Controlling the Message Button

Quick Answer

The Message button on your listing can be completely disabled if you don't want to receive platform messages. Both free and sponsor listings can control this feature. Warning: Disabling the Message button also removes your primary email from notifications for all lead types.

Overview

The Message button allows visitors to contact you directly through Heritage Web's platform without seeing your email address. Messages arrive in your Inbox and trigger email notifications. While this is a valuable lead generation tool, you may want to disable it during busy periods or if you prefer other contact methods.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Access Message Button Settings

Log into your Heritage Web dashboard
Navigate to your listing (Profile, Organization, Event, or Job)
Click "Edit" to modify your listing
Look for "Message Button" or "Messaging Settings"

Step 2: Disable the Message Button

Find the "Enable Message Button" toggle
Switch it to "Off" or uncheck the box
You'll see a warning about email notifications
Confirm you want to disable messaging

Step 3: Understand the Impact

When disabled:

Message button disappears from your public listing
No more platform messages in your Inbox
Primary email removed from notification table
Other contact methods remain visible (if enabled)
Lead matching continues normally

Step 4: Save Changes

Click "Publish Draft" to save
Changes require review (1-3 business days)
Current settings remain during review
Message button removal happens after approval

To Re-enable the Message Button

Step 1: Return to Settings

Edit your listing again
Find Message Button settings
Toggle back to "On" or check the box

Step 2: Restore Notifications

Primary email automatically returns to notification table
Email alerts resume for new messages
Previous messages remain in your Inbox
Message button reappears after approval

Important Notes

Critical warning — Disabling the Message button removes your primary email from ALL notifications, not just messages
Immediate effect — Once approved, the button disappears instantly
No message history loss — Previous messages remain accessible in your Inbox
Lead matching unaffected — You still receive matched referrals through the Leads Dashboard
Reversible — Can re-enable anytime with another review cycle

FAQs

Q: Why would I disable the Message button? A: Common reasons include being at capacity, preferring phone calls only, reducing spam messages, taking a vacation, or wanting to control inquiry volume during busy periods.

Q: Can I keep the Message button but stop email notifications? A: No. The Message button and primary email notifications are linked. Disabling one disables both. However, you can add additional email addresses that will still receive notifications.

Q: Will this affect my paid referrals or pro bono leads? A: The Message button only affects free direct inquiries. You'll still receive notifications for paid referrals and pro bono opportunities through your Leads Dashboard, though your primary email won't be notified if the Message button is disabled.

Q: Can visitors still see my other contact information? A: Yes. Phone numbers, addresses, and website URLs remain visible based on your other visibility settings. The Message button is independent of these.

Q: Is there a way to set an auto-response instead of disabling? A: No. Heritage Web doesn't currently offer auto-responses. Consider adding a note in your listing description about response times or availability instead.

Next Steps

Add availability information to your listing description
Configure other contact methods before disabling messaging
Consider hiding from specific publications instead of disabling messages entirely
Set up team members to help manage message volume