đź‘‹ New to Listimia?
If you are installing Listimia for the first time, you do not need this migration guide.This article is only for users upgrading from Listimia v1.x to v2.0.
👉 Please continue to the next article using the pagination at the bottom of this page to follow the New User Setup Guide.
This guide explains how to safely migrate your Listimia website from v1.x to the new v2.0 Full Site Editing (FSE) version.
Important:
All listings, categories, locations, custom fields, reviews, and search functionality are managed by the GeoDirectory plugin, not the theme.
The Listimia theme controls design and layout only — both in v1 and v2.
Because of this separation, your data remains safe and migration is primarily a design upgrade, not a platform migration.
Understanding the Change
Listimia v2.0 is a modern rebuild using WordPress Full Site Editing.
What Changed
v1.x
Used WordPress Customizer and widgets
Classic theme structure
Limited layout flexibility
v2.0
Uses Full Site Editing (block-based design)
Visual site editor (headers, footers, templates, patterns)
Faster customization and future-proof architecture
What This Means
You cannot simply click “Update” — layouts must be rebuilt in FSE.
Your GeoDirectory listings, categories, reviews, users, and content remain intact.
You only rebuild the design (header, homepage, templates, footer).
The Good News
No loss of listings or directory data
No change in business logic or functionality
Faster page building using Starter Patterns
Full design control without custom code
Better performance and future compatibility
In most cases, the migration is straightforward and low-risk.
Before You Begin
1. Backup Everything (Just in Case)
Even though your data is safe, always back up:
- Full database + files (via UpdraftPlus, Duplicator, or your host)
- Screenshots of your current design (colors, header, footer, homepage layout)
- Note your custom CSS, fonts, and hex color codes
2. Use a Staging Site (Highly Recommended)
Never work on your live site. Options:
- Staging from your host (SiteGround, WP Engine, etc.)
-
Subdomain (e.g.,
new.yoursite.com) - Local dev (Local by Flywheel)
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re upgrading the same site (not moving servers), you can keep GeoDirectory active and just switch themes after design is ready.
3. Get Listimia v2.0
- Download from your purchase account
- Keep v1 zip file as fallback
Migration Strategy: The Right Way
Step 1: Keep Your Site Running
- Do not deactivate v1.x yet
- Install and activate Listimia v2.0 on staging (or a new WP install)
- GeoDirectory stays active — your listings remain untouched
Step 2: Install & Configure
On your test site:
- Activate Listimia v2.0
- Ensure GeoDirectory is active (v2.0 may prompt you to install it — but if you’re upgrading in place, it’s already there)
- Go to:
- Settings → Permalinks → Save (to refresh URLs)
- GeoDirectory → Tools → Rebuild Index (if needed)
Step 3: Rebuild Your Design (Using the v2.0 Welcome Guide)
Now that Listimia v2.0 is active and your data is confirmed safe, it’s time to rebuild your site’s design using WordPress’s Full Site Editing tools.
Good news: This process is identical for all v2.0 users — whether you’re migrating from v1 or starting fresh. You’ll use:
- The Site Editor (Appearance → Editor)
- Starter Content patterns (pre-built homepage, directory pages, etc.)
- Global Styles for colors, typography, and spacing
Next Step: continue to the next article using the pagination at the bottom of this page to follow the New User Setup Guide.
Need Help? Please refer to our How to Get Support article for assistance.