In the first two weeks, this is what a community publisher needs to do to prepare for the launch of a Patch.


  1. Editorial Training: Your first three days

  • Learn the CMS, newsletters and news alerts, pinner, social media, photo training

  • You may also independently read or watch videos of essential editorial training sessions on SEO, libel, breaking news, crime reporting, neighbor post


  1. Local Sales Training

  • Learn about the sponsorship product, sales script, deal submission process

  • Start a "sales activity tracker" for your gold and silver sponsorship pitches


  1. Patch Spirit: What is Patch? Write your "elevator pitch" for describing what you and Patch do


  1. Build a local officials/community leaders/business owners email list for announcement of site launch

  • Longtime business owners, community and business development officials, and top government officials are critical

  • At the same time, get Patch on your local officials' mailing distros

  • Distribute fliers announcing the arrival of your Patch in coffee shops, community bulletin boards, commuter parking lots


  1. Identify local social influencers and invite them to follow your Patch Facebook page; the sooner you can get to 1,000 fans the better

      • Join local moms groups and neighborhood groups on Facebook


  1. Build story idea list and get 12-15 local articles reported, written and in the can for launch week; shoot local stock photos of key buildings and locations (town hall, police department, schools, downtown/main street, etc., to illustrate future articles)

      • One of your introductory stories should be a "welcome to Patch, I'm your community publisher" introduction


  1. Get familiar with essential tools

    • Install LanguageTool or Grammarly in your web browser to keep your copy clean

    • Install the Slack app on your laptop and phone to stay in touch with your support team

  1. Seed your local events calendar with 100 events coming up in next 90 days


  1. Gather online press release sources from government organizations for automated content team


  1. Get chamber of commerce membership info; consider whether membership benefits/relationship will help you grow your Patch