The most common reason for getting the Wikipedia page deleted is not following the guidelines. Notability is an important guideline of Wikipedia that is required before submission. Many people think that adding a website is enough for brand proof, and then they get rejected. This blog will be your friendly guide to the top rules of Wikipedia notability.
Brands, businesses, and individuals want to have a solid online presence. If you also want, you should have a strong online presence on platforms like Wikipedia. Here, you need to get your articles approved by the professionals and editors, who require you to follow the guidelines. The first and important principle is the notability, which has its rules.
What Is Wikipedia Notability?
Wikipedia’s notability guidelines determine whether the subject has significant coverage in independent, reliable sources. They are generally written based on the sourcing, with some subject-specific exceptions. It generally includes verifiable criteria about the topic, showing appropriate sources for that topic. If adequate sourcing and significant coverage are not found in the article, it may get deleted, which is why many Wikipedia page writing services are available for businesses to help with the notability requirements.
Top 8 Rules of Wikipedia Notability
There are various factors you need to follow for the Wikipedia page, but notability is a priority. Following these rules has 98% of chances to get successful.
1. Significant Coverage of a Topic
If you think mentioning a source with brief information is enough to cite a reference, then it is a big no. You can add passing references, but they should have detailed information about the topic. When it comes to detailed references, it means information should be meaningful, have a solid context, and be an explanation instead of just a list. Listing or brief information is not enough for a Wikipedia article.
2. Sources Should Be Independent
The sources you are using for your content must be independent so that you cannot write, edit, or manage the source. Whether you are a company, individual, or organization, you need to pick credible sources that are not created by you or your team. Using official websites, self-published content, or personal blogs is not enough for the article to get approved. Your topic should be backed by independent sources or one that is valued without any effort.
3. Secondary Sources Matter the Most
Wikipedia focuses on the secondary sources as it provides the context and interprets the subject rather than just listing. The sources should be from independent authors, and they should not be connected with the subject in any case. The reason is to answer the topic rather than what just happened. Magazine articles, books, newspapers, and academic publications will be considered reliable and credible, and primary sources like press releases and company announcements should confirm the facts.
4. Multiple Sources Are Better Than One
Adding one credible reference is good, but not enough for the Wikipedia article. You need to include multiple independent sources that have a significant coverage of your topic. The information should be made over time, not just all at once, as it can create confusion and unreliability. Having sources published on the same day will make the topics trendy, which is not relevant and likely to be deleted by Wikipedia. Get help from a notability assessment company in Canada to gather multiple and relevant sources.
5. Routine Announcements Are Not Evidence
Most individuals or organizations often break this rule by using company announcements for notability proof. Announcements like company openings, product launches, events and promotions, and awards and milestones cannot establish notability. This type of content is just for information about the brand or business and is used for promotion, which is not covered by independent sources.
6. Notability Is Not Inherited
One thing about notability is that it is not transferable. If your topic is connected with a well-known person, brand, or organization, it does not mean your topic is notable. To meet the notability requirements, you need the information from a reliable source that is not connected to the subject in any way. For example, if the topic is the top 10 fashion brands, and you are at the top of the list will not guarantee that your subject meets the criteria.
7. Subject-Specific Guidelines
Wikipedia has its general guidelines that you must follow for all subjects, but there are some subject-specific guidelines that you cannot decline. They are mainly for topics about people, academics, companies, musicians, and organizations. Apart from the general criteria, you need to follow these additional guidelines before submission so your topic cannot be declined.
8. Coverage Should Be Neutral
The last rule but not the least is that the subject should be neutral, and it should not only focus on one topic. Gather resources that are not only original and third-party but also balanced. If your topics have biased and irrelevant content, there is a high chance that your page will be deleted.
Quick Checklist of Notability
| Count Towards Notability | Does not Count Towards Notability |
| Independent new articles | Company websites or press releases |
| In-depth features or reviews | Social media posts |
| Academic or industry publications | Self-published content or personal blogs |
| Multiple in-depth or independent resources | Listicle entries or passing mentions |
| Neutral third-part coverage | Paid, sponsored, or promotional content |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of sources make a topic notable?
Wikipedia prefers sources that are independent and not self-published. These sources can be:
- Books from established publishers.
- Academic journals
- Reputable new outlets
2. Can I use social media profiles for a notability proof?
No, you cannot use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube even with millions of followers, as they cannot establish notability. They must be covered by credible or reliable sources.
3. What will happen if my topic is not notable?
Wikipedia editors review your articles after the submission and decide the next step according to the policies. If the article is not notable, it will be redirected, nominated for deletion, or merged into another article.
Conclusion
Wikipedia has its notability rules, which everyone should follow for their pages. Adhering to these top rules, you can publish your articles without any hassles. Notability means that your topic should have a wide coverage from independent and credible sources that are not connected to the subject.
The first one is the significant coverage from reliable sources, not from company websites or blogs. Sources should be written by independent authors who are not connected to the topic in any way. These secondary sources matter the most, so they can be added from the independent references like newspapers or publications, but they should be multiple, not just one.
Company routine announcements cannot be used as the notability proof; they are just for announcements or promotions. Notability is not inherited; a well-known person or company cannot be part of a notability proof. There are some subject-specific guidelines that everyone should follow along with the generic ones. Your content must be neutral, not biased or promotional.