Website project timelines

Why timelines matter

Understanding realistic timelines helps you plan and set expectations. Rushing projects leads to problems. Good work takes time.

This guide explains typical project phases and how long they take.

Typical project phases

Planning and discovery

The planning phase sets the foundation.

• Understanding your goals and requirements.
• Researching your audience and competitors.
• Planning site structure and content.
• Creating project briefs and specifications.

Typical duration: One to three weeks for small projects, longer for complex ones.

Design

The design phase creates the visual and structural plan.

• Creating wireframes or layouts.
• Developing visual design.
• Reviewing and refining designs.
• Preparing design specifications.

Typical duration: Two to six weeks, depending on complexity and revisions.

Development

The development phase builds the working site.

• Setting up the technical foundation.
• Building pages and features.
• Integrating third-party services.
• Testing functionality.

Typical duration: Four to twelve weeks for small to medium sites, longer for complex projects.

Content creation and migration

Content work can happen alongside other phases.

• Writing new content.
• Migrating existing content.
• Creating images and media.
• Reviewing and editing content.

Typical duration: Varies widely based on content volume and complexity.

Testing and refinement

Testing ensures everything works correctly.

• Testing functionality and features.
• Testing across devices and browsers.
• Accessibility testing [1]Source 1 [2]Source 2 .
• Performance testing.
• Fixing issues found during testing.

Typical duration: One to three weeks, depending on site complexity.

Launch and handover

Launch involves going live and transferring knowledge.

• Final checks and preparations.
• Deploying to live hosting.
• Testing on live environment.
• Training and documentation.
• Handover of assets and access.

Typical duration: One to two weeks.

Total project timelines

Simple brochure site

A small site with a few pages and basic functionality.

• Typical duration: Six to twelve weeks from start to launch.
• Depends on content readiness and revision cycles.

Content-heavy site

A site with many pages, blog, or extensive content.

• Typical duration: Twelve to twenty weeks or more.
• Content creation often takes longer than expected.

E-commerce site

A site with product catalogues and payment processing.

• Typical duration: Sixteen to twenty-four weeks or more.
• More complex functionality requires more time.

Factors that affect timelines

Project complexity

More complex projects take longer.

• Number of pages and content types.
• Complexity of features and functionality.
• Integration requirements.
• Custom design versus templates.

Content readiness

Content delays slow projects down.

• Whether content is ready when development starts.
• How much content needs to be created.
• How many people are involved in content review.
• How quickly content decisions are made.

Revision cycles

Revisions add time to projects.

• How many rounds of revisions are needed.
• How quickly feedback is provided.
• How clear feedback is.
• Whether revisions change scope.

Decision making

Slow decisions delay projects.

• How quickly decisions are made.
• How many people need to approve decisions.
• Whether decisions are final or subject to change.

Third-party dependencies

Waiting for external services or content delays projects.

• Third-party service setup and integration.
• External content or assets.
• Hosting or domain setup.

How to keep projects on time

Plan realistically

Set realistic timelines from the start.

• Allow time for each phase.
• Build in buffer time for unexpected issues.
• Do not rush critical phases.

Prepare content early

Start content work as early as possible.

• Begin content creation during planning or design.
• Have content ready when development starts.
• Review and approve content promptly.

Make decisions quickly

Avoid delays from slow decision making.

• Identify decision makers early.
• Set deadlines for decisions.
• Make decisions final when possible.

Limit revisions

Agree on revision limits upfront.

• Define how many rounds of revisions are included.
• Provide clear, consolidated feedback.
• Avoid scope creep during revisions.

Common timeline mistakes

• Underestimating how long things take.
• Not allowing time for content creation.
• Not building in buffer time.
• Rushing critical phases.
• Not accounting for revision cycles.
• Assuming everything will go smoothly.

When projects take longer

Projects often take longer than expected.

• Content takes longer to create or approve.
• More revisions are needed than planned.
• Requirements change during the project.
• Technical challenges arise.
• Decisions take longer than expected.

Communicating about timelines

Keep communication clear about timelines.

• Discuss realistic timelines upfront.
• Update timelines if things change.
• Explain what affects timelines.
• Be transparent about delays and reasons.

Next step

When planning a website project, discuss realistic timelines with your developer or agency. Understand what affects timelines and plan accordingly. Prepare content early and make decisions quickly. Allow time for each phase and build in buffer time. Good projects take time, and rushing leads to problems. If you are planning a website project, get in touch to discuss timelines, or use the quote calculator to get an estimate. For help with budgeting, see budgeting for website projects.