When Patch launched in late 2010, editors and freelancers ventured to local businesses to collect information for our directory. They made Patch Places into a spot where local consumers can find descriptions, hours, accepted payment methods and much more for stores and restaurants around town.

All Patch readers can add information about local events, can rate the business on a scale of one to five stars and can add a review.

But many owners of local businesses don't realize the full advantages and extra bonuses they get when they claim a listing.

How to Claim Your Listing—and Why

Owners or managers should search for their business listing on Patch in the search box above, click on your business listing and then click on "claim your listing." A form will pop up asking for your name, contact information and proof of ownership.

Within a few days, someone from Patch should contact you to verify the information, and then you'll be approved as the business owner. Once approved, you'll have a "Manage Your Listing" button on the top of your Places page.

From your management dashboard, you’ll be able to make changes and updates to your listing—add photos, update your hours, add your menu or more information, respond to customers who review your business and much more.

Here’s more on what you’ll get with your free claimed listing:

Your Stats

Here you can see how many users have rated, reviewed or follow your listing. You can email your customers to seek out more reviews, and link the Patch Place to your Facebook or Twitter account.

Edit Listing

Add photos, website information, hours of operation, contact information and more under the "basic info" tab. Some of this information cannot be changed, but you can request a new description if you think your business is inaccurately described.

Choose "extra info" to add information like the founding date of your business, what kinds of payments you accept, if there's street parking or a lot and much more.

Manage Photos & Media

Here you can add and edit photos and choose which image is featured. If you have video or PDFs, you would add that here, too.

Reviews

You can see what people have to say about your business.

Video Uploads and Other Tools

You can upgrade your listing with a video profile, add a message from the owner and become a featured business on the Places page for a fee. Learn more about these options and how to get in touch with a sales team member.

Claiming your listing today to help keep Patch users up to date with your company and keep your listing looking fresh. If you need some help, we also have a help desk at directorysupport@patch.com.