Building a custom website from the ground up should not take a matter of days. If it does, you should be very worried about its stability and functionality. Any seasoned web development professional will tell you the process can take weeks at a time. But generally, the outcome is worth the wait.
So, exactly how long does it take to make a website? It’s difficult to put a precise timeframe on building a website. Every single website has its own set of needs, and depending on the level of functionality, this time can vary.
You can learn more about the website-building process in this blog so you know what to expect.
The Development Process: How It Works
Every business owner has an idea of how they’d like their website to look and function. But translating this idea from your head, into reality can take time. The web development process is also contingent on how well you communicate your ideas.
There are a plethora of variables and steps involved in the development process. This makes it almost impossible to stick to an exact timeline. But often you’ll be given a flexible date based on each important step of the development process.
Website designers work in a specific step-by-step process to ensure your ideas are well translated, without wasting too much time and money. Some of these steps include:
- You’ll have a meeting with a web developer to share your website needs
- The web developer compiles a plan-of-action, which you’ll then need to approve
- You will receive a few mockups (wireframes) of your website for critique. You can ask for changes and adjustments
- Once a mockup is approved, only then does the website development process begin. There will most likely be plenty of back and forth between you and the developer during this time
- You will receive a final round of revisions before the website is finalized
No matter the size and scope of your website, the development process must be as methodical as possible. This is the best way to save time on website delays and additional expenses.
How Long Does It Take to Make a Website? The Four Stages Explained
Whether you hire a single web developer or outsource your website creation to an agency, these four stages apply across the board. If you meet with a developer who does not follow a methodical process such as this, be warned!
Here’s what to expect from each stage:
Stage One: Outlining Your Website Plan
This process can take anywhere from one-two weeks as you meet with a development team to discuss the goals of your website. During this stage, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want your website to look like.
Think about all of its most significant elements and functions. Make sure you clearly communicate the overall goal of your website to the developer. This way, they are not left guessing what will work best for you. Overall, this boosts productivity and shortens the development timeline.
Always go with a web developer that asks plenty of questions. This shows that they are interested in your business and want to accurately translate your website ideas.
Stage Two: Website Mockups and Changes
Once the plan-of-action has been outlined, this is where your development team begins on the actual design. The developer or agency should provide you with a few mockups, also known as wireframes. This stage can take anywhere from one-three weeks.
This is an important step because it allows you to get a feel for the final product. You can also make major design and functionality changes if you wish during this stage. In fact, changes are encouraged. This is because the actual coding of the website has not begun yet, so it’s easy to make new revisions.
Make sure that you review full mockups for every page of your website. Go over them in detail and ensure all the important elements you mentioned are included. Take a look at the layout of each page and whether it’s user-friendly for your audience.
Stage Three: The Full Development Phase
This is probably the longest, most labor-intensive phase of website creation. The web development team will take the revised mockups and other information you’ve given them and begin on the coding of your website. The aim is to create a fully functional website in one-two months.
The process also takes longer because there tends to be plenty of back-and-forth between you and the development team. You can still request changes, but these changes may take longer than they did during the mockup stage. This is because coding takes a little longer than basic design.
Bear in mind that a developer or agency may overestimate the length of time it takes to complete this stage. This gives them some leeway in case they run into development issues or need to make edits. It’s also a good way to impress their clients by finishing off the project earlier than they originally estimated!
Make sure that you stay in touch during this phase as regularly as possible. A high-quality developer will always keep you posted as to the progress of your website. Essentially, you shouldn’t have to ask. But there’s no harm in being proactive, either.
Stage Four: Final Website Review
This is the final stage of your website development. It usually takes one-two weeks to iron out any kinks in the final design. Before your website is finalized, it must go through a few rounds of revision, first.
Ensure that you do a thorough once-over of every single web page before you approve it. Decide whether the website meets the overall goals you outlined at the beginning of the process.
You can always expect there to be a few minor changes during this process — but nothing major. It doesn’t mean that the development team has not done a good job if there are changes during this stage. It’s just part of the process.
Are You a Budding Business Owner?
How long does it take to make a website, in total? Realistically, you can expect to have your website complete in approximately four-five months, depending on how complex your website needs to be. Remember that simpler websites may take less time.
If you’re new to the business world as an entrepreneur or start-up owner, this website is your go-to. Explore our business, grow, sales, money, and entrepreneur pages for all the inspiration you need.
