How long does it take to build a website?
Dreams & Expectations
If you’re in the market for a beautiful new website, set your expectations here, because the first question asked is usually how long does it take to build a website?
Here’s your answer + a case study on launching a stunning website in seven days.
One of the first questions clients ask is, “Mel, how long will it take until we can launch this website?”
Deep breath. There’s no exact formula for how long it takes to create a website because your business is not the same as anyone else’s, and your website needs to reflect your business personality. Let me break it down for you.
The average time it takes to build a website is between 3 and 16 weeks.
Size Matters
With smart planning, I’ve built and launched quality websites uber fast. But, hold yer horses! It usually takes longer because size and quality matter.
It takes time and skill to create a brilliant website.
More pages and functionality = more time.
Small business websites: Core pages
Most websites have 5 core pages:
Home
About
Services / Product
Contact / Bookings
Blog section or Portfolio or More Products
I build websites for small businesses in Wix or Squarespace, which speeds things up.
This is how long it takes to build a website:
Up to 5 pages: 2 weeks to 1 month
Up to 10 pages: 2 to 3 months
Up to 20 pages: 3 to 4 months
20+ pages: ask for a quote
Add–ons for small business websites
More functions and more content = more time.
I don’t want to give my trade secrets away, but (shhh) here’s my rough guide to how add-ons affect how long it takes to build a website:
+ Copywriting: add 3 days to 2 weeks
+ Website T&Cs/Privacy/Legals: add 1 day
+ E-commerce: varies
+ Sourcing images or video: add 1 to 3 days
+ New branding: add 1 to 3 days
+ FAQs page: add 1 to 2 days
+ Testimonials and reviews: add 1 to 2 days
+ Advanced functionality: varies
+ Client change requests varies
+ Advanced SEO add a few days
CASE STUDY : How To Build A Website in 7 Days.
The Client: Wendy is an uber-niche commercial artist and so talented it blows my mind.
She needed a slick, functioning website in a week.
Wendy is:
- not used to the backend of websites.
- had no branding or logo.
- was unsure where to start.
Collaborate, collaborate + drink a lot of tea
The journey from zero website to launch in seven days is possible if the client is switched on. No one likes surprises, so Wendy’s expectations were set in advance, and we began a highly collaborative process.
Here’s how this client helped us stick to the deadline:
Wendy came to the first discovery meeting armed with the basics:
- Links to websites she admired.
- Links to competitors.
- A four-colour palette.
- A description of her dream client.
The web developer clears their desk. Dramatically. With intention.
Here were my steps to success:
Selected a perfect Wix template and removed any unnecessary functionality.
Mapped out the website architecture.
Designed the design and styling.
Created several versions of a logo in Canva and send to the client, pronto.
Wrote the high-profile copy for the main pages. (Wendy supplied the rest).
Wendy nailed it :
Wendy smashed it! She quickly gathered images and wrote additional content.
She promptly signed off / commented on each stage of the design and construction.
We created a small business website in 7 days. High five!
We did it without any compromise on styling, quality or functionality.
What do you need from a website developer?
That case study involved unusual levels of collaboration.
Most website builds are not that intense! If the initial discovery sessions are on-point (mine always are), you can relax while I crack on.
Thank you for reading.
If you’re pondering where to start with a new website, drop me a line for a no-pressure expectation-setting reality check.