How to create a Wikipedia page for business goals
Experience has shown that many people have a stereotype that Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia, where you can write anything and write about anyone. No surprise, because the world encyclopedia positions itself as an open and accessible resource for everyone.
Wikipedia has requirements for all articles in their content, composition, and subject significance (Notability) of the article.
Our American partners, who have been working in different language sections of Wikipedia for more than 13 years, some of which are Wikipedia administrators and members of the Wikimedia Foundation, tell a different story about Wikipedia. For them, Wikipedia is a well-organized system with its hierarchy, which efficiently enables to remove non-encyclopedic information and delete pages that do not comply with the rules of the project. The hierarchy consists of managers (administrators and bureaucrats), engineers (who ensure accurate functioning of templates and markings) and participants involved in reviewing articles (editors, reviewers). Plus, other statuses that are rather auxiliary.
Hierarchy of Wikipedia
In 90% of cases, users who are not familiar with fundamental rules and do not have a particular influence within Wikipedia face many obstacles. The information which is attempted to be entered to Wikipedia by that such novices is either deleted or modified within a few hours because it does not comply with the rules. Wikipedia has requirements for all articles in their content, composition, and subject notability of the article. Often those who attract PR to do this work are deprived of a possibility to make an entry in Wikipedia about themselves or their organization. The main reason is that most people from the PR area are used to exalt and create a favorable image for the client’s money. Wikipedians are extremely sensitive to any form of advertising in the world encyclopedia. In practice, in 80% of cases, PR people fail when it comes to Wikipedia.
Unlike expensive advertising, things that are written in Wikipedia are trusted by the vast majority.
Why Wikipedia?
Here are just some examples of its practical value:
1) Wikipedia is, in fact, one of the most visited sites in the world (5th place by 2018). Wikipedia articles about you and your organizations automatically rise to the top of Google’s search engine;
2) Unlike expensive advertising, things that are written in Wikipedia are trusted by the vast majority. In general, the information presented in Wikipedia is perceived as reliable and unbiased information. No matter how much money you spend on promotion, after all, it is paid for and people doubt sponsored materials in contrast to the information displayed in Wikipedia;
3) Prevalant common stereotype is “If you or your organization has a page in Wikipedia, you left a mark in history.”, and this convention can be used for your own benefit;
4) For most people, an article in Wikipedia article is a sign of the status of a person or organization; Wikipedia can affect the cost of goods or services. As our American partners say, there are cases when owing to the creation of a Wikipedia page, some athletes increased the value of a contract with a new club;
6) Wikipedia is a practical tool for improving the negative image of a person or organization. Wiki pages reach first lines in search results on the page almost in every search engine. All negative content about the subject of the article falls under. Majority trusts Wikipedia and it significantly neutralizes defamatory information. There are many examples in the experience of our American partners when politicians started their careers with Wikipedia. During elections, there is a lot of dirt against any political figure, but Wikipedia entries on the first lines of search queries. The electorate primarily trusts Wikipedia;
7) The cost of creating a page in Wiki is a lot less than an average monthly advertising cost (TV, Radio, Print, Outdoor, SEO, SMM);
8) Sometimes people make a Wikipedia page gift. The effect of pleasant surprise for a loved one or a business partner is guaranteed.
But it’s not that simple
Wikipedia has a somewhat conflicting environment. Difficulties for an outsider will start from the MediaWiki markup down to the disputes with more experienced participants. Each Wikipedia member, regardless of the language section, has his own attitude and principles; al totaled by their experience and knowledge of the rules, it will be difficult to convince them into your position. Wikipedia editors are not interested in the success of individuals and organizations that write articles or supplement information. It is all about the quality of sources.
We work only within the rules of Wikipedia.
We regularly receive requests from customers to enter or revise data in Wikipedia. And we successfully deal with these kinds of tasks. We create the necessary information sources. We work with administrators of different language sections in Wikipedia, to have as a result correct revisions and creation of impartial articles on Wikipedia. We work only within the rules of Wikipedia. Aforementioned is advantageous for our clients and the world encyclopedia.
