Synyster, you need to submit your server to websites like PMC. Once you have enable votifier in the Votifier tab. You need to enter your votifier key into the field so it can communicate the website to your server. Also make sure you are using the right port.
I highly recommend world guard instead. Much easier to use and is compatible with world edit. with WG all you need to do is select a region and type /region define <name>
EDIT 2: changing this "format" sections of essentails.yml under the chat section has no effect on ingame chat, this is very weird. how can i change this?