When Martinez Patch launched in December 2010, editors and freelancers ventured out to local businesses and institutions to collect information for our directory. Now, Patch Places is a spot where users can find descriptions, hours, accepted payment methods, and much more for spots around town.

All users can add events taking place at local venues; rate businesses on a scale of one to five; and add reviews.

But owners of local businesses get extra bonuses when they claim a listing.

HOW TO DO IT

Owners or managers can search for their business listing and click the “Claim it!” button to make updates to the page. A form will pop up asking for your name, contact information and proof of ownership.

(If your business isn’t listed, please email directorysupport@patch.com to have your business added. It’s free!)

Within a few days, you can expect someone from Patch to contact you to verify this information. You’ll then be approved as the business owner.

Once approved, you’ll have a “Manage Your Listing” button on the top of your Places page. Click the button to get to your dashboard.

YOUR DASHBOARD

From the dashboard, you can make many changes and updates to your listing. On the left side of the dashboard you have several options.

Your Stats: Here you can see how many users have rated, reviewed or followed your listing. You can email your customers to seek out more reviews, and link the Patch Places listing to your Facebook or Twitter accounts.

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 parking lot, and much more.

Manage Photos Media: Here you can add and edit photos and choose which image is featured. If you have videos or PDFs, you could add them here.

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

Free Tools: Post events and add job openings to our classifieds section, also known as the Marketplace.

Paid 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 by writing to directorysupport@patch.com. If you have other questions about advertising, write to Jack Rhodes@patch.com for details.