How long does it take to design and build a website?
How Long Does It Take to Build a Website?
Ah, the age-old question: “How long will it take to build my website?” If we had a pound for every time we’ve been asked this, we’d probably be sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere instead of writing this blog. But here we are - ready to answer it comprehensively.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s like asking “How long is a piece of string?” or “How long does it take to renovate a kitchen?” It depends. But don’t worry, we’re not just going to leave you with that. Below, we’ll break down the factors, give you realistic timelines, and help you figure out what to expect whether you’re after something simple and speedy or a fully bespoke digital experience.
The Basics: What Are We Building?
Before diving into timelines, let’s quickly define the types of websites we’re talking about:
- Brochure site – A few pages, showcasing your business info, maybe a contact form. Think plumbers, consultants, small businesses.
- Content-driven site – A blog, news site or a site that changes regularly.
- eCommerce site – A shop with product listings, carts and payments.
- Web application – Something custom with logins, dashboards, maybe a booking system or CRM.
As you’d imagine, the more complex the site, the longer it takes to build.
How Long Does a Simple Website Take?
If you’re just after a clean, professional site with a few pages (home, about, services, contact), you're looking at 2 to 4 weeks from start to finish.
Here’s how that time breaks down:
- Discovery & Planning – 2–3 days
We’ll chat through your needs, goals, style preferences and competitors. - Design Phase – 5–7 days
We’ll design mockups of key pages and tweak based on your feedback. - Build Phase – 5–10 days
This is where it goes live in the browser, with mobile responsiveness, content, and optimisation. - Testing & Launch – 2–3 days
We test across devices, set up analytics, and prepare for liftoff.
This assumes the client is responsive and content is ready — if we’re chasing images or waiting for your bio, things can slow down. In fact, lack of content can be the number one reason for delays and it's why Sandlebridge developed the Content1st system. It's a free tool to help you organise content in advance, collaborate with your team and use AI to help get those creative juices flowing. You can also opt for one of our professionally designed templates to speed things up,
How About an eCommerce Website?
For a fully featured online shop, expect 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how many products, payment methods, shipping zones, and custom features are required.
You’ll need time for:
- Product photography
- Writing product descriptions
- Setting up payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal
- Configuring shipping options
- Testing the checkout process
If we're using a platform like Shopify or Webflow eCommerce with an off-the-shelf template, it’ll be quicker than if we’re building something custom with advanced features like subscriptions or personalisation.
What If I Need Something Custom?
A web app - think dashboards, user accounts, portals, booking systems — can take 2 to 6 months depending on complexity.
This sort of project usually follows a more structured process:
- Discovery & Scoping – What are we building, and for who?
- Prototyping – We map out the user experience.
- Design & Development – UI/UX, database setup, workflows.
- Testing & Iteration – Real users break it. We fix it.
- Launch & Ongoing Support – Just the beginning…
This isn’t something you want rushed. Great custom software saves you time and makes your users happy — bad software just adds headaches.
Can It Be Done Faster?
Sure. If content is ready, decisions are quick, and you don’t want anything too fancy and willing to use a template - we’ve turned around brochure websites in under a week.
On the flip side, we’ve seen three-month projects drag on for six when scope starts to creep or indecision or new client priorities take place.
Here’s a tip: speed comes from clarity. If you know what you want, provide content early, and give prompt feedback, your project will move quickly and smoothly.
What Slows Things Down?
Here are a few common culprits:
- Waiting on content (copy, images, videos)
- Delays in giving feedback or approvals
- Changing the brief midway (aka scope creep)
- Poor communication between stakeholders
You can avoid these delays by choosing to work with Sandlebridge and by being organised and responsive on your end.
What’s the Ideal Process?
At Sandlebridge, we follow a simple 5-step process for most websites:
- Discover – Understand your goals and audience
- Design – Create beautiful, user-focused designs
- Build – Develop your site on Webflow or Bubble or whatever’s right for the job
- Test – Make sure it works perfectly on all devices
- Launch & Support – Go live, train your team, and offer ongoing help
This process ensures nothing gets forgotten, and helps everyone stay on track.
Final Thought: Plan for the Long Game
A website isn’t just something you launch and forget - it’s a living, evolving part of your business. Leave room in your plan (and budget) for future improvements, content updates, SEO, and maybe even new features as your business grows.
So… how long does it take to build a website? Anywhere from a few days to several months - it all depends on what you’re building, how ready you are, and the scope of the work.
Need help figuring out your timeline? Drop us a message - we’re happy to chat. No jargon. No pressure. Just honest advice from humans who build websites for a living.
Discovery sessions Are At the Heart of Every New project
In our experience, the time spent understanding requirements at the outset has a disproportionate impact on the outcome of the project when compared to every other phase of work. Making the time for this important process provides insurance and confidence and gives the best possible platform for success.
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