How to Start a Wikipedia Page Guide

Understanding Wikipedia's Purpose and Editorial Standards

Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia written and edited by volunteers around the world. Founded in 2001, it has grown to contain millions of articles across hundreds of languages. Unlike traditional encyclopedias, Wikipedia operates on the principle that anyone can contribute, but with strict guidelines about what content belongs on the platform.

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Before creating a Wikipedia page, it's important to understand that Wikipedia is not a place for promotional content, personal websites, or advertising. Wikipedia's core mission is to provide neutral, factual information about notable subjects. This means the platform has specific standards for what topics warrant their own articles. According to Wikipedia's policies, a subject typically needs to demonstrate what the community calls "notability"—meaning the topic has received significant coverage in reliable, independent sources.

Wikipedia's editorial community values accuracy above all else. Articles must cite sources, and those sources must be credible publications like academic journals, established news outlets, books, and official documents. Wikipedia editors actively review new content and remove unsourced claims. In fact, studies have shown that Wikipedia's medical and scientific articles often contain accuracy comparable to peer-reviewed sources, though this varies by topic and how actively articles are maintained.

The platform also operates under a principle called "neutral point of view" (NPOV). This means articles should present information objectively without advocating for any particular position. If a topic is controversial, the article should explain different perspectives fairly rather than promoting one viewpoint. This standard applies whether you're writing about a public figure, historical event, scientific discovery, or commercial product.

Practical takeaway: Before investing time in creating a Wikipedia page, research whether your subject meets Wikipedia's notability standards by reviewing similar articles in your topic area and understanding what kinds of sources Wikipedia considers reliable.

Researching Notability and Gathering Source Material

Notability on Wikipedia is determined by whether a subject has received substantial coverage in independent, reliable sources. This is one of the most important concepts to understand before starting. Wikipedia doesn't decide what's notable—the reliable sources do. If major newspapers, academic journals, books, and established media outlets have written about your subject, that's evidence of notability. If they haven't, Wikipedia likely won't have an article about it either.

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To research notability, begin by searching for your subject in databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, newspaper archives, and library catalogs. Look for how many independent sources have covered the topic and how substantial that coverage is. A single mention in one article is usually insufficient. Multiple sources over time, particularly from respected publications, demonstrate that a subject has met Wikipedia's threshold. For example, a local business might receive coverage in a regional newspaper, but unless it has been featured in major publications and demonstrates significant impact on its industry, it may not meet Wikipedia's standards.

As you gather sources, organize them carefully. Create a document listing each source you find, including the publication name, date, author if available, and a brief note about what information it contains. This organization will save substantial time when you begin writing and need to cite your sources. Wikipedia requires citations, and having a organized collection makes this process much smoother.

Different types of sources carry different weight on Wikipedia. Primary sources—documents created at the time of an event, like historical records or scientific data—can be included but typically need interpretation from secondary sources. Secondary sources like news articles, books, and academic papers are preferred because they provide analysis and context. Tertiary sources like encyclopedias and reference works can be used but shouldn't form the foundation of an article. Personal blogs, social media posts, and company websites are generally not considered reliable sources on Wikipedia.

Pay special attention to what Wikipedia calls "independent sources." A company's own website cannot be used as a source for claims about that company. A musician's official social media account cannot be used as evidence of their notability. Instead, you need publications that exist independently and have editorial standards of their own. This requirement prevents bias and ensures information remains objective.

Practical takeaway: Compile a list of at least 3-5 credible, independent sources that cover your subject before beginning your article. If you cannot find this level of source material, your topic may not yet meet Wikipedia's notability standards.

Creating an Account and Understanding Wikipedia's Editing Interface

To create a Wikipedia page, you first need a Wikipedia account. This process is straightforward and free. Visit Wikipedia.org and look for the "Create account" link, typically found in the upper right corner of the page. You'll need to provide a username, password, and email address. The username is how you'll be identified as you contribute to Wikipedia. Some editors choose their real names, while others use pseudonyms. Your email address is kept private and used only for account management purposes.

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After creating your account, you'll see your user page—essentially your profile on Wikipedia. Many editors add information about their interests and expertise to their user page. This isn't required, but it can help other editors understand your background and areas of focus. Experienced Wikipedia editors often mention relevant qualifications or interests on their user pages.

Understanding Wikipedia's editing interface is essential. The platform uses wikitext, a simple markup language that formats content. You don't need to be technical to use it. Common formatting includes placing text between double brackets [[like this]] to create links to other Wikipedia articles, or using single quotes around text '''like this''' to make it bold. The editing interface includes a visual editor that many newer users find more intuitive—it works similarly to word processors, though the underlying wikitext is still being used.

Before editing any existing article or creating a new one, spend time exploring how Wikipedia articles are structured. Click on articles in your topic area and click the "Edit" tab to see how experienced editors have formatted content. You'll notice articles typically have sections like lead (the introductory section), main body sections with headers, and references at the bottom. Most articles include an infobox—a box with key facts displayed on the right side of the page. These structural conventions make Wikipedia articles consistent and easy to navigate.

New editors should also familiarize themselves with Wikipedia's talk pages. Every article has a "Talk" tab where editors discuss the article's content, ask questions, and note issues. These conversations are invaluable for understanding what other editors think about the article and what concerns they may have. Reading talk pages of similar articles shows you what kinds of issues and discussions are common in your topic area.

Practical takeaway: Create your account, explore several Wikipedia articles in your topic area, click the "Edit" tabs to see wikitext formatting, and read the talk pages to understand what questions other editors have raised about similar topics.

Drafting Your Article and Following Content Policies

When you're ready to write your Wikipedia article, the actual writing process follows specific guidelines. Wikipedia has a policy called the "Manual of Style" that provides detailed guidance on how to write articles. While this might sound restrictive, these standards exist to ensure consistency across millions of articles and make them easier for readers to understand.

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Begin your article with a strong lead section. This opening paragraph should clearly state what the subject is, why it's notable, and provide essential context. The lead should be written in simple language and answer the basic questions a reader might have: Who or what is this? Why should I care? What is its significance? For example, a Wikipedia article about a historical figure might begin by stating their full name, dates of birth and death, their primary accomplishment or role, and why they're considered historically significant.

The body of your article should be organized into logical sections with clear headers. Each section should explore one aspect of your subject in depth. For a person, sections might include "Early Life," "Career," "Major Works," and "Legacy." For a company, sections might include "History," "Products and Services," "Operations," and "Controversies" if relevant. Longer articles may have subsections nested under main sections.

Wikipedia has specific policies about what content is appropriate. Articles should maintain what's called "neutral point of view," meaning you should present information objectively without advocating for a particular position. If your subject is controversial, you should mention criticisms or alternative viewpoints alongside positive ones. Wikipedia also has a "verifiability" policy—if you make a claim, you must be able to cite a reliable source for it. Claims that cannot be verified from sources are subject to removal.

Content must also be relevant and appropriate in scope. Wikipedia is not the place for original research, personal opinions, or analysis. Your job is to synthesize information from reliable sources, not to make new arguments or discoveries. Additionally, Wikipedia has policies against conflict of interest. If you're writing about yourself, your company, or your