How Dylan Haugen Achieved Google Knowledge Panel Recognition Through Authenticity

When people search for your name online, what do they find? Scattered information or outdated social media profiles?
A Google Knowledge Panel is like a personal billboard, highlighting your expertise, achievements, and key links in one central spot. But how do you get one, and why does it matter?
Dylan Haugen is a 5’11” basketball player with a rare talent: he can dunk.He didn’t set out to build a personal brand. Instead, he focused on sharing his story. He posted videos of his training sessions, highlighted his failures and successes, and showed his journey to achieving impressive dunking skills.

These authentic posts caught the attention of credible sports blogs and basketball influencers. Without running ads or launching a heavy-handed marketing campaign, Dylan built trust and credibility online. Over time, Google’s Knowledge Graph recognized the links between his name, verified social media accounts, and mentions in reputable outlets. The result: Dylan earned a Knowledge Panel.
Now, when you search “Dylan Haugen,” you’ll find a detailed Knowledge Panel displaying his achievements, social profiles, and a concise bio. This result didn’t appear overnight. It emerged from his consistent efforts to post genuine content and establish a network of credible sources that referenced him..
What does this mean for entrepreneurs, coaches, or professionals trying to build their reputation? You don’t need to be a celebrity. Instead of pushing hard to sell your services, focus on sharing your journey. Post valuable insights, interact with your audience, and showcase your expertise.
Re-purpose your content across multiple platforms. The more value you provide, the more credibility you’ll gain. Over time, Google’s Knowledge Graph will reflect that credibility.
A Knowledge Panel isn’t about quick fixes. It’s the result of consistent effort. By staying authentic and persistent, you can earn the trust of both your audience and Google’s algorithms.