All Patch users can add events to Southampton Patch's calendar that are taking place at local spots. They can rate a business on a scale of one to five stars, and can add a review. But owners of local businesses get extra bonuses when they claim their directory listings.
Listing managers have the ability to change all the info in their business listings, including web address, hours, and much more. Once claimed, you can add more photos and videos, more information about the services you provide. Really, the sky is the limit.
And you can generate a lot of interest in your business by sending your listing link to contacts in your network — through email, on your website, newsletters, and Facebook and Twitter — and telling them to rate and review it on Patch.
To claim a listing, first sign up for a free Patch account, or log in to your existing account.
Search for your business listing and select "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 your authenticity, and then you'll be approved as the listing manager. Once approved, you'll have a "Manage Your Listing" button on the top of your directory page. Click the button 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 followed your listing. You can email your customers to seek out more reviews, and link the listing 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.
If you can't find your business listed on Southampton Patch, email the editor at brendan.j.oreilly@patch.com to get it added.
