We often get inquiries from companies asking if they can get an article on Wikipedia. This wish is understandable. Wikipedia is very often the top search hit when searching online. It is also one of the most visited websites in the world.
So you cannot care what is in Wikipedia. Anyone wishing to be included in the online reference work must first be relevant to the encyclopedia. After all, Wikipedia is not a general directory of people, associations, organizations or companies. Articles should only be created for people and institutions of encyclopedic importance.
The online lexicon has always been characterized by neutrality, balance and the pursuit of quality. To accommodate this, we first check the importance of the company based on the relevance criteria of the encyclopedia.
Wikipedia pages increase the reach of large companies
The prominent placement of Wikipedia pages in Google search makes it tempting for companies to publish their own article. In the best case, it increases the recognition and reach of the company. However, Wikipedia’s relevance criteria ensure that the work is not worthwhile for everyone. It is, therefore, better to find out in advance exactly what type of page is suitable for you.
Relevance criteria for companies
Companies are considered relevant for an entry in Wikipedia if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- The company has at least 1,000 full-time employees.
- The company’s annual turnover is more than 100 million dollars.
- The company maintains at least 20 business locations, branches, locations, branches or shops.
- Have a dominant position or innovative pioneering role for a relevant product group or service
In addition to these quantitative and clearly verifiable criteria, there are other options for companies to be considered relevant for the encyclopedia. On the one hand, a dominant position in a relevant product group or service is important. An innovative pioneering role in a field that is characterized by imitators also makes companies important for Wikipedia. However, independent evidence must be provided for this. If you have neglected press work here, there may be a gap between self-perception and external perception. Press releases or your own website are not sources in the sense of Wikipedia.
The criteria are closely monitored by the Wikipedia community, and that’s a good thing, because it ensures the quality of Wikipedia. It is not about presenting the company, but about making a contribution to the encyclopedia.
Relevance criteria for clubs, associations, networks and citizens’ initiatives
The criteria are different for clubs, associations, networks and citizens’ initiatives. They are considered relevant when they are:
- Are of national importance
- Have attracted special media attention
- Have a special tradition
- Have a significant number of members.
Again, it is essential to prove this through media reports or entries in other dictionaries. Publications do not count.
Relevance criteria for people
People become encyclopedically relevant based on a variety of possible criteria, which vary from industry to industry. An important indicator of the relevance of a living person is the mention in a recognized biographical reference work. Also notoriety in relation to a share in historical, political or other news worthy events write a person’s importance and relevance for Wikipedia to. Not to forget public relevance in the entertainment industry. Also, if you are not aware of the major technicalities of Wikipedia page and article, you can turn to Wikipedia Editors for Hire. They can help you enhance the quality of your Wikipedia article and page.
Relevance does not mean that you can write what you want!
Wikipedia is one of the most important sources of information in the world, which naturally arouses desires, especially among companies. The central idea of the Wikipedia project is quickly forgotten in the digital age. Imagine that you would appear in a classic, printed encyclopedia. You don’t expect a business directory or advertising there, but useful, relevant and well-founded information. So if you want to gloss over the truth or omit things, Wikipedia is harmful. What is published must be correct.
Conclusion
As an agency with a lot of experience in the area of public relations in Wikipedia, we advise companies to take a neutral look at what Wikipedia is and what it is not. Company articles reflect the history of a company with all the ups and downs that have existed. Also important to know that a company article is about the company and only marginally about its products – unless they are particularly relevant.