How to Navigate the Connect Dashboard

The Connect Dashboard is the control center for managing your engagement tools, tracking analytics, handling visitor interactions, and customizing your church’s Connect panel. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the dashboard, detailing its features and how to use them effectively.

1. Understanding the Connect Dashboard

Analytics Dashboard

Displays engagement metrics for your website and Connect panel.
Tracks total clicks, tool interactions, and scheduled meetings.
Adjust the date range in the top right corner to view analytics over different time periods.
Drill down into click analytics to see which tools (e.g., link launcher, video showcase, live chat) are used most frequently.

Active Conversations (Live Chat & Calls)

Displays real-time chats and call requests from visitors.
If a live chat or call request is active, you’ll see it here and can respond immediately.

Contact Inbox (All Visitor Interactions)

This is the central hub for all communication through Connect, including:
✅ Chat history (Completed & Missed Chats)
✅ Call records (Completed & Missed Calls)
✅ Contact form submissions
✅ Testimonials submissions
✅ Plan a Visit requests

Plan a Visit & Meeting Scheduling

Track scheduled visits and meetings through Connect.
View visitor details including name, phone number, email, and additional notes (e.g., bringing children).
Assign visitors to a welcome team or staff member for follow-up.
Send confirmation emails or follow-up messages.

2. Managing and Customizing Connect Features

Customizing Your Connect Panel

Add or remove engagement tools such as live chat, video messages, and contact forms.
Rearrange tools by dragging and dropping them into your preferred order.
Feature important tools (e.g., Live Chat) to give them a dedicated button for more visibility.

Managing Users and Teams

Add multiple users who can respond to messages, manage analytics, or oversee visitor interactions.
Create user teams (e.g., Pastor Team, Prayer Team) to assign different responsibilities.

Proactive Messages (Automated Engagement)

Auto-trigger pop-up messages on specific pages to guide visitors.
Customize messages using text, videos, GIFs, or links to drive engagement.
Target different pages (e.g., encourage visitors on the “New Here” page to plan a visit).

Panel Settings & Customization

Adjust panel appearance (colors, logos, button styles).
Set work hours so live chat and real-time tools are only available when staffed.
Install Connect on your website by embedding a code snippet (compatible with all website builders, including Omega).

3. Advanced Features and Integrations

Google Calendar Integration

Sync Connect’s meeting scheduling with your Google Calendar to manage appointments.

Event Management

Customize event types (e.g., Sunday Worship, Prayer Night, Office Hours) for scheduling.

Notification Customization

Adjust alert sounds, email notifications, and auto-responses to fit your workflow.

Integrations with Other Platforms

Connect with third-party tools for additional functionality.

4. Getting Help & Support

Access the Help & Support section for additional training videos and guides.
Contact Ministry Designs Support for further assistance.

Best Practices for Using Connect

✅ Monitor analytics regularly to see how visitors engage with your site.
✅ Customize the panel to match your church’s branding and visitor needs.
✅ Use proactive messages to guide visitors to take action.
✅ Ensure work hours are set so real-time tools are staffed when available.
✅ Follow up with new visitors through the Contact Inbox to build relationships.

For further assistance, visit ministrydesigns.com or email support@ministrydesigns.org.