UsersWP Private Messaging Plugin
UsersWP is the front-end user-profile and registration plugin from the GeoDirectory team — used by GeoDirectory sites, classifieds boards, and any WordPress site that wants prettier profile pages than the default WordPress author. Better Messages adds a real-time messaging layer to UsersWP sites: a Messages tab inside the UsersWP profile, a Private Message button on every other user's profile, and UsersWP avatars / profile links used throughout the messenger.
What Better Messages adds to UsersWP
Once Better Messages is installed and configured with Messages Location → Show in UsersWP profile:
- Messages tab inside the currently logged-in user's profile embedding the full Better Messages inbox.
- Private Message button on every other user's profile.
- UsersWP avatars and profile links used throughout the messenger.
Private Message button on other profiles
The button is added automatically to every UsersWP profile page. Clicking it opens a new conversation with that user.
Installing Better Messages on a UsersWP site
- Install Better Messages from WordPress.org and activate it.
- Open WP Admin → Better Messages → Settings → General.
- Set Messages Location to Show in UsersWP profile (or any other WordPress page).
Free vs WebSocket version for UsersWP sites
| Feature | Free version | WebSocket version |
|---|---|---|
| Messages tab inside the UsersWP profile | yes | yes |
| Private Message button on other profiles | yes | yes |
| Avatars and profile links from UsersWP | yes | yes |
| Group conversations and file uploads | yes | yes |
| Real-time delivery | polling | instant |
| One-on-one voice and video calls | — | yes |
| Group voice and video calls | — | yes |
| Web push notifications for new messages | — | yes |
| Read receipts | — | yes |
| End-to-end encryption (optional per thread) | — | yes |
UsersWP is commonly paired with GeoDirectory — combining the two integrations gives you a directory site with both listing-level chat (Send Message on a listing) and profile-level chat (Private Message on a member's profile).
Frequently asked questions
Does it work alongside GeoDirectory?
Yes — UsersWP and GeoDirectory share the same team. The two integrations coexist: listing-level Send Message on GeoDirectory listings, profile-level Private Message on UsersWP profiles.
Can I restrict messaging by UsersWP user role?
Yes — Better Messages reads WordPress roles. Configure restrictions in Better Messages → Settings → Permissions.
Can guests message UsersWP members?
Optional. With Guest Chat enabled, unregistered visitors can start a thread with a UsersWP member.
Will the Messages tab respect UsersWP's profile tab order?
Yes — the tab is registered through UsersWP's standard profile-tab API, so it integrates with the existing tab order. Drag-reorder it from the UsersWP profile tabs admin screen if needed.
See also
- UsersWP integration documentation — full setup reference
- GeoDirectory chat — for sites also using GeoDirectory
- ProfileGrid private messaging plugin — for ProfileGrid-driven sites
- WP User Manager private messaging — for WPUM-driven sites