Step 2. Self-publish articles, etc.

But you may still be deleted because well, Wikipedia believes writing autobiographies are inherently one-sided. Thus, not fair and balanced (in the un-trademarked journalistic sense).

Step 3. Become “NOTABLE.”

Wikipedia rules use that word a lot. And they mean it. It’s not so easy to be notable, according to Wikipedia.

For example, while they say it’s not a deal breaker, Wikipedia prefers you be the subject of (not just cited by) published secondary sources. What does that mean?

Wikipedia says, “Secondary sources are often peer reviewed, and produced by institutions where methodological accuracy is important to the author’s and publishing house’s, or research institute’s, reputation.”

So go to scholar.google.com and “secondary-source yourself.” Oh, nobody has even quoted you – let alone profiled you??? Don’t despair. Wikipedia cautions its editors, “…the absence of references in Google Scholar should rarely be used as proof of non-notability.” Whew.

But you should meet other criteria worthy of a Wikipedia page about you. Again I quote the juiciest parts:

“Criteria for notability of people

A person is generally notable if they meet any of the following standards. Failure to meet these criteria is not conclusive proof that a subject should not be included; however, meeting one or more does not guarantee that a subject should be included.

• The person has been the subject of published¹ secondary sources that are reliable, intellectually independent, and independent of the subject.²
• If the depth of coverage is not substantial, then multiple independent sources may need to be cited to establish notability.
• Trivial coverage of a subject by secondary sources may not be sufficient to establish notability.³
• Once notability is established, primary sources may be used to add content.
• The person has been the subject of a credible independent biography.
• The person has received significant recognized awards or honors.
• The person has demonstrable wide name recognition
• The person has made a widely recognized contribution that is part of the enduring historical record in his or her specific field.⁴
• Commercial endorsements of demonstrably notable products.”

Wikipedia has specified criteria for politicians, athletes, entertainers, and…

“Creative professionals: scientists, academics, economists, professors, authors, editors, journalists, filmmakers, photographers, artists, architects, engineers, and other creative professionals.

• The person is regarded as an important figure or is widely cited by their peers or successors.
• The person is known for originating a significant new concept, theory or technique.
• The person has created, or played a major role in co-creating, a significant or well-known work, or collective body of work, which has been the subject of an independent book or feature-length film, or of multiple independent periodical articles or reviews.
• The person’s work either (a) has become a significant monument, (b) has been a substantial part of a significant exhibition, (c) has won significant critical attention, or (d) is represented within the permanent collections of several notable galleries, museums or internationally significant libraries.
• See Wikipedia:Notability (academics) for guidelines on academics

SOUNDS TOUGH, eh?

DO YOU TEACH? Are you an Academic, according to Wikipedia? “The academic is more notable than the average college instructor/professor.”

Wikipedia specifically says, “If an academic/professor meets any one of the following conditions, as substantiated through reliable sources, they are definitely notable. If an academic/professor meets none of these conditions, they may still be notable, and the merits of an article on the academic/professor will depend largely on the extent to which it is verifiable.

1. The person is regarded as a significant expert in his or her area by independent sources.
2. The person is regarded as an important figure by independent academics in the same field.
3. The person has published a significant and well-known academic work. An academic work may be significant or well known if, for example, it is the basis for a textbook or course, if it is itself the subject of multiple, independent works, if it is widely cited by other authors in the academic literature^[1].
4. The person’s collective body of work is significant and well-known.
5. The person is known for originating an important new concept, theory or idea which is the subject of multiple, independent, non-trivial reviews or studies in works meeting our standards for reliable sources.
6. The person has received a notable award or honor, or has been often nominated for them.”

Some examples of applications of this guideline follow.

1. An academic who has published a book or books of general interest, a widely used textbook, or non-academic articles in periodicals with significant readership is likely to be notable as an author (see WP:BIO), regardless of their academic achievements. Similarly, an academic involved in significant current events is likely to be notable as a person under the general WP:BIO guidelines.
2. An academic repeatedly quoted in newspapers or newsmagazines may be considered to meet criterion 1. A small number of quotations, especially in local newsmedia, is not unexpected for academics and so falls short of this mark.

SO… what’s the Step 4?

Well, step 4a) Create a free membership

When Wikipedia when you create a free membership and go to write your own article, Wikipedia warns, “Do not write articles about yourself, your company, or your best friend.

Wikipedia is not an advertising service. Promotional articles about yourself, your friends, your company or products, or articles created as part of a marketing or promotional campaign, will be deleted in accordance with our deletion policies. For more information, see Wikipedia:Spam.”

While you can create a controversial article or page about you, it will most likely by deleted very quickly due to conflicts of interest. Instead, develop a personal brand environment where others would want to write a page about you.

Step 4: CONTRIBUTE your subject matter expertise to current Wikipedia articles. You can cite primary sources that just happen to quote you – but not written by you! Of course, if your subject doesn’t have an article, you can create one. But by now, your specific area of expertise is mostly likely covered in one way or another:

Look up all your professional jargon! And help to develop the authority of that article, especially with scholarly citations.

Remember, Wikipedia doesn’t want your opinions, insights, ideas, original research, theories, or proprietary processes as subjects.

Do not link back to your personal websites, including blogs.

But you can link the Wikipedia page article to agencies, institutions, and (preferably non-profit or educational) organizations that are relevant to the subject matter.

For overall personal branding benefits, become active in these organizations. As you take leadership, you’ll warrant a mention on their websites. As you become a significant leader, your name may be allowed in the Wikipedia subject matter article.

At that point, encourage organization directors to edit/update the Wikipedia subject matter article, and make the necessary references to your title and contributions. Again, it should unbiased and “verifiable” – never exaggerated or promotional.

Step 5: Become THE SUBJECT of primary-source media, e.g. articles written by journalists profiling you, your expertise, awards, or personal achievements. Wikipedia mentions that sporadic references in local media aren’t good enough to make you “notable.” Nevertheless, that could be your very practical starting point.

Step 6: Develop relationships with academics and scholars who research your subject matter expertise. Academics are often required to publish regularly. They will want to reference primary-source media. You may be the subject of, or at least quoted within, such media.

Journals often host or sponsor conferences, panels, etc. Volunteer or participate as an attendee to easily spark the right relationships.

As academics reference materials about you, you will become cited by secondary sources. As you develop a series of scholarly citations, you will become the SUBJECT of scholarly work.

Waddayaknow, even personal branding through Wikipedia boils down to relationships!

These six steps are the most direct and ethical way to earn a Wikipedia page about your personal brand.

There are other ways: For example, focus on having your articles published by others. Self-publish all sorts of intellectual property, like books, audios, videos, and blogs. Do not insult your fellow subject matter experts. In fact, edify them. Help peers recognize and reference your work.

As you practice the PersonalBrandMarketing.com Formula you will become a Full-spectrum Personal Brand: Naturally, somebody will definitely write an un-biased article about your notable achievements (and flaws) on Wikipedia.

So get to step 1. Then sooner, than later, you will have a Wikipedia page about your personal brand.