You’ve probably Googled yourself (or your business) and thought – wouldn’t it be nice if a Wikipedia page popped up too?
It’s tempting. A Wikipedia article adds credibility, helps with search visibility, and makes you look more “official.” But here’s the catch: not everyone qualifies. Even worse? If you try to create one too soon, there’s a high chance it’ll be flagged and deleted.
So… how well-known do you actually need to be to get a Wikipedia page — and keep it live?
Let’s break it down.
First Things First: Wikipedia Is Not a Marketing Tool
This surprises a lot of people. That’s why we included this post in our blog’s Marketing category :-) Wikipedia isn’t about self-promotion. It’s a public encyclopedia built on verifiable, neutral information, and edited by volunteers. That means you can’t just create a page because you have a website, followers, or even press coverage – unless it meets very specific criteria.
The Big Wikipedia Requirement: Notability
Wikipedia’s #1 rule for whether a person or business gets a page is notability.
To meet it, you need to have:
✅ Significant coverage: Multiple in-depth articles, books, or interviews that focus on you or your business – not just passing mentions.
✅ Independent sources: Content must come from third parties unaffiliated with you – no self-published blogs, your website, social media, or press releases.
✅ Reliable publications: Coverage should appear in reputable newspapers, well-known magazines, established book publishers, or academic journals. Paid placements, sponsored posts, and advertorials don’t count.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet These Wikipedia requirements?
If you don’t meet these guidelines, your Wikipedia article is likely to be flagged for deletion. Editors will mark it as lacking notability or as self-promotion. Even if your article stays up for a while, it can still be removed later during review.
Exceptions or Alternatives
Certain founders, artists, scientists, or other professionals may qualify under subject-specific notability guidelines if their work has been influential or widely recognized (like a widely adopted invention or a major award).
If you don’t meet the bar yet, the best move is to focus on building credible coverage through reputable third-party publications.
What Makes Pages Get Deleted – FAST!
Even if someone creates a page for you (or you do it yourself), Wikipedia editors will review it. Here’s what gets articles taken down fast:
🚩 Notability isn’t proven with sources
🚩 Articles rely on self-published content (like your own website)
🚩 The page reads like a sales pitch or “About Us”
🚩 The references are weak (e.g. press releases or pay-to-play articles, or pay-to-play Netty Awards)
Pages like this often get tagged for deletion within hours or days.
Can You Pay Someone to Make One for You?
You can, but beware. Many services promise “guaranteed Wikipedia articles” – and often use shady methods that lead to fast removals. Even if a freelancer creates a polished-looking page, if it doesn’t meet notability guidelines, it won’t last.
Worse: if you get banned for “undisclosed paid editing,” it can ruin your chances of ever having a legit page later.
What to Do If You’re Not Wikipedia-Ready Yet
No worries – a lot of successful entrepreneurs and brands don’t qualify yet. But you can work toward it:
- Build your media presence. Focus on getting real, editorial coverage from trusted sources.
- Get featured organically. Not all press is equal – aim for interviews, deep dives, or feature stories.
- Let the sources come to you. When people write about your impact or business naturally, that’s what Wikipedia editors look for.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Pitch your story to journalists and bloggers who cover your industry – focus on what makes your business unique or newsworthy.
- Offer to provide expert commentary or insights for articles in your niche, which can earn you mentions in reputable outlets.
- Host or participate in events and webinars that attract media attention.
- Build relationships with local reporters and trade publications – they often look for fresh stories.
- Create valuable content that others want to cite, such as research reports, case studies, or whitepapers.
And remember: you don’t need a Wikipedia page to succeed. It’s a nice milestone – but not the starting line.
Final Thoughts: Build a Presence That Gets Noticed
At UltimateWB, we help you create websites and brands that truly stand out and get remembered.
Keep in mind: Wikipedia pages are rare, and most successful businesses don’t have one. Usually, you only “qualify” for a Wikipedia page when your reputation is already strong enough that you hardly even need – or care about – it. It’s like the middle school basketball trophy.
Focus on building your brand, your audience, and your credibility first. If a Wikipedia page ever comes along, it’s just a small bonus – not the goal.
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