Moz Q&A is closed.
After more than 13 years, and tens of thousands of questions, Moz Q&A closed on 12th December 2024. Whilst we’re not completely removing the content - many posts will still be possible to view - we have locked both new posts and new replies. More details here.
Is it worth buying an entry on Wikipedia-type sites?
-
Recently I've come across a few websites offering (for a fee) to research, write and publish an entry on the likes of Wikipedia, Citizendium or Wikitia - I thought this might be helpful when it comes to marketing and link building for a brand or individual.
Purchasing guest blog posts is a standard way to obtain a high domain authority in-context backlink, but I wondered if purchasing an entry on one of these human edited encyclopedias would be as effective, better or not worth the money?
It costs quite a bit more than guest posting and blog outreach, but on the other hand they are authoritative websites that also include backlinks.
Any thoughts would be most welcome.
-
@JCN-SBWD Even if the content is factually correct and verifiable, it may still be subject to removal or deletion if it doesn't meet the guidelines for notability, reliability, and verifiability. Additionally, paying for a listing on these websites may be seen as a violation of their policies and could potentially harm your reputation.
In my opinion, it's better to focus on creating high-quality content and building organic backlinks through outreach and relationship building. This may take more time and effort, but it's a more sustainable and ethical approach to SEO that will benefit your brand or individual in the long run.
-
@JCN-SBWD Even if the content is factually correct and verifiable, it may still be subject to removal or deletion if it doesn't meet the guidelines for notability, reliability, and verifiability. Additionally, paying for a listing on these websites may be seen as a violation of their policies and could potentially harm your reputation.
In my opinion, it's better to focus on creating high-quality content and building organic backlinks through outreach and relationship building. This may take more time and effort, but it's a more sustainable and ethical approach to SEO that will benefit your brand or individual in the long run.
-
No. Writing for Wikipedia is a great way to share information. BUT: If your company qualifies, chances are someone will write the article for free. No one will give you a guarantee that the purchased article will remain on the site. I'm for quality content
-
I would only buy it in order to actually rank with that specific content on Wikipedia or the others. So: Just as you could rank with an article on linkedin that is pickedup by Google.
This would only be helpful and sustain longer period of time if it actually is great content, and they do have a solid reason to link to you. And the visitors have a solid reason to want to know more. The link to your website will NOT have link value to your website as far as google is concerned. They are nofollow links.
A company could also decide to get a wikipedia page in order to educate. To give an in dept article about something relevant that you have a benefit from it's adoption. Like bluetooth, wifi 6, gluten free beer.
You would only do it in order to get the few clicks on that link that is on that page or follow up searches..
For example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Coca-Cola_Company is a great page that could result in actual traffic.
-
@Kateparish I appreciate that, but if all the content that's paid to be added to a Wiki site is factually correct and verifiable via independent websites would it be worth paying for a listing - could it help with SEO?
-
Even if you manage to get a paid entry published on Wikipedia, Citizendium or Wikitia, there is no guarantee that it will remain there permanently. These websites have strict guidelines on notability, reliability and verifiability, and any content that violates these guidelines can be removed or deleted at any time.
.
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
I'm having trouble removing SPAM from my site
I make the list of disavow links every week, plus they keep popping up. Does anyone know any techniques to remove them all at once ?
SEO Tactics | | Gabriel1710 -
Backlinks
We all know that SEO companies often build backlinks from LinkedIn, Facebook, and X accounts for their clients, but where else do you build backlinks for every client to help improve your clients organic SEO?
Image & Video Optimization | | sarahwalsh0 -
Blog post outreach for backlinks
Hi all, My understanding of obtaining backlinks by way of blogpost outreach is that it's best to include several outbound links to related high domain websites within blog post copy (as well as a link to the website you're marketing, obviously) such as this post https://www.scoopearth.com/why-should-you-use-royalty-free-music-for-youtube-videos/ or this one https://small-bizsense.com/how-to-create-quality-content-for-your-business/. However, I've recently read a few articles that suggest that from a human perspective only having one clear link in the copy, such as this post https://www.clichemag.com/entertainment/movies/the-benefits-of-royalty-free-cinematic-music-for-your-videos/, increases the chance of the reader visiting the site in question. I guess the thinking is that if there's only one link to be clicked on it increases the chances of click-thru, as opposed to the reader possibly clicking on another external link that's only there because of current SEO advice. So is it best to follow SEO guidelines and include several outbound links within guest blog posts, or is it better to only have the one link to your client's site (to focus the readers attention on it)?
Link Building | | JCN-SBWD0 -
When to re-write and redirect a blog url?
What are best practices for rewriting (and then redirecting) blog URLs? I refresh old blog posts on our blog every month and many of them have URLs that are too long or could be improved. However, many of them also already get decent organic traffic and I don't want to lose traffic due to a URL redirect. Are there any best practices or "rules" I can follow when deciding whether to re-write and redirect blog URLs?
Content Development | | Emily.R.Monrovia
Thanks!0 -
Do You Risk A Penalty From Local Paid Directories in 2022?
Hi there, I have a client who wants to advertise in a local directory along the lines of "find your nearest plumber". The directory only has paid listings and they are follow links and they also mention your site or generated landing page may get a nice bump on google. Is there a risk that they may get a penalty for using this directory? The client wants to use it regardless of if it gives them an SEO boost but obviously wants to avoid any penalties at all costs. Thoughts on this? Thanks in advance
Link Building | | Scottlinklater0