Semi-Custom Website Design
Get that custom brand feel for half the price. Explore below to see how our designers add a personalized touch to our library of high-conversion templates.
You know a DIY template won’t cut it. But a fully custom site may not be the right investment yet. That’s where our semi-custom websites come in; the perfect solution.
A Premium Starting Point
We use designer-built templates as the foundation, then re-style them so your site feels fully branded and unique.No DIY Headaches
Forget wrestling with layouts and colors. We handle the design, strategy, and setup so you can launch confidently.Smart Investment
Get a professional site tailored to your business at about half the cost of custom — with zero compromise on quality.
When you’re building your first site, it’s easy to get stuck.
The Semi-Custom Experience from Start to Finish
1. Choose a Knapsack Template
First, find the template that we’ll use to build your site. Need help choosing a template? Check out our collection; all can be used by your brand, but filtering based on your industry helps to give you some direction.
2. Purchase Semi-Custom Website
Next, you’ll upgrade to the Semi-Custom Experience directly through our checkout experience. Once you have purchased the template, you will receive a booking link to schedule your Launch Call.
3. Upload Your Stuff
Next, you’ll receive our handy Prep Checklist and onboarding form to gather your text, images, and colors, and upload them all to a shared Google Drive folder. You’ll want to complete this 3 days before your session.
4. Attend Your Session
This is the fun part! You’ll join us for a 60 minute video call where we’ll screen share and review your new website! If anything needs tweaked, we’ll make changes during the call. If you’re ready, we can even go live. High five!
5. Launch Your Website
If you decide not to launch during your session, send us a message and we’ll connect your domain within two business days. Now you can get out there and win new customers! Or just hit refresh over and over as you admire your new site. We won’t judge!
-
DIY Templates
✔️ Ready-made high-conversion templates
✔️Explore our library of designs
✔️ Get started instantly, no coding experience needed
For Those on a Budget -
Semi-Custom Design
✔️Pick your own template
✔️ Elevated custom feel
✔️ Help of a designer
✔️ Less time or money to invest up front
For Startups & Solopreneurs Who Want to Start Small & Upgrade Later -
Full Custom Design
✔️ 100% fully custom site
✔️ Copy assistance, site map & SEO
✔️ Dedicated experienced designer
✔️ Additional pages
✔️ Detailed graphics
✔️ Advanced tech setup & supportFor Established Businesses & Those Ready to Commit
What’s the Difference Between Semi-Custom and Custom Websites?
Compare the benefits of each service to find the right fit for you.
See What Our Fans Are Saying
Don’t take our word for it
-
![Jeff Meade's headshot]()
"Knapsack made it easy for me to communicate my message in a simple and eye-catching way."
Jeff Meade
Meade & Company -
![Crea McKee Willis headshot]()
"Excellent customer service, beautiful design, extraordinary professionalism. A+ experience all around."
Crea McKeen Willis
StoryBrand Guide -
![Cody Kimmel's headshot]()
"Knapsack Creative is essential for any StoryBrand Guide wanting to expand their offerings."
Cody Kimmel
StoryBrand Certified Guide -
![Len Woods headshot]()
"Knapsack made getting a sharp-looking website not only painless, but actually enjoyable."
Len Woods
StoryBrand Guide & Copywriter
Shop our Premium Template Best-Sellers
What’s Included With Every Semi-Custom Website
Built in Just 1 Day
No waiting weeks or months. In just one day, we’ll transform a premium template into a polished, professional site that’s uniquely yours.
Conversion Focused Design
Our sites include six fully designed pages, and with Squarespace, it’s easy to add your own later!
Basic SEO
We’ll set up your site with page titles and optimized image alt text to improve search visibility.
Mobile Optimized
Your site will be responsive and polished across desktop, tablet, and mobile.
30 Days of Support
If you’re feeling stuck, just submit a ticket and our website building experts will point you in the right direction!
Domain & Launch Support
Make it easy to get in touch or book a call. Every page should guide your visitor to the next step.
Personal Website Training
Video tutorials so you can easily manage and update your website without ongoing support.
25% Off Your Squarespace Plan
As a Knapsack client, you’ll receive 25% off your first year of Squarespace hosting with an annual plan.
Still Unsure? Just Ask Us!
If you are uncertain whether or not a semi-custom or custom site makes the most sense for you and your business, just grab a 15-minute call with our consultants; they will easily help you determine the best path so you get the right fit for your business right now.
Check out a few of the 1,000+ websites we’ve built.
Want to see more? Check out our full portfolio →
FAQS
-
Semi-Custom is the best of both worlds. We start with a premium template, then re-style it to fit your brand’s look and feel. It’s more polished and personalized than buying a template alone — and more affordable than a fully custom build.
-
Your semi-custom website is built in just 1 day. You’ll leave our Design Day with a fully designed, live site.
-
You’ll get up to 6 fully designed pages, a brand-matching color + font palette, mobile optimization, basic SEO setup, domain connection, a 1:1 launch call, and personalized training resources.
-
Yes, we’ll ask you to provide your text, images, and branding assets ahead of time so we can hit the ground running. Don’t worry — we’ll guide you on exactly what to prepare.
-
Copywriting and advanced branding aren’t included in the base package, but we have separate add-on packages you can purchase if you need extra support.
-
We include some light revisions on your Design Day. In addition, you will receive 30 days of additional technical support. Plus, you’ll get video tutorials so you can make simple edits on your own.
-
We don’t lock you into a monthly contract. However, if you want more ongoing support, we have a membership program that will allow you to submit tickets and have updates done for you. You can book us for additional design work as needed by the hour.
-
Semi-custom websites cost $2,500, about half the cost of a fully custom site. But you still get a premium design that is conversion built.
-
Simply purchase a semi-custom site online after choosing your template. We’ll send you a prep guide to get ready, and a booking link to schedule your launch call. We will review your site in real time with you during that call and help you launch it.
-
Domain Name (e.g. yourwebsite.com)We recommend purchasing your domain name from GoDaddy. They’re the easiest to connect with Squarespace and have excellent phone support to help if you get stuck.
Squarespace Plan When you’re ready to launch your website, you will need to pay for a Squarespace Plan (this includes your web hosting). Most of our customers choose the Core Plan which is $276/yr.
We Work With Clients Nationwide
We proudly serve clients nationwide, with particularly strong roots in the following cities. Whether you're based in one of these areas or working remotely, we're here to support your growth.
