companies and individuals to comply with. Retaining a company that can successfully create a neutral article, and in most cases have it approved, is one of the main reasons our clients have turned to us.
How to navigate the world of Wikipedia:
1. You or your company must be “notable” enough.
Not everyone can meet the Wikipedia standards for notability. Notability is tied to the amount of media attention you or your company has received. The subject of an article must have been written about or reported in detail in the national media, or the article will not be approved. If the subject is not referenced in neutral and reputable articles, TV interviews, newspapers or magazines, Wikipedia doesn’t consider it notable enough to warrant a page. ** Your website, blog, press releases, or your social pages are not considered reliable sources.
2. Wikipedia is not to be used as a promotional marketing or review site.
Wikipedia requires all pages to be written in a “neutral point of view”. The type of copy you would find in an encyclopedia. No self-promotion is allowed. Every statement of fact mentioned in an article must be backed up by a source to ensure credibility. Any copy that sounds like a marketing flyer, or offers personal opinions, or attempts to criticize your competition, are deleted. In the cases where there are reliable sources to confirm a controversy of some kind, the wording of that criticism must be factual and completely neutral.
3. Be careful who writes your page.
If a page is submitted and subsequently declined, it becomes more difficult to have it successfully published. It’s best to get it right the first time. Wikipedia is very suspicious of pages written by paid writers on behalf of clients. Wikipedia’s editors have discovered thousands of pages written by PR firms, so they are especially on guard to protect Wikipedia’s stellar reputation for reliability and neutrality. Even famous and very notable individuals have been reprimanded and in some cases blocked from Wikipedia due to “personal edits” which were not unbiased.
4. Rely on Wikipedia Editors to help you.
Once a new page is submitted to Wikipedia, avoid editing the article directly. Instead, go to the “Talk” page of the entry. This discussion section allows you to enlist the help of seasoned Wikipedia editors, who in most cases are happy to help you comply with the “rules”. You can provide your reputable sources on this page, or use other forums on Wikipedia for editor input. If you do elect to self edit your article, invite other editors to review and send feedback. There is also a live support blog which is very helpful if you have any questions, or if you would like to ask another editor to review or edit your article.
5. Avoid disputes with other editors.
Wikipedia provides several options for mediation if there is a disagreement about an edit. There must be “consensus” between editors if a dispute remains unresolved. If you have an approved article, others will likely review and edit your article. Unless the edits are false, or in some way violate Wikipedia’s rules, it’s best to leave the edits as is. However, if you see that false information is being posted on your page, or information that is defamatory, don’t edit it yourself. Instead, post on the “Talk” page of the entry and bring it to the attention of the site’s editors. Wikipedia editors may be tough, but most are very fair and neutral. On the rare occasion that a Wikipedia editor appears to show personal bias, you can ask other editors for “Consensus”. Unless all agree with the biased editor on a dispute about a particular edit, it stands or can be reverted.
We understand Wikipedia’s requirements for: Neutrality, Notability, Verifiability, and No Original Research. In full compliance with Wikipedia, we create, monitor, and update Wikipedia articles on behalf of our clients.
We respect Wikipedia. Our goal is to make a positive contribution, so we not only work to ensure the accuracy of the encyclopedic content about our clients, but we also contribute to the editing process in many other Wikipedia articles.
What we will NOT do:
1. We will not attempt to publish an article that is not notable. In some cases, the subject may actually be notable, but unfortunately there are not enough reliable sources to confirm this fact. If the potential exists for a subject to receive verifiable, reliable media coverage that can be used as a source on Wikipedia, we will advise a client to solicit media coverage, and then re-engage in the process.
2. We do not write and/or post opinionated, biased, or unsupported articles.
3. We do not target the articles that cover our client’s competitors in an attempt to disparage them in any way.
4. We cannot accept articles written or provided by our clients. All copy is written by Brichouse.
5. We will not upload sources such as press-releases, advertorials, or other material that is not in compliance with Wikipedia standards.
6. We will not selectively remove verifiable negative information from our client’s article, or any articles associated with our client. Wikipedia protects articles from vandalism and unbiased editing. However, if negative information is added to an article, (that is not verifiable), we will remove it. In cases where there is a dispute over controversial information, we will work with Wikipedia editors to find consensus when possible.