Messaging
Local business networks are only useful if people can actually talk to each other. ReviewBay's direct messaging is how that happens — free, unlimited, built into the dashboard.
This is the primary channel for referrals, partnerships, and professional introductions within the network.
How messaging works
Every ReviewBay member has an inbox accessible from the dashboard. You can search for any member business and send them a message. They'll receive a notification via email and can reply from their dashboard.
Messages are end-to-end within the platform — no personal phone numbers or email addresses are shared until you choose to share them.
Use cases
- Referrals — send a job to another member whose specialty fits the customer's need.
- Subcontracting — find and vet local pros for work you can't take on alone.
- Introductions — build your professional network within the local business community.
- Partnerships — coordinate with complementary businesses on joint marketing or events.
Best practices
Most first messages fail because they're vague. "Hey, interested in referrals?" tells the other person nothing useful. Be specific about what you're offering or looking for. If you're reaching out for referral partnerships, include your service area and availability upfront, so the other person can assess fit without a back-and-forth.
The other thing that compounds over time: response speed. Members who reply quickly build stronger network reputations. A referral goes to whoever's most reliable, and reliability starts with being responsive.
Messaging limits
Messaging is unlimited for all paid members. Free accounts (if applicable) may have message limits. Spam or solicitation messages will result in account suspension.
Notifications
You can configure message notification preferences under Settings → Notifications. By default, you'll receive an email for every new message.