Wikipedia ranks among the most visited websites and often appears at the top of search results. A business page can strengthen credibility and increase visibility, but not every company qualifies. Strict notability rules determine which businesses meet the criteria.
This guide explains Wikipedia’s notability standards and what it takes to secure a page.
What Is Wikipedia Notability?
Wikipedia evaluates notability based on independent coverage rather than popularity or personal claims. A business must have received significant attention from reputable sources.
Meeting this requirement means multiple independent sources provide detailed coverage of the company, not just brief mentions.
Key Criteria for Business Notability
1. Independent Coverage from Reliable Sources
Your business must appear in third-party sources that are not owned, controlled, or affiliated with the company. These sources should:
- Provide detailed analysis rather than short mentions.
- Come from respected publications such as major newspapers, trade journals, or academic studies.
Strong sources:
✔ Major news outlets (e.g., Forbes, BBC, The Guardian)
✔ Industry journals (e.g., TechCrunch, Wired)
✔ Government or academic studies
Weak sources:
✖ Press releases or self-published content
✖ Social media profiles
✖ Blog posts from company websites
✖ Paid or promotional articles
2. Multiple Mentions Across Different Sources
One article is not enough. Wikipedia requires at least 3-5 independent sources offering detailed coverage.
3. Longevity and Industry Impact
Startups and newer businesses may struggle to qualify unless they:
- Have won major awards
- Developed widely recognized innovations
- Formed key partnerships with established brands
4. Neutral, Fact-Based Content
A Wikipedia page must avoid promotional language. Articles should:
- Maintain a neutral tone
- Provide verifiable facts without subjective claims
- Avoid excessive mentions of products, services, or pricing
How to Check Eligibility
To determine whether a business qualifies, ask:
✅ Have major independent sources covered the company?
✅ Are there multiple detailed articles from reputable publishers?
✅ Has the company been active long enough to show industry impact?
✅ Can the article be written in a neutral, factual style?
Meeting these conditions increases the chances of approval.
What to Do If a Business Isn’t Yet Eligible
If a company does not meet Wikipedia’s standards, focus on building independent recognition before submitting a page.
Steps to Improve Notability:
- Gain more media coverage through industry features and news articles.
- Participate in industry events and awards programs.
- Contribute to recognized journals and industry reports.
- Avoid direct Wikipedia editing — use the Talk Page to request factual updates.
How to Create a Wikipedia Page (If Eligible)
If a business meets Wikipedia’s guidelines, follow these steps:
- Check for Existing Mentions
- Look for references in Wikipedia articles.
- Create a Draft or Request an Edit
- If no page exists, draft an article following Wikipedia’s format.
- If the business is already mentioned, request factual updates through Talk Pages.
- Use Reliable Citations
- Back every claim with independent sources.
- Submit for Review
- Wikipedia’s approval process ensures articles follow guidelines.
Conclusion
Wikipedia’s notability guidelines prevent businesses from using the platform as a promotional tool. A company must demonstrate significant independent coverage before being considered for inclusion. If not yet eligible, focus on building a stronger media presence before attempting to create a page.
