Short answer:A typical business website takes 4-8 weeks to build. A simple one page can often be completed in 2–3 weeks, while a larger site or e-commerce takes 2–4 months. The single biggest time-stealer is rarely the coding itself – it's the waiting for material and decisions from the client.
How long does it really take?
There is no single answer, but realistic ranges can be given. Here's what it usually looks like for different types of projects:
- Simple onepage (a long page):2–3 weeks
- Classic business site (5-10 pages):4–8 weeks
- E-commerce:8–16 weeks
- Custom built website or web app:3–6 months or more
The times require that you as the client keep up with the pace. If text, images or approvals are missing, a project that "should" take six weeks can easily drag on to three months.
What does time consist of? The phases of a web project
A web project is usually divided into clear phases. When you understand the phases, it becomes easier to see where the time goes and where you can speed things up yourself.
1. Preliminary study and planning (3–7 days)
Here the goal of the site is determined, which pages are needed, who it is aimed at and which functions are required. The clearer this phase is, the fewer misunderstandings later. It is also now that the structure (site map) and content are planned.
2. Design (1–3 weeks)
Now the visuals are created – colors, fonts, layout and how the pages should feel. The design is often presented as a sketch or prototype for you to like. Expect one or two revisions. Many modern agencies, ZORC included, work withdesign sprintsto shorten this phase considerably.
3. Development (2–6 weeks)
This is where the site is really built – the design becomes code, the pages are connected and functions are programmed. The time depends entirely on how much is to be built. A contact page is fast, a booking engine or checkout takes longer.
4. Content and proofreading (parallel + 1–2 weeks)
Texts and images must be submitted, and everything must be reviewed. This is where many projects get stuck. If you have the content ready in advance, you often save several weeks.
5. Test and launch (3-7 days)
Before launch, the site is tested in different browsers and on mobile, links are checked and performance is measured. Then the domain is connected and the site goes live.
What makes it take longer?
The most common reasons why a web project takes time rarely have anything to do with technology:
- Materials arrive late.If text, images and logo are missing, the building stands still.
- Many decision makers.If five people approve every detail, each turn takes longer.
- Unclear goal from the start.If the scope changes in the middle of the project, everything is shifted.
- Additional functions.Booking, payment, login and integrations take time to build and test.
That's how you shorten the time yourself
You actually have a lot of influence over how fast it goes. Here's what helps the most:
- Have the texts ready, or at least drafts, already at the start.
- Collect images, logo and graphic material in a folder before you start.
- Designateacontact person who can provide quick information.
- Be clear about the goal: what will the site actually accomplish?
- Respond to proofreading quickly – every day's delay adds a day to the due date.
Rule of thumb: whoever has the content ready from the start can often halve the calendar time for a web project.
How ZORC works with timelines
At ZORC, we set a realistic timetable already in the feasibility study, so you know what will happen and when. We work in clear phases, keep you updated and flag early if something risks delaying the launch. For many clients, we build a modern business site in 4-8 weeks, and with the right preparation, it's often faster.
Are you considering a new website and want to know how long your particular project would take? Get in touch with ZORC, and we will go over your needs and give you a concrete timetable without any hassle.
