Quick Answer
The Messages tab in your organization editor controls whether visitors can send private messages to your business. Enable messaging to show a contact button on your listing, and optionally require email or phone verification to reduce spam.
Overview
Organization listings include a private messaging feature that lets potential customers reach you directly through your listing. Visitors don't need an account to send their first message. Messages arrive in your dashboard inbox and trigger email notifications to your configured recipients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Access Message Settings
From your Dashboard, select your organization listing
Click the Messages tab in the navigation bar
Step 2: Enable Private Messages
Find the Enabled Private Messages toggle at the top
Switch ON to display the Message button on your organization listing
Switch OFF to hide the button (your listing remains visible)
Step 3: Set Email Verification
In the Message Form Requirements section, locate the Email row
Toggle verification ON to require visitors to confirm their email before sending
This helps filter out spam and ensures valid contact information
Step 4: Configure Phone Requirements (Sponsor Organizations)
Find the Phone number row (shows SPONSOR badge)
Select Optional to let visitors choose whether to share their phone
Select Required to mandate phone numbers for all inquiries
Enable verification to require SMS code confirmation
Important Notes
Free organization listings see an upgrade prompt for phone requirements
All messages appear in My Inbox in your dashboard
Team members need Admin role to reply to messages on your behalf
Your contact details (phone, address, website) remain visible separate from messaging
FAQs
Should I enable both email and phone verification? This depends on your goals. Maximum verification reduces spam but may discourage some inquiries. For service businesses wanting qualified leads, requiring phone verification often works well.
Can customers still call us if we disable private messages? Yes. Disabling private messages only removes the Message button. Your phone number and other contact details remain visible (immediately for Sponsors, after visitor login for Free listings).
What information do we receive when someone messages us? You receive the visitor's name, email address, phone number (if provided/required), and their message (up to 500 characters).
How do we respond to messages? Log into your dashboard, navigate to My Inbox, and reply through the conversation thread. The visitor receives an email notification about your reply.