A Baker's Dozen of Ways to Get the Most Out of Patch

We have one mission here at Patch: to make life ridiculously easy for you and your neighbors. Whether you’re a new reader (welcome!) or have been with Collingswood Patch for awhile (welcome back!), you might not be aware of the many ways you can use Patch to make life ridiculously easy.

Here are our tips for getting the most out of Patch. Think we should add something? Let us know in the comments.  

1. Get the day’s top news and events delivered to your inbox

We understand, you’re busy. You may not have time to click on Patch several times a day (although we think it’s definitely worth it.) Get your daily news in a digest form with our emailed newsletters. Sent out first thing every morning, the newsletter gives you the morning news, weather, community events and much more. Visit our newsletter page and select from a daily or weekly newsletter, plus optional breaking news alerts.

2. Find local events and post your own

When is the next school board meeting? How about a wine tasting or concert? You’ll find it all on our Events page. Search by category or by day for what you’re interested in. And if we’re missing something, simply add it in. On the Events page, click on “add an event,” fill out the required fields and presto! Instant connection with your neighbors.

3. Show off your shutterbug talents

We try to be everywhere, but the news, she keeps on churning. Did we miss a perfect photo at a community event or did you snap a picture of a lovely Collingswood scene you just have to share? Great! Just upload it to the Neighborhood Gallery. It’s a photo gallery populated by readers’ pictures of life in Collingswood. Just visit the gallery, click “upload photos and videos” and share your masterpiece. Don’t forget to add a caption so we know what shot we’re admiring!

4. Sound off, part 1

There are a lot of serious issues going on in town and our readers are not shy about sharing their opinions. Put those opinions into words and write us a letter to the editor. Email your letter to lauren.burgoon@patch.com and she’ll take it from there.

5. Sound off, part 2

Remember that part about Patch readers not being shy? That much is clear from the lively back-and-forth in the comments sections. Log on to share your views on any article we publish (just remember to abide by our Terms of Service.)

6. Be a famous blogger

Fame, that’s what awaits our local bloggers. OK, maybe that’s stretching it, but if you have a lot to say about Collingswood or an issue you’re passionate about, Collingswood Patch will give you a free blog and built-in audience. Join your neighbors already blogging for us, like Stephen Coan’s sustainable gardening blog or Carolyn Busa’s humor blog. Click on “Want to blog on Patch?” at the bottom of the Local Voices column on the front page to get started.

7. Share your news

Are you getting married? Having a baby? Perhaps you want to share an obituary with the community, thank your neighbors or brag a bit about your child’s award. Do it all for free on our Announcements section. Click on Announcements under the “News” drop down menu and announce away.

8. Get your news and information on the go

It’s an app-happy world and we’re just living in it. Luckily, Patch goes everywhere your phone does. We have free apps for iPhones and Androids. The iPhone version gives access to news, photos, the business listings and more. The Android app, called Patch Places, is a full list of the businesses in your area. You can change your location on the apps when you’re traveling to give you the best local information from our nationwide Patch network.

9. Find, review and follow local businesses

Does Fido need a shampoo? Do you need a shampoo? From pet salons to human salons, restaurants, mechanics and more, our Places page has Collingswood businesses galore. Don’t forget to rate your experience after you visit a local merchant. Plus, you can follow your favorite businesses in town, and you’ll be notified every time they’re mentioned in a Patch story, whether that means a profile of the establishment or special deals we find.

10. Business owners, take control of your Patch listing

This one is just for the business owners out there. We strive to list every Collingswood business in our directory. You can claim your listing and add more photos, announce specials, update details and so on. Just fill out the “Claim It” form on your business’ listing or check out these easy instructions.

11. Advertise with us—you too, nonprofits!

While we’re on a business kick, we’d be remiss not to mention advertising opportunities on Patch. This goes for local businesses of course, but candidates for political office, theaters and other groups also may want to consider advertising on Patch. Patch also has a deal to provide free ads to qualifying nonprofits. Contact Chris Edens, chris.edens@patch.com, for all advertising information.

12. Volunteer

Did you know the idea for Patch first sprang from one of our founders’ difficulty in finding local volunteer opportunities? Volunteerism—participating in it and supporting it—is vital to Patch’s business values. We feature local volunteers who give back to their community, plus we give back as well—each Patch employee volunteers a minimum five days per year in our local communities. You can find volunteer opportunities or post volunteer needed announcements under the “Volunteer” section on the top banner.

13. Stay connected with Patch

Our Facebook and Twitter pages have the latest Collingswood news. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay in the know.

There you have it, 13 ways to maximize your experience with Patch. Any questions? Always feel free to contact your local editor.