Accuracy and Trust – The Keys to Your Wikipedia Presence

A little over half of our population across the globe uses social media platforms. That resulted in the world’s biggest brands marching their way onto these platforms and driving their business journey – very successfully. It’s simple, you’ve got to be where people are – where your customers are. However, when it comes to validation and authenticity, we’ve time and again seen these platforms turn out to be a tempest in a teapot. 

Now, we’ve reached a point where small businesses have to face extreme competition to drive their success.

Free speech is not always true speech, especially on the web. Similarly, a hundred people saying something about a topic doesn’t make it true either. While knowledge is free for all of us, it pays to find the truth, tell it and sell it. Wikipedia’s authenticity has for years helped netizens gain knowledge. We’re all aware of the ‘free encyclopedia’ that for over 30 years has curated and collected and imparted knowledge in a jargon-free and factual manner. We call it Wikipedia.

Wikipedia – Your Ultimate Verification Channel

People don’t go there to buy stuff or chat, but to validate. Anyone can edit a Wikipedia page and the power lies there. No one can just say anything and walk away. When you make an edit on Wikipedia, you are held accountable for it. Wikipedia remains one of the most credible websites even today. Why? Because Wikipedia requires verification, it has guidelines for editing, and it doesn’t use marketing language. 

Just like everything else, Wikipedia’s authenticity too has had its share of bias. Its co-founder acknowledged it here. Over the years, especially in the recent past, Wikipedia has been severely criticized for having compromised neutrality on its pages. However, it still continues to drive businesses and remains a hub of factual information. It attracts people who seek counter-opinions and information that is true. 

Getting your presence on Wikipedia is easier said than done – whether a personal brand or a company website. There are filters, unlike the ones on Instagram, that Wikipedia has been adhering to for years to flag any kind of falsification or manipulation that may arise. If you can follow the process “to the T,” you’re through. 

Trust and Accurate Information

One of the most critical aspects that companies miss out on is that they fail to continually update their Wikipedia articles. Having inaccurate information on your already existing Wikipedia article is worse than not having a page. It discourages people’s trust, and they may doubt your authenticity. It could cost you donations and volunteer trust if you are a charity, because when people place their hard earned money in your organization’s hands, they validate the truthfullnes of  your promises made on huge billboard ads. 

Now you know why updating your Wikipedia page is important to tap into Wikipedia’s authenticity. It should be one of the most important online marketing tools you use. 

Are you still watching Wikipedia from the fence? Contact Dan or Kendall to learn more about how we can work together to polish your Wikipedia presence from time to time. 

Photo by Vitolda Klein on Unsplash