Messages

The messaging system allows you to communicate directly with businesses about their bookings. This guide explains how to use messages effectively.

Accessing Messages

  1. Click Messages in the sidebar

  2. You'll see a list of all your conversations

Understanding the Message List

The messages page shows:

Information
Description

Business Name

Who you're conversing with

Last Message

Preview of the most recent message

Time

When the last message was sent

Unread Count

Number of unread messages

Unread Message Count

At the top of your conversations, you'll see the total number of unread messages. The sidebar also shows a badge when you have unread messages.

Viewing Conversations

Open a Conversation

  1. Click on any conversation in the list

  2. The full conversation history opens

  3. Messages are displayed chronologically

Conversation Details

Each conversation includes:

  • All messages between you and the business

  • Timestamps for each message

  • Image attachments (if any)

  • Connection to related bookings

Sending Messages

Compose a Message

  1. Open the conversation

  2. Type your message in the input field at the bottom

  3. Press Enter or click Send

Attaching Images

If you need to share images:

  1. Click the image/attachment icon

  2. Select an image file

  3. The image will be uploaded and sent

Message Best Practices

Do:

  • Be professional and courteous

  • Respond promptly to inquiries

  • Provide clear, helpful information

  • Confirm important details in writing

Avoid:

  • Sharing personal contact information outside the platform

  • Conducting transactions outside the platform

  • Unprofessional language or behavior

When to Use Messages

Before a Booking

Messages are typically initiated after a booking is confirmed. However, there may be pre-booking communication about:

  • Clarifying ad slot details

  • Discussing specific requirements

  • Answering questions about your newsletter

During a Booking

Common topics during active bookings:

Topic
Example

Creative feedback

"Could you adjust the image size to 600x300?"

Copy questions

"Is the copy length acceptable for your format?"

Scheduling

"Just confirming the ad goes out on Monday"

Clarifications

"Can you provide more context about your product?"

After Publication

Post-publication communication:

  • Confirming the ad was published

  • Sharing any feedback

  • Discussing future opportunities

  • Thanking them for their business

Conversation Organization

Conversations by Booking

Conversations are linked to the business you're working with. All messages with a particular business appear in the same conversation thread.

Finding Specific Conversations

If you have many conversations:

  1. Scroll through the list

  2. Conversations with unread messages appear with a badge

  3. Recent conversations appear at the top

Notifications

You'll receive notifications when:

  • A new message arrives

  • The business responds to your message

Configure notification preferences in Settings.

Message Etiquette

Response Time

Aim to respond to messages within:

  • Urgent matters: Same day

  • General questions: Within 24 hours

  • Non-urgent topics: Within 48 hours

Quick responses build trust and lead to smoother bookings.

Professional Communication

Maintain professionalism:

  • Use proper grammar and spelling

  • Be clear and concise

  • Stay positive and solution-oriented

  • Address concerns constructively

Handling Issues

If problems arise:

  1. Stay calm and professional

  2. Understand the issue fully before responding

  3. Propose solutions when possible

  4. Escalate to platform support if needed

Messaging and Bookings

Accessing Booking Information

While messaging, you may need to reference:

  • Booking details (see Managing Bookings)

  • Creative assets provided by the business

  • Scheduled dates and requirements

Keep the booking page open in another tab for easy reference.

Documenting Agreements

Use messages to document any agreements:

  • Changes to creative

  • Rescheduling confirmations

  • Special requirements

  • Pricing discussions

This creates a record that both parties can reference.

Common Messaging Scenarios

Requesting Creative Changes

"Hi [Business Name], thank you for your booking! I noticed the image you provided is 800x600. Could you send a version at 600x300 to fit our newsletter format? Thank you!"

Confirming Publication

"Hi [Business Name], just wanted to let you know your ad went out in today's newsletter. Thanks for advertising with us!"

Addressing Issues

"Hi [Business Name], I'm checking on the CTA link you provided — it seems to be showing a 404 error. Could you verify and send a working link when you get a chance?"

Following Up for Repeat Business

"Hi [Business Name], it was great working with you on your recent campaign. If you're interested in running another ad with us, we have availability next month. Let me know if you'd like to discuss!"

Privacy and Security

Keep Communication on Platform

  • All business communication should happen through the platform

  • This protects both parties and creates records

  • Avoid sharing personal contact information

Reporting Issues

If you encounter inappropriate behavior:

  1. Do not engage

  2. Document the issue

  3. Contact platform support

  4. Platform can take action if needed

Mobile Access

Messages are accessible from mobile devices:

  • The interface adapts to smaller screens

  • Send and receive messages on the go

  • Get push notifications for new messages (if enabled)

Common Questions

Can I delete messages?

Individual messages cannot be deleted. The conversation history is maintained for records.

What if a business is unresponsive?

Try messaging again after a day or two. If you need to reach them urgently about an active booking, contact platform support.

Can I message businesses before they book?

Messages are typically available for confirmed bookings. Pre-booking questions may need to go through the bidding or booking process.

Are messages private?

Messages are between you and the business. Platform support may access messages if there's a dispute or policy violation.

Next Steps

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