When planning to launch a new website, one of the most common questions we receive is: “How long will it take to build my website?” The timeline for website development can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the complexity of the site, features needed, and your team’s collaboration.
In this guide, we will walk you through what influences website development time, the general phases of website design, and how to estimate the time it will take to create your perfect online presence.
Knowing the answer to the question ‘how long does it take to build a website?’ may be crucial for a project’s success.
Software developers need a preliminary time estimate to give a price quote. Knowledge also means the ability to plan ahead. Many freelance developers offer to complete a WordPress website in 2-3 days.
Others say they can launch one ‘within hours.’ However, this declared super-speed should be an alarming signal. A functional custom-designed website indeed takes more time to build.
Table of Contents
Toggle1. Understanding the Factors That Affect Website Development Time
Several key factors can influence how long it takes to build a website. Understanding these variables will help you set realistic expectations for your project timeline. Here are the most important ones:
- Website Complexity: A simple portfolio website may take less time than an e-commerce site or a custom web application.
- Design Customization: Pre-designed templates are quicker to implement, while fully custom designs take longer to build.
- Content Creation: Gathering and creating quality content (text, images, videos) can extend the timeline.
- Functionality and Features: Complex functionalities like payment gateways, booking systems, or membership areas require more development time.
- Client Collaboration: The faster you provide feedback and decisions, the quicker the project will proceed.
2. The Phases of Website Development
The timeline for building an eCommerce website can differ significantly of a WordPress website or a custom web development. It depends on the project’s complexity, the number of pages, the features clients need, and specific requirements like management system integration or payment gateways. The process can take anywhere from a week to a year.
Let’s take a look at each step and calculate how long they might take in total:
a. Discovery and planning (70+ hours)
During this phase, our team works closely with you to understand your business goals, target audience, and preferred design style. We also map out the website’s structure (site map) and features. This early insight allows our project team to estimate web development timelines with great accuracy, as long as:
- User Stories are assembled into a Prioritised Requirements List (PRL)
- High-level wireframes that closely resemble the final design and its flow
- Performance requirements are listed
- MVP scope (its milestones and timelines) is defined
Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Usually, we have to start with research and reviews of the project requirements, technical specifications, and/or designs. The client may have to fill out briefs and answer questions relating to their vision and goals, critical design elements and preferences, the business’ value proposition, selling process, and so on.
The details may be discussed during phone calls or video conferences. The team usually develops a site map to identify the overall content structure. Once the client has approved it, the team can decide on the necessary technologies and make wireframes. Two rounds of project specifications reviews and wireframes of the main pages are typically required.
b. UI/UX Design - Mock-ups (48+ hours)
Based on your input, our designers create wireframes and mockups of your site. You’ll review and provide feedback, which may require revisions, extending the process.
This stage aims to create a visually appealing, user-friendly interface for the functionalities the client needs. The designer uses the information, wireframes, and content from the previous stages to make pixel-perfect representations of the website’s intended look and navigation.
The mockups usually include the landing/homepage design, internal pages, and mobile views. The mockups are presented to the client, refined following the feedback, and finally approved.

c. Development & Coding (48+ hours)
In this phase, the site is built using code. Front-end design is integrated with back-end functionality (databases, user interfaces). If you’re building an e-commerce site or adding advanced features, this phase may take longer.
Front-end development can start as soon as the design and content are ready. If the website requires complex queries, integration with third-party services, non-standard data processing tasks, and so on, the backend development time will be significant. Testing throughout the phase must ensure the quality of the product.
The coding, validation, and cross-platform and browser testing take a large portion of the overall website timeline. Much depends on the client because they must communicate with the team, provide feedback regularly, and request changes.
Depending on the scope of work, the technology used, and whether the requirements are changing, coding may take 48 hours for web developers or more.
d. Content Integration & Testing (10+ hours)
Once the structure is in place, we integrate content (text, images, videos) and test your website’s functionality. We ensure it is responsive, SEO-optimized, and compatible with different devices and browsers.
Before launch, the complete and fully functional product must go through a final period of testing. The team has to make sure the product matches the approved designs and specifications. They run through sets of tests and review the code.
Typos, slow-loading pages, and non-loading elements are the easiest to detect. The users and investors provide feedback as to any design, functionality, or content improvements. The team must check the correct functioning across multiple web browsers, devices, and screen sizes and perform search engine optimization if needed.
Final approval by all involved in the project is required before they can have the website launched. Incomplete content is the number one cause of delayed launches.
The modification phase may take from 8 hours, or as long as the client requires to perfect the website.
e. Launch & Post-Launch Support (24+ hours)
After testing and final approval, the site is launched! We provide a brief period of post-launch support for any issues or adjustments needed after going live.
This is a task for a day or two unless the site is complex, involving a variety of apps and components. After launch, the site may require some tweaks and revisions until it looks and works properly.
Total of days is something between 6-8 weeks to build a professional website with on-page SEO and good content created to drive visits into sales.
Need a new Website or redesign your existing one?
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3. How Long Does It Take to Build a Simple Website?
For a basic website, such as a small business site or a personal portfolio, the development time can range from 4 to 6 weeks. These types of websites typically have fewer pages (5-10) and don’t require advanced functionalities.
4. How Long Does It Take to Build an E-Commerce Website?
An e-commerce website generally takes longer to develop because it requires additional features like product pages, shopping carts, payment gateways, and customer accounts. On average, an e-commerce website takes 8 to 16 weeks depending on the number of products, integrations, and customizations needed.
5. Factors That Can Speed Up or Delay Website Development
While there are general timeframes for website development, certain elements can either speed up or delay the project. Here are some key factors:
- Clear Communication: Clients who provide quick feedback and decisions help accelerate the process.
- Content Readiness: Having all content (text, images, videos) ready at the start can significantly shorten the development time.
- Functionality Scope: If your site requires complex features (e.g., custom-built tools or integration with third-party systems), this will take more time.
- Design Revisions: If there are multiple rounds of design changes, the timeline can extend.

6. How to Choose the Right Web Design Agency for Your Project
Choosing a web design agency that understands your needs and can deliver on time is crucial. When selecting a web development partner, consider:
- Experience and Portfolio: Look at the agency’s previous work to see if their style aligns with your vision.
- Timelines and Communication: Make sure they can meet your deadlines and keep you informed throughout the process.
- SEO and Marketing Expertise: A good agency will integrate SEO best practices into the development process, helping your site rank well from day one.
Need a new Website?
Lardis Digital creates stunning Websites that drives traffic and convert visitors into clients.
7. Final Thoughts: Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Website Build
Building a website is an investment in your business’s future, and while timelines vary, it’s essential to set realistic expectations. Discuss your goals, budget, and timeframe with your agency to ensure everyone is on the same page. Good planning and communication can lead to a smoother process and a website that truly represents your brand.
Conclusions
The time it takes to build a website depends on multiple factors, including the type of website, design complexity, and the level of functionality required. On average, you can expect anywhere from 4 weeks to several months for full development. At Lardis Digital, we work closely with you to provide an accurate estimate and deliver a website that meets your needs on time and within budget.
Ready to get started on your project? Contact us today to begin your journey!