Quick Answer
Direct Message Settings let you enable or disable the message button on your profile and configure what information visitors must provide when contacting you. Access these settings in the Messages tab of your profile editor.
Overview
When visitors find your profile on any Heritage Web publication, they can click a Message button to contact you directly—no account required on their end. You control whether this button appears and what verification steps visitors must complete before their message reaches your inbox.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Access the Messages Tab
Go to your Dashboard and select your profile listing
Click the Messages tab in the top navigation
Step 2: Enable or Disable Private Messages
Locate the Enabled Private Messages card at the top
Toggle the switch ON to show the message button on your profile
Toggle OFF to hide the message button (visitors can still see your contact details)
Step 3: Configure Email Verification (Optional)
In the Message Form Requirements table, find the Email row
Toggle verification ON to require visitors to confirm their email with a code before sending
Leave OFF to accept messages without email verification
Step 4: Configure Phone Requirements (Sponsor Only)
Find the Phone number row (marked with SPONSOR badge)
Use the dropdown to set as Optional or Required
Toggle verification ON to require SMS confirmation
Important Notes
Visitors can send their first message without creating an account
All messages arrive in your My Inbox in the dashboard
Email notifications go to recipients configured in the Notifications tab
Your past conversations remain accessible even if you disable private messages
FAQs
Can I still receive leads if I turn off private messages? Yes. Paid Referrals and Pro Bono leads are separate systems that continue working regardless of your private message settings.
What's the difference between hiding my profile and disabling messages? Disabling messages only removes the Message button—your profile stays visible. Visitors can still see your contact details (immediately for Sponsors, after login for Free listings).
Do I need to verify recipients separately for each listing? Yes. Each listing maintains its own notification recipients. Add and verify email addresses in the Notifications tab for each listing.