Creating and optimising a Wikipedia infobox

Why does the first screen of a Wikipedia page matter? Have you noticed that when you open an article on Wikipedia, your eye goes straight to the right hand column? This is the infobox, a compact block with a photo, key dates, books, awards and links. It is what shapes the first impression of you or your brand. Now imagine:

• a book author has no photo,
• an expert or a coach has no main areas of work listed,
• a company or a brand has no logo, no date of foundation and no key facts.

The reader thinks at once: “If even Wikipedia looks empty, how seriously can I take this person or this business?”

What problems arise without an infobox

1. A book author: a new novel is out, but the infobox has neither the cover nor the year of publication. The reader does not sense the scale.
2. An expert or a coach: your achievements are blurred inside the text, and a person does not understand why you really are an authority.
3. A politician or a public figure: a page without a photo and basic information looks unprofessional and raises doubts.
4. A company or a brand: there is no logo and no date of foundation, so investors and partners get no clear picture.

In effect you are on Wikipedia, but you look grey and unremarkable.

Why you should not put it off

An empty or outdated infobox creates the impression that you do not care about your own reputation. Meanwhile competitors are already updating their pages and look more convincing. The right infobox is a small detail that decides how much people trust you.