How Long Does Website Development Take? Realistic 2026 Timelines
- Kavisha Thakkar
- 5 days ago
- 11 min read
"How long will my website take to build?"
It's the first question every business owner asks. And the answer they usually get?
"It depends."
Frustrating, right?
The truth is, website development timelines vary dramatically based on dozens of factors—from project complexity to how quickly you provide feedback. A simple landing page might take 1 week. A complex e-commerce platform could take 6 months.
But you didn't come here for vague answers. You came for realistic timelines you can actually plan around.
At Jigsawkraft, We know exactly how long different types of websites take—and more importantly, we know what causes delays and how to avoid them.
In this guide, we'll break down:
Realistic timelines for every type of website
The phases of development and how long each takes
Factors that speed up or slow down your project
How to keep your project on schedule
Let's get you real answers.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: Website Development Timelines by Type
If you're short on time, here's the summary:
Website Type | Timeline Range | Typical Timeline |
Landing Page | 3-7 days | 5 days |
Simple Business Website (5-10 pages) | 2-4 weeks | 3 weeks |
WordPress Website (Template) | 2-6 weeks | 4 weeks |
WordPress Website (Custom Theme) | 6-12 weeks | 8 weeks |
E-commerce Store (Basic) | 4-8 weeks | 6 weeks |
E-commerce Store (Advanced) | 8-16 weeks | 12 weeks |
Custom Web Application | 3-6 months | 4 months |
Enterprise Website | 4-8 months | 6 months |
Complex Platform/SaaS | 6-12+ months | 9 months |
Important: These assume professional development with an experienced team. DIY projects typically take 2-3x longer.
Now let's understand why these timelines vary and what affects your specific project.
Factors That Affect How Long Website Development Takes
Every website project is unique. Here are the key factors that determine your timeline:
1. Project Complexity
The single biggest factor. More pages, features, and functionality = more time.
Complexity Level | Characteristics | Timeline Impact |
Simple | 5-10 pages, standard features, template-based | 2-4 weeks |
Moderate | 10-25 pages, some custom features, integrations | 4-8 weeks |
Complex | 25+ pages, custom functionality, multiple integrations | 8-16 weeks |
Enterprise | Large-scale, custom everything, complex requirements | 4-12 months |
2. Platform Choice
Your chosen platform significantly impacts development time. For a detailed comparison, see our Wix vs WordPress vs Custom Website guide.
Platform | Typical Timeline | Why |
Wix/Squarespace | 1-2 weeks | Drag-and-drop, limited customization |
WordPress (Template) | 2-4 weeks | Pre-built theme, moderate customization |
WordPress (Custom Theme) | 6-12 weeks | Custom design and development |
Shopify | 3-6 weeks | E-commerce focused, theme-based |
Custom Development | 3-12 months | Everything built from scratch |
3. Design Requirements
Design is often the most time-consuming phase.
Design Approach | Timeline Impact |
Using existing template as-is | Saves 1-2 weeks |
Customizing a template | Standard timeline |
Custom design from scratch | Adds 2-4 weeks |
Complex branding integration | Adds 1-2 weeks |
If you don't have established branding, you'll need that first. Check our branding services for more information.
4. Content Readiness
This is where most projects get delayed.
Content Status | Timeline Impact |
All content ready before development | On-schedule or faster |
Content created during development | Standard timeline |
Content not ready, client creates during project | Delays of 2-6 weeks common |
Content needs professional copywriting | Add 1-3 weeks |
Pro Tip: Have your content (text, images, videos) ready before development starts. This single factor can cut your timeline by 20-30%.
5. Client Responsiveness
Your involvement matters more than you might think.
Client Response Time | Timeline Impact |
Same-day responses | Project stays on track |
2-3 day responses | Minor delays |
1+ week responses | Significant delays |
Unclear or changing feedback | Major delays and rework |
We've seen 4-week projects stretch to 4 months because of slow client feedback. Don't let this happen to you.
6. Number of Revisions
Every revision cycle adds time.
Revision Rounds | Timeline Impact |
1-2 rounds | Standard timeline |
3-4 rounds | Adds 1-2 weeks |
5+ rounds | Adds 3-6 weeks (or more) |
Scope creep (new features mid-project) | Adds weeks to months |
7. Third-Party Integrations
Connecting external systems adds complexity.
Integration Type | Timeline Addition |
Payment gateway (Stripe, PayPal) | 2-5 days |
CRM integration (HubSpot, Salesforce) | 3-7 days |
Email marketing (Mailchimp, Klaviyo) | 1-3 days |
Custom API integrations | 1-4 weeks |
ERP or inventory systems | 2-6 weeks |
Phase-by-Phase Timeline Breakdown
Understanding the development process helps set realistic expectations. Here's how long each phase typically takes:
Phase 1: Discovery & Planning
What happens: Understanding your business, goals, target audience, and requirements. Creating project scope and sitemap.
Project Size | Duration |
Simple | 2-3 days |
Moderate | 1 week |
Complex | 2-3 weeks |
Your involvement: High. You'll answer questions, provide information, and approve the project scope.
Phase 2: Design
What happens: Creating wireframes, mockups, and visual designs for your website.
Design Approach | Duration |
Template selection + minor customization | 3-5 days |
Template with significant customization | 1-2 weeks |
Custom design (homepage + key pages) | 2-4 weeks |
Full custom design (all unique pages) | 4-8 weeks |
Your involvement: Moderate to high. You'll review designs and provide feedback.
For WordPress projects, see our guide on custom WordPress theme vs pre-made templates to understand design implications.
Phase 3: Development
What happens: Building the actual website—coding, setting up functionality, integrating features.
Project Type | Duration |
Simple WordPress site | 1-2 weeks |
Custom WordPress theme | 3-6 weeks |
E-commerce store | 3-8 weeks |
Custom web application | 8-20 weeks |
Your involvement: Low during development. You'll receive progress updates.
Phase 4: Content Integration
What happens: Adding your content—text, images, videos—to the developed website.
Content Volume | Duration |
5-10 pages | 2-4 days |
10-25 pages | 1-2 weeks |
25-50 pages | 2-3 weeks |
50+ pages or complex content | 3-6 weeks |
Your involvement: Variable. Either you provide ready content, or you work with the team on content creation.
Phase 5: Testing & Quality Assurance
What happens: Testing functionality, fixing bugs, checking responsiveness across devices, optimizing performance.
Project Complexity | Duration |
Simple | 2-3 days |
Moderate | 1 week |
Complex | 2-3 weeks |
Your involvement: Moderate. You'll review and report any issues you find.
Phase 6: Launch & Handover
What happens: Going live, DNS configuration, final checks, training on how to use your site.
Activity | Duration |
Standard launch | 1-2 days |
Migration from existing site | 2-5 days |
Training and documentation | 1-3 days |
Your involvement: Moderate. You'll be trained on managing your new website.
Total Phase Timeline Example
Here's a realistic timeline for a moderate business website (15 pages, WordPress, custom design):
Phase | Duration | Running Total |
Discovery & Planning | 1 week | Week 1 |
Design | 2 weeks | Week 3 |
Development | 3 weeks | Week 6 |
Content Integration | 1 week | Week 7 |
Testing | 1 week | Week 8 |
Launch | 2 days | Week 8 |
Total | 8 weeks | — |
Detailed Timelines by Website Type
Let's get specific about different project types:
Landing Page
What it is: Single page designed for a specific campaign or offer.
Phase | Duration |
Planning | 1 day |
Design | 1-2 days |
Development | 1-2 days |
Content + Testing | 1 day |
Total | 3-7 days |
Simple Business Website (5-10 Pages)
What it is: Standard small business site with homepage, about, services, contact, and a few additional pages.
Phase | Duration |
Planning | 2-3 days |
Design | 3-5 days |
Development | 1-2 weeks |
Content + Testing | 3-5 days |
Total | 2-4 weeks |
WordPress Website with Custom Theme
What it is: WordPress site with unique design built specifically for your brand. Learn more in our custom WordPress theme guide.
Phase | Duration |
Planning | 1-2 weeks |
Design | 2-4 weeks |
Development | 3-5 weeks |
Content + Testing | 1-2 weeks |
Total | 6-12 weeks |
E-commerce Store (Basic)
What it is: Online store with up to 100 products, standard checkout, basic features. See our Shopify vs WordPress comparison for platform guidance.
Phase | Duration |
Planning | 1 week |
Design | 1-2 weeks |
Development + Product Setup | 2-4 weeks |
Testing + Payment Integration | 1 week |
Total | 4-8 weeks |
E-commerce Store (Advanced)
What it is: Large catalog (500+ products), custom features, multiple payment options, inventory management, advanced integrations.
Phase | Duration |
Planning | 2-3 weeks |
Design | 3-4 weeks |
Development | 4-8 weeks |
Product Migration + Content | 2-3 weeks |
Testing + Integrations | 2-3 weeks |
Total | 8-16 weeks |
Custom Web Application
What it is: Unique functionality built from scratch—member portals, booking systems, SaaS products, complex tools.
Phase | Duration |
Planning + Architecture | 3-4 weeks |
Design | 3-6 weeks |
Development (iterative) | 8-16 weeks |
Testing + QA | 3-4 weeks |
Total | 3-6 months |
For complex projects, learn how to hire a remote development team that delivers quality.
What Causes Delays (And How to Avoid Them)
Based on hundreds of projects, here are the most common timeline killers:
Delay #1: Content Not Ready
Impact: 2-6 weeks delay
Frequency: Affects 60% of projects
The Problem: Development finishes, but there's no content to add. The site sits incomplete while text and images are gathered.
The Solution:
Start content creation BEFORE development begins
Hire a copywriter if needed
Use a content checklist for each page
Set hard deadlines for content delivery
Delay #2: Slow Feedback and Approvals
Impact: 1-4 weeks delay
Frequency: Affects 50% of projects
The Problem: Design mockup is sent Monday. Feedback comes two weeks later. By then, the developer has moved to other projects.
The Solution:
Commit to 24-48 hour response times
Designate ONE decision-maker (too many cooks = delays)
Schedule regular check-in calls
Set clear approval deadlines
Delay #3: Scope Creep
Impact: 2-8 weeks delay
Frequency: Affects 40% of projects
The Problem:" Can we also add a member portal? And maybe a booking system? Oh, and my partner wants to change the homepage design."
The Solution:
Define scope clearly before starting
Use a change request process for new features
Understand that additions = timeline extensions
Save "nice to have" features for Phase 2
Delay #4: Unclear Requirements
Impact: 2-6 weeks delay (plus rework costs)Frequency: Affects 35% of projects
The Problem: Vague briefs like "make it modern" lead to designs that miss the mark, requiring multiple revisions.
The Solution:
Provide examples of websites you like
Be specific about functionality needs
Create detailed user stories
Invest time in the discovery phase
For more pitfalls, read about website development mistakes US businesses make.
Delay #5: Technical Issues and Integrations
Impact: 1-4 weeks delay
Frequency: Affects 30% of projects
The Problem: Third-party APIs don't work as documented. Legacy system integration is more complex than expected.
The Solution:
Identify all integrations upfront
Test API access early in the project
Build buffer time for technical unknowns
Have backup solutions ready
Delay #6: Stakeholder Disagreements
Impact: 2-6 weeks delay
Frequency: Affects 25% of projects
The Problem: Marketing loves the design. The CEO hates it. The board has different opinions. Decisions stall.
The Solution:
Identify all stakeholders before starting
Get alignment on brand direction first
Have a single point of contact for approvals
Set decision deadlines
How to Speed Up Your Website Development
Want your website faster? Here's what actually works:
1. Prepare Everything Before Kickoff
Time saved: 2-4 weeks
Have ready:
Logo and brand guidelines
All website content (text)
High-quality images
Clear list of pages needed
Examples of websites you like
List of required features
2. Choose a Template-Based Approach
Time saved: 3-6 weeks
Instead of custom design, use a premium theme and customize it. You'll get a professional result in half the time.
3. Be Responsive
Time saved: 1-3 weeks
Reply to emails within 24 hours. Provide feedback within 48 hours. Don't let the project sit waiting for your input.
4. Limit Revision Rounds
Time saved: 1-2 weeks
Provide comprehensive feedback in each round. Consolidate input from all stakeholders before responding.
5. Use Project Management Tools
Time saved: Keeps project on track
Tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com keep everyone aligned on tasks, deadlines, and progress.
6. Start with MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Time saved: 2-8 weeks
Launch with essential features first. Add advanced functionality in Phase 2. This gets you live faster.
7. Work with Experienced Developers
Time saved: Varies significantly
Experienced teams work faster, anticipate problems, and deliver quality the first time. Junior developers may cost less but take longer and require more revisions.
Timeline Comparison: DIY vs Freelancer vs Agency
Who you hire dramatically affects your timeline:
DIY (Website Builders)
Pros | Cons |
Start immediately | Learning curve slows you down |
No waiting for others | Quality usually suffers |
Lowest cost | Limited functionality |
Realistic Timeline: 2-4x longer than your estimate (that "one weekend" project becomes a month)
Best for: Very simple sites, tight budgets, tech-savvy owners
Freelancer
Pros | Cons |
Often faster than agencies | Availability varies |
More affordable than agencies | May juggle multiple clients |
Direct communication | Limited capacity for complex projects |
Realistic Timeline: Usually meets estimates if freelancer is available and experienced
Best for: Small to moderate projects, budget-conscious businesses
Learn how to hire remote developers without quality drops.
Agency
Pros | Cons |
Team handles all aspects | Higher cost |
Reliable timelines | May have process overhead |
Handles complex projects | Less flexible than freelancers |
Ongoing support available | Longer onboarding process |
Realistic Timeline: Most reliable for hitting deadlines, especially for complex projects
Best for: Moderate to complex projects, businesses wanting reliability
Timeline Comparison Example
For a 15-page business website with custom design:
Approach | Timeline | Notes |
DIY | 2-4 months | If you can finish at all |
Freelancer | 6-10 weeks | If experienced and available |
Agency | 6-8 weeks | Most predictable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a website really be built in one week?
A simple landing page or basic 5-page website using a template—yes. A custom-designed business website with unique functionality—no. Be wary of anyone promising a quality custom website in one week.
Why do some agencies quote 12 weeks while others quote 4 weeks for the same project?
Several reasons:
Different understanding of project scope
Different levels of customization assumed
Agency workload and availability
Quality and thoroughness of process
Whether content creation is included
Always compare apples to apples. Ask detailed questions about what's included.
Does paying more mean faster delivery?
Not always. Rushing a project often leads to quality issues. However, agencies with larger teams may be able to work faster without sacrificing quality. "Rush fees" typically get you priority scheduling, not faster development.
What's the fastest way to get a professional website?
Choose a template-based approach (WordPress theme or Shopify)
Have all content ready before starting
Limit customization requests
Respond to feedback requests immediately
Work with an experienced team
With these factors aligned, you can have a professional website in 2-3 weeks.
How long does website maintenance take after launch?
Initial launch support typically takes 1-2 weeks of bug fixes and adjustments. Ongoing maintenance depends on your site:
Site Type | Monthly Maintenance Time |
Simple business site | 1-2 hours |
Active blog/content site | 3-5 hours |
E-commerce store | 5-10 hours |
Custom application | 10-20+ hours |
For more on ongoing costs, see our guide on hidden costs of WordPress.
Should I wait until everything is perfect before launching?
No. Launch with a solid, functional website and iterate. Waiting for "perfect" often means never launching. Get your site live, start getting feedback, and improve from there.
So, How Long Does Website Development Take? Final Answer
Let's bring it all together:
Your Situation | Realistic Timeline |
Simple business site, template-based, content ready | 2-4 weeks |
Custom-designed WordPress site | 6-10 weeks |
E-commerce store with 50-100 products | 6-10 weeks |
Large e-commerce or complex site | 3-5 months |
Custom web application | 4-8 months |
The formula for YOUR project:
Base Timeline (from tables above)
+ Content Delays (if not ready: add 2-4 weeks)
+ Revision Rounds (each extra round: add 1 week)
+ Integration Complexity (each major integration: add 1-2 weeks)
+ Client Response Time (slow responses: add 2-4 weeks)
= Your Realistic TimelineReady to Start Your Website Project?
Now you know what to expect. The next step is finding the right partner to bring your website to life—on time and on budget.
At Jigsawkraft, we specialize in delivering websites for US businesses with realistic timelines and transparent communication. No surprises. No endless delays.
Want to know exactly how long YOUR website will take?
We'll analyze your requirements and give you an honest, detailed timeline you can plan around.
Or explore our website development services for US businesses to see our process.
Summary: Key Takeaways
Website Type | Timeline |
Landing page | 3-7 days |
Simple business site | 2-4 weeks |
WordPress (custom theme) | 6-12 weeks |
E-commerce (basic) | 4-8 weeks |
E-commerce (advanced) | 8-16 weeks |
Custom web application | 3-6 months |
Remember:
Content readiness is the #1 factor in staying on schedule
Your responsiveness directly impacts timeline
Scope creep is the enemy of deadlines
Experienced teams deliver faster AND better
Launch with MVP, iterate from there
Plan realistically. Prepare thoroughly. Launch successfully.
About Jigsawkraft
Jigsawkraft is a hybrid digital agency bridging US strategy with global execution. We help US businesses build Websites, E-commerce Stores, and Custom SaaS Applications at a fraction of traditional agency cost.
What's Always Included:
✅ Mobile-responsive design
✅ SEO foundation
✅ Speed optimization (Core Web Vitals compliance)
✅ Security setup
✅ Training on updates
✅ 1-month post-launch support
✅ Complete ownership of all assets
No hidden costs. No surprise fees. No ownership games.
Get Your Custom Quote
Every business is unique. Your website investment should match your specific goals and budget.
We'll discuss:
Your business goals and requirements
Realistic budget for what you need
Timeline expectations
Detailed proposal with transparent pricing
ROI projections based on your industry
Transparent Pricing
📧 Email: letschat@jigsawkraft.com
📞 Phone: +1 (908) 926-4528
🌐 Website: jigsawkraft.com
Services:
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