Common Mistakes to Avoid When Copywriting for Wikipedia

Writing for Wikipedia can seem straightforward at first glance. After all, the platform is open to contributions from anyone, and it's filled with a wide range of topics. But the reality is that Wikipedia has strict guidelines and expectations that must be met to ensure articles are neutral, well-sourced, and informative. Making mistakes in your copy can result in edits being removed or pages being flagged, which is why understanding the common pitfalls is crucial.

In this blog, we’ll look at the most common mistakes people make when writing for Wikipedia, and how to avoid them to ensure your contributions meet the platform’s standards.

1. Failing to Follow Wikipedia’s Neutral Point of View

One of the biggest mistakes people make when copywriting Wikipedia pages is failing to maintain a neutral tone. Wikipedia operates on the principle of a Neutral Point of View (NPOV), meaning content must be written without bias or opinion. This is especially important because Wikipedia serves as a global resource, and it aims to provide factual information, not promote a specific viewpoint.

A common mistake is using promotional language that makes the subject sound overly positive. For example, phrases like “the best” or “the leading” can come across as advertising, which Wikipedia strictly avoids. When writing, stick to the facts. Instead of saying, “This company is the best in its field,” you might write, “This company is one of the largest producers in its industry based on revenue.”

2. Using Unreliable or Unsupported Sources

Wikipedia places a strong emphasis on verifiability, meaning that all claims made in an article must be backed up by reliable sources. One mistake many writers make is citing unreliable websites, blogs, or forums that don’t meet Wikipedia’s standards for credibility.

To avoid this, always use credible sources, such as reputable news outlets, academic journals, and government publications. Wikipedia discourages the use of primary sources (such as self-published material), so stick to secondary sources that have been vetted by professionals or organizations.

Another common error is including information that can’t be backed up by any sources at all. Wikipedia editors are diligent in removing unverified claims, so make sure every statement is properly cited. If a fact can’t be proven with a source, it probably doesn’t belong in the article.

3. Creating Content That Isn’t Noteworthy

Not every subject is considered important enough to warrant a Wikipedia page. A mistake some writers make is trying to create articles about individuals, companies, or topics that don’t meet Wikipedia’s notability guidelines.

To avoid this issue, make sure the subject of your article has been covered by significant, reliable sources. For instance, if you’re writing about a person, they should have received notable coverage in major publications. Wikipedia’s notability criteria vary depending on the subject, but in general, the more coverage the subject has received from independent sources, the more likely it is to meet the platform’s requirements.

If you try to write about a topic that isn’t notable, your article may be flagged for deletion, so it’s important to research this before you begin.

4. Focusing Too Much on Recent Events

Another common mistake in Wikipedia copywriting is placing too much emphasis on recent events or developments. While it’s important to keep information up to date, Wikipedia values historical context and long-term relevance.

For example, if you’re writing about a company that recently launched a new product, it might be tempting to focus the article on that one event. However, without context about the company’s history and other achievements, the article may not meet Wikipedia’s standards for balance and relevance.

To avoid this, make sure your content provides a well-rounded overview of the subject. Focus on significant milestones and developments that have lasting importance, rather than getting caught up in the latest news.

5. Writing Like a Marketing Piece

One of the biggest pitfalls for writers on Wikipedia is the temptation to write in a marketing style, especially when the article is about a business or product. Wikipedia is not a place for direct promotion, and articles that come across as advertisements are quickly flagged for removal.

Avoid language that sounds like you’re trying to sell something. Instead, aim for a tone that is objective and informational. Stick to the facts and avoid using persuasive or flowery language.

For example, instead of writing, “This revolutionary product has changed the industry,” a better approach would be, “This product was introduced in 2020 and has since gained widespread use in various industries.”

6. Overlooking Wikipedia’s Formatting Guidelines

Wikipedia has a specific structure and format that it expects writers to follow, and failing to adhere to these guidelines is a common mistake. This includes the way sections are organized, how citations are formatted, and the use of links to other Wikipedia pages.

Before you begin writing, take some time to familiarize yourself with Wikipedia’s formatting standards. For instance, articles should typically begin with an introductory paragraph summarizing the subject, followed by sections that delve into the details. Citations should be formatted consistently using either footnotes or in-line citations, and relevant internal links should be added to connect your article to other related Wikipedia pages.

Ignoring these guidelines can make your article harder to read and may lead to edits by other contributors who have to clean up the formatting issues.

7. Including Original Research

Another major mistake is including original research or personal analysis in your Wikipedia article. Wikipedia is not the place to share your own theories, interpretations, or unpublished findings. All content must be based on information that has already been published by reliable sources.

For example, if you’re writing about a historical event, you should only include information that has been reported by historians, journalists, or other credible sources. Even if you have unique insights on the subject, those don’t belong in a Wikipedia article unless they’ve been documented by independent, reliable sources.

8. Not Engaging with the Wikipedia Community

Finally, many people overlook the importance of engaging with the Wikipedia community. Wikipedia is a collaborative platform, and articles are often edited by multiple contributors. Failing to communicate or collaborate with other editors can result in misunderstandings or conflicts over the content of your article.

When your article is edited by others, don’t take it personally. Instead, consider their changes and respond thoughtfully. If you disagree with an edit, you can discuss it on the article’s talk page to reach a consensus. Engaging with the community helps ensure that your article is accurate, balanced, and follows Wikipedia’s guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Writing for Wikipedia is a unique challenge that requires careful attention to the platform’s rules and expectations. By avoiding these common mistakes—such as using unreliable sources, writing with bias, or ignoring formatting guidelines—you can create high-quality contributions that stand the test of time. Always remember to stick to the facts, use credible sources, and maintain a neutral tone, and your Wikipedia copywriting will be much more effective.

Improve Your Wikipedia Contributions

Avoiding common mistakes is the first step toward creating valuable, lasting content on Wikipedia. If you want your pages to meet the platform's standards and provide accurate, well-sourced information, now is the time to refine your approach. ContactLumino Digital today for guidance on how to craft Wikipedia articles that truly stand out.