> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.coachiq.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# In-App Messages - Direct Athlete Communication

> Send free, direct messages to athletes through the CoachIQ app and athlete portal. Learn how to use in-app messaging for personalized coaching communication.

<Info>
  **Where to find this**: Dashboard → Inbox → Create New → In-App
</Info>

## What are In-App messages?

In-App messages are your direct line to athletes through the CoachIQ platform. These messages appear in the athlete's app and portal, creating a private conversation thread between you and your athletes - similar to texting but without the phone charges.

## Why use In-App messages?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Free messaging" icon="dollar">
    No per-message costs, unlike SMS. Send unlimited messages without worrying about fees.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Rich attachments" icon="paperclip">
    Attach forms, sessions, products, and media directly in your messages.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Two-way conversation" icon="comments">
    Athletes can reply, creating ongoing dialogue for feedback and questions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multi-platform delivery" icon="devices">
    Messages appear in both the mobile app and web portal, plus email notifications.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Prerequisites

<Warning>
  **Important**: Athletes must have either:

  * The CoachIQ mobile app installed, OR
  * An active profile in the athlete portal

  Athletes without either will not receive In-App messages.
</Warning>

## Sending an In-App message

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the message composer">
    Navigate to your **Inbox** and click **Create New**. Select **In-App** from the message type options.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/coachiq/8g7bHT9B5_N4Q5fi/images/inbox-create-in-app-message.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=8g7bHT9B5_N4Q5fi&q=85&s=058c44e04fcff861ce3a350f9e66f2d5" alt="CoachIQ Inbox with Create New menu open showing the In-App message option" width="2513" height="1683" data-path="images/inbox-create-in-app-message.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your recipients">
    In the "Send to" field, you can:

    * Type an athlete's name to message them individually
    * Select multiple athletes for a group message
    * Use tags to message predefined groups
    * Choose roles (Admin, User, Customer)

    <Tip>
      Start typing and CoachIQ will suggest matching athletes from your database.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Compose your message">
    Write your message in the text field. There's no character limit, so you can be as detailed as needed.

    Example messages: Hey Sarah, great work at practice today! Here's the drill video we discussed. Let me know if you have questions about the footwork.

    Russell, we have a session opening tomorrow at 3pm. Click the scheduler below to claim your spot!
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add attachments (optional)">
    Click the **+ Attach** button to include:

    * **Forms**: Collect information or feedback
    * **Media**: Share videos or images for instruction
    * **Products**: Allow direct purchase or signup
    * **Scheduler**: Enable instant session booking

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/coachiq/message-attachment.png" alt="CoachIQ message composer showing attachment options for forms, media, products, and sessions" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send the message">
    Click **Send** to deliver your message. Athletes will receive:

    * An in-app notification (if they have the app)
    * A portal notification (if they use the web version)
    * An email notification to their registered address

    <Check>
      **Success!** Your message is delivered instantly across all platforms.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## How athletes receive In-App messages

### Mobile app users

* Push notification appears on their phone
* Message shows in the Inbox/Channels section
* Can reply directly from the app

### Portal users

* Notification appears when they log in
* Message visible in their inbox
* Can reply from the web interface

### Email notifications

All In-App messages trigger an email to ensure athletes don't miss important communications, even if they haven't opened the app recently.

## Managing In-App conversations

### Viewing replies

* Replies appear in your main Inbox view
* Conversations maintain full thread history
* New replies trigger notifications to you

### Continuing conversations

Simply click on any existing conversation to:

* View the full message history
* Send follow-up messages
* Add new attachments
* See when messages were read

## Best practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="When to use In-App vs SMS">
    **Choose In-App when:**

    * Sending regular updates or feedback
    * Cost is a consideration
    * You need rich attachments
    * The message isn't time-critical

    **Choose SMS when:**

    * It's urgent (practice cancelled, last-minute changes)
    * You're unsure if the athlete checks the app
    * You need to reach parents who don't use the app
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Effective message strategies">
    * **Be personal**: Use the athlete's name and reference specific situations
    * **Add value**: Include helpful attachments like drill videos or booking links
    * **Set expectations**: Let athletes know if you need a reply
    * **Time it right**: Send technique feedback soon after practice while it's fresh
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Attachment best practices">
    * **Forms**: Great for collecting feedback after sessions
    * **Schedulers**: Perfect for filling last-minute cancellations
    * **Media**: Ideal for sharing technique videos or progress photos
    * **Products**: Useful for promoting camps or special programs
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Common questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I delete a sent message?">
    No, once an In-App message is sent, it cannot be deleted. This maintains conversation integrity and accountability.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do group In-App messages show everyone's replies?">
    No, when you send to multiple recipients, each conversation remains private between you and each individual athlete.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if an athlete doesn't have the app?">
    They won't receive In-App messages. You'll need to use SMS or ensure they set up their athlete portal access.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is there a limit on message length?">
    No, In-App messages have no character limit. You can write as much detail as needed.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can parents receive In-App messages?">
    Yes, if parents have their own profile in the system with app or portal access.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Pro tips

<Tip>
  **Quick feedback loop**: After each training session, send personalized In-App messages to 2-3 athletes with specific feedback. This builds strong coach-athlete relationships.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Attachment combo**: Pair a form with a session scheduler - "Please fill out this injury prevention form, then book your recovery session."
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Template messages**: Keep common messages in a notes app to copy/paste, like session reminders or homework assignments.
</Tip>

## Limitations to remember

* Athletes must have app or portal access
* Messages cannot be deleted once sent
* No read receipts (you can't see if the message was read)
* Attachments appear as cards/links, not embedded content

## Related articles

* [SMS Messages - Setup and Best Practices](/inbox/sms-messages)
* [Announcements - Broadcasting to Your Team](/inbox/announcements)
* [Attaching Forms, Sessions, and Products](/inbox/attaching-forms-schedulers-and-products)
* [Using Tags for Group Messages](/inbox/using-tags-for-group-messages)