5 Ways Your Business Can Use Patch

1. Claim Your Listing: We offer an extensive business directory (http://shakopee.patch.com/directory) with free basic listings. Find yours and claim it to add new photos and update information.

Just click "Claim it!" where you see "Do you own or manage this location?"

2. Post Events: You can add events to our calendar by logging in and going to our events page (http://shakopee.patch.com/events/new). All local events and events of local interest can be posted in our events calendar. If your business is hosting a workshop or class, volunteer event, a onetime sale or promotion, please add it!

3. Share Your Expertise: We offer community members an opportunity to write in our Local Voices section (http://shakopee.patch.com/blog/apply). Do you run a hardware store? Then blog about how-to home projects! Maybe you're an accountant? Write about tax tips for residents! Or do you run a salon or clothing retailer? Let us know what's what in the beauty and fashion world! Email editor Lisa Baumann at lisa.baumann@patch.com for more information.

4. Connect on Social Media: Make sure your business likes Shakopee Patch on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ShakopeePatch) and follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/ShakopeePatch). I'll follow you back and share your news with my readers.

5. Advertising: Patch offers all kinds of ways to get your business out there through advertising, including banner ads and coupons. If you want more information, email Ad Manager Cathy Deering at cathy.deering@patch.com