Want to let your members message each other? The Ultimate Member Private Messages extension adds a complete messaging system to your site. Members can send direct messages, have conversations, and stay connected – all without leaving your WordPress site.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to set up and configure private messaging. We’ll cover everything from basic setup to advanced features like message notifications and moderation. Let’s get started!
Why Add Private Messaging?
Private messaging adds significant value to membership sites:
- Enables member-to-member communication
- Builds stronger community connections
- Keeps engagement on your site
- Creates networking opportunities
- Increases member retention
If you’re building a community, professional network, or social platform, private messaging is essential. It’s what members expect from modern membership sites.
Installing the Extension
First, let’s install the Private Messages extension:
Download and Install
If you’ve purchased the extension:
- Log into your Ultimate Member account
- Download the Private Messages extension
- Go to WordPress → Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
- Upload and activate the extension
Once activated, you’ll see messaging options in Ultimate Member settings.
Basic Configuration
Let’s configure the basic messaging settings:
General Settings
Go to Ultimate Member → Settings → Extensions → Private Messages:
- Enable/disable messaging
- Set message limits
- Configure notification settings
- Set moderation options
Most default settings work well, but you’ll want to customize them for your community.
Message Limits
You can set limits to prevent spam:
- Messages per day
- Messages per conversation
- Character limits
- Attachment limits
Reasonable limits prevent abuse while still allowing normal communication.
Accessing Messages
Members can access messages in several ways:
Messages Page
The extension creates a messages page automatically. Members can access it from:
- Their account menu
- A direct link
- Profile page buttons
Make sure the messages page is set up in Ultimate Member → Settings → Pages.
Message Notifications
Members receive notifications for new messages:
- Email notifications
- On-site notifications
- Notification badges
Notifications help members stay engaged and respond quickly to messages.
Starting Conversations
Members can start conversations in several ways:
From Profiles
The easiest way is from member profiles:
- Visit a member’s profile
- Click “Send Message” button
- Compose and send message
This is intuitive and encourages member-to-member communication.
From Member Directory
Members can also message from directories:
- Browse the member directory
- Click message icon on member cards
- Start a conversation
Directory integration makes it easy to reach out to new members.
Direct Messaging
Members can access their messages page and start new conversations directly. This gives them full control over their messaging.
Message Features
The messaging system includes many useful features:
Conversation Threads
Messages are organized into conversations:
- Each conversation shows message history
- Easy to follow conversation flow
- Organized inbox
Threaded conversations make it easy to keep track of multiple discussions.
Message Status
Track message status:
- Unread messages
- Read messages
- Archived conversations
- Deleted messages
Status indicators help members manage their inbox effectively.
Search and Filters
Help members find messages:
- Search conversations
- Filter by unread/read
- Filter by member
- Sort conversations
Good search and filtering are essential for active communities.
Message Moderation
For larger communities, moderation may be necessary:
Moderation Options
You can enable:
- Admin review of messages
- Keyword filtering
- Report functionality
- Block members
Moderation helps maintain a positive community environment.
Blocking Members
Members can block others:
- Blocked members can’t message them
- Blocked members don’t see them in directories
- Easy to unblock if needed
Blocking gives members control over who can contact them.
Notifications
Keep members informed about new messages:
Email Notifications
Configure email notifications:
- New message alerts
- Daily digest options
- Customizable email templates
Email notifications ensure members don’t miss important messages.
On-Site Notifications
Real-time on-site notifications:
- Notification badges
- Notification dropdown
- Unread message counts
On-site notifications provide immediate feedback without leaving the site.
Mobile Experience
Many members will message from mobile devices:
- Messaging interface is responsive
- Touch-friendly buttons
- Mobile-optimized layouts
- Fast loading times
Mobile-friendly messaging is essential for modern communities.
Integration with Profiles
Messaging integrates seamlessly with profiles:
- Message buttons on profiles
- Message status indicators
- Quick message options
This integration makes messaging feel natural and accessible.
Advanced Features
Once comfortable with basics, explore advanced features:
Message Attachments
Allow file attachments:
- Configure allowed file types
- Set size limits
- Enable/disable attachments
Attachments are useful but can be a security concern – configure carefully.
Group Messaging
Some setups support group conversations. This requires additional configuration or extensions.
Testing Messaging
Before going live, test thoroughly:
- Send test messages between accounts
- Test notifications
- Try blocking/unblocking
- Test on mobile devices
- Check moderation features
- Verify search works
Thorough testing ensures messaging works smoothly for all members.
Common Issues
Here are common messaging problems:
Messages Not Sending
If messages don’t send:
- Check extension is activated
- Verify message limits
- Check for JavaScript errors
- Test with different browsers
Notifications Not Working
If notifications don’t appear:
- Check notification settings
- Verify email configuration
- Test notification system
- Check for conflicts
Best Practices
Tips for successful messaging:
- Set clear guidelines – Help members understand messaging etiquette
- Monitor activity – Keep an eye on messaging patterns
- Respond to reports – Handle abuse reports quickly
- Keep it simple – Don’t overcomplicate the interface
- Test regularly – Ensure messaging works as expected
Next Steps
Now that messaging is set up, consider:
- Customizing message templates
- Setting up moderation workflows
- Integrating with other features
- Promoting messaging to members
Private messaging is a powerful feature that can significantly enhance your community. Take time to configure it well, and your members will appreciate the ability to connect with each other directly.