Wikipedia
Wikipedia is a commonly cited source for Google’s Knowledge Graph, but it is not a marketing channel. A topic needs significant coverage in reliable sources independent of the subject to merit an article, conflict-of-interest editing is strongly discouraged, and paid contributions must be disclosed. The legitimate route is to earn independent coverage and let volunteers decide.
Why does Wikipedia matter for entities?
Google has said Wikipedia “is a commonly-cited source, but it’s not the only one” for the Knowledge Graph.[1] Google Cloud’s Natural Language API also returns Wikipedia URLs for recognised entities.[2] Officially documented
Who qualifies for an article?
A topic is presumed suitable for an article “when it has received significant coverage in reliable sources that are independent of the subject.”[3] Officially documented Reliable sources are published sources with a reputation for fact-checking and accuracy.[4] Press releases, your own site and paid placements do not count.
What are the rules on conflict of interest?
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| COI editing is strongly discouraged; propose changes on the talk page instead | [5] |
| Paid contributors must disclose employer, client and affiliation (a Wikimedia Foundation requirement) | [6] |
| Writing about yourself is strongly discouraged | [7] |
| New articles by COI editors should go through Articles for Creation | [5] |
What can you legitimately do?
- Earn coverage in independent, reliable publications.
- If an article exists, suggest factual corrections on its talk page with sources, disclosing your connection.[5]
- Fix very obvious errors, such as vandalism, as COI policy permits. Officially documented
- Build your entity elsewhere: entity home, Wikidata (if notable), profiles.
What should you avoid?
Undisclosed paid editing, sockpuppet accounts and “guaranteed Wikipedia page” services. These breach Wikipedia policy and the Wikimedia Terms of Use, and no one can guarantee an article will survive community review.[5][6] Not supported See entity SEO myths.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Wikipedia page for a knowledge panel?
No. Many knowledge panels exist without a Wikipedia article. Google draws on hundreds of sources.
Can I pay someone to write my Wikipedia article?
Paid editing must be disclosed under the Wikimedia Terms of Use, and COI editing is strongly discouraged. Undisclosed paid editing breaches those terms.
How do I correct an error in my Wikipedia article?
Post a sourced correction request on the article's talk page and disclose your connection.
See also
References
Pages accessed September 29, 2026 unless a date is given. See all sources and our editorial policy.
- ^ "A reintroduction to our Knowledge Graph and knowledge panels (Danny Sullivan)". Google (The Keyword). Published May 20, 2020.
- ^ "Analyzing entities". Google Cloud.
- ^ "Wikipedia: Notability". Wikipedia.
- ^ "Wikipedia: Reliable sources". Wikipedia.
- ^ "Wikipedia: Conflict of interest". Wikipedia.
- ^ "Wikipedia: Paid-contribution disclosure". Wikipedia.
- ^ "Wikipedia: Autobiography". Wikipedia.