Affiliate Messaging

Insert Affiliate provides a built-in messaging system that enables direct communication between companies and their affiliates. Keep your affiliate relationships strong with in-platform messaging and broadcast announcements.

Overview

The messaging feature offers:

  • Direct Messages: One-on-one conversations between companies and affiliates
  • Broadcast Messages: Send announcements to all your affiliates at once
  • Unread Indicators: Never miss a message with unread badges in the sidebar
  • Email Notifications: Affiliates receive email alerts for new messages

For Companies

Accessing Messages

Navigate to the Messages section in your dashboard sidebar. You'll see a badge indicator showing the number of unread conversations.

Starting a Conversation

  1. Go to Messages in the sidebar
  2. Click New Conversation (or the + button)
  3. Search for and select an affiliate from your list
  4. Type your message and send

You can also start a conversation directly from:

  • All Affiliates page: Click the chat icon next to any affiliate
  • Affiliate Details page: Click the "Message Affiliate" button
  • Affiliate Search: Click "Message" next to the affiliate

Thread View

Each conversation shows:

  • Message history with timestamps
  • Who sent each message (you or the affiliate)
  • Read/unread status
  • Edit and delete options for your own messages

Editing and Deleting Messages

You can edit or delete messages you've sent:

  • Edit: Click the edit icon on your message, modify the text, and save. An "edited" indicator will appear.
  • Delete: Click the delete icon to remove your message permanently.

Broadcast Messages

Broadcast messages let you send announcements to all your affiliates at once - perfect for promotions, product updates, or program changes.

Sending a Broadcast

  1. Go to Messages
  2. Click Broadcast to All
  3. Enter your subject line and message
  4. Click Send Broadcast

What Affiliates Receive

  • An email notification with your message
  • The message appears in their Messages section when they log in

Affiliate Opt-Out

Affiliates can opt out of receiving broadcast emails. When composing a broadcast:

  • You'll see how many affiliates will receive the email
  • If any affiliates have opted out, this count is displayed

Broadcast emails include an unsubscribe footer that allows affiliates to opt out of future broadcasts while still receiving direct messages.

For Affiliates

Viewing Messages

  1. Go to Messages in your dashboard sidebar
  2. Select a conversation to view the message thread
  3. Unread messages are highlighted with a badge

Replying to Messages

  1. Open a conversation
  2. Type your reply in the message box at the bottom
  3. Press Enter or click Send

Message Notifications

When a company sends you a message:

  • You'll receive an email notification
  • The Messages sidebar shows an unread badge
  • The conversation appears at the top of your message list

Broadcast Preferences

If you'd like to opt out of broadcast announcements:

  • Click the unsubscribe link in any broadcast email
  • You'll stop receiving broadcast messages but will still get direct messages from companies

Email Notifications

What Triggers an Email

  • New direct message: Both companies and affiliates receive email notifications for new messages
  • Broadcast messages: Affiliates receive emails for broadcast announcements (unless opted out)

Email Content

Email notifications include:

  • The sender's name
  • A preview of the message
  • A link to view the full conversation in the dashboard

Message Features

Pagination

Messages load 10 at a time. Scroll up in a conversation to load older messages automatically.

Timestamps

Each message shows when it was sent. Edited messages display "edited" with the edit timestamp.

Read Receipts

  • Opening a conversation marks all messages as read
  • The unread count updates in real-time

Best Practices

For Companies

  1. Be responsive: Quick responses build trust with affiliates
  2. Use broadcasts sparingly: Reserve them for important announcements
  3. Personalize when possible: Direct messages feel more personal than broadcasts
  4. Include clear calls to action: Make it easy for affiliates to understand next steps

For Affiliates

  1. Check messages regularly: Don't miss important updates from companies
  2. Ask questions: Use messaging to clarify commission structures or promotions
  3. Respond promptly: Active communication builds stronger partnerships

Troubleshooting

Not Receiving Email Notifications

  1. Check your spam/junk folder
  2. Verify your email address in account settings
  3. Ensure you haven't opted out of email preferences

Messages Not Loading

  1. Refresh the page
  2. Check your internet connection
  3. Clear browser cache and try again

Can't Start New Conversation (Companies)

  • Ensure you have at least one affiliate in your program
  • Try searching for the affiliate by name or email

Support

Need help with messaging? Contact us: