A Step by Step Guide to Setting Up Your FreeToastHost District Website

Welcome to the getting started guide for FreeToastHost 2.0 -- the new hosting platform for Toastmasters Clubs and Districts all over the world.

This document will show you how to setup your new district website.

The whole process should take less than an hour.

Step 1: Request Your FreeToastHost 2.0 District Website

• Visit http://www.toastmastersclubs.org
• Follow the instructions on the homepage to request your website.
• Once confirmed, you will receive an e-mail with the details of your new website.

Step 2: Login To Your FreeToastHost 2.0 Website

• Once you receive your welcome e-mail, you can login by clicking the "login as site admin" link in the "District Leaders Only" left menu section.

• Enter your club number and temporary password as listed in your welcome e-mail.

Step 3: Launch the Admin Console To Setup Your Site

• Once you are logged in, the links at the bottom of the "District Leaders Only" menu will change to show that you are logged in, and show the link to launch the admin console.  Click the "launch admin console" link.

Step 4: District Website Settings

• Go through the options in your club website settings and customize the settings.  Each field has an explanation under it, if you are not sure what to enter.  If you require more information or details, check our FAQ.
• When you are done, click the "Save" button at the bottom of the admin console window.

Step 5: Administrator Information

• Using the pulldown menu at the top center of the admin console, select the "Administrator Information".  This will automatically take you to the "Administrator Information" screen, within the admin console.

• Go through the options and customize the settings.  Each field has an explanation under it, if you are not sure what to enter.  If you require more information or details, check our FAQ.
• When you are done, click the "Save" button at the bottom of the admin console window.  This will take you back to the main screen -- the Club Website Settings.

Step 6: Membership Management

• Using the pulldown menu at the top center of the admin console, select the "Membership Management".  This will automatically take you to that screen, within the admin console.
• Go through the options and customize the settings.  Each field has an explanation under it, if you are not sure what to enter.  If you require more information or details, check our FAQ.

This is not designed for every district member, rather district leaders only.  This includes top3 officers, PR, Area and Division governors, and others who are involved in running the district.

• When you are done, click the "Save" button at the bottom of the admin console window.  This will take you back to the main screen -- the District Website Settings.

Step 7: Default Website Pages / Forms

• Now that you have entered members, you will be able to choose which members will be the club contacts.  Select the leaders(s) from the list of available district leaders, and choose to include their phone numbers or not (get permission first from them!)
• When you are done, click the "Save" button at the bottom of the admin console window.  This will take you back to the main screen -- the District Website Settings.

Step 8: Social Networking Links

• You might find it beneficial to your district to start social networking accounts with some of the major social networking sites.  If you do, enter in the URLs in this section, and the logos/links will appear in the bottom left menu.

• When you are done, click the "Save" button at the bottom of the admin console window.  This will take you back to the main screen -- the Club Website Settings.

Facebook is great for hosting discussions, twitter is ideal for short notices and updates, YouTube is for club videos, Flickr is for photos, and LinkedIn is for contacts and networking.

Step 9: Custom Webpages

• Create as many custom webpages as you like.  It is a requirement that the webpages you create are linked to either the public or district leaders only menu (this is done automatically).  You can upload your own images, or use the Toastmasters International approved stock image gallery.

• When you are done, click the "Save" button at the bottom of the admin console window.  This will take you back to the main screen -- the Club Website Settings.

Step 9: Floater Messages

• You can enter messages that appear at the top of the browser window for both district leaders and guests (two different messages).  These messages show up only once per session -- as to not annoy leaders and guests.

• When you are done, click the "Save" button at the bottom of the admin console window.  This will take you back to the main screen -- the District Website Settings.

Step 10: File Manager

• Upload files that you would like district leaders and/or members to have the ability to download.  By default, the file is member only, but it can be made public by clicking the lock icon.
• By default, the file name is used for the description.  You can change these, then click the "save" button.  You don't need to save for just uploading files, changing to or from private, or removing.

Check the FAQs and forums for more details on the features of FreeToastHost 2.0!  This is just the Quick Start / Getting Started Guide.

Step 12: Notify Your District Leaders

• Notify your members!  Let them know your URL.  Once a member visits the site, they will be able to authorize their account and create a custom password.