"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.