Direct messages allow you to connect with your supporters by sending them welcome notes, communicating updates, delivering perks, or just replying to messages sent by your fans. You can also receive tips with messages from your fans and even set a minimum tip requirement for members to send you a message in case you want to limit the amount of messages.
There are multiple benefits that may come with offering this option to your members:
- New way to engage with members - allow your members to interact with you on a deeper, more personal level
- New income channel - earn additional income by allowing your members to show extra support by attaching a tip with their message. You can also set a minimum tip requirement if you want to limit the number of messages you receive
- New membership perk - being able to send you messages is a fantastic membership benefit that you can promote directly in your offering
- Win former members back - DMs can be used as a tool to win former members back by sending them a special offer like a promo code for the first month if they sign up for your membership again
How to enable Messages on your site?
To enable Messages on your website, just navigate to Memberships > Settings > Messages and check the “Enable messages” checkbox.
How to send messages to members?
When Messages are enabled, you’ll be able to send messages through the Memberships > Messages tab:
To send a new message, just click the “New message” button or the “+” icon in the sidebar. You’ll be presented with a modal window where you can define the message recipients: you can send a message to just one selected member (through Search) or a bigger group of fans, e.g., all active members, members of a selected tier, expiring and former members:
Once you have defined your message recipients, click “Confirm,” and you’ll be taken to the message composer, where you can type your message content and even attach images to your message:
Once you’re ready, just click “Send,” and your message will be sent to all selected recipients!
Note: if you select more than one recipient, an individual message will be sent to each person instead of a group chat.
Enabling tips and configuring minimum tip requirements
An option to receive tips is enabled by default when you set direct messages up. However, you can disable it by going to Memberships > Settings > Messages and unchecking the “Allow members to send tips” checkbox.
You can also set a minimum tip requirement in the same setting just check the “Set minimum tip requirement for members to send a message,” set the amount, and click save. Once the minimum tip required is set, your members will have to include a tip of that amount or higher (if the supporter wants to) to send you a message.
Let your members know about DMs!
Once you enable direct messages, it may be a good idea to let your members know about it! The mass messages described above can be a great way to do this - your members will receive a notification that will immediately take them to the direct messages window, which is a natural introduction to the feature!
How can members send you messages?
When messages are enabled, your members will see a new messages icon on the right side of the header area (both mobile & desktop):
There will also be a new “Messages” button in the sidebar:
Direct messages FAQ:
Can I include images in messages?
Yes! You can include one or multiple images in direct messages to your members. We’ll also be adding support for attaching audio & video files soon.
Can I disable direct messages at any point?
Yes! To disable it, go to the Memberships > Settings > Messages and uncheck the “Enable messages” checkbox. Members will be able to see their chat history but will not be able to send new messages to you.
Can former members send me messages?
No, only active members can send you messages. Former members, however, have access to the entire chat history and can receive new messages from you, but they’ll be prompted to become a member if they want to send a new message.
Can I send an automatic welcome message?
It’s not available right now, but it’s on the roadmap.
Can I edit or delete my messages?
Not at this moment, but we’ll be adding these options soon.
What is the minimum & maximum tip amount?
The minimum tip amount is $1, and the maximum is $100.
Can I have other team members reply to direct messages?
Yes! Any team member (Super Admin or Manager level) can reply & send DMs. Regardless of who sends it, it shows up as you are sending the message.
Can I send pay-per-view (PPV) messages?
Yes, you can! We call them Lock messages and you can read more on this help article: Locked messages