In 2008, or even 2009, search engine optimization professionals would recommend that clients try to get themselves a Wikipedia page. In recent years, these recommendations have slackened off. While it may seem like a good idea to get your name enshrined in Wikipedia, there are plenty of reasons to avoid the site altogether.
Previous ideas of what Wikipedia could provide have gone by the wayside. The open-source encyclopedia was once thought to provide links, enhance authority and generally help a business gain acclaim. While a Wikipedia page is still almost guaranteed a top listing in a brand name search, there are other things that go along with this seeming asset to reputation management. These things can hold back the benefits of SEO services, like the ones we provide at SEO Consult Australia.
The cons of Wikipedia
The main drawback of Wikipedia is the same thing that once made it an asset: its open-source nature. Large companies open themselves up to negative listings if competitors get hold of their Wikipedia page. For this reason, Wikipedia is as much a liability as an asset for reputation management.
The only businesses, sites and personalities who should worry about Wikipedia for SEO are those who would naturally appear on Wikipedia anyway. The encyclopedia’s guidelines set out that only those with a genuine public profile deserve to get a page, and this is probably a good guideline for site owners considering Wikipedia for their SEO or reputation management plan. Otherwise, you’re just creating a lot of work for yourself.
