Semi-custom websites are a popular option for small business owners who want to look professional online without the high cost or long timeline of a fully custom build. They offer a sweet spot between doing it all yourself and investing in a from-scratch design.
What is a semi-custom website?
A semi-custom website is built from a pre-designed template, but it’s not a DIY project. Instead of downloading a file and trying to figure it all out yourself, you work with a designer (hi, that’s me!) who customises the design to fit your brand. That includes your content, your colours, your fonts and your images, all placed into a layout that’s already designed to look great and work well. You still get a site that feels like you. You just don’t have to build it from scratch.
Why semi-custom websites work so well
A lot of small businesses find themselves stuck between two extremes. Templates feel too limiting or too time-consuming to figure out. Fully custom design feels like too much of an investment too soon. Semi-custom websites land right in the middle. They’re quicker to launch, easier on the budget and still give you a polished, professional result.
You get the benefit of a designer’s eye, without paying for a months-long custom project. You also save a lot of time — which matters when you’ve got a business to run.
Who they’re great for
Semi-custom websites are ideal for small business owners who want to take their online presence seriously, but don’t need a fully bespoke build just yet. They work especially well for:
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- Hair & Makeup Artists
- Coaches and consultants
- Service providers
- Photographers and creatives
- Wellness professionals
- Anyone in the early stages of business or rebranding
If you know what you offer, who you help and what you want to say, a semi-custom site gives you the perfect platform to share it all clearly and confidently.
What makes them different from templates
DIY website templates often look easy, but they usually take longer than expected to set up. You’re left making design decisions, figuring out layout, and trying to tweak everything until it looks right. A semi-custom website takes all of that off your plate. You don’t have to pick colours or worry about whether your text is in the right place. You send me your content and brand details, and I take care of the rest. It’s not just plug and play. It’s a done-for-you experience that still feels personal and unique to your business.
