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UsersWP Private Messaging Plugin

· 3 min read
Creator of Better Messages

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.
Messages tab inside the UsersWP profile

Private Message button on other profiles#

Private Message button on another user's UsersWP profile

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#

  1. Install Better Messages from WordPress.org and activate it.
  2. Open WP Admin → Better Messages → Settings → General.
  3. Set Messages Location to Show in UsersWP profile (or any other WordPress page).

Free vs WebSocket version for UsersWP sites#

FeatureFree versionWebSocket version
Messages tab inside the UsersWP profileyesyes
Private Message button on other profilesyesyes
Avatars and profile links from UsersWPyesyes
Group conversations and file uploadsyesyes
Real-time deliverypollinginstant
One-on-one voice and video callsyes
Group voice and video callsyes
Web push notifications for new messagesyes
Read receiptsyes
End-to-end encryption (optional per thread)yes
info

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#

Install Better Messages from WordPress.org →