How Long Does It Take to Design a Website? A Realistic Timeline From Start to Launch

How long does it take to design a website?

We hate to break it to you, but there’s no cut-and-dry timeline. How long it takes before your site gets designed and launched depends on numerous factors. We say that knowing (and seeing) that some projects go faster while others move at a snail’s pace.

For us, though, we shoot for a six to eight-week timeline. 

It might seem like a long time, but it’s well below the industry average of six months. Plus, we’re throwing in up to seven clickable pages, complete with copywriting, user-friendly design, and — of course — SEO. 

Why the hold up? We answer this question and more.

Let’s go over what happens in each stage of website development.

Week 1: Goals and Requirements

The devil is always in the details. During the first week, we kick off any web design project by discussing your vision for your site. This step is critical because it allows us to get clarity on what you want.   

We’ll go over everything, including: 

• How many pages you want your site to have
• Payment details
• Any chatbot integrations you might want 
• And more!

There’s no stone that gets left unturned, and we talk about everything with you so you’ll know what to expect. 

Week 2: Site Navigation and Framing

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again. There’s nothing better than a site that attracts your users and keeps them clicking (and buying). Thus, our second phase of development involves user journey mapping and UX design. 

With wireframing, we’ll create a detailed plan that outlines how your users will navigate and interface with your site. This way, your site becomes more user-friendly (on top of looking stunning, of course). 

Weeks 3 to 4: Content Creation and Branding

We get it. You want a unique site. That’s why weeks three and four will be dedicated to filling your site up with content. During this phase, we’ll add everything from site elements with your unique CTAs to FAQs sections, contact details, and maybe even some blogs. 

But we don’t stop there. 

Staying on-brand is one of the ways to stand out in 2025 (and beyond), so we also double down on your site’s design to ensure that it shows off your brand’s unique tone with strategies like using your signature colors as palates or adding curated media.

Week 5: Advanced Features and SEO

Remember what we did for week two? Week five is where we place the icing on the cake that is your site. 

Advanced Features

During the fifth week, we add advanced features into your site like payment integrations for credit cards (or online wallets) and chatbots. We’ll even throw in chatbots if you want. Rest assured, your site will be at its most user-friendly by the end of the week. 

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

We know your site becomes easier to use and navigate after the fifth week — but will it be easier to find on search engines? To make sure it is, the fifth week is also dedicated to SEO. 

We begin our optimizations in the fifth week through thoughtful site navigation and keyword-rich (not stuffed) content. Also among the optimizations will be tweaks that make your site look and perform at its best on mobile devices.

After all, more than 63% of searches come from mobile devices. Wouldn’t you want a piece of that action? Mobile optimizations and SEO allow you to get your slice of the web search pie! 

Week 6: Final Testing and Q&A

We usually get a fully functioning site up and ready to go after six weeks. Once everything is in place, it’s time for a field test. 

There are numerous testing phases in week six alone. First, we check to see if your site works in various browsers and devices. This way, we’ll be able to check for bugs and issues. 

From here, we’ll tweak for max performance so you can have a site that’s ready for primetime! 

Week 7 to 8: Launch and Post Launch Support

Around the seven to eight-week mark, your site will be ready to go. Of course, our job doesn’t end just because we’ve rolled out your business’s website. We’re still by your side from the eighth week and beyond, ready to roll out some support to go with your site. 

By “support,” we’re talking about training and additional documentation. We’ll even throw in some additional goodies like ongoing SEO, maintenance, and content updates if you want them. 

What Can Extend the Timeline? 

How long does it take to design a website? As you’ve seen, you’re looking at a ballpark period of six to eight weeks. Even then, things can go sideways. Let’s not forget that there may be some necessary changes to keep your site on-brand and performing at its best. 

Whatever the case may be, we’ll keep things moving forward as long as you stay in touch and give us prompt feedback. 

Speaking of prompt feedback…

Delays in Feedback or Approvals

We’ll go on and build a site you can be proud of. Besides building for you, we build WITH you. That’s why we don’t roll anything out until you give us the green light. This reason is why your site’s development can either speed up or slow down based on your feedback.

Scope Creep

Things change fast, and we’re no stranger to this. We won’t be surprised if there are any changes you’d like to make at any point in the website design project. 

With that said, be prepared for a delayed roll-out timeline and potentially additional costs with each change you wish to make that go outside of our previously agreed upon scope of work. 

Complex Integrations or Custom Development Needs

The more complex your site is, the longer we’ll have to design, build, iterate, and tweak. To nobody’s surprise, all this can add weeks to the tentative site roll-out timeline. 

A Website Is an Investment, Not a Rush Job

“We’ll get your site up and running in a month or less.” 

If you hear this from anyone, run!

Rome wasn’t built in a day, so why should your site pay the price because someone decided to rush it? 

Your website is an investment — a great one. Like anything great, you’ll have to let time do its thing. After all, your site will be your brand’s online calling card for years. 

Do you want a realistic timeline for your website? Reach out, and let’s get started on designing the perfect website for your business.