When Patch launched in Westchase, editors and freelancers ventured to local businesses to collect information for our directory. The result: Patch Places is a spot where users can find descriptions, hours, accepted payment methods and more for spots around town.

All users can add events taking place at local spots, rate the business on a scale of one to five stars and add a review. But owners of local businesses get extra bonuses when they claim a listing.

This is a great tool for businesses that don’t have their own website. In fact, it’s like their own webpage. The best yet: It’s free!

Owners or managers can search for their business listing and select “Do you own or manage this location? Claim it!” in order to make updates to the page.

A form will pop up asking for your name, contact information and proof of ownership.

In a few days, someone from Patch will contact you to verify your authenticity. You’ll then be approved as the business owner. Once approved, you’ll have a “Manage Your Listing” link on the top of your Places page. Click the link to be taken to your dashboard.

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

• Your Stats;
• Edit listing;
• Manage Photos & Media;
• Reviews;
• Free Tools;
• Paid Tools; and
• Contact Sales.

Your Stats:

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

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. You can learn more about these options and how to get in touch with a sales team member.

Have your customers engage and rate your business, and talk with them right on Patch!

Questions? Email Patch editor Nicole Hutcheson at nicole.hutcheson@patch.com