Just downloaded Botiga and wondering where to start? This guide walks you through installing the theme, importing demo content, setting up WooCommerce, configuring your home and blog pages, and applying your branding so your site is ready to launch.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get started with Botiga.
Before you get started, make sure you’ve installed and activated the Botiga theme on your WordPress site. If you’re using features from Botiga Pro, ensure that both the Botiga theme and the Botiga Pro plugin are installed and active.
1. Installing the Theme
Download Botiga from the aThemes website. Then log in to your admin area and go to Appearance >> Themes >> Add New >> Upload Theme, select the botiga.zip file, and click Activate.
2. Importing Demo Content (Optional)
Once the theme is installed, you’ll see a welcome banner. Click Starter Sites and Botiga will install the importer plugin and take you to the starter sites page, where you can pick from the available demos.
Tip: if you import a starter site, you can skip straight to step 5 (Styles and Branding).
3. Installing WooCommerce
Botiga is built as an e-commerce theme, though it works well for any type of site. The store features rely on the free WooCommerce plugin. Install it from Plugins >> Add New by searching for WooCommerce.
4. Configuring Your Home and Blog Pages
Note: if you imported a starter site, you can skip this step. The home and blog pages are already configured for you.
To set a static homepage and a separate blog posts page, go to Customize >> Homepage Settings.
- Select A static page.
- Choose an existing page or add a new one for your homepage.
- Choose an existing page or add a new one for your blog posts.
If you want your homepage to act as a canvas you can build on with the block editor or a page builder, enable Page Builder mode from the Edit Page interface.
5. Styles and Branding
Botiga ships with deep customization options so you can match your site to your brand. Start with these areas:
- Using the header and footer builder
- Customizing typography
- Customizing color options in Botiga
- Changing the footer credits
- Configuring the blog archive layout
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about getting started with Botiga.
Do I need WooCommerce to use Botiga?
No. Botiga is designed for e-commerce, but it works for any kind of WordPress site. Install WooCommerce only if you plan to sell products.
Can I switch to a starter site after I’ve already started building?
Yes, but importing a starter site over an existing build can overwrite menus, settings, and pages. Test it on a staging site first if you’ve already added content.
How do I unlock the paid Botiga features?
Install the Botiga Pro plugin alongside the free Botiga theme. Both must be active for Pro features like the Quick Links module and the Floating Mini Cart Icon to appear.
That’s it! You’ve successfully completed the initial setup of your Botiga site.
Next, would you like to start branding your site with your own colors? Check out our guide on customizing color options in Botiga to learn more.
