How long does it take to build a website?
One of the questions we are frequently asked early in every new client relationship is how long does a website project typically take. “How soon can we get our new website live?”
It’s a good question, and one that is directly linked to other factors such as cost and scale. While the average cost of a website can vary between $25,000 to over $250,000, the time it takes to build that website can also vary.
The time it takes to build a website can be between three months and over a year.
Why such a long range? There are many factors, such as the number of integrations, complexity of business operations, how many design revisions there may be, or simply the size of the website; building a 20 page website is quicker than a 2000 page website, after all.
7 Phases of Website Design, Development and Support
Research. The research phase of any website project starts with the project and relationship kickoff. Our team is eager to meet you and hear about your goals for the website and discuss your buyer personas. This phase may typically last anywhere from 3-5 weeks.
Plan. Now is the time to start planning out the project. We spend time with your key stakeholders to set timelines and deliverables, plan for integrations, create the content inventory and SEO strategy to drive the next phases. This phase may typically last anywhere from 1-2 weeks.
Design. Let’s design your website! We’ve done the research and planning, and now we get to show you brand guidelines, sitemap, wireframes, priority guides, mockups and more. This phase can last anywhere from 3 weeks to 5 weeks.
Build. The bulk of the time spent building a website is on the build phase. This is when we build the framework, install the components, connect the integrations, set up the payment gateways and contact forms, and test test test to make sure everything works for you and your visitors. This phase may take 3 weeks to 6 months.
Launch. The moment we’ve all been waiting for! There are a number of behind the scenes tasks that go on during a launch, but that moment when the site is live and the new traffic, leads, and customers come pouring in makes it all worth it. The launch window for a website typically lasts 1-2 weeks.
Support. Your website is now live, but with attention comes discovery of minor issues and unexpected traffic patterns. This is normal for every website ever built by anyone, and we build an extra 3-4 weeks into every project to fix and address any bug that is discovered.
Grow. During every website project, new ideas, features and functionality not originally planned for can arise. The growth phase is when we revisit the new website and see what additional functionality and tools can be built into it to extend it. This phase has no set period of time and is determined solely by each client’s needs. In addition, this is the time to start driving leads to your website. Together, we create a digital marketing plan to help drive qualified traffic to your new website.
Interested in seeing some of the websites we’ve built over the last few years? We keep our Work page updated with the latest website designs and builds for our clients.
Questions about digital marketing or want to start planning your website project? Contact one of August Ash’s Strategic Account Managers today and we’ll discuss your options with you.
Let's get your website project on the production schedule.
Call 952-851-9400 today to talk to a Strategic Account Manager at August Ash.
