Using the Aurum – Minimalist Shopping Theme effectively involves installing it on your WordPress site, setting up WooCommerce, and customizing it to create a sleek, functional online store. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get started and make the most of Aurum’s features. This assumes you have basic WordPress knowledge, but I’ll keep it straightforward and practical.

Step 1: Prerequisites and Installation

1. Set Up WordPress
   • Ensure you have a WordPress site running (version 6.7.x recommended). Use a reliable host like SiteGround or Bluehost for eCommerce performance.
   • Back up your site before proceeding (use a plugin like UpdraftPlus).
2. Purchase and Download Aurum
   • Go to ThemeForest (themeforest.net) and purchase Aurum for $59.
   • Download the ZIP file from your ThemeForest account under Downloads (e.g., aurum-v4.x.zip). You’ll get an “All Files & Documentation” package—unzip it to find the installable theme file.
3. Install WooCommerce
   • Aurum is a WooCommerce theme, so install the free WooCommerce plugin first.
   • In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New, search for “WooCommerce,” install, and activate it. Follow the setup wizard to configure basics (currency, payment methods, etc.).
4. Upload and Activate Aurum
   • In your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Themes > Add New > Upload Theme.
   • Upload the aurum.zip file (not the full package ZIP), then click Install Now.
   • Once installed, click Activate.

Step 2: Initial Setup

1. Install Required Plugins
   • After activation, Aurum prompts you to install recommended plugins like WPBakery Page Builder (included) and LayerSlider (included). Go to Appearance > Install Plugins, check the boxes, and install/activate them.
   • Optional plugins (e.g., YITH WooCommerce Wishlist) can be added for features like wishlists.
2. Import Demo Content (Optional)
   • Aurum offers demo layouts (e.g., boutique, bookstore). To import one:
     • Go to Appearance > Import Demo Data.
     • Choose a demo (e.g., “Jewelry Shop”) and click Import. Note: Demo images aren’t included due to licensing—you’ll replace them with your own.
   • This sets up pages, menus, and sample products to jumpstart your design.
3. Set Up Essential Pages
   • If skipping the demo, manually create key pages:
     • Go to Pages > Add New and create “Shop,” “Cart,” “Checkout,” and “My Account.”
     • In WooCommerce > Settings > Advanced, assign these pages to their respective roles.

Step 3: Customize Your Store

1. Adjust Theme Settings
   • Go to Appearance > Customize to access the WordPress Customizer with Aurum’s options.
     • General Settings: Set site logo, favicon, and layout (boxed or full-width).
     • Header: Choose from four header styles (e.g., centered logo) and configure the mega menu if needed.
     • Typography: Select fonts (700+ Google Fonts available) and sizes.
     • Colors: Customize buttons, links, and backgrounds to match your brand.
2. Set Up Menus
   • Go to Appearance > Menus.
   • Create a primary menu with links to Shop, Categories, Cart, etc. Assign it to the “Main Menu” location.
   • For mega menus, use the Customizer or a plugin like UberMenu (sold separately).
3. Add Products
   • In Products > Add New, create your first product:
     • Enter a name, description, and price.
     • Upload high-quality images (Aurum’s minimalist design shines with good visuals).
     • Set categories or tags for organization.
   • Enable AJAX add-to-cart in WooCommerce > Settings > Products for a smoother experience.
4. Design Pages with WPBakery
   • Edit your Shop or Homepage via Pages > Edit and click the WPBakery “Backend Editor.”
   • Drag and drop elements like sliders (via LayerSlider), product grids, or text blocks.
   • Use Aurum’s shortcodes (e.g., [products] for product displays) for quick setups—find these in the documentation.

Step 4: Enhance Functionality

1. Configure WooCommerce Features
   • In WooCommerce > Settings:
     • General: Set shipping zones and tax options.
     • Payments: Enable gateways like PayPal or Stripe (install plugins if needed).
     • Catalog Mode: Turn off prices in Aurum Options > Shop if you just want a product showcase.
2. Add Sliders with LayerSlider
   • Go to LayerSlider > Add New to create a banner for your homepage.
   • Import a sample slider from Aurum’s demos or build one with images and text. Embed it on a page via shortcode (e.g., [layerslider id=”1″]).
3. Custom CSS (Optional)
   • For advanced tweaks, go to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS.
   • Add code to adjust spacing, colors, or responsive layouts (e.g., @media (max-width: 768px) { .product { margin: 10px; } }).

Step 5: Test and Launch

1. Preview Your Store
   • Visit your site’s front-end as a guest and logged-in user (create a test account).
   • Test adding products to the cart, checking out, and navigating menus on desktop and mobile.
2. Optimize Performance
   • Install a caching plugin (e.g., W3 Total Cache) and enable lazy loading in Aurum Options > Performance.
   • Optimize images with a plugin like Smush to keep load times fast.
3. Launch
   • Replace demo content with your own products and images.
   • Announce your store via email, social media, or ads. Promote bestsellers on the homepage.

Tips for Success

• High-Quality Images: Aurum’s minimalist vibe relies on crisp visuals—invest in good photography.
• Keep It Simple: Avoid overloading with plugins or clutter; let the clean design shine.
• Use Documentation: The theme includes detailed docs in the downloaded package—refer to them for shortcodes or troubleshooting.
• Test Responsiveness: Aurum is mobile-friendly, but preview on multiple devices to ensure perfection.

Example Use Case

For a jewelry store:

• Import the “Jewelry” demo.
• Add products with close-up images and prices.
• Use a LayerSlider banner showcasing a new collection.
• Set up a mega menu with categories like “Rings,” “Necklaces,” and “Sale.”

Troubleshooting

• Products Not Showing? Check WooCommerce > Settings > Products > Display and ensure the Shop page is set.
• Layout Broken? Clear caches and disable conflicting plugins.
• Need Help? Laborator’s support is top-notch—submit a ticket via ThemeForest with your purchase code.

Aurum is user-friendly once installed, with WPBakery and the Customizer making design a breeze. Start with the basics, add your products, and tweak as you go. You’ll have a sleek, professional store up and running quickly!