Frequently Asked Questions

For Users

Help! My browser crashed or froze!

You are probably using a version of Internet Explorer 6 that needs to be patched. Microsoft released a security update that you can download here.

The most common download is: "Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 on Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 or on Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 — Download the update"

After installing the patch, be sure to delete your cookies and temporary items.

If you can upgrade to IE 7 or use Firefox, you'll have an even better Internet experience.

How do I find things to do this weekend or on a certain day?

Next to "Things to do" you'll see a calendar icon (31). Click the icon to change your search to Today, Friday, Saturday, This Week, This Month, Next Month or All Events. The default setting is "This week" which will search the next seven days.

What's the difference between "Things to do" and "Places to go"?

Okay, this might sound like the start of a Dr. Seuss book. Basically a "thing to do" is an event and a "place to go" is a location. But sometimes, a "thing to do" and a "place to go" are the same thing – like bowling or golfing. In this case, the "thing to do" might be a golf tournament while the "place to go" is likely the golf course. In many cases, a place to go (like an arena) will hold an event (like a concert). Throughout the search results, you'll see where these two are linked together. Look for the links to "Events" and "Locations."

I searched for a "Thing to do" and got no results, what gives?

Try switching the menu to "Places to go" and clicking Search. Many times this will give you the results you wanted. You can also try using slightly different words in your search. It's sometimes helpful to expand the days to search to This Month, Next Month or All Events. The default setting is This Week which will search the next seven days.

How can I find related events?

Near the top of the search returns, you will see links to related categories of events. Click the links to see events that are similar. You can also click on the calendar icon to change the days you want to search.

How do I find things in a certain area?

Near the top of the page, you'll see an area to type in a city name.

I found a place that's no longer in business. How can it be removed?

Please email us the specific information and we'll take care of it.

I found an event listing that is not accurate.

Please email us the specific information and we'll take care of it.

I know of a business or event that's not listed. How can it be added?

If you are the business owner or event promoter, go to the Get Listed page. Otherwise, you can either encourage the business/event owner to get listed or you can email us the information and we’ll add it.

Do I need to Log In to use Search West Michigan?

If you just want to browse listings, you do not need to log in. If you want to add a new business or event to the directory, or if you want to claim a business or event, then you will need log in with a username and password.

I have a suggestion on how to improve Search West Michigan.

We definitely want to hear from you. Please email us.

For Event/Business Owners

How do I get my business or event listed?

Go to the Get Listed page and follow the instructions. By creating a username and password, you’ll be able to modify your listing to include keywords, description and more.

I formerly used the WOOD TV8 Community Calendar to list my events. Now what do I do?

The first thing to do is to Get Listed. Second, you can Manage Your Listings so that you can continue to promote your events.

I have more than one business or event location. How do I manage them?

You can manage either of those for free. However, you will find it easier and more effective by signing up for an Enhanced listing.

If you have multiple business locations, an Enhanced Plus Business Listing lets you manage all the locations from one log-on. An Enhanced Event Listing allows you to manage multiple event locations from one log-on.

In both cases, you'll benefit from the addition of more keywords, categories, pictures and a longer description.

Do I need to sign up for Enhanced business and event listings separately?

Yes, those are separate. You can do one without doing the other.