Direct Message Settings

Quick Answer

Direct Message settings control whether visitors can send you messages through your Profile listing and what information they must provide. You can enable or disable messaging, require email verification, and (for sponsor listings) require phone numbers from visitors before they contact you.

Overview

The Direct Message feature adds a "Message" button to your public listing, allowing potential clients to contact you without needing your direct email or phone number. Messages arrive in your My Inbox dashboard and trigger email notifications. You control whether this feature is active and what verification steps visitors must complete before sending a message.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Access Direct Message Settings

Log into your Heritage Web dashboard
Click My Profile in the left navigation
Scroll to the bottom of your Edit Profile page
Locate the Direct Messages section
Click to expand the section

Step 2: Enable or Disable Direct Messages

Find the Enable Direct Messages toggle at the top of the section
Toggle ON to display the Message button on your listing
Toggle OFF to remove the Message button entirely

When disabled, visitors can still see your listing but cannot message you through the platform. Other contact methods (phone, address, website) remain available based on your listing's free or sponsor status.

Step 3: Configure Email Verification

Locate the Email Address field (always required for visitors)
Find the Verification toggle next to it
Toggle ON to require visitors to verify their email before sending
When enabled, visitors receive a verification code they must enter to complete their message

Step 4: Configure Phone Requirements (Sponsor Only)

Locate the Phone Number field
Select from the dropdown: Optional or Required
If desired, enable Verification to require SMS code confirmation

Setting	Visitor Experience
Optional, No Verification	Phone field shown but not required
Required, No Verification	Must enter phone to send message
Required, With Verification	Must enter phone AND verify via SMS code

Step 5: Save Your Changes

Review your settings
Click Publish Draft at the top of the page
Changes take effect after approval

Important Notes

Visitors can send messages without creating a Heritage Web account
All messages appear in your My Inbox dashboard
Email notifications are sent immediately to all verified recipients in your Notification Settings
SMS notifications (sponsor only) are also sent immediately if configured

FAQs

Can visitors message me without logging in? Yes. The Message button is visible to all visitors, and they can send messages without creating a Heritage Web account.

What's the difference between free and sponsor for Direct Messages? Free listings can enable/disable messaging and require email verification. Sponsor listings can additionally require phone numbers and enable phone verification.

Where do messages go? All messages arrive in your My Inbox dashboard. You also receive email notifications (and SMS if configured as a sponsor).

Will disabling Direct Messages hide my contact information? No. Disabling Direct Messages only removes the Message button. Your other contact details remain visible based on your listing type (sponsor: visible to all; free: behind login wall).