Overview of Wikipedia
Wikipedia is an encyclopedia that anyone can access to gain authentic and reliable information all across the globe. A user just needs to have an internet connection. It is an open-source platform. That simply means anyone can edit and create content through it.
The content available on Wikipedia is contributed and edited by several volunteers. In case you also want to contribute to Wikipedia then you should read their contribution guidelines.
Volunteers from diverse linguistic backgrounds, belonging to different countries contribute to Wikipedia from all over the world. You can find articles on Wikipedia mostly in English, Cebuano, Swedish, German, French, Dutch, Russian and Italian. Articles in other languages are also available on the Wikipedia platform but these are the most used languages
Let’s have a look at the most common languages on Wikipedia in millions.
Tips to qualify for Wikipedia page
In case you are thinking about how do you qualify for a Wikipedia page then you will not regret reading the tips that are mentioned below.
Tip no 1: Your username should represent you as an individual
If you want to qualify for a Wikipedia page then must keep in mind that the username you pick for page creation should represent you solely and should not represent any firm. You can either use a pseudonym or your own name but make sure not to add the client’s name or any product or service by him. If you do anything that is mentioned as strictly prohibited then you will face consequences as a result of instant blocking of your page. The authorities will unblock your page if you change the username.
Tip no 2: Focus on notability guidelines
If you think that everyone can have a Wikipedia page and utilize this platform for their own purposes then you are living in a myth. You need to put all your focus on Wikipedia’s notability guidelines. As Wikipedia is not for marketing purposes and not a business directory so it is vital to create a Wikipedia article on such a subject that already has in-depth exposure and can be referenced through the published resources.
Tip no 3: Never make direct edits to live articles
Wikipedia rejects edits on live articles and does not encourage this practice. In case you think that there should be editing on any live article then you should approach the writer and provide suggestions about how they can further improve this. You can have a healthy discussion with them regarding the proposed changes.
Tip no 4: Avoid biases
It is necessary to stay neutral otherwise it will affect your credibility. Try to create such type of content that must provide balanced vibes to a reader so he will get satisfied that the content he is reading or taking inspiration from is legit, authentic, and unbiased. Especially in case, you create a page for any company then make sure to add a neutral element so any reader cannot identify whether you wrote it for any organization or not.
Tip no 5: Create a rough draft
You need to generate a rough draft at first. After that ask any professional Wikipedia writer and editor to read your article and point out sections where the improvement must be needed. You can also post your article to Wikipedia talk pages and ask random editors to propose changes in your article so you can grow and learn. But you need to keep in mind that some consider this practice unethical. Make sure not to add your rough draft to Wikipedia without several reviews.
Tip no 6: Refrain from spam
Most important thing is to avoid spamming. Your article must not contain a promotional link and promotional content. It will question your neutrality and might generate trust issues in the reader’s mind. Also, Wikipedia authorities will not approve it.
Steps to create a Wikipedia page
There are a few steps by following which your queries like how to create a Wikipedia page and how to get a Wikipedia page approved will be resolved. Follow the steps below to create an effective Wikipedia page.
Step no 1: Create an account.
The first and foremost step of page creation is you need to create an account. Add your own name as a username or create any pseudo name it’s up to you. Make sure not to add such a username that shows you are promoting any organization or any other person. After deciding a username, generate a unique password for your account.
Step no 2: Get promoted to an autoconfirmed user.
The second step is to get promoted as an autoconfirmed user. The requirements to get promoted as an autoconfirmed user differ with respect to different scenarios. However, the accounts that promote the English language should be 4 days old and require 10 edits at least which also includes the deleted ones, then the account will be considered as an autoconfirmed user.
Step no 3: Create the page.
So here comes the most challenging step which is the creation of a Wikipedia page. Structure your page in such a way that it provides all the necessary and relevant information. You can add a general overview, or table of contents, then add the firm’s history or other vital information. Make sure that all the info you add on your page must be helpful for the new page visitors
Step no 4: Provide citations.
Add citations to your Wikipedia page for this purpose and utilize those sources that are independent. You cannot add blogs, social media content, and tabloid journalism content for citations. If you are creating a page for the company then keep in mind that the company’s websites and press releases can only utilize the basic facts and stats as they are non-independent sources. Although you can add published and verified content that is independent of your subject.
Step no 5: Submit the page for review.
Once you are done with all the above-mentioned steps then it’s time to submit your page for a review. It will be reviewed by Wikipedia authorities and after that, it will be published on Wikipedia’s official site, if they acknowledge your page’s credibility.
Step no 6: Update it regularly.
You need to stay vigilant and update your page with recent happenings. If you are running a company’s page then timely update it with recent developments. It is necessary to update it on time. Make your audience realize that they are reading an updated article so they will know you as an active contributor.
Wikipedia core content policies
Verifiability
One of Wikipedia’s core content policies is to make sure that the content is from a reliable source. For this purpose, it also encourages its contributors to use verifiable sources for references so the reader will rely on Wikipedia’s credibility. Also, Wikipedia ensures that the content that is published must come from a verifiable source.
No original research
Another content policy is that Wikipedia does not encourage original research. That means one cannot create raw or fresh content instead he must create content that is liable to any reliable published resource.
Neutral Point of view
Another core content policy of Wikipedia is that any article or encyclopedia must be written without any biases, and must provide a neutral point of view to the readers. Any content on Wikipedia must represent a neutral and fair point of view.
Wikipedia page contributors
Total No of contributions
On a daily basis, millions of diligent contributors contribute to Wikipedia with their fresh articles and edit on the already generated content.
Wikipedia contributors
| Contributors | Their contributions to Wikipedia |
| Scholars | These researchers use Wikipedia as an extra distribution platform and allow others to read their work. |
| Insiders | They contribute with in-depth insights of an organization |
| Marketers | They are the individuals, staff, members, or a PR firm seeking to promote a product, service, or brand and contribute as per the need of the firm. |
| Dabblers | These are the individuals who try to help when observing any issue with the content. |
| Students | They contribute in the context of any subject matter, mostly related to academics. |
| Archivists | They provide insights about the museum, archive, old civilizations, and artifacts, like 18th-century paintings |
| Evil-doers | They are the contributors who use Wikipedia for spamming and vandalism. Although they are evil-doers , the content they add can count as a contribution to Wikipedia. |
| Enthusiasts | These individuals contribute to a specific subject of their choice for instance cars. |
Conflict of interest guide
Be clear
You need to be clear about conflict of interest.
Never try to create or edit articles about your:
Company, clients, family, friends, competitors, and yourself
Contribute to the talk page
It will be beneficial for you if you add your input to the article’s talk pages.
Do not promote, shout out, or sell anything.
As an editor, you are responsible for the summary, information, and citations. Never try to promote or sell anything on Wikipedia it will violate the neutrality principle.
Content should have supporting stats and facts
Your article must include valid facts and stats. Do not add general content.
Principles of getting yourself on Wikipedia
Wikipedia is designed for reference, not promotion
Being the top encyclopedia Wikipedia helps and assists individuals in gathering authentic information for their research, studies, and for other general purposes. But promotional content on Wikipedia is highly prohibited.
Cooperation, patience, and courtesy are important.
Wikipedia urges its writers and editors to show cooperation, patience, and courtesy while contributing to this platform.
Content must be neutral
Wikipedia highly encourages and supports content that is fair and unbiased.
Key Takeaways
To make a Wikipedia page approved following are the key takeaways that must be kept in view:
- If you want to qualify for a Wikipedia page then must keep in mind that the username you pick for page creation should represent you solely and should not represent any firm.
- Your article must not contain a promotional link and promotional content. It will question your neutrality and might generate trust issues in the reader’s mind. Also, Wikipedia authorities will not approve it.
- Wikipedia rejects edits on live articles and does not encourage this practice. Also, never try to promote or sell anything on Wikipedia it will violate the neutrality principle.
- Try to create such type of content that must provide balanced vibes to a reader so he will get satisfied that the content he is reading or taking inspiration from is legit, authentic, and unbiased
- It is necessary to keep your page updated. Make your audience realize that they are reading an updated article so they will know you as an active contributor.
FAQs
Who can get a Wikipedia page?
If you think that anyone can have a Wikipedia page and utilize this platform for their own purposes then you are living in a myth. Wikipedia is not for marketing purposes. However, anyone who wants to learn and grow with Wikipedia and wants to make constructive contributions to it, then can create his page and even edit the already published ones.
How do you qualify for a Wikipedia page?
Your username should represent you as an individual. Focus on notability guidelines. Never make direct edits to live articles. Avoid biases, and create a rough draft before creating a final article.
How to get a Wikipedia page approved?
In case you are wondering how to make a Wikipedia page approved then you need to follow 6 basic steps.
Step No 1: Create an account: To get your page approved it is obvious to have a page first. For this purpose, you will require a Wikipedia account.
Step No 2: Get promoted to an autoconfirmed user: After that get promoted as an autoconfirmed user. For this, your account must be 4 days old and you need to perform at least 10 edits.
Step no 3: Create the page: Structure your page in such a way that it provides all the necessary and relevant information.
Step no 4: Add citations: Add citations to your Wikipedia page for this purpose and utilize those sources that are independent.
Step no 5: Submit the page for review: Once you are done with all the above-mentioned steps then it’s time to submit your page for a review
Step no 6: Update it regularly: You need to stay vigilant and update your page with recent happenings.
