Step by step to your own Wikipedia page
In a nutshell, creating a Wikipedia article requires a few steps. First, you’ll need to open a Wikipedia account. Then search for the topic you want to write about to make sure there isn’t an article on it yet. After that, start researching your topic. Make sure you only use verified sources and stay objective. Create an outline for your article to make sure it’s structured and informative. Write the Wiki article in a neutral tone and add citations where needed. Don’t forget to review and correct your article before publishing it. Once published, update it regularly to get the most value from the online encyclopedia. Keep in mind that the community reviews Wikipedia articles, so make sure your article complies with the guidelines.
What is Wikipedia?
Since its inception in 2001, Wikipedia has grown to become the largest online encyclopedia in the world, with nearly 55 million articles in nearly 300 languages.
Many companies and organizations would like to have their own Wikipedia article. This is not surprising, because these are ranked very high in Google searches (often even number 1) and enjoy a high level of credibility. So how do you create an article on Wikipedia in compliance with the rules of the online encyclopedia without running the risk of it being deleted?
Introduction to the topic: What is a Wikipedia article, and why is it important to write one?
What is written on Wikipedia? A Wikipedia article is an informative contribution to a specific topic. It is important to create such Wikipedia articles in order to expand and share the knowledge of the public. A well-written Wikipedia entry can help thousands of readers better understand a topic. It is a way to show expertise and contribute to the digital information landscape. To create an article for Wikipedia, you must follow certain guidelines and standards, which we will discuss in the following sections.
Research: How to find reliable sources and information for the article?
How to write an article on Wikipedia? Thorough research is essential. Use reliable sources such as reference books, scientific journals, and trustworthy online portals. Avoid personal blogs or opinion pieces. Make sure the information you collect is up-to-date and well-documented. Use libraries and online databases for more in-depth research. Be sure to cite the sources correctly to ensure the credibility of your article. Lastly, be objective and avoid personal opinions in your article.
Structuring the Wikipedia article: How do you do this in a meaningful and clear way?
Structuring a Wikipedia article is an important step. Start with an introduction that briefly describes the content of the article. This is followed by the main part, with subchapters that cover the topic in more detail. Use clear and concise headings for each section to make it easier to navigate. Each subchapter should explain specific aspects in detail. Conclude the article with a “Literature” and “Web Links” section. At the very end of an article, there is an elongated box with “Categories”. Think about which ones are the best fit for your item. You can get inspiration for this from thematically similar articles. A well-structured article will help readers understand and find the information more easily.
Writing style and language: How do you build an article in a clear and understandable language?
To write a Wikipedia article in clear and understandable language, you should remain factual and neutral. Avoid complicated technical terms and write in such a way that even non-experts can understand the content. Use short and concise sentences and make sure that the text is structured logically. Avoid opinions and speculation, instead rely on verifiable facts. Check your text for spelling and grammar to increase readability. Finally, remember to update your article regularly to ensure it stays up to date.
Neutrality and verifiability: How do you ensure that the article is objective and comprehensible?
- Neutrality: Always write from a neutral perspective. Avoid personal opinions and prejudices. Make sure that both sides of an argument are presented fairly.
- Verifiability: Base your information on reliable sources. Always include where your information comes from. This makes the article comprehensible and builds trust.
- Accurate citation: Use recognized citation styles to cite your sources correctly. This makes it easier to verify your information.
- Revision: Have your article reviewed by others. In this way, errors and ambiguities can be cleared up before publication.
Formatting and layout: What are the rules and guidelines for formatting the article?
If you want to be a serious Wikipedia article creator, it is important that you adhere to certain formatting and layout guidelines. Start with an introduction that briefly summarizes the topic. Create an info box (just to the right of the introduction). Lists and tables are useful for displaying information. Add footnotes to cite sources. A well-formatted article makes it easier for readers to understand and process the information provided.
Revision and proofreading: How to check the article for errors and improve it?
- Start with a thorough reading of the article. Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Check the quality and accuracy of the information. Use reliable sources to confirm the facts.
- Make sure the style is neutral and objective. Wikipedia’s articles should not contain expressions of opinion.
- Make sure the article is well-structured. It should have a clear introduction, body and conclusion.
- Check that all sources used are cited correctly.
- Lastly, ask a third party to read the article. You might have missed flaws that a fresh pair of eyes can spot.
Publication and maintenance: How to publish the article and update and maintain it later?
To publish a Wikipedia article, click on “Save page”. Make sure you follow Wikipedia guidelines. After publication, it is important to maintain the article. This means that you should regularly check that the information is up-to-date and accurate. You can make changes by clicking on “Edit”. It’s also helpful to monitor the article’s talk page to get feedback from other users and respond to their suggestions. Remember that every Wikipedia article is a collaborative project, and collaboration and respect are important.
When is an article on Wikipedia ready?
Wikipedia’s entries are never really “finished”. They can always be improved and updated. Other Wikipedia editors can do this too. Every author should always keep an eye on their own articles, regularly check them for topicality and update them if necessary.
Good tips from HubSpot
As a good summary for all those who search Google for “wikipedia how to write good articles” or “wikipedia article writing” or similar, we refer to a post from HubSpot at the end of our blog, from which we like to quote below:
Create an author account
Before writing an article, the author must create a Wikipedia account. Most Wikipedia writers do not publish under their real names but have adopted a pseudonym.
Topic check
Firstly, it should be checked whether the chosen topic already exists. If this is the case, there is no need for a further contribution. In this case, it makes more sense to expand or improve the existing article.
Relevance check
Wikipedia wants the topic to have a “long-lasting significance for the public”. There is a certain amount of room for interpretation here, depending on one’s own point of view. If there are doubts about the relevance, there is usually a discussion among Wikipedia writers, which can lead to the deletion of the article if the author cannot prove the notability criteria.
For companies, the following relevance criteria essentially apply: At least 1,000 full-time employees, annual turnover of more than 100 million euros, alternatively it can be traded on the stock exchange, have at least 20 permanent establishments or dominate the market for a relevant product group or service or be an innovation leader. The latter is especially true for creative start-ups.
References
Anyone who writes an article without citing the source or, for example, only refers to the company’s website, does not comply with the obligation to provide evidence. Possible sources include specialist literature, articles in magazines, high-quality TV and film reports as well as online articles. The better the statements are substantiated, the more credible the article becomes.
Write the article
Before creating an article in wiki space, the article should be completely pre-written, all sources should be checked and placed in the right places on the article. Next, the article needs to be wiki-compliant, which can overwhelm beginners. This is especially true for references, where mistakes are often made. They are displayed when the “Show preview” button is clicked before publishing. Thus, there is an opportunity to eliminate the errors. Wikipedia does not offer a spell checker. Therefore, it is particularly important to check the texts carefully for spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Categories and Wiki links
Once the article has been published, it can still be assigned to appropriate topic categories. In addition, it makes sense to provide an internal link to important terms in the article. This links to other Wikipedia articles so that readers can quickly find more information.
Updates
After the Wikipedia entry is published, it is reviewed by other Wikipedia editors. If suggestions for improvement are made, they should be heeded and implemented, otherwise the article may be deleted. In general, other authors can also improve the article. Ultimately, it is an open process. If mistakes are made, they can be corrected. It is always important that the authors communicate objectively and fairly with each other.
Create Wikipedia page: Help and advice
Conclusion: Writing and publishing Wikipedia articles is not witchcraft. The points outlined above should be followed to avoid that the article created with a lot of effort is not proposed for deletion. If you are unsure, you should contact experienced Wikipedia writers. There is a Wikipedia hotline for this purpose.
Uwe Schmidt, CEO of the German PR agency Industrie-Contact (IC)
Do you need advice on how to create a Wikipedia page?
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