Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a Wikipedia Page for Someone

You search for someone on Wikipedia- a famous entrepreneur, a respected scientist, or even a rising star in their field, but you don’t find any page. Surprising, right? People use Wikipedia as the go-to source for credibility and recognition. However, if a person or a band has made significant contributions, but doesn’t have a Wikipedia page, their story might go unnoticed by the masses.

However, you can change that! Whether you are an individual or a brand, if you are wondering how to create a Wikipedia page, it’s quite simple. In fact, we are going to walk you through it, so you know everything from account creation to citing reliable sources.

Why Create a Wikipedia Page

As per popular surveys, Wikipedia attracts a massive global audience, with an estimated 4.4 billion unique visitors to Wikipedia.org every month. Wikipedia is one of the most visited sites in the world, and having a page dedicated to your brand on it can help to improve public presence, build credibility, and serve as a trusted source of information.

However, you need to remember that Wikipedia isn’t a platform for promotion; it’s an encyclopedia, so if you are wondering how to create a Wikipedia page for someone, you need to meet the platform’s notability guidelines. This invariably and implicitly means covering reliable sources, such as newspapers, journals, and other reliable/ reputed publications.

How to Create a Wiki Page?

If you are thinking about how to create a Wikipedia page, here are all the steps you need to follow:

Step #1: Check Notability

Before you start creating a Wikipedia page, you need to ask: Is the person notable enough for Wikipedia? In simple terms, Wikipedia doesn’t just accept any and every person. To qualify, they must have received significant recognition from independent, credible sources, like major news articles, academic journals, or well-known media outlets.

Not sure if the brand or the individual makes the cut? Try this:

• Search for their name in online newspapers, magazines, or scholarly publications.
• Look for multiple independent sources, not their website or social media.
• Check if the brand/individual has won any awards, or made groundbreaking contributions, that have been widely covered in the media.

If you can’t find enough reliable sources, their page might be flagged for deletion, so you can gather solid references before moving ahead.

Step #2: Sign Up for a Wikipedia Account

In your quest for how to create a Wikipedia page for someone, the next thing you need to do is sign up for your Wikipedia account. While you can edit pages without an account, when you create one, you get more credibility and access to essential tools. Here’s how you do it:

• Go to Wikipedia and click on “Create Account” at the top-right corner.
• Select a unique username and set up a password.
• Verify your email and log in.

Once you are in, your edits will be linked to your account, which makes it easier to track your contributions and gain trust within the Wikipedia community.

Step #3: Gather Your Sources (And Make Sure They Count!)

Wikipedia isn’t a place for personal opinions or unverified claims, because every statement needs credible, third-party sources to back it up. Here’s what makes a great source:

• News articles from trusted media (e.g., BBC, Forbes, The New York Times)
• Books, research papers, or academic journals.
• Recognized awards or official publications.

Here’s what you need to avoid:

• Self-published content (blogs, personal websites)
• Social media posts or press releases
• Wikipedia itself; yes, it can’t be used as a source.

Try aiming for at least 5-6 solid sources before you start writing because the more, the better.

Step #4: Get Familiar with Wikipedia’s Rules

Before you start writing, it’s necessary to understand Wikipedia’s golden rules:

• Neutral Point of View (NPOV): No bias, no exaggeration; just facts.
• Verifiability: Everything must be backed by reliable sources.
• No Original Research: Wikipedia is not a place for personal insights or unpublished information.

All you need to do is take a few minutes to skim through Wikipedia’s guidelines, as it will save you headaches later.

Step #5: Draft Your Article

Now comes the fun part- writing! However, you should not rush straight into publishing because Wikipedia prefers drafts before pages go live.

• Log in and search for Wikipedia: Article Wizard.
• Click “Start the Article Wizard” and choose “Create a new article draft.”
• Begin drafting your page in the Draft Namespace (a safe zone for new articles).

This step allows you to refine your content and avoid immediate rejection.

Step #6: Structure Your Article Like a Pro

A Wikipedia page isn’t just a random text; it follows a specific format. Here’s the basic structure:

• Lead section or a brief intro summarizing the person’s achievements and why they matter.
• Early Life and Education, about where they were born, grew up, and any key educational background.
• Career comprising major accomplishments, milestones, and contributions in their field.
• Notable Works and Achievements with books, inventions, awards, or anything they are known for.
• References including a section listing all sources used (you can use Wikipedia’s citation tool to make it easy)

Pro Tip: Keep the sentences clear and concise, and avoid promotional language because Wikipedia is not a marketing platform.

Step #7: Cite Your Sources Correctly (Or Risk Rejection!)

One of the biggest mistakes new Wikipedia editors make? Messy citations. Here’s how you can add the citations the right way:

1. Click the “Cite” button in Wikipedia’s editor.
2. Enter the URL, book title, or journal details of your source.
3. Insert the citation directly after the fact you are referencing.

Every statement of fact needs a source, especially controversial claims! Because if you have no source, Wikipedia will definitely flag it.

Step #8: Submit Your Draft for Wikipedia’s Approval

Once you are happy with your draft, it’s time to submit it for review. To submit your draft:

• Go to your draft page.
• Click “Submit for review” at the top.
• Wait for Wikipedia editors to assess your submission.

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, so be patient!

Need more information on how to create a Wikipedia page or want professionals to do it for you? Reach out to the team at DigitalBerge today!