One of the most frequently asked questions when starting the website development process is "How soon will everything be ready?"
The answer depends on a number of factors. These range from the scope of the project and the preparation of the content to the developer’s workload and the client’s level of involvement.
This article explains briefly and clearly the stages involved in website development, what usually takes longer than expected, and how to speed up the process without compromising on quality or the end result.
How long does it take to build a website?
Building a website is not only a technical task, but also an overall creative process, which depends on a number of components
- How many pages are planned
- Do you have any content ready (texts, photographs)
- Do you need a unique design
- How much functionality will be implemented (e.g. contact form, online store, language options)
- The speed of communication, as a prompt response to the developer’s questions speeds up the whole process
A simple corporate website is usually created within 1–3 weeks, whilst larger projects take 4–6 weeks or longer.
Read more: How do I prepare for the website development process?
A typical website development process - from idea to launch
1. Consultation and planning (1-3 days)
Setting objectives, planning content, agreeing on structure.
2. Design preparation (3-7 days)
Creating visual guidelines, matching samples.
3. Website development and functionalities (5-10 days)
Technical work, navigation logic, buttons, forms, required modules.
4. Content and SEO (2-5 days)
Text upload, keyword integration, metadata.
5. Testing and commissioning (1-3 days)
Mobile view, speed, error checking and website publishing.
If the website itself is very simple (it has just a few pages, a clear purpose and all the content already prepared), the whole process can take as little as 7 days. This is entirely possible when decisions are made quickly and the information is provided on time.
Meanwhile, more complex projects with more functionality, writing texts from scratch or in several languages can take several months, which is perfectly normal.
You can view Radeimo Solutions' completed projects on the projects page.
What can be done to make things happen faster?
- Make sure you have your text and photos ready. Content is often the main stumbling block.
- Reply to the developer’s questions promptly. An email left unanswered for a long time often means the project will take longer to complete.
- Put your trust in a professional. A long cycle of revisions (especially over minor details) can hold up the work for several weeks.
- Distinguish between what is important and what is merely "pretty". Functionality is always more important than decoration.
- It’s worth taking the time at the start, as it saves time in the end. The clearer the initial picture, the faster the process.
Working principles of Radeimo Solutions:
To ensure the process runs smoothly, each client is provided with a clear questionnaire and content planning forms, which help to identify the most important information about the organisation or individual, their objectives, structure, texts and unique aspects. If necessary, an additional questionnaire can be adapted. This allows us to get started precisely, without guesswork or unnecessary delays.
When to take your time and focus on quality instead?
Sometimes it's better to pause and take stock, what you really need, than quickly creating another "pretty but broken" website.
If:
- It is not yet clear what objectives the website is intended to achieve
- There is no clear structure or strategy
- It is not yet clear whether the website should be a tool for attracting customers, a source of information or a business card
In that case, it’s worth taking the time to plan. A website is a tool, not just a pretty business card.
Read more: How can I clarify the goals of my website?
Every project is different and a clear plan always helps
The time it takes to build a website depends on a whole host of factors. However, the most important thing is whether the objectives are clear and whether decisions are made in a timely manner.
What usually leads to an extension of the deadline
It is usually not the design itself but unclear decisions that prolong the website development process. There is a lack of text, photos and service descriptions; the person responsible for approval is busy; and new features crop up as the project progresses. Then even a simple project starts to drag on.
If you want the process to be quicker, it’s worth preparing in advance. This article is very useful for that How to prepare for the website development process, as it helps you organise your thoughts before you start.
- the texts are ready, or at least their structure is clear
- Of course, who will approve the decisions?
- photos and logo provided on time
- additional functions discussed before work began
If this topic is relevant, it is worth moving on to How do I prepare for the website development process?. If you’re organising the whole process, it’ll also come in handy and How much does a website cost?.
If you’d like to assess which direction would be best for your website in your particular situation, please get in touch. We can take a relaxed look at your requirements, the scope of the project and the first practical step.