How Long Does It Take to Build a Website?

"Can you build my website in a week?" It's one of the most common questions I get. The honest answer: it depends on what you need. Here's a realistic breakdown of website timelines.

Realistic Timeline by Website Type

• Landing Page (1-3 days) - A single page focused on one product or service, designed to convert visitors into leads.
• Basic Business Website (1-2 weeks) - A 5-8 page site with your standard business information, services, and contact details.
• Standard Corporate Website (2-4 weeks) - 10-20 pages with custom design, multiple forms, integrations, and content strategy.
• E-commerce Store (3-6 weeks) - Online store setup with product listings, payment processing, and shipping configuration.
• Custom Web Application (2-4 months) - Complex systems with user authentication, databases, and custom functionality.

What Speeds Things Up

Want your website faster? Here's what helps:

• Have your content ready - Text, images, and logos prepared in advance can save 1-2 weeks
• Clear requirements - Knowing exactly what you want prevents back-and-forth revisions
• Quick feedback - Responding to designer questions within 24 hours keeps momentum
• Using templates - Pre-built designs are faster than custom from scratch
• Consolidate decision makers - Having one person approve designs prevents delays

What Slows Things Down

These are the common project killers:

• Waiting for content - This is the #1 cause of delayed websites
• Scope creep - Adding features mid-project extends timelines significantly
• Multiple revision rounds - "Can we try one more thing?" adds days each time
• Committee decisions - When everyone needs to approve, nothing moves fast
• Technical complications - Integrations with old systems can be unpredictable

Set realistic expectations and prepare your content early. The biggest delays usually happen when waiting for client materials, not during the actual development.