The Website Program

13-Steps to completion

• Step 1: You fill out the Interest Form
• Step 2: You check out the following:  Program Guide | 2026 Let’s Vote Guide – draft
• Step 3: You check out a couple of finished websites: | Jasper County|  Muscatine County 
• Step 4: You check out the website template and start thinking about a homepage: (14 homepage options are found under the Home button)
• Step 5: We set up an initial meeting on Zoom or on the phone to go over any questions or concerns
• Step 6: You let us know that you’ve received any necessary authorization, such as Board Approval, to move forward
• Step 7: You fill out the Pink Form with some basic information to get us both started – including choosing your template.
• Step 8: Activate Iowa completes your domain name registration and sets up the hosting for your new site.
• Step 9: We set up a second meeting to finalize your customization choices using the Red Form.
• Step 10: We build and customize your website using the choices you’ve made.
• Step 11: Your $350 annual payment is due. We’ll send an invoice and accept payment by check.
• Step 12: We offer training on how to use your new website and calendar.
• Step 13: You tell the world about your new site

Timeline: Once your central committee approves the project and provides your information, the website build usually takes only a few hours. From interest form to launch, the process averages about a month, depending mostly on when your central committee can approve.

FAQ

Do we need to provide our own photos and content? You can use existing images or send us your own content—for text, logos, photos, and event details.

What if we already have a website? We’d be happy to bring you into our program! Our volunteers can migrate your existing site to our managed hosting and adapt it to our WordPress template, so you can take advantage of the same hosting, security, and support as other participating counties.

What if our domain name is already taken? We’ll work with you to find an available domain that fits your organization. If you already own a domain, we can transfer it into the program.

What’s included in the $350 annual fee? Domain registration, managed WordPress hosting, an event calendar, email accounts, and ongoing technical support from Activate Iowa. Our volunteers donate their time and skills to build and launch your website. Note: If we help you set up an email service like Mailchimp, you’ll be billed directly by that provider separately.

Will my organization retain ownership of our site? Absolutely! Your domain name and all website content belong to you. Your domain is registered under our account on your behalf and is transferable to you at any time. If you ever decide to leave the program, we’ll help you transfer everything to your new host.

How much technical knowledge do our volunteers need? Very little! Our sites are built on user-friendly WordPress, and we provide hands-on training for 1–2 volunteers on basic updates. If you ever get stuck, Activate Iowa is just an email away.

Do you handle website security? Yes. Your managed hosting includes automatic updates, daily backups, and security monitoring. We take care of the technical side so you can focus on your mission.