Your Reputation Agency · United States

Before proposing a Wikipedia article: assess sources and notability

Assess independent sources, editorial relevance and conflicts of interest before proposing a Wikipedia article about a person or business.

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The direct answer

A Wikipedia proposal should begin with source assessment, not promotional copy. Identify substantial independent coverage that supports an encyclopedic article and review the relevant language edition’s requirements. Business success, a large following or a collection of press releases does not by itself settle whether a separate article is appropriate.

01

Build a source table

For each source, record the publisher, author, date, relationship to the subject and depth of coverage. Separate independent reporting from paid features, company announcements and brief listings. Read the full pieces rather than collecting headlines. Check whether several pages simply repeat the same release; repetition does not create several independent sources.

02

Evaluate editorial suitability

English Wikipedia’s notability guidance assesses whether a topic warrants a separate article using appropriate evidence. The Spanish-language community has its own guidance and editorial processes. Do not assume that translating an accepted English article guarantees acceptance elsewhere. Review neutrality, living-person concerns and the relevant subject requirements before preparing a draft.

  • Identify factual gaps that would make a balanced account impossible.
  • Disclose employment, payment and other relevant conflicts as required.
  • Avoid promotional claims, invented citations and undisclosed advocacy.

03

Choose the right next step

For example, a company with only its own website and sponsored announcements may be better served by improving accurate owned information while genuine independent coverage develops. If suitable sources exist, follow the edition’s appropriate draft and review process. Editors can revise, decline, merge or remove material; no provider can sell ownership of the resulting article.

Frequently asked questions

Can we pay someone to guarantee acceptance?

An outside provider cannot guarantee community acceptance. Ask about source evaluation, disclosure and compliance rather than paying for a promise of permanent placement.

Should we create an article to hide negative information?

No. An encyclopedic article must reflect relevant reliable coverage with appropriate balance. It is not a controlled marketing page or a mechanism for excluding documented criticism.

Continue with your next step

Related guides on this topic

Sources and policies

Check the current policy before submitting a request.

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Educational information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on the facts and decisions made by third parties.