How long does it take to build a website? What to expect, step by step

The honest answer to "how long does a website take?" is "it depends". A small, clear site is a much shorter job than an online store or a web application. What we can tell you is what happens in each stage, and where delays usually come from, so you can plan.

The stages

1. Understanding what you need. You tell us about your business, your customers and your goals. The clearer this is, the faster everything after it goes.

2. Planning. We agree which pages and features you need and what is included. This is where you get a proposal.

3. Design. You see how the site will look and feel, and give feedback.

4. Build. The design is turned into a working website that works on phones and computers.

5. Content. Text, photos and logos go in. This is often the slowest part, and it is mostly in your hands.

6. Testing and fixes. We check every page and button on different devices.

7. Launch. The site goes live on your domain, and we help you register it with Google.

8. After launch. Small changes, fixes and support.

What usually causes delays

• Content arriving late. Waiting for photos or text is the number one reason a project stalls.
• Changing the plan midway. Adding a new feature after design is approved means going back a step.
• Slow decisions. Feedback that takes a week to arrive adds a week.
• Unclear goals. If it is not clear what the site is for, it takes more rounds to get right.

How to make it faster

1. Know what you want before you start. Our guide on what to prepare helps.
2. Gather your text, photos and logo early.
3. Choose one person to give feedback so you are not waiting for agreement.
4. Start with what matters most and add extras later.

What we do about it

We do not promise a fixed number of days before we know what you need, because that would not be honest. After you tell us about your project, we read it and tell you a realistic timeline in your proposal. You can also follow every step online once the project starts.