Can you edit your or your company’s Wikipedia page?
LAST UPDATED – September 2024
Wikipedia Editing for Companies: Best Practices and Considerations
One of the most common questions we get regarding Wikipedia is whether a company can edit its own page.
The short answer is – it’s complicated, and there are important guidelines to follow.
Wikipedia’s Stance on COI – Conflict of Interest
Wikipedia’s purpose is to provide an encyclopedia of impartial knowledge. Content that is promotional, self-serving, or biased will often get flagged or removed by other editors.
Wikipedia’s official policy states:
“You are discouraged from writing articles about yourself or organizations (including their campaigns, clients, products and services) in which you hold a vested interest.”
In essence, editing the Wikipedia page about your own company is discouraged, as Wikipedia aims to ensure its content remains unbiased.
The Risks of Undisclosed Editing
It’s crucial to understand that:
- Wikipedia editors frown upon and may penalize pages that appear to have been edited by the company without transparency.
- Your IP address is recorded and visible to others. Never attempt to edit anonymously using a company-owned IP address.
- The Wikipedia editor community actively tracks changes. Your edits can trigger alerts for engaged editors, who may swiftly revert or challenge your modifications.
Free Consultation regarding your brand’s Wikipedia challenge: Contact Us
The Gold Standard: Disclosed Conflict of Interest (COI) Editing
Over the past few years, a new approach to Wikipedia editing has emerged, known as “disclosed conflict of interest” editing. This method is now considered the best practice for companies seeking to improve their Wikipedia presence. Here’s how it works:
- The company or individual creates a Wikipedia user account.
- They disclose their connection to the subject of the article on their user page or the article’s talk page.
- Instead of directly editing the article, they suggest changes on the talk page, providing reliable sources to support their proposals.
- Independent Wikipedia editors review these suggestions and implement them if they meet Wikipedia’s guidelines.
This approach aligns with Wikipedia’s values of transparency and allows companies to advocate for fair representation while respecting the platform’s rules.
Why Choose Disclosed COI Editing?
- It’s compliant with Wikipedia guidelines, avoiding the risks associated with undisclosed editing.
- It allows for more aggressive advocacy on behalf of your brand, as you’ve already informed the community of your connection.
- It typically leads to better long-term outcomes and a more stable Wikipedia presence.
How We Can Help
At Five Blocks, we specialize in navigating Wikipedia’s complex landscape for our clients. Our services include:
- Notability Analysis: Determining whether an entity has the required coverage for Wikipedia editors to accept and publish a new article.
- Current Page Analysis: Reviewing challenges and opportunities with existing content and sources.
- Content Planning and Drafting: Preparing content and sourcing for potential Wikipedia inclusion.
- Community Engagement: Working with the Wikipedia editor community to review and submit proposed changes via the appropriate talk pages.
- Vandalism Monitoring: Utilizing tools to monitor Wiki pages so that swift action can be taken when needed.
- Foreign Language Pages: Assisting in creating Wikipedia pages in other languages, following the specific guidelines for each.
Free Consultation regarding your brand’s Wikipedia challenge: Contact Us
Important Considerations
- Wikipedia’s editing guidelines are far more intricate than they may appear. The sources, writing style, and editor interaction require significant experience to manage effectively.
- Timing is crucial. Introducing a Wikipedia page in advance of a potential crisis may be beneficial, while doing so during a crisis could backfire.
- Building a positive Wikipedia presence takes time and patience. It’s a long-term strategy that requires consistent effort and adherence to Wikipedia’s principles.
Ready to Improve Your Wikipedia Presence?
If you’re looking to create or improve your company’s Wikipedia page, we offer free consultations to discuss your options and determine the best approach for your specific situation. Our team of experts can guide you through the process of disclosed COI editing, ensuring compliance with Wikipedia’s guidelines while working towards your goals.
Free Consultation regarding your brand’s Wikipedia challenge: Contact Us
Still have questions? See our FAQ
How do I edit an error on my company’s Wikipedia page?
While anyone can edit Wikipedia, it’s best to use the disclosed COI approach.
Best is to work with an experienced firm to suggest changes on the article’s talk page, providing reliable sources to support your corrections.
How do you create a Wikipedia page?
Wikipedia has strict standards for notability, citations, and conflict of interest. We recommend consulting with professionals to navigate these requirements and increase the chances of your page being accepted and maintained.
Can you edit your own Wikipedia page?
Direct editing is discouraged. Instead, work with an experienced team to ensure you are utilizing the disclosed COI method to suggest changes on the talk page and let independent editors implement them.
Who can edit a Wikipedia page?
Anyone can edit most Wikipedia pages, but it’s important to follow the platform’s guidelines, especially regarding conflict of interest.
Can I see who edited a Wikipedia page?
Yes, go to the ‘View History’ tab at the top right of the Wikipedia page. The username of the editor appears next to each change, along with the date.
Remember, working with Wikipedia requires patience, transparency, and adherence to the platform’s principles. By following these guidelines and best practices, you can work towards achieving a fair and accurate representation of your company on one of the world’s most visited websites.
Free Consultation regarding your brand’s Wikipedia challenge: Contact Us
