> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.impact.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.impact.com/partner/what-would-you-like-to-learn-about/platform-features/working-with-brands/contacting-a-brand/message-your-brands.md).
# Message Your Brands
Use the *Messages* feature to quickly and easily communicate with both the managers of the programs you have joined and programs you'd like to join. The feature offers you a range of uses, such as streamlining your onboarding with a program, contacting a brand about special arrangements, resolving issues, and more.
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important:** Refer to impact.com's [Messaging Terms of Use](https://impact.com/terms-of-use-messaging/?_gl=1*j1tga9*_ga*MTI3MTM3MzE1Ni4xNjUyNjkzMjk1*_ga_MDF55NMH0F*MTY2MjAyMTAzMC4zODAuMS4xNjYyMDIxMjk1LjAuMC4w*_ga_MHKLSZ6DR4*MTY2MjAyMTAzMC4zNzcuMS4xNjYyMDIxMjk1LjAuMC4w) to ensure that you stay within messaging guidelines.
{% endhint %}
## Access messages
1. From the top navigation bar, select  **\[Chat]**.
2. On the *Inbox* screen, select  **\[Compose]** and use the  **\[Search]** option on the right to find a program or contact with whose manager you want to chat.
3. You can also attach files to your messages by selecting  **\[Attach]**. The following file types are supported: CSV, PDF, JPEG, PNG, GIF.
## View received messages
1. Messages you receive will appear in both your  **\[Chat]** widget and your [*Inbox*](https://app.impact.com/secure/mediapartner/fr/impact-message.ihtml?u=%2Fmessaging%2Finbox).
2. Continue the conversations you've left off by selecting an existing message thread.
3. To start a thread with a different program, select  **\[Compose]** and search for the program or contact.
### Set message thread status
You can manually mark a message thread as *Unread* or *Spam*:
1. On the  **\[Chat]** widget, open up a thread and:
* Select **Mark as unread** to reset the message notification.
* Select **Mark as spam** to no longer receive notifications from the message thread.
2. On the [*Inbox*](https://app.impact.com/secure/mediapartner/fr/impact-message.ihtml?u=%2Fmessaging%2Finbox) screen, open up a thread and, from the top of the screen:
* Select  **\[Mail]** to mark the message as unread and reset the message notification.
* Select  **\[Exclamation]** to mark the message as spam and no longer receive notifications from the thread.
### Search for message threads
1. On the  **\[Chat]** widget, search for a specific message thread by inputting a keyword from the program's name in the search bar.
2. On the [*Inbox*](https://app.impact.com/secure/mediapartner/fr/impact-message.ihtml?u=%2Fmessaging%2Finbox) screen:
* You can search for a specific message thread by inputting a keyword from the program's name in the search bar on the left.
* Alternatively, use the  **\[Filters]** to surface programs based on your **Relationship** status with the program and the thread's message **Status**.
## Make your account appear offline
To configure business hours or set yourself as offline, you need to work on the *Inbox* screen.
1. In the upper-left of your inbox screen, select  **\[Settings]**.
2. Select  **\[Toggle on] Business Hours**.
3. Use the drop-downs to set your business hours, outside of which your account will appear *Offline*.
* By default, your account will appear *Online* 24/7.
* Optionally, input an **Away Message** to inform brands when you'll be back.
## Best practices for communicating with brands
* Regularly check your impact.com dashboard and [notifications](/partner/what-would-you-like-to-learn-about/platform-features/dashboard/configure-platform-and-email-notifications-for-partners.md).
* Pay attention to [newsletters](/partner/what-would-you-like-to-learn-about/account-management/account-settings/connect-media-properties/connect-a-newsletter.md) and email updates. Brands often send out newsletters with new promotions, product launches, or changes to their program.
* Unsure what the brand is talking about? Learn more about the industry [terminology](https://impact.com/glossary/).
---
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