How You Can Build A Community On Patch

Patch is a space for community news, and no one knows your community better than you. The first step is creating a profile and spreading the word about Patch.

Here are 5 other ways you can make Patch into an awesome local resource:

1. Ask a local question

Patch is the perfect space for hyperlocal questions that a Google search might not be able to answer. Questions can be the best way to begin a conversation over a local news story or to find a lost pet. If you have a burning question about your community, create a Patch profile to see if your neighbors have the answer.

2. Share a local news tip with your neighbors

Be the first to report on a local happening. News tips don't need to be serious, though they can be. Our only rules: all posts must be local, civil, truthful and non-promotional.

If you want to promote your business, do so under "Announcements."

3. Promote a business, list a job, sell an item

Local businesses are the backbone of any community. That's why we started "Announcements," a platform designed to help business owners and sellers reach their neighbors. For $1 a day, you can reach communities outside of your town.

4. Events go on our calendar

All local events should be posted in our Event Calendar. Whether you're advertising a clearance sale or inviting the town to your block party, put it in the calendar. Just make sure you give your neighbors enough time to see it.

5. Become a Patch Mayor

If you want to take a leadership role in your neighborhood, then we should talk about you becoming a Patch Mayor. Our mayors help to keep Patch a neighborly place and ensure Patch is producing local content that reflects what’s happening in their community.

Those who simply want to share an occasional story about their community can also become Patch Contributors. Our Contributors author articles about town halls, school events and other local issues. Public officials and leaders of local non-profits are encouraged to join.