How do backlinks from Wikipedia and other wikis influence SEO?

Backlinks from Wikipedia and other wikis can have a significant impact on SEO due to several factors unique to these platforms:

1. **High Domain Authority (DA)**:
   - Wikipedia, in particular, has a very high domain authority. Backlinks from Wikipedia pages carry substantial SEO weight because Google recognizes Wikipedia as a highly authoritative source of information. Other wikis with established credibility in their respective fields also provide valuable backlinks.

2. **Relevance and Contextual Links**:
   - Backlinks from Wikipedia and other wikis are typically embedded within relevant, informative content. These links are contextual, meaning they are placed naturally within the context of the topic being discussed. Contextual links are highly valued by search engines for their relevance and can positively impact SEO rankings.

3. **Natural Link Building**:
   - Wikipedia links are editorially controlled and can only be added by users who adhere to Wikipedia's guidelines. Therefore, obtaining a backlink from Wikipedia requires providing high-quality, well-referenced content that adds value to the topic. This natural link building process contributes positively to SEO by signaling to search engines that your content is trustworthy and authoritative.

4. **Traffic and Visibility**:
   - Wikipedia pages often rank well in search engine results pages (SERPs) due to their authority and comprehensive coverage of topics. Backlinks from Wikipedia can drive significant referral traffic to your website if the topic is relevant and users click through to learn more from your content.

5. **Longevity and Stability**:
   - Links from Wikipedia tend to be stable and long-lasting, provided they comply with Wikipedia's guidelines and are relevant to the content. This stability ensures that the SEO benefits of these backlinks are maintained over time, contributing to sustained improvements in search engine rankings.

6. **Trustworthiness and Credibility**:
   - Google values links from trustworthy and credible sources. Wikipedia is known for its rigorous editorial standards and reliability as an information source. Backlinks from Wikipedia pages enhance your website's perceived trustworthiness and credibility in the eyes of both users and search engines.

### Considerations and Best Practices:

- **Contribute High-Quality Content**: Focus on adding valuable, well-researched content to Wikipedia and other wikis. Avoid self-promotion and ensure your contributions are neutral, factual, and verifiable.

- **Follow Guidelines**: Adhere to the guidelines and policies of Wikipedia and other wikis when adding links. Spammy or irrelevant links will be removed, and repeated violations can lead to restrictions or bans.

- **Monitor and Maintain Links**: Regularly monitor the status of your backlinks from Wikipedia and wikis to ensure they remain active and compliant with guidelines. Fix any broken links promptly to maintain SEO benefits.

In summary, backlinks from Wikipedia and other wikis can significantly boost SEO due to their high authority, relevance, and contextual nature. By contributing valuable content and adhering to guidelines, you can harness the SEO benefits of these authoritative platforms while enhancing your website's visibility and credibility online.