| Most savvy SEO's know that Google is placing an | | | | of 3-4 references for any newly created page. Also, |
| increased weight on links from "authority" websites. | | | | I´ve noticed a marked preference by many |
| Wikipedia, a free internet encyclopedia that can be | | | | editors towards referencing your sources within the |
| edited by any user, is certainly one of the top authority | | | | Wikipedia entry itself versus listing the references at |
| websites in the eyes of Google and I´m | | | | the end of the article. An editor might see a reference |
| certainly not the first SEO to observe that an awful lot | | | | tacked onto the end of an article as a spam attempt, |
| of Wikipedia pages are currently ranking quite highly in | | | | where a reference linking to the source within the |
| the SERPS. | | | | content itself can be more easily verified. |
| Many of you likely have tried to place your website link | | | | 4. References to other Wikipedia pages. Within the |
| on a Wikipedia page. What most probably happened is | | | | text of your Wikipedia page, it is encouraged and |
| a zealous Wikipedia editor likely removed your link | | | | expected for you to link to other pages within |
| very quickly because the prevailing view is that | | | | Wikipedia. For example, if the page you are creating |
| appending your external link to the bottom of a | | | | has the term "Search Engine Optimization" in the text, |
| previously created page adds little to the community | | | | you should place the term in double brackets [[Search |
| and likely only benefits you. | | | | Engine Optimization]] which will automatically create an |
| But, let us say that you have a website that can be | | | | intra-Wikipedia link to the Search Engine Optimization |
| considered a resource in its field. If you see that | | | | page. Following such a policy greatly benefits the |
| Wikipedia does not have a page on a topic covered | | | | Wikipedia Community. |
| objectively by your website, you can create a | | | | 5. People will edit your page...sometimes in ways you |
| Wikipedia page on that topic, link it to your website, and | | | | might object to. That´s how the Wikipedia |
| gain the SEO benefits of that link which, more than | | | | community works. If your page has run afoul of one of |
| likely, won´t be removed. | | | | Wikipedia´s rules, you are not likely to win a |
| What's the Simplest Way for Me to Create a | | | | dispute. However, many changes are made due |
| Compliant Wikipedia page? | | | | someone´s interpretation of Wikipedia policy |
| For your first page, I recommend creating a page | | | | and if you disagree with their change, the opportunity |
| defining a term not already present in Wikipedia. Look | | | | exists to discuss it with the other Wikipedian. If you |
| at your website and determine objectively for which | | | | can´t resolve the dispute, you can have it |
| terms your site could qualify as a citable resource. | | | | moderated by an administrator. |
| Then, check Wikipedia to see whether a page has | | | | Now, what´s the best strategy to obtain and |
| been created for those terms. If not, you're good to go. | | | | keep the Wikipedia link to your own website? Make |
| Components That Need To Be Included in Your Page: | | | | sure your site comes across to a skeptical reviewer |
| | | | as both authoritative and objective. If your linked |
| 1. Page Categories. All Wikipedia pages must be | | | | website contains promotional material or contextual |
| placed in at least one relevant category. The easiest | | | | advertising, the link will almost certainly be deleted. |
| way to find categories for your article is to search for | | | | Commercial sites can be sources for Wikipedia |
| a page on a topic similar to yours, copy the category | | | | articles...however, if you are linking to a commercial |
| "code" and add it to your new page. | | | | source, I would link to the "reference page" from which |
| 2. Total objectivity. Your page must be objective both | | | | you are making the citation, and not the home page. |
| in tone and in content. Any sales-y, promotional | | | | Every page I have created for Wikipedia resides in |
| language will be removed. | | | | Google's top 15 for the targeted term (and as high as |
| 3. Multiple Reference Sources. A short | | | | #1). If your website is linked from Wikipedia, you will |
| "dictionary-style" definition linking only to one website | | | | receive not only targeted search traffic, but an |
| (yours) will not fly. First, Wikipedia explicitly states that | | | | uber-powerful super-authority link that will help your |
| they aren´t a dictionary. It´s OK to begin | | | | Search Engine Optimization efforts, especially with |
| your page by defining your term, but that should be a | | | | Google. You have to jump through a lot of hoops to |
| jumping-off point for putting your definition in a much | | | | get a Wikipedia link to your website, but the results are |
| larger encyclopedia-like context. I would cite a minimum | | | | well worth it. |