Semi-Custom vs. Custom Websites: Choosing the Right Fit
As a Squarespace designer, I offer my clients both semi-custom and fully custom websites. Although both deliver an intimate journey of brand expression and artistic discovery, when selecting the right fit for you, it’s important to understand the nuances and benefits of both.
What are custom websites?
I / Fully custom Squarespace website
In essence, a fully custom Squarespace website starts with your dream vision board. Your website is built from the ground up, centered exclusively on your individual needs, vision, and aesthetic preferences.
This pathway is ideal for artists, entrepreneurs or brands in search of full creative freedom. Translated to your website, this may look like unique design elements, advanced functionalities such as third-party tool integrations, or a more sophisticated user experience.
Here’s one example of a fully custom website I designed for Indalma Creative. The brief was to deliver a full redesign as they moved from Wordpress to Squarespace, delivering a website that not only reflected the stage of their business but also a seamless user experience and portfolio that showcased their work more accurately for a new target audience.
II / Semi-custom Squarespace website
A semi-custom website, on the other hand, uses a pre-existing template as its base. Working alongside my clients, I design websites using a Squarespace template of their choice (The Essential Package), or I currently provide 2 unique Squarespace templates you can choose from: Transform and Voyager (with more premium templates coming soon).
While there are fewer tailor-made elements than a fully custom design, every template design offers enough customization to align with your brand identity and goals, at the same time allowing room for growth. The balance between flexibility and affordability makes semi-custom solutions an attractive choice for many new businesses, entrepreneurs, and emerging artists.
Regardless of the web design service that’s best for your brand as it stands, there are five essential elements you should always consider when building a Squarespace website. Make sure to check them out here.
When choosing between a semi-custom and custom Squarespace website, I always recommend my clients consider the following factors:
Budget
Web design rates can vary significantly. Custom websites are typically more expensive than semi-custom due to their bespoke features and complex design process. It’s important to evaluate your business budget and choose an option that doesn't compromise your other operational needs.
Business Stage
Many emerging businesses or individuals don’t require a large amount of custom features initially. A semi-custom website offers a solid starting point, with the option to add features gradually as your business grows. In contrast, established businesses with specific needs and vision tend to benefit more from higher levels of customization.
Specific Needs and Vision
It’s always beneficial to think long-term when it comes to your business. Do you know exactly who you are as a brand, with a clear vision of what you need next and the space you want to inhabit? Or is your brand still evolving with ample room for growth and change?
A custom website is certainly more suitable for those with needs and requirements that standard designs don't typically cater to. This may include features like custom animations, hamburger or mega menus, custom tables, plugin integrations such as IDX/MLS for real estate, and advanced blog filtering systems. On the other hand, if your needs are more common or your brand identity is still developing, a semi-custom site is a better choice.
Time Frame
Custom websites take longer to develop due to their unique design and features. If you need your website launched quickly, a semi-custom website could be the best option.
Choosing the Right web design service and package
The right web design service and package depends upon your business's current stage, your budget, and your specific needs. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that best supports your online strategy and brand vision.
In my experience, a fully custom website is ideal for established brands who already hold market share and want to bring a specific vision or requirement to life. Whereas a semi-custom design is perfect for brands or artists who are newly entering the market or their identity is still evolving.
If you have any questions or need further clarification about the two options - fully custom and semi-custom websites for Squarespace,
book your free consultation call. I'm more than happy to discuss your requirements to help you select the best web design service for your small business or personal brand.
