TL;DR
- Plan on 6 to 14 weeks, depending on the type of site.
- Your content sets the pace. The build moves fast once we have your text, images, and approvals.
- New ideas mid-project go into Phase 2. Lock the scope, launch, then build on.
- Don’t let a holiday set the deadline. Pick the launch date after the work is scoped.
Typical Website Timelines
- Template site: about 6 to 8 weeks.
- Custom design: about 8 to 12 weeks.
- Online store or membership site: about 10 to 14 weeks.
The phases are in What Happens During a Website Design Project, Step by Step?
Where the Time Really Goes
Much of the build happens quickly once you approve the design. The rest of the timeline is usually waiting on content and approvals.
What Speeds a Project Up?
- Content you already have, like text and photos from your current site.
- A template design, which skips designing from scratch. See Should I Use a Website Template or a Custom Design?
- Examples of sites you like, sent early.
- Quick answers and approvals.
What Slows a Project Down?
- Late content, images, or approvals.
- New requests mid-project. We call those Phase 2 and handle them after launch.
- Deadlines picked first. Choosing a holiday as the launch date, before looking at how much work the site needs.
One nonprofit kept adding new content during its build. Our advice: “Let’s lock the scope, get it live, and then add the new content from there.”
What Webmaster For Hire Recommends
- Start gathering content early. We send a content list at kickoff, so you know what’s needed.
- Lock the scope. Launch what’s planned, then add to it.
- Set your launch date once the work is scoped.
:: Common Questions ::
What If I Can’t Get My Content Together?
Communicate with us throughout the project. If you fall behind on your content, let us know as soon as you realize it. We’ll talk through your options and set a new schedule with you.
Can You Hit a Specific Launch Date?
See What Happens During a Website Design Project, Step by Step?
Ready to Plan Your Timeline?
See our Website Design Services, or request a consultation.
